Oregon Divorce Checklist — Every Step From Filing to Final Judgment

Most Oregon divorce filings get rejected or delayed not because of complex legal issues, but because filers miss a form, skip a step, or file things in the wrong order. This checklist covers the full sequence for a self-represented dissolution.

Phase 1: Before You File

• Confirm residency: at least one spouse is a resident of or domiciled in Oregon (married in-state: no duration requirement; married elsewhere: six continuous months immediately before filing as a resident or domiciliary under ORS 107.075)
• Determine your filing path: co-petitioner (joint), sole petition (uncontested or contested), or summary dissolution (if you qualify under ORS 107.485)
• Identify the correct county: file in the Circuit Court where you or your spouse currently resides
• Gather marriage certificate or proof of marriage date and location
• Prepare the $301 statewide baseline filing fee plus any applicable local surcharge — or download the fee waiver/deferral application if you can't afford it

Phase 2: Prepare Your Documents

All cases require:

• Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
• Confidential Information Form (CIF) — UTCR Form 2.130.1
• Notice of Filing of CIF — UTCR Form 2.130.2
• Record of Dissolution (vital statistics form)

Sole petition — add:

• Summons

Co-petition — add:

• Co-Party Petition for Entry of Stipulated Judgment
• Co-Party General Judgment (signed by both spouses)

Cases with minor children (under 18) — add:

• Proposed Parenting Plan (ORS 107.102)
• Official Oregon Division of Child Support child-support calculation worksheets
• When required for the case (minor children or an adult-child support claim), register for court-approved parenting education (petitioner within 15 days of filing; respondent within 30 days of service)

Cases with unmarried, non-emancipated adult children ages 18-20 — add:

• Adult child named in case caption
• Summons for the adult child
• Adult child's signature on proposed judgment if support is ordered (or waiver of further appearance)

Spousal support or child support deviation — add:

• Uniform Support Declaration (UTCR Form 8.010)
• Four consecutive pay stubs and last year's tax returns

Phase 3: File With the Court

• Submit all documents to the county Circuit Court clerk — in person or via OJD eFile
• Pay the $301 statewide baseline filing fee plus any applicable local surcharge (or submit the current fee-waiver application)
• Receive case number and file-stamped copies

Phase 4: Serve Your Spouse (Sole Petition Only)

• Arrange service through sheriff, process server, or qualified individual (must be 18+, not a party or an officer, director, employee, or attorney of a party, and a resident of the state of service)
• Serve copies of the petition, summons, and automatic restraining order (ORS 107.093)
• If formal service was used, file Proof of Service with the court clerk
• If formal service was used, file Proof of Service within 63 days of filing the petition or the court may issue a dismissal notice
• Alternative: respondent signs Acceptance of Service (waives formal service but doesn't concede terms)

Phase 5: Financial Disclosure

• Sole petition: exchange documents with your spouse within 30 days of service (ORS 107.089): three years of tax returns, income statements, bank and investment account statements, real estate documents, vehicle titles, retirement account statements, and debt records
• Co-petition: complete the exchange or a written waiver according to the current OJD packet and county instructions
• Both parties can waive this requirement in writing if fully cooperative

Phase 6: Response Period

• Sole petition: respondent has 30 days from service or Acceptance of Service to file a Response and pay the $301 appearance fee
• Sole petition, if no response: file Motion for Order of Default after 30 days
• Sole petition, if a Response is filed: the case becomes contested — proceed to mediation, settlement conference, or trial scheduling

Phase 7: Finalize

• Draft the General Judgment of Dissolution covering property, debts, support, custody, and child support
• For uncontested cases: both spouses sign the Stipulated General Judgment
• For default cases: submit proposed judgment with default motion
• Attach required parent-education completion certificates (minor children or an adult-child support claim)
• Ensure child medical support terms are included (ORS 107.106)
• Submit to the judge for review and signature
• No hearing required for uncontested or default cases

Phase 8: After the Judgment

• Obtain certified copies of the signed General Judgment from the court clerk
• If retirement accounts need dividing: prepare and execute a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) before or at entry of the final judgment, then file it as required
• Update insurance, property titles, and accounts as needed

The Oregon Divorce Filing Process Guide expands every phase into detailed instructions with the exact forms, deadlines, and county-specific variations for each step.

See more Oregon guides →