How Long Does Divorce Take in Oregon

Oregon stands out among U.S. states with one unique advantage: there is no mandatory waiting period for divorce. Once the judge signs your dissolution decree, your marriage is legally terminated—no 30-day, 60-day, or 90-day countdown required. Understanding Oregon's streamlined timeline can help you plan your path forward.

Oregon's Unique No-Waiting-Period Rule

Until a few years ago, Oregon required a 90-day waiting period between filing and finalization. That requirement has been eliminated. Today, your divorce becomes final the moment the judge signs the general judgment of dissolution (ORS 107.115).

This means an uncontested Oregon divorce can be completed in as little as 1 to 3 months from filing—and in some straightforward co-petitioner cases (where both spouses file together), the process can wrap up in just a few weeks if the court's docket allows.

Oregon is a pure no-fault state. The only ground for divorce is "irreconcilable differences" causing the irremediable breakdown of the marriage (ORS 107.025). You don't need to prove fault, adultery, or abandonment—just that the marriage is beyond repair.

Uncontested Divorce Timeline: 1-3 Months

If you and your spouse agree on all major issues—child custody, property division, and spousal support—Oregon's process is remarkably efficient. Most uncontested divorces finalize within 1 to 3 months from the date you file.

Here's the typical uncontested timeline:

• Day 0: File your petition for dissolution in Oregon Circuit Court and pay the $301 filing fee.
• Day 1-7: Serve your spouse with the summons and petition, along with the mandatory statutory restraining order (which automatically freezes insurance changes and asset dissipation).
• By Day 30: Your spouse files a response (or waives response if filing jointly as co-petitioners).
• Within 30 days of service: Both parties exchange mandatory financial disclosures as required by ORS 107.089 (tax returns, pay records, debt statements, property records, etc.).
• Week 6-12: Submit a stipulated general judgment to the court. Once the judge reviews and signs it, your divorce is final—no additional waiting period.

Filing fees in Oregon are straightforward: $301 for the initial petition and $301 for the respondent's first appearance (as of January 1, 2025, per the OJD Circuit Court Fee Schedule). If you file as co-petitioners, you pay only one filing fee.

Contested Divorce Timeline: 6-12 Months

When spouses can't agree on custody, property, or support, Oregon divorces move through a more extended process. Contested divorces typically take 6 to 12 months (sometimes longer in complex cases involving high-net-worth assets or intricate custody evaluations).

The contested process includes:

1. Filing and Temporary Orders (Weeks 1-8): After filing, either spouse can request temporary orders for child support, custody, or exclusive use of the home. Oregon courts must address support requests promptly.
2. Mandatory Disclosures and ADR (Months 2-6): Both parties exchange detailed financial documents under ORS 107.089. If you have minor children and custody is disputed, most Oregon counties require mediation and a parenting education class before any contested hearing.
3. Discovery and Settlement Conferences (Months 3-9): Formal discovery (depositions, interrogatories, document requests) proceeds under Oregon's civil rules. Many courts schedule settlement conferences to encourage resolution.
4. Trial (Months 6-12): If no settlement is reached, your case goes to trial. Oregon offers two options: a traditional trial with full evidentiary rules, or an Informal Domestic Relations Trial (IDRT)—a streamlined format where the judge asks questions directly and evidentiary rules are relaxed (both parties must consent to IDRT).

Contested divorce costs can escalate quickly. Beyond the $602 in combined filing and response fees, expect mediation costs ($125–$200/hour), potential custody evaluation fees, and attorney's fees that often range from $7,500 to $30,000+ per side depending on complexity.

Pre-Filing Requirements: Residency and Venue

Before you can file for divorce in Oregon, you must meet one of these residency conditions (ORS 107.075):

• At least one spouse has been an Oregon resident for six months immediately before filing, OR
• Your marriage was solemnized (performed) in Oregon and either spouse currently lives in Oregon (no six-month requirement in this case).

You'll file your petition in the Oregon Circuit Court in any county where either spouse currently resides (ORS 107.086).

One critical detail: Oregon law imposes an automatic statutory restraining order the moment you file and serve your petition. This order—which must be attached to your summons—prevents both spouses from canceling insurance, making extraordinary expenditures, or dissipating assets until the judgment is final (ORS 107.093).

Estimate Your Oregon Divorce Costs

Understanding your timeline is essential—but so is planning for the financial impact. Use our free calculator below to estimate filing fees, service costs, mediation expenses, and potential attorney's fees based on your specific situation.

Planning Your Oregon Divorce Timeline

Oregon's elimination of the waiting period makes it one of the fastest states for finalizing an uncontested divorce. If you and your spouse can reach agreement, your divorce can be complete in as little as 1-3 months. Contested cases involving custody or complex property issues will take longer—typically 6-12 months—but Oregon's IDRT option and strong mediation programs help many couples settle without a full trial.

The key to an efficient Oregon divorce? Thorough preparation. Gather your financial documents early to comply with ORS 107.089 disclosure requirements, consider mediation for custody disputes, and work toward agreement wherever possible. For step-by-step filing guidance, consult our Oregon divorce filing checklist. Every issue you resolve outside the courtroom saves both time and money.