Oregon Divorce Filing Checklist 2025

Filing for divorce in Oregon comes with a unique advantage: there's no mandatory waiting period once you file. Unlike most states that require 30, 60, or even 180 days between filing and finalization, Oregon allows your divorce to become final as soon as the judge signs the decree—assuming you meet residency requirements and complete the process correctly.

Understanding Oregon's specific filing requirements is crucial to starting your dissolution case properly. From the six-month residency rule (with an important exception for in-state marriages) to the mandatory Oregon Judicial Department (OJD) form packets, this comprehensive checklist walks you through every requirement for filing divorce in Oregon in 2025.

Oregon Residency Requirements for Divorce

Before filing for dissolution of marriage in Oregon, you must establish the Circuit Court's jurisdiction over your case through proper residency.

State Residency: Oregon has a flexible residency rule under ORS 107.075:

• If your marriage was NOT solemnized in Oregon: At least one spouse must have been a resident or domiciled in Oregon continuously for six months immediately before filing.
• If your marriage WAS solemnized in Oregon: Only one spouse needs to be a current resident—no six-month waiting period required.

County Venue: You may file in the Circuit Court in any county where either you or your spouse currently resides, per ORS 107.086.

Required Forms for Oregon Divorce Filing

Oregon uses standardized Oregon Judicial Department (OJD) form packets for all dissolution cases. All forms are available free on the OJD Divorce Forms page.

Choose Your Packet Based on Your Situation:

1. Petitioners with Children (under 18) – Complete packet including:
   • Petition for Dissolution (ORS 107.085)
   • Summons with Notice of Statutory Restraining Order
   • Record of Dissolution
   • Confidential Information Form (CIF)
   • Parenting Plan
   • Child Support Worksheets
   • General Judgment template
2. Petitioners without Children – Simplified packet for cases with no minor children
3. Respondent Packets – Separate packets for responding to a filed case (with/without children)
4. Co-Petitioner Option – If both spouses agree on all terms from the start, you can file jointly as co-petitioners using one packet and paying only one filing fee

Important: Oregon law imposes an automatic statutory restraining order upon filing that prevents both spouses from changing insurance, making extraordinary expenditures, or dissipating assets. This restraining order must be attached to the summons per ORS 107.093.

Filing Fees and Costs in Oregon

Oregon's statewide filing fees (effective January 1, 2025) are:

• Circuit Court filing fee (petitioner): $301
• First appearance fee (respondent): $301
• Service of process: ~$50-100 for professional process server or sheriff service
• Optional mediation/settlement conference fees: May apply if ordered by the court

Fee Waivers: If you cannot afford the filing fee, you may apply for a fee deferral or waiver by filing an "Application for Deferral or Waiver of Fees & Declaration in Support" form (included in OJD packets). The court will review your income and expenses to determine eligibility.

Pro tip: The fee schedule is available on the OJD website with county-specific details.

Step-by-Step: Filing for Divorce in Oregon

Here's the streamlined process for filing a dissolution in Oregon:

Step 1: Gather financial documents
Oregon requires early exchange of financial documents within 30 days of service, including tax returns (last 3 years), pay stubs, debt statements, and asset records per ORS 107.089.

Step 2: Complete the OJD forms
Fill out all required forms from the appropriate packet. Both spouses should review and sign if filing as co-petitioners.

Step 3: File with Circuit Court
File your petition and supporting documents with the Circuit Court Clerk in your county. Pay the $301 filing fee or submit a fee waiver application.

Step 4: Serve your spouse
Your spouse must be officially served. Options include professional process server, sheriff service, or waiver of service if your spouse agrees.

Step 5: Wait for response (30 days)
After service, your spouse has 30 days to file an Answer or other response.

Step 6: Submit final decree
If uncontested, submit your stipulated General Judgment for the judge's signature. No waiting period—your divorce is final as soon as the judge signs per ORS 107.115(2).

Calculate Your Oregon Divorce Costs

Use our free calculator below to estimate your total divorce costs based on your situation. The calculator is pre-configured for Oregon filing fees and typical costs. For additional cost-saving tips, review our comprehensive guide on how to save money on divorce.

Note: This estimate is for planning purposes. Actual costs may vary based on case complexity and whether you reach settlement or go to trial.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does "irreconcilable differences" mean?
A: It's Oregon's only divorce ground under ORS 107.025. You don't need to prove fault or wrongdoing—only that the marriage has irretrievably broken down.

Q: How long does an Oregon divorce take?
A: Oregon has no mandatory waiting period. Uncontested cases with complete paperwork can finalize in 4-8 weeks. Contested cases typically take 9-15 months depending on complexity and county court schedules.

Q: Can I file online?
A: Yes! Oregon offers eFiling through the OJD eFile portal. Self-represented litigants may file electronically or in paper; attorneys must eFile.

Conclusion

Understanding Oregon's divorce filing requirements—especially the lack of a waiting period—gives you a significant advantage in planning your dissolution timeline. By following this checklist and using the official OJD form packets, you can start your case correctly and avoid delays.

Ready to estimate your total divorce costs? Use our free divorce cost calculator above to get a personalized breakdown based on your situation. For more information on divorce in general, explore our comprehensive guide on understanding the divorce process.

Remember: Oregon's no-waiting-period rule means you can finalize your divorce faster than most states—but only if you file correctly from the start. This checklist ensures you don't miss any critical steps.