Clackamas County Family Court Records

Clackamas County family court records are kept at the historic Circuit Court building in Oregon City. The county is home to about 420,000 people and falls within the Third Judicial District. Residents of Oregon City, Lake Oswego, West Linn, Milwaukie, and Gladstone all file family law cases here. You can search for court records by party name or case number using the state online system. The clerk at the Oregon City courthouse also takes requests by phone, email, or in person for family court records in Clackamas County.

Clackamas County Circuit Court Overview

The Clackamas County Circuit Court operates from a historic courthouse in downtown Oregon City. It is part of the Third Judicial District, which also covers Marion and Yamhill counties. The court handles all family law matters for Clackamas County. This includes dissolution, custody, parenting time, child support, and protection orders.

The records division at the Clackamas County courthouse manages all family court files. You can reach them at (503) 655-8447 or by email at clackamas.records@ojd.state.or.us. Staff can look up cases, make copies, and answer questions about the records request process. The Clackamas County Circuit Court website has details on court hours, local rules, and forms. Under ORS 192.314, family court records in Clackamas County are public unless sealed by a judge.

The courthouse is at 807 Main Street in Oregon City. It is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.

Searching Clackamas County Family Court Records

You can search for family court records in Clackamas County online or at the courthouse. The method you pick depends on what you need and how fast you need it.

Oregon's free public case search tool, OECI, covers all counties in the state. Go to courts.oregon.gov to search by name, case number, or date range. The system shows case type, status, hearing dates, and which judge is assigned. It does not display the full text of filed documents. For copies of actual papers from Clackamas County family court files, contact the clerk by phone or email. You can also visit the courthouse at 807 Main Street in Oregon City. The clerk has a public access terminal where you can look up cases for free.

For deeper research, the OJCIN subscription database gives access to document images and complete case registers. This paid service costs $150 to set up and starts at $25 per month. Most people who need a single document will save time by calling the Clackamas County records desk instead.

Note: Use the "Last, First" name format when searching OECI for Clackamas County family court records to get the best results.

Filing Family Law Cases in Clackamas County

A family law case in Clackamas County begins when you file a petition with the clerk. The filing fee for dissolution is $287. The clerk gives you a case number that tracks all papers in your file. This number stays with the case until it closes.

Oregon law requires at least one spouse to have lived in the state for six months before filing for dissolution. This rule comes from ORS 107.075. If you live in Clackamas County, you file at the Oregon City courthouse. After filing, you must serve the other party with the papers. You can use the county sheriff, a private process server, or certified mail. The only ground for dissolution in Oregon is irreconcilable differences under ORS 107.025. There is a 90-day waiting period before the court can enter a final judgment. Parents with children must take a mandatory parenting class from an approved local provider.

The Clackamas County family law facilitator offers free help with forms and basic questions. Call (503) 655-8447 to learn more.

Clackamas County Court Record Fees

Clackamas County uses the same fee schedule as all Oregon circuit courts. Here are the most common costs tied to family court records:

• Dissolution petition: $287
• Response to petition: $256
• Standard copies: $0.25 per page
• Certified copies: $5 per document plus $0.25 per page
• Exemplified copies: $10 per document plus page fees
• Research fee: $10 to $30 per hour

Payment is due before the clerk hands over copies. The court takes cash, checks, and money orders payable to "State of Oregon." If you cannot afford court fees, ask about a fee waiver or deferral. The clerk at the Clackamas County courthouse has the forms you need to apply.

What Clackamas County Family Records Include

Family court records in Clackamas County hold all documents filed during a case. The petition starts the file. The response comes next. Motions, orders, and the final judgment round out the record. Each document is date-stamped and stored by the clerk.

A dissolution file typically shows the names of both parties, the date of marriage, when the petition was filed, and the date the judgment was entered. Custody records include the parenting plan. Support records show payment amounts and terms. Under Oregon's public records law, ORS 192.311 to 192.478, most of these documents are open to anyone who asks. Financial details like Social Security numbers and bank account numbers are filed under seal per ORS 107.105(4). Adoption and juvenile records are always sealed in Clackamas County.

Note: Certified copies of dissolution judgments from Clackamas County are often needed for name changes, property sales, and remarriage.

Legal Help in Clackamas County

Legal Aid Services of Oregon provides free legal help to low-income residents of Clackamas County. They handle family law cases including custody and dissolution. Call 1-888-610-8764 to see if you qualify for their services.

The Oregon State Bar Lawyer Referral Service matches you with a family law attorney near Oregon City. The first consultation is $35 for 30 minutes. Call 1-800-452-7636 to get started. The Modest Means Program offers reduced rates starting at $60 per hour for people with limited income. Court forms for Clackamas County family cases are available at courts.oregon.gov. The interactive form system walks you through each question and fills in the paperwork for you.

Cities in Clackamas County

Clackamas County covers a large area south of Portland. All family court cases for the county are filed at the Circuit Court in Oregon City.

Major cities include Oregon City, Lake Oswego, West Linn, Milwaukie, and Gladstone. Each of these communities uses the Clackamas County Circuit Court for family law filings and records.

Nearby Counties

Clackamas County borders Multnomah County, Washington County, Marion County, and Wasco County. Make sure you file your family law case in the right county. Check your home address to confirm you are in Clackamas County before you visit the courthouse in Oregon City.