Marion County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Marion County in 2026
MarionORRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Marion County, Oregon. Members of the public may locate dissolution of marriage filings, final decrees, case docket entries, and related family law documents through official court and state resources. Record availability may vary depending on the age of the case, the nature of the proceedings, and any court-ordered restrictions that apply to specific files.
Records that may be located through official channels include:
- Petitions for dissolution of marriage
- Final judgments and decrees of dissolution
- Parenting plans and child support orders
- Property settlement agreements
- Post-judgment modification orders
- Case docket summaries and hearing schedules
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Oregon Judicial Department's case search tool provides free online access to basic case information for Oregon circuit courts, including Marion County Circuit Court. Members of the public may search by party name or case number to locate dissolution of marriage proceedings. Basic docket information is available at no charge; fees apply for obtaining copies of filed documents.
2. State Court System Portal
The Oregon eCourt system consolidates case information across all Oregon circuit courts. Users may search the statewide database to locate cases filed in Marion County or to determine whether a case was filed in an adjacent county. The portal displays case status, filing dates, and scheduled hearings.
3. State Vital Records
The Oregon Health Authority's Center for Health Statistics has maintained permanent records of major life events for Oregonians, including divorces, since 1903. Divorce certificates issued by the state provide summary-level information and serve as official proof of dissolution. Fees apply for certified copies obtained through this office.
In-Person Searches
Clerk of Court — Marion County Circuit Court Family Division
Marion County Circuit Court
100 High Street NE
Salem, OR 97301
Phone: (503) 588-5105
Oregon Judicial Department
Members of the public may visit the clerk's office during regular business hours to search case files, view documents at public access terminals, and request certified copies of final decrees or other filed documents. Staff are available to assist with name-based searches and to direct requesters to archived records for older cases.
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (excluding state holidays)
Services available in person include:
- Case file searches by party name or case number
- Review of documents at public access terminals
- Requests for certified copies of final decrees
- Staff assistance for locating archived or older records
By Mail
Written Request:
Mail requests to:
Marion County Circuit Court — Records
100 High Street NE
Salem, OR 97301
Written requests should include the full names of both parties, the approximate date of the divorce, the case number if known, the requester's contact information, and payment for applicable copy fees. A self-addressed stamped envelope should be included to facilitate return of documents. Processing time is typically one to two weeks, though archived or older records may require additional time.
By Phone
Limited Information:
- Marion County Circuit Court Clerk: (503) 588-5105
- Staff may confirm whether a case exists, provide the case number, confirm case status, and verify the filing date
- Staff cannot provide detailed document contents, copies of filed documents, or information from sealed or confidential records
Through Attorneys
An attorney licensed in Oregon may access court records on behalf of a client, request sealed documents upon a proper showing of cause, and obtain certified copies through professional channels. The Oregon State Bar's lawyer referral service connects members of the public with attorneys who handle family law matters.
Information Needed for Search
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of the divorce
- Case number, if known
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Previous addresses in Marion County
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct County
Under Oregon Revised Statutes § 107.075, a petition for dissolution of marriage must be filed in the county where either spouse resides at the time of filing. Members of the public who are uncertain of the filing county may need to search multiple counties. The county where the marriage ceremony occurred is not necessarily the county where the dissolution was filed.
Residency Requirement: At least one spouse must have been a resident of Oregon for a minimum of six months prior to filing, pursuant to ORS § 107.075.
Time Considerations
Recent Divorces:
- Records may not appear in the online system immediately following a final hearing
- Allow several business days to weeks for processing after the final judgment is entered
- Certified copies are available once the judgment is filed with the clerk
Older Divorces:
- Cases predating electronic filing may be stored in paper archives
- Retrieval of archived records may require additional processing time
- Some historical records are held at the Oregon State Archives
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common Issues:
- The case was filed in a different county
- Name variations between married and maiden names
- Spelling differences in party names
- The case is still pending and has not been finalized
- Very old records may be archived or not yet digitized
- The case has been sealed by court order
Next Steps:
- Contact the Marion County Circuit Court Clerk at (503) 588-5105
- Try alternate spellings of both party names
- Search under both spouses' names
- Check the Oregon Health Authority's vital records office for a divorce certificate
- Consult the Marion County Records Inventory maintained by the Oregon Secretary of State for historical records
What Are Marion County Divorce Records?
Marion County divorce records are official court documents generated during dissolution of marriage proceedings filed in Marion County Circuit Court. These records constitute part of the public court file and are maintained by the Clerk of Court as the primary custodian.
Types of Divorce Records:
Court Case Files
- Petition for dissolution of marriage
- Response or answer to the petition
- Financial affidavits submitted by both parties
- Parenting plans and child support worksheets
- Marital settlement agreements
- Motions, responses, and court orders
- Transcripts of court hearings
- Final judgment of dissolution
Final Decree
The final judgment of dissolution is the official court order terminating the marriage. It establishes the date of dissolution, the division of marital property and debts, any spousal support obligations, child custody and parenting time arrangements, child support orders, and any court-approved name changes. Certified copies of the final decree are available through the Marion County Circuit Court Clerk.
Supporting Documents
- Financial disclosure statements
- Property inventories and appraisals
- Parenting plan details
- Post-judgment modification orders
Purpose of Divorce Records:
Legal Purposes
- Proof of marital status for remarriage
- Documentation for name change proceedings
- Property transfer and title documentation
- Estate planning and beneficiary designations
- Immigration proceedings
- Social Security benefit determinations
Personal Purposes
- Genealogical and family history research
- Personal record-keeping
- Verification of divorce terms and obligations
Who Maintains Divorce Records:
The Marion County Circuit Court Clerk serves as the primary custodian of all dissolution of marriage case files. The Oregon Health Authority maintains statewide divorce certificates, which provide summary-level information distinct from the complete court file.
Legal Framework:
Dissolution of marriage proceedings in Oregon are governed by ORS Chapter 107, which establishes the grounds, procedures, and requirements for dissolution. Oregon is a no-fault dissolution state; irretrievable breakdown of the marriage is the sole ground required. Public access to court records is governed by Oregon's public records law, ORS § 192.311 et seq., which establishes a presumption of public access to government records.
Are Marion County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Marion County Circuit Court are public court records subject to Oregon's public records law. Members of the public may access basic case information, docket entries, and most filed documents. Certain categories of information are restricted or redacted to protect sensitive personal data.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of parties (petitioner and respondent)
- Names of attorneys of record
- Court hearing dates and times
- Court orders and judgments
- Final divorce decree
- Property division orders
- General case status and docket entries
What May Be Restricted:
Financial Information
- Social Security numbers (redacted from public filings)
- Bank account and credit card numbers (redacted)
- Detailed tax returns (may be filed under seal or with limited access)
Children's Information
- Addresses where minor children reside
- Schools children attend
- Medical and psychological evaluations of children
- Child custody evaluations (may be sealed)
- Guardian ad litem reports (restricted access)
Sensitive Personal Information
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence
- Mental health and substance abuse records
- Personal addresses in cases involving protective orders
Sealed Records:
A court may seal specific documents or an entire case file upon a showing of good cause. Cases involving allegations of abuse, high-profile parties, or confidential settlement terms may be subject to sealing orders. Mediation communications are confidential by statute and are not part of the public court record.
Who Can Access Records:
| Requester | Level of Access |
|---|---|
| General public | Public documents and docket summaries |
| Parties to the case | Full access to their own case file |
| Attorneys of record | Full access; may petition for sealed records |
| Researchers and media | Public portions; court permission required for sealed records |
| Law enforcement | Statutory access to restricted records |
Prohibited Uses:
- Stalking, harassment, or intimidation
- Identity theft or fraud
- Violation of existing protective orders
- Commercial exploitation where prohibited by law
Obtaining Confidential Records:
A party seeking access to sealed or restricted records must file a motion with the court demonstrating a legitimate legal need. The court applies a balancing test weighing the public interest in transparency against the privacy interests of the parties. Certain agencies, including child protective services and law enforcement, have statutory authority to access restricted family law records.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Marion County?
The Marion County Circuit Court charges standard fees for copies and certified documents in accordance with Oregon court fee schedules established by the Oregon Judicial Department.
Current Fee Structure:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard copy (per page) | $0.25 per page |
| Certified copy of final decree | $5.00 per document |
| Certification fee | $5.00 |
| Online case information (basic) | Free |
| Exemplified/authenticated copy | $10.00 |
- Inspection of records: Members of the public may inspect public court records at no charge at the courthouse during regular business hours.
- Electronic copies: Where available through the Oregon eCourt system, electronic access to basic case information is provided at no charge.
- Search fees: The Marion County Circuit Court does not charge a separate search fee for name-based case searches.
- Payment methods: The clerk's office accepts cash, check, money order, and credit or debit cards for in-person transactions. Mail requests require payment by check or money order made payable to Marion County Circuit Court.
- Fee waivers: Parties who qualify as indigent under Oregon court rules may petition for a waiver of court fees pursuant to applicable Oregon Judicial Department fee deferral provisions.
Fees are subject to change by order of the Oregon Supreme Court. Members of the public should confirm current fees directly with the Marion County Circuit Court Clerk prior to submitting a request.
What's Included in Divorce Records in Marion County
A complete dissolution of marriage case file maintained by the Marion County Circuit Court contains the following categories of documents:
Basic Case Information
- Case number, court name, and division
- Names of petitioner and respondent
- Judge assigned to the case
- Attorneys of record and their contact information
- Filing date and case type designation
Initial Pleadings
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage: Identifies both parties, states the date and location of marriage, identifies minor children, describes marital property and debts, and sets forth the relief requested.
- Response/Answer: States the respondent's position, admissions or denials, and any counterpetition for relief.
- Financial Affidavits: Detailed statements of each party's income, monthly expenses, assets, and liabilities.
Property-Related Documents
- Marital asset inventory listing real property, vehicles, bank and investment accounts, retirement accounts, business interests, and personal property
- Debt inventory covering mortgages, vehicle loans, credit card balances, and other obligations
- Appraisals and expert valuations of real property, businesses, and personal property
Children-Related Documents (Where Applicable)
- Parenting plan establishing legal and physical custody, timesharing schedules, holiday arrangements, and decision-making responsibilities
- Child support calculation worksheets reflecting each party's income, number of overnights, and applicable costs
- Custody evaluations and guardian ad litem reports (access may be restricted)
Support Documents
- Spousal support orders specifying type, amount, duration, and termination conditions
- Income and expense analysis supporting support determinations
Settlement Documents
- Marital Settlement Agreement: A comprehensive agreement resolving all issues including property division, debt allocation, spousal support, and child-related provisions
- Mediation agreements, where applicable (note: mediation communications are confidential and not part of the public record)
Court Orders and Judgments
- Temporary orders for custody, support, and use of property
- Final Judgment of Dissolution: The court's definitive order ending the marriage, incorporating all findings of fact, conclusions of law, property awards, support orders, and custody determinations
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) dividing retirement plan benefits
Post-Judgment Documents
- Petitions and orders for modification of custody or support
- Contempt motions and enforcement actions
- Income deduction orders and liens
What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed
- Social Security numbers and financial account numbers (redacted)
- Children's residential addresses and school information
- Domestic violence evidence (may be sealed)
- Mental health and substance abuse evaluations
- Mediation communications (confidential by statute)
- Trade secrets contained in business valuations
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Marion County?
Proof of divorce in Marion County is obtained through a certified copy of the final judgment of dissolution issued by the Marion County Circuit Court or through a divorce certificate issued by the Oregon Health Authority.
Method 1 — Certified Copy from the Circuit Court:
- Visit the Marion County Circuit Court Clerk's office in person at 100 High Street NE, Salem, OR 97301, during regular business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.)
- Provide the full names of both parties and the approximate date of the divorce
- Pay the applicable certification fee (currently $5.00 per document)
- Certified copies bear the court's official seal and the clerk's signature, making them acceptable for legal, governmental, and financial purposes
Method 2 — Oregon Health Authority Divorce Certificate:
- Submit a request to the Oregon Health Authority Center for Health Statistics for a certified divorce certificate
- Divorce certificates are available for dissolutions recorded in Oregon since 1925
- Fees apply; the current fee schedule is published on the Oregon Health Authority website
- Certified divorce certificates are accepted as proof of dissolution for remarriage, name change, and benefit eligibility purposes
Method 3 — Online Case Verification:
- Use the Oregon Judicial Department's case search portal to locate and verify the existence of a dissolution case
- Basic case information, including the filing date and case status, is available at no charge
- Online access does not provide certified copies; official certification requires a request to the clerk's office or the Oregon Health Authority
Marion County Circuit Court
100 High Street NE
Salem, OR 97301
Phone: (503) 588-5105
Oregon Judicial Department
Oregon Health Authority — Center for Health Statistics
800 NE Oregon Street
Portland, OR 97232
Phone: (971) 673-1190
Oregon Health Authority Vital Records
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Marion County?
Dissolution of marriage proceedings in Marion County are presumptively public under Oregon law; however, specific records or entire case files may be made confidential under defined circumstances.
- Court-ordered sealing: A party may file a motion requesting that the court seal specific documents or the entire case file. The court grants such requests only upon a demonstrated showing of good cause, applying a balancing test between the public interest in open court records and the privacy interests at stake.
- Domestic violence cases: Where a party has obtained a protective order or where domestic violence allegations are central to the proceedings, the court may restrict access to addresses, contact information, and related evidence to protect the safety of the affected party.
- Children's information: Information identifying the residential address, school, or medical condition of a minor child may be withheld from public access pursuant to Oregon court rules designed to protect children's welfare.
- Mediation records: Communications made during court-ordered or voluntary mediation are confidential by statute and are not filed with the court or made part of the public record.
- Mental health and medical records: Records pertaining to a party's mental health treatment or medical condition that are submitted in connection with custody proceedings may be filed under seal.
- Financial account details: Social Security numbers and financial account numbers are redacted from all publicly accessible filings pursuant to Oregon Rules of Civil Procedure.
Members of the public who encounter a sealed case will receive confirmation that the case exists but will not be provided access to the sealed contents without a court order.
How Long Does Marion County Keep Divorce Records?
Marion County Circuit Court retains dissolution of marriage records in accordance with Oregon's court records retention schedules established by the Oregon Judicial Department and the Oregon State Archives.
- Final judgments of dissolution: Retained permanently. Final decrees and judgments are never destroyed and remain accessible indefinitely through the Marion County Circuit Court or, for historical records, through the Oregon State Archives.
- Complete case files: Active and recently closed case files are maintained by the Marion County Circuit Court. Older case files may be transferred to the Oregon State Archives for long-term storage while remaining accessible to the public upon request.
- Historical records: The Oregon Secretary of State's archives hold county court documents dating to Marion County's earliest records, including judicial and administrative records from 1853 onward. These records are catalogued in the Marion County Records Inventory.
- Electronic records: Cases filed through Oregon's eCourt system are maintained in the statewide electronic case management system and are subject to the same permanent retention requirements as paper records.
- Vital records divorce certificates: The Oregon Health Authority has maintained divorce certificates since 1925, and these records are retained permanently by the Center for Health Statistics.
- Post-judgment modification records: Orders modifying custody, support, or other terms of a dissolution are retained as part of the original case file and are subject to the same permanent retention schedule as the final judgment.
Members of the public seeking records from cases older than those maintained at the courthouse should direct requests to the Oregon State Archives in Salem.