Search Union County Court Records

Union County family court records are held at the Circuit Court in La Grande, Oregon. The county is in eastern Oregon and serves about 26,000 residents. You can search for family law cases online through the state database or visit the courthouse on K Avenue. The court clerk handles all requests for dissolution records, custody filings, and support orders. Union County is part of the Fourteenth Judicial District, which it shares with neighboring Wallowa County. The state search tool gives you free access to look up case details from any location.

Union County Family Court Overview

The Union County Circuit Court operates under the Fourteenth Judicial District alongside Wallowa County. The courthouse is at 1005 K Avenue in La Grande. This court handles all family law matters for Union County residents. Case types include dissolution of marriage, custody disputes, child support, parenting time, and restraining orders.

Family court records in Union County are public under ORS 192.314. This law gives every person the right to inspect public records held by Oregon courts. There are some exceptions. Adoption records, juvenile files, and mental health filings remain sealed by law. Most family court records are open to the public. You do not need to be a party to the case to request them.

The Union County Circuit Court website shows the court portal below for accessing services and case information.

This site connects you to court forms, hearing schedules, and records request procedures for Union County.

How to Search Family Court Records in Union County

The OECI database is a free tool for searching Union County court records online. Enter a party name or case number. The system shows case type, status, filing date, and hearing dates. It does not show full documents. You get docket entries that tell you what was filed and when.

For the best results, enter names in "Last, First, Middle" format. Union County family law case numbers follow the format XX-F-##### where XX is the two-digit year. The OECI system covers all 36 Oregon counties and updates every two to four hours. Select Union County from the dropdown to narrow your search results.

You can also search in person at the La Grande courthouse. Staff can help you find family court records on site. Bring a case number or full party name when you visit.

Note: Sealed, expunged, and confidential records from Union County do not appear in the OECI database.

Union County Court Filing Fees

Union County follows the statewide fee schedule for family court cases. A dissolution petition costs $301. Custody cases for unmarried parents cost $252. Modifications to existing orders are $89. Restraining orders under the Family Abuse Prevention Act have no filing fee.

Standard copies of Union County family court records cost $0.25 per page. Certified copies are $5 per document plus $0.25 per page. Exemplified copies for use in another state cost $10 per document plus page charges. Pay by cash, check, or money order made out to "State of Oregon."

Low-income filers can apply for a fee waiver or deferral using Form UTCR 4.090. You must show proof of income and expenses. The court administrator reviews each request based on state guidelines.

Requesting Union County Court Records

Request family court records from Union County in person or by mail. Visit the courthouse at 1005 K Avenue in La Grande for help with current cases. Mail requests should go to the same address and include the case name, case number, and the documents you need. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope and payment.

Under ORS 192.324, the court must respond to your records request within five business days. Current cases typically take two to five business days. Older files may take longer. Records from before 1990 might need to come from the Oregon State Archives in Salem, which adds more time to the process. Fees cannot exceed the actual cost to produce the records, and the court can waive fees for public interest requests or financial hardship.

Note: Provide as much detail as you can in your request to avoid delays and research fees at the Union County court.

Family Law Cases in Union County

Union County handles all types of family law cases. Dissolution of marriage is the most common case type. Under ORS 107.025, the only ground for dissolution in Oregon is irreconcilable differences. At least one spouse must have lived in the state for six months before filing.

Other family court records in Union County come from custody and parenting time cases, child support filings, modifications to existing orders, and contempt actions. Each type of case creates its own set of records that the public can search and request. Parents with minor children must complete a parenting class within 45 days of filing. Online classes are a good option for residents in this part of eastern Oregon. The cost runs between $30 and $50.

Union County Legal Resources

The Oregon State Bar Lawyer Referral Service can match you with a family law attorney serving Union County. The 30-minute initial consultation costs $35. The Modest Means Program offers reduced hourly rates of $60 to $100 for people who qualify.

Legal Aid Services of Oregon offers free legal help for those who qualify by income. Priority goes to domestic violence survivors and families with children. Phone and online services are often the most practical way for Union County residents to reach legal aid.

The OJD family law page has forms and instructions for self-represented parties. The OJCIN subscription service gives deeper access to Union County family court records for $150 setup and $27 or more per month. Subscribers can view document images and full case registers going back to the early 2000s.

Nearby Counties

Union County is in eastern Oregon near the Blue Mountains. Family court cases must be filed in the county where you live for the court to have jurisdiction.