Oregon Divorce Checklist
divorce.law/resources/divorce-checklist/oregon/
Prepared: 5/20/2026
Data updated: 3/1/2026
Estimated Timeline
4-8 weeks for uncontested cases where the respondent signs a waiver of appearance; 4-6 months for standard uncontested cases with a filed response and negotiated settlement; 9-15 months for contested cases requiring discovery, mediation, and trial in Oregon circuit court
Documents to Gather
- Certified Marriage Certificate
- Photo Identification
- Social Security Cards
- Children's Birth Certificates(if applicable)
- Prenuptial or Postnuptial Agreement(if applicable)
- Existing Court Orders(if applicable)
Financial Documents
- Last 3 years of federal and state tax returns
- Current-year income documentation
- Financial statements and credit applications (last 2 years)
- Real property documents
- Debt documentation
- Vehicle titles and registrations with VIN
- Investment account statements
- Retirement plan statements
- Bank and brokerage account records (last 12 months)
Key Steps
1. Before Filing
- Verify Residency Requirements Under ORS 107.075
- Determine Whether You Qualify for Summary Dissolution
- Gather Essential Personal and Financial Documents
- Develop a Parenting Plan If You Have Minor Children
- Assess Whether You Need a Fee Waiver or Deferral
2. Filing Process
- Complete the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
- Prepare the Summons and Supporting Documents
- File the Petition with the Circuit Court Clerk
3. After Filing
- Serve Your Spouse with the Petition and Summons
- Wait for Your Spouse's Response Within 30 Days
- Complete Mandatory Financial Disclosure Under ORS 107.089
- Attend Mediation Orientation for Custody Disputes
- Complete the Parent Education Class If Children Are Involved
- Negotiate a Settlement or Proceed to Trial
- Submit the General Judgment of Dissolution for Court Approval
Key Deadlines
Quick Reference
To file for divorce in Oregon, at least one spouse must be an Oregon resident — with 6 continuous months of residency required if the marriage took place outside the state (ORS 107.075). Oregon recognizes only irreconcilable differences as grounds for dissolution under ORS 107.025. File the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage with the circuit court clerk in the county where either spouse resides, along with the Summons, Confidential Information Form, and Record of Dissolution. The filing fee is $301 under ORS 21.155 — fee waivers are available for qualifying low-income filers. After filing, serve your spouse through a process server, sheriff, or acceptance of service. Your spouse has 30 days to respond under ORCP 7(C)(2). Both parties must exchange financial documents within 30 days under ORS 107.089. If children are involved, a parenting plan (ORS 107.102), parent education class completion, and child support worksheets are required. Oregon has no mandatory waiting period — uncontested cases finalize in 4-8 weeks, contested cases typically take 9-15 months. The marriage is dissolved immediately when the judge signs the General Judgment under ORS 107.115(2).