Oregon Divorce Cost Estimator

A dissolution of marriage in Oregon costs between $1,500 and $15,000 depending on complexity. The court filing fee is $287 under ORS 21.155, with uncontested cases averaging $3,000 total and contested cases averaging $10,000 based on 2022 Oregon data. Additional costs include process serving ($30–$150), parent education classes ($60–$100), and mediation ($100–$300/hour).

The Oregon circuit court filing fee for a dissolution of marriage is $287, effective January 1, 2026, as set by ORS 21.155. For co-party filings where both spouses file jointly, only one filing fee is required. Oregon offers a Fee Deferral or Waiver Application for filers who cannot afford the fee, available through the Oregon Judicial Department website.

Oregon divorce attorneys charge a median hourly rate of $320, with most rates falling between $250 and $450 per hour. Initial retainers typically range from $2,500 to $5,000 for standard uncontested cases, while contested cases involving custody or complex assets may require $7,500 to $10,000 upfront. Total attorney fees for a contested Oregon dissolution average $10,000 to $15,000.

Oregon courts offer fee deferral or waiver for the $287 filing fee through the Fee Deferral or Waiver Application and Declaration form. Eligibility is based on household income and financial hardship. If your court filing fees are waived, the required parent education class fee (typically $60–$100) may also be waived in most counties under local court policy.

Oregon courts frequently require mediation before trial in custody and parenting time disputes, though domestic violence cases may be exempt. Private mediators in Oregon charge $100 to $300 per hour, with experienced attorney-mediators charging up to $400 per hour. A full mediated dissolution typically resolves in 3 to 4 months compared to 12 to 18 months for litigated cases, often saving $10,000 or more in legal fees.

An uncontested dissolution of marriage in Oregon costs $287 to $500 if filed without an attorney using the self-help forms available through the Oregon Judicial Department. With attorney assistance, an uncontested Oregon dissolution typically costs $1,500 to $5,000 total, with the median at approximately $3,000 based on 2022 data. Additional costs may include process serving ($30–$150) and parent education classes ($60–$100) if minor children are involved.

Beyond filing fees and attorney retainers, Oregon dissolution costs include process server fees ($30–$150), mandatory parent education classes ($60–$100 per parent under ORS 3.425), real estate appraisals ($300–$500), business valuations ($3,000–$10,000), QDRO preparation for retirement account division ($750–$2,500), and custody evaluations if parents cannot agree ($3,000–$10,000). Parenting coordinator fees of $200 to $450 per hour may also apply in high-conflict cases.

Oregon allows pro se dissolution filings, and the Oregon Judicial Department provides free self-help forms and instructions at courts.oregon.gov. Filing without an attorney costs approximately $287 to $500 total, including the filing fee and process serving. The Oregon State Bar Lawyer Referral Service at osbar.org offers consultations for those who want limited legal guidance without full representation. Pro se filing works best for uncontested cases with no children, minimal assets, and mutual agreement on all terms.