Oregon residents navigating divorce have access to an extensive network of support services, including free legal aid for households earning below $65,640 annually, court-connected mediation at no cost in most counties, and DivorceCare groups meeting weekly in over 22 cities across the state. The Oregon Health Plan covers individual therapy sessions with $0-$75 copays, while TANF provides up to $506 monthly for qualifying families with children. This guide covers every divorce support Oregon resource available in 2026, from emotional support groups to financial assistance programs.
Key Facts: Oregon Divorce Support Resources
| Resource Type | Cost/Benefit | Contact/Access |
|---|---|---|
| Filing Fee | $287-$301 | County Circuit Court |
| Fee Waiver Eligibility | Income below 125% FPL ($19,506 single) | ORS 21.682 |
| Residency Requirement | 6 months (or current resident if married in OR) | ORS 107.075 |
| Waiting Period | None (eliminated 2011) | N/A |
| Property Division | Equitable Distribution | ORS 107.105 |
| Parent Education Class | $45-$100 per parent | County-specific |
| Court Mediation | Free to $75/hour (county varies) | Local Circuit Court |
| TANF Cash Benefit | Up to $506/month (family of 3) | 1-800-699-9075 |
| Legal Aid Income Limit | Below 200% FPL ($65,640 family of 4) | oregonlawhelp.org |
Divorce Support Groups Throughout Oregon
DivorceCare operates divorce recovery support groups in over 22 Oregon cities, providing weekly 14-week programs that combine video education with peer discussion at no cost to participants. These faith-based groups meet in community churches across Portland, Salem, Eugene, Bend, Medford, and smaller communities including Beaverton, Hillsboro, Tigard, Tualatin, Lake Oswego, Hood River, McMinnville, Newberg, and Wilsonville. Each DivorceCare session addresses specific divorce challenges including grief, anger, depression, loneliness, and building a healthy future after marriage ends.
Portland Metro Area Support Groups
Portland offers the most extensive divorce support Oregon network in the state, with multiple DivorceCare groups meeting weekly throughout the metro area. Gateway Church in Northeast Portland hosts regular sessions, while additional groups operate in Beaverton, Tualatin, Clackamas, and Boring. Bridgetown Clinical offers women-only divorce support groups facilitated by licensed therapists, with online sessions meeting Tuesday mornings for 8 weeks. Psychology Today lists over 30 Portland-area therapists specializing in divorce and separation issues, with session costs ranging from $50 to $200 depending on insurance coverage.
Salem, Eugene, and Southern Oregon Options
Salem and Eugene both host active DivorceCare groups meeting weekly throughout the year. Medford provides divorce support services for Southern Oregon residents, while Bend serves Central Oregon communities. Contact local DivorceCare chapters directly at divorcecare.org to confirm current meeting schedules and locations, as some churches may operate on seasonal schedules or maintain waitlists during high-demand periods.
Online Divorce Support Resources
Oregon residents who cannot attend in-person meetings can access virtual divorce support group options through multiple platforms. Bridgetown Clinical accepts waitlist registrations for Fall/Winter 2026 online sessions serving Oregon, Washington, Massachusetts, and Florida residents. Room for Grief offers monthly online grief circles addressing divorce-related loss. Psychology Today and Zencare directories list Oregon-licensed therapists offering telehealth divorce counseling sessions covered by most insurance plans.
Free and Low-Cost Legal Aid for Divorce
Legal Aid Services of Oregon (LASO) provides free legal representation in divorce cases for Oregonians earning below 200% of the federal poverty level, which equals $65,640 annually for a family of four in 2026. LASO handles divorce, custody, support, visitation, domestic violence protective orders, and modification of existing decrees at no cost to qualifying clients. Oregon Law Center operates client service offices in Portland, Gresham, Hillsboro, Salem, Eugene, Grants Pass, Coos Bay, Ontario, McMinnville, St. Helens, and Woodburn.
St. Andrew Legal Clinic Sliding Scale Services
St. Andrew Legal Clinic provides reduced-cost family law services for clients earning too much for free legal aid but unable to afford standard attorney fees. Initial intake consultations cost $25, with ongoing representation fees adjusted based on household income. Approximately 60% of SALC clients earn less than $1,800 monthly. SALC operates offices in Northeast Portland (503-281-1500), Hillsboro (503-648-1600), and Oregon City (503-557-9800).
Oregon State Bar Modest Means Program
The Oregon State Bar Modest Means Program connects qualifying applicants with attorneys who charge reduced rates after an initial consultation. The standard Lawyer Referral Service offers referrals to local attorneys with a 30-minute consultation for a $35 fee. Visit osbar.org or call 503-684-3763 to access these programs.
Court Self-Help Resources
Oregon courts provide free family law facilitator services to help self-represented litigants with selecting correct petition forms, completing summons and response documents, calculating child support using Oregon worksheets, drafting parenting plans under ORS 107.102, and preparing general judgment of dissolution documents. Facilitators explain service of process requirements but cannot provide legal advice. Access free court forms at courts.oregon.gov/forms.
Divorce Counseling and Therapy Options
The Oregon Health Plan (OHP/Medicaid) covers behavioral health services including individual, group, and family counseling with typical copays ranging from $0 to $75 per session. CareOregon/HealthShare, OpenCard, Trillium, and Pacific Source administer mental health benefits for Portland metro OHP members. However, couples counseling for relationship issues (not diagnosed mental health conditions) is typically excluded from insurance coverage regardless of provider.
Finding Affordable Therapy
Community mental health clinics throughout Oregon offer sliding-scale therapy fees based on income. Portland Psychotherapy Clinic, NW Counseling Center, and Cascadia Behavioral Healthcare serve Portland area residents. Mid-Valley Behavioral Care Network operates in Salem, while Options Counseling Services serves Eugene. Session costs range from $20 to $200 based on income verification and insurance status.
Employee Assistance Programs
Many Oregon employers offer Employee Assistance Programs (EAPs) providing free short-term counseling sessions for employees and family members. EAP benefits typically include 3-6 free sessions per issue with licensed therapists or counselors. Contact your human resources department to verify EAP availability and access procedures.
Therapist Directories
Psychology Today, Zencare, GoodTherapy, and TherapyDen maintain searchable directories of Oregon-licensed therapists filtered by specialty (divorce, separation, family issues), location, insurance accepted, and session cost. Filter by Oregon Health Plan to find providers accepting Medicaid coverage with minimal out-of-pocket costs.
Court-Required Parent Education Classes
Oregon counties require parents in custody and parenting time cases to complete court-approved parent education classes before final judgment entry under ORS 3.425. Class costs range from $0 to $280 depending on county, with typical fees between $45 and $100 per parent. Fee waivers are available for parties whose court filing fees were waived.
County-Specific Class Costs (2026)
| County | Class Cost | Format |
|---|---|---|
| Clackamas | $75 per person | In-person |
| Washington | $200 per person | In-person |
| Benton | $45 per person | Online available |
| Columbia | $50-$55.95 | In-person or online |
| Deschutes | $70 | Online |
| Wasco/Hood River | $45 | Online (30-day access) |
| Multiple counties | $25 | Online (courseforparents.com) |
Class Content and Requirements
Parent education classes address helping children adjust to divorce, living apart from parents, and developing effective co-parenting skills. Most programs require 4-6 hours of instruction. Contact your county circuit court early to register, as some counties maintain waitlists extending several weeks. Certificates from other Oregon court-approved programs are accepted across counties.
Court-Connected Mediation Services
Oregon circuit courts provide custody and parenting time mediation services at varying costs by county, with many offering free mediation for filed cases. Mediation helps parents reach agreements about custody arrangements, parenting time schedules, and decision-making responsibilities without requiring trial. Under ORS 107.179, courts encourage mediation to resolve family law disputes.
Free and Low-Cost County Mediation Programs
| County | Cost | Hours Included |
|---|---|---|
| Linn County | Free | 6 hours |
| Coos County | Free | 4 hours |
| Curry County | Free | 6 hours |
| Clackamas | Free first 2 sessions | Then $187.50/session |
| Douglas | $75/hour | Up to 4 hours |
| Washington | $200 total | Fee waiver available |
Private Mediation Costs
Private divorce mediators in Oregon charge $100 to $300 per hour, with total mediation costs ranging from $6,000 to $20,000 for complete divorce resolution. This compares favorably to contested divorce costs averaging $15,000 to $30,000 with attorneys and court appearances. Mediators must meet education, training, and experience requirements under Chief Justice Order No 05-028.
Financial Assistance for Single Parents
Oregon provides substantial financial support for divorcing parents with children through multiple state and federal programs. A single mother with two children and no income may qualify for up to $506 in monthly cash assistance (TANF), $785 in food benefits (SNAP), and $750 in utility support, plus child care assistance and Medicaid coverage.
TANF Cash Benefits
Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) provides monthly cash benefits to families with children meeting income limits under ORS 412.006. A family of three with no other income receives up to $506 monthly. Oregon also provides a clothing allowance totaling $270 annually (distributed in May, August, and November) for eligible families. TANF carries a 60-month lifetime limit for adult recipients.
SNAP Food Benefits
Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits load onto Oregon Trail EBT cards for food purchases. Families qualifying for TANF typically qualify for SNAP simultaneously. Summer EBT (SUN Bucks) provides $120 per eligible school-aged child during summer months. Apply online at one.oregon.gov or call 1-800-699-9075.
Employment Related Day Care (ERDC)
ERDC helps low-income families pay for child care while working or attending job training. Families with gross monthly income below 200% of the federal poverty level ($4,442/month) qualify for initial eligibility. Families can continue receiving benefits until income exceeds 250% FPL or 85% of state median income. ERDC maintains a waitlist; join online, by phone (1-800-699-9075), or at local DHS offices.
Oregon Health Plan Coverage
Oregon Health Plan provides free health insurance including mental health coverage for qualifying low-income residents. OHP covers therapy, counseling, and psychiatric services with minimal or no copays. Apply through one.oregon.gov or local DHS offices.
Domestic Violence Resources
Oregon maintains a comprehensive network of domestic violence services providing free shelter, legal advocacy, and safety planning for abuse survivors navigating divorce. These services operate independently of income requirements and serve all Oregon residents regardless of documentation status.
Crisis Hotlines
| Hotline | Phone Number | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| National DV Hotline | 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) | 24/7 |
| Call to Safety (Oregon) | 888-235-5333 | 24/7 |
| DVRC Crisis Line | 503-469-8620 | 24/7 |
| StrongHearts (Native survivors) | 1-844-762-8483 | 24/7 |
Shelter and Safety Services
Oregon operates domestic violence shelters in every region, with 13 programs serving Portland alone (8 with hotlines, 3 with emergency shelter). Sable House serves Polk County, Monica's House operates in Washington County, and regional resource centers provide services throughout the state. Contact 211 (or 866-698-6155) for referrals to local shelters and services.
Legal Protections
Oregon law provides specific workplace protections for domestic violence survivors, including the right to take time off work and employer obligations to implement safety measures. Survivors can terminate residential leases with two weeks notice and documentation, without paying early termination fees. Oregon Law Center provides free legal representation for protective orders and custody matters involving domestic violence.
Family Peace Center
Washington County's Family Peace Center consolidates domestic violence services in one location, housing the Domestic Violence Resource Center, Oregon Law Center, Community Action, and law enforcement. This model facilitates protective order applications and coordinates safety planning with legal advocacy.
Children's Divorce Support Services
Oregon communities offer specialized support services for children experiencing parental divorce. Local support groups provide safe spaces for children to connect with peers facing similar family changes, share feelings, and learn coping strategies from trained professionals. Some Oregon counties mandate divorce education programs for both parents and children to help families navigate emotional aspects and develop co-parenting tools.
DivorceCare for Kids (DC4K)
Some Oregon churches hosting adult DivorceCare groups also offer DivorceCare for Kids (DC4K) programs running concurrently. DC4K provides age-appropriate support for children while parents attend their own sessions. Contact local DivorceCare hosts to confirm DC4K availability during current program cycles.
School-Based Support
Many Oregon school districts offer counseling services and support groups for students experiencing family transitions including divorce. Contact your child's school counselor to inquire about available resources and referrals to community programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to file for divorce in Oregon?
Oregon circuit courts charge a filing fee of $287 to $301 depending on county as of March 2026. Fee waivers are available for petitioners with household income at or below 125% of the federal poverty level ($19,506 for a single person) or those receiving SNAP, TANF, or SSI benefits under ORS 21.682. Verify current fees with your local circuit court clerk before filing.
Where can I find free divorce support groups in Oregon?
DivorceCare operates free weekly support groups in over 22 Oregon cities including Portland, Salem, Eugene, Bend, and Medford. Find meeting locations and schedules at divorcecare.org by searching your city. Community mental health centers and some churches offer additional free support groups not affiliated with DivorceCare.
Does Oregon have a waiting period for divorce?
Oregon eliminated its 90-day mandatory waiting period in 2011. An uncontested divorce can finalize in 4 to 8 weeks from filing, with some cases completing in under one month when parties file as co-petitioners with all documents prepared. Contested divorces average 9 to 15 months.
How do I qualify for free legal aid for divorce in Oregon?
Legal Aid Services of Oregon provides free divorce representation for households earning below 200% of the federal poverty level ($65,640 for a family of four in 2026). Contact oregonlawhelp.org or call your regional LASO office. St. Andrew Legal Clinic offers reduced-fee services on a sliding scale for those earning too much for free legal aid.
What financial assistance is available for single parents during divorce?
Oregon provides TANF cash benefits up to $506 monthly for a family of three, SNAP food benefits averaging $785 monthly, ERDC child care assistance for families earning below 200% FPL, and Oregon Health Plan coverage for health and mental health services. Apply for all programs simultaneously at one.oregon.gov or call 1-800-699-9075.
Are parent education classes required for Oregon divorce?
Yes, Oregon counties require parent education classes for all parties in cases involving children under 18, including divorce, custody, and visitation matters under ORS 3.425. Classes cost $45 to $100 per parent, with fee waivers available when court filing fees are waived. Register through your county circuit court.
How much does divorce counseling cost in Oregon?
Therapy costs range from $0 to $200 per session in Oregon depending on insurance coverage. Oregon Health Plan members pay $0 to $75 copays for covered mental health services. Community clinics offer sliding-scale fees based on income. Employee Assistance Programs typically provide 3-6 free sessions per issue.
Can I get free mediation for custody issues in Oregon?
Many Oregon counties provide free custody and parenting time mediation for filed cases. Linn County offers 6 free hours, Coos County provides 4 free hours, and Clackamas County includes 2 free sessions before charging $187.50 per additional session. Contact your local circuit court to access court-connected mediation services.
What resources exist for domestic violence survivors divorcing in Oregon?
Oregon provides 24/7 crisis hotlines (Call to Safety: 888-235-5333), emergency shelters in every region, free legal representation through Oregon Law Center, and workplace protections allowing time off for safety planning. The Family Peace Center in Washington County consolidates multiple services in one location. Call 211 for referrals to local resources.
How is property divided in Oregon divorce?
Oregon follows equitable distribution under ORS 107.105(1)(f), meaning courts divide marital property fairly but not necessarily equally. A rebuttable presumption assumes both spouses contributed equally to property acquired during marriage regardless of whose name appears on titles. Factors include marriage duration, each spouse's economic circumstances, and contributions (financial and non-financial).
Additional Resources
Oregon courts maintain comprehensive self-help resources at courts.oregon.gov/programs/family including downloadable forms, procedural guides, and county-specific information. Oregon Law Help (oregonlawhelp.org) provides legal information and referrals to free services. Contact 211 Oregon for referrals to local support services including housing, food, counseling, and financial assistance programs throughout the state.