Union County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Union County in 2026
UnionORRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Union County, Oregon. Members of the public may find dissolution of marriage filings, final decrees, case numbers, and related court documents. Available record categories may include divorce judgments, parenting plans, property settlement agreements, and post-judgment modification orders. Access and completeness of records vary depending on the case, filing date, and applicable confidentiality provisions.
Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The primary custodian of divorce records in Union County is the Union County Circuit Court, which maintains complete case files for all dissolution proceedings filed within the county.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Oregon Judicial Department provides an online case search tool through the Oregon eCourt Case Information (OECI) system. This is the most common method for locating divorce case information at no cost. Basic case information — including party names, case numbers, filing dates, and hearing schedules — is available without charge. Obtaining copies of actual documents may require payment of applicable fees.
2. State Court System Portal
The Oregon Judicial Department's online services portal allows members of the public to search across jurisdictions statewide. This consolidated database is useful when the county of filing is uncertain or when a party may have relocated during proceedings.
3. State Vital Records
Oregon does not issue divorce certificates through the Oregon Vital Records office in the same manner as birth or death certificates. However, the Oregon Vital Records office does provide access to divorce and dissolution of domestic partnership records for events registered in Oregon. Fees apply for certified copies obtained through this channel.
In-Person Searches
Clerk of Court — Union County Circuit Court
Union County Circuit Court
1001 4th Street, Suite 100
La Grande, OR 97850
Phone: (541) 962-9500
Union County Circuit Court
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (excluding state holidays)
- Services available in person:
- Search case files by party name or case number
- View documents at public access terminals
- Request certified copies of final decrees and orders
- Obtain staff assistance for locating archived records
By Mail
Written Request:
- Mail to: Union County Circuit Court, 1001 4th Street, Suite 100, La Grande, OR 97850
- Include the following:
- Full names of both parties (including maiden names if applicable)
- Approximate date of divorce or dissolution
- Case number, if known
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Purpose of request (may be required for certain records)
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return of documents
- Processing time: Requests are processed within approximately 1–2 weeks, depending on volume and whether records require retrieval from archives.
By Phone
Limited Information Available:
- Union County Circuit Court: (541) 962-9500
- Court staff may confirm:
- Whether a case exists in the system
- Case number and filing date
- Current case status
- Court staff cannot provide:
- Detailed document contents by phone
- Copies of filed documents
- Confidential or restricted information
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 licensed attorneys for assistance with complex records requests or ongoing family law matters.
Information Needed for Search
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce or dissolution
- Case number, if known
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Previous addresses in Oregon
- Names of children, if applicable
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct County
Dissolution of marriage proceedings in Oregon are filed in the circuit court of the county where either spouse resided at the time of filing. Members of the public searching for a record should confirm the county of residence at the time of the divorce. Searching the county where the marriage ceremony occurred is not appropriate unless one or both parties also resided there.
Under Oregon Revised Statutes § 107.075, at least one party must have been a resident of Oregon for six months immediately preceding the filing of a dissolution petition, and the petition must be filed in the county of that party's residence.
Time Considerations
- Recent dissolutions: Records may not appear in the online system immediately following a final hearing. Members of the public should allow several business days to weeks for processing after the final judgment is entered.
- Older dissolutions: Cases predating electronic filing may be archived in paper format. Retrieval of archived records may require additional processing time and a written request.
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common reasons a record may not be located include:
- Incorrect county of search
- Name variations between married and maiden names
- Spelling differences in party names
- Case still pending and not yet finalized
- Very old records stored in physical archives
- Case sealed by court order
If a record cannot be located through online tools, members of the public may contact the Union County Circuit Court directly at (541) 962-9500, attempt alternate name spellings, search under both spouses' names, or consult the Oregon State Archives vital records resources for historic dissolution records.
What Are Union County Divorce Records?
Union County divorce records are official court documents generated during dissolution of marriage proceedings filed in the Union County Circuit Court. These records constitute part of the court's permanent family law case files and are maintained as public records subject to applicable access restrictions under Oregon law.
Types of Divorce Records:
Court Case Files
The complete case file for a dissolution proceeding may include:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage
- Response or answer to the petition
- Financial affidavits from both parties
- Parenting plans (if minor children are involved)
- Marital settlement agreements
- Motions, responses, and court orders
- Transcripts of court hearings (if ordered)
- Final judgment of dissolution
Final Decree
The final judgment of dissolution is the official court order terminating the marriage. It constitutes legal proof of divorce and establishes:
- The date the marriage was legally dissolved
- Division of marital property and debts
- Spousal support or alimony provisions, if any
- Child custody and parenting time arrangements, if applicable
- Child support orders, if applicable
- Restoration of a former name, if requested
Certified copies of the final decree are available from the Union County Circuit Court upon payment of applicable fees.
Supporting Documents
Additional documents that may be part of the case file include financial disclosure statements, property appraisals, business valuations, Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for retirement account division, and post-judgment modification orders.
Who Maintains Divorce Records:
The Union County Circuit Court serves as the primary custodian of all dissolution case files. The County Clerk and Recorder's Office maintains recorded property transaction documents that may be associated with court-ordered property transfers arising from dissolution proceedings, including deeds and related instruments.
For historic dissolution records, the Oregon State Archives holds birth, death, marriage, and divorce records predating the current electronic filing system, with applicable access restrictions.
Legal Framework:
Dissolution of marriage proceedings in Oregon are governed by Oregon Revised Statutes Chapter 107, which establishes the grounds, procedures, and requirements for dissolution. Oregon is a no-fault dissolution state; under ORS § 107.025, irreconcilable differences constituting an irremediable breakdown of the marriage is the sole ground for dissolution. Public access to court records is governed by the Oregon Uniform Trial Court Rules and the Oregon Public Records Law, ORS § 192.311 et seq.
Are Union County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in the Union County Circuit Court are public court records under Oregon law. Members of the public may access basic case information and most filed documents. However, certain categories of information are restricted or may be sealed by court order to protect sensitive personal data, minor children, and domestic violence victims.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of the parties (petitioner and respondent)
- Names of attorneys of record
- Court hearing dates and docket entries
- Court orders and judgments, including the final decree
- Property division orders
- General case status
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 restricted access)
Children's Information:
- Residential addresses of minor children
- Names of schools children attend
- Medical and psychological evaluation records
- Child custody evaluation reports (may be sealed)
- Guardian ad litem reports (restricted access)
Sensitive Personal Information:
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment records
- Medical records
- Personal addresses and phone numbers in cases involving protective orders
Sealed Records:
A court may seal all or part of a 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 under Oregon law and are not part of the public court record.
Who Can Access Records:
- General public: May access most case information, view docket summaries, and obtain copies of public documents upon payment of fees. Photo identification may be required at the courthouse.
- Parties to the case: Have full access to their own case file, including documents that may be restricted from general public view.
- Attorneys: May access case files on behalf of clients and may petition the court for access to sealed records upon a proper showing.
- Researchers and media: May access public portions of case files; access to sealed records requires a court order.
Prohibited Uses:
Members of the public who obtain divorce records may not use them for stalking, harassment, identity theft, fraudulent purposes, or in violation of any protective order issued by the court.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Union County?
The Union County Circuit Court charges standard fees for copies and certified copies of court records. Current fees are established pursuant to ORS § 21.270, which governs court fees and charges in Oregon.
Standard Fee Schedule:
| Service | Current Fee |
|---|---|
| Copies of court documents (per page) | $0.25 per page |
| Certified copy of final decree or judgment | $5.00 per document + $0.25 per page |
| Certification fee | $5.00 |
| Search fee (staff-assisted) | Varies; contact court |
| Electronic copies (where available) | Varies |
- Inspection of public records at the courthouse public access terminal is available at no charge.
- Certified copies of the final judgment of dissolution are the most commonly requested documents and carry the certification fee in addition to per-page copy charges.
- Copies obtained through the Oregon Vital Records office for dissolution records registered with the state carry separate fees established by the Oregon Health Authority.
Accepted Payment Methods:
- Cash
- Check or money order payable to "Oregon Judicial Department"
- Credit or debit card (availability may vary; confirm with the court)
Fee Waivers:
Members of the public who demonstrate financial hardship may petition the court for a waiver of fees pursuant to applicable Oregon court rules. Fee waiver applications are available at the courthouse clerk's window.
What Is Available at No Cost:
- Online case index searches through the OECI system
- In-person review of public documents at courthouse terminals
- Basic case status information provided by phone
What's Included in Divorce Records in Union County
A complete dissolution case file maintained by the Union County Circuit Court contains documents generated at every stage of the proceeding. The scope of the file depends on whether the dissolution was uncontested or contested, whether minor children were involved, and whether post-judgment proceedings occurred.
Initial Pleadings:
The petition for dissolution of marriage identifies both parties, states the date and place of marriage, identifies any minor children, and sets forth the relief requested, including property division, spousal support, and parenting arrangements. The respondent's answer or response, and any counterpetition, are also part of the initial pleadings.
Financial Affidavits:
Both parties are required to submit financial affidavits disclosing income from all sources, monthly expenses, assets (real property, vehicles, bank accounts, retirement accounts, investments, and personal property), and liabilities (mortgages, loans, and credit card debt). These documents form the evidentiary basis for property division and support determinations.
Discovery Documents:
In contested cases, the file may include interrogatories and responses, requests for production of documents, deposition notices, and subpoenas. Financial records such as tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, and retirement account statements may be attached as exhibits.
Property-Related Documents:
The case file includes inventories of marital assets and debts, appraisal reports for real property and business interests, and any Qualified Domestic Relations Orders entered to divide retirement plan benefits.
Children-Related Documents:
When minor children are involved, the file contains the parenting plan establishing legal and physical custody, the parenting time schedule (including holidays and vacations), the child support calculation worksheet, and any custody evaluation reports or guardian ad litem reports ordered by the court.
Settlement Documents:
A marital settlement agreement, if the parties reached a negotiated resolution, is incorporated into the final judgment. The agreement addresses all issues including property division, debt allocation, spousal support, and child-related provisions.
Court Orders and Final Judgment:
Temporary orders entered during the pendency of the case, the final judgment of dissolution, and any post-judgment modification orders are all part of the permanent case file. The final judgment bears the judge's signature and the court's official seal.
What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed:
- Social Security numbers and financial account numbers (redacted from public filings)
- Residential addresses of minor children
- Mental health and substance abuse evaluation records
- Domestic violence evidence (may be sealed by court order)
- Mediation communications (confidential by statute)
- Settlement negotiation communications (not filed with the court)
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Union County
Proof of divorce in Union County is obtained through a certified copy of the final judgment of dissolution issued by the Union County Circuit Court. A certified copy bears the court's official seal and the clerk's certification, making it acceptable for legal, governmental, and personal purposes such as remarriage, name change documentation, immigration proceedings, and Social Security benefit applications.
Steps to Obtain a Certified Copy:
- Identify the case number using the Oregon eCourt Case Information system or by contacting the Union County Circuit Court at (541) 962-9500.
- Submit a written request in person, by mail, or as directed by the court, providing the full names of both parties, the case number, and the approximate date of dissolution.
- Pay the applicable certification and per-page copy fees at the time of the request.
- Receive the certified copy in person or by mail, depending on the method of request.
For dissolution records registered with the state, members of the public may also request records through the Oregon Vital Records office, which maintains dissolution of marriage and dissolution of domestic partnership records for events registered in Oregon.
Union County Circuit Court
1001 4th Street, Suite 100
La Grande, OR 97850
Phone: (541) 962-9500
Union County Circuit Court
For recorded property documents associated with a dissolution, such as deeds transferred pursuant to a court order, members of the public may contact:
Union County Clerk and Recorder's Office
1001 4th Street, Suite 130
La Grande, OR 97850
Phone: (541) 963-1006
County Clerk and Recorder's Office
The Union County Clerk's Office also processes electronic document recording, allowing documents to be submitted without traditional in-person delivery for property-related instruments arising from dissolution proceedings.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Union County?
Dissolution of marriage proceedings in Oregon carry a presumption of public access, but Oregon law and court rules permit certain records or entire case files to be sealed under defined circumstances.
- Court-ordered sealing: A party may file a motion requesting that the court seal all or part of the case file. The court applies a balancing test weighing the public interest in transparency against the privacy interests of the parties and any minor children.
- Domestic violence cases: When a dissolution involves allegations of domestic violence or a protective order is in place, the court may restrict access to addresses, contact information, and evidence related to the abuse to protect the safety of the victim.
- Children's information: Under Oregon court rules, certain information identifying minor children — including residential addresses, school information, and medical records — is subject to restricted access even in otherwise public case files.
- Mental health and medical records: Records pertaining to mental health evaluations, substance abuse treatment, and medical conditions are restricted from public access and may be filed under seal.
- Mediation communications: Oregon law expressly provides that mediation communications are confidential and are not part of the public court record.
- Sealed settlements: Parties may petition the court to seal confidential settlement terms, though courts exercise discretion in granting such requests.
Members of the public seeking access to sealed records must file a motion with the court demonstrating a legitimate legal basis for access.
How Long Does Union County Keep Divorce Records?
The Union County Circuit Court retains dissolution of marriage records in accordance with the Oregon Judicial Department's records retention schedules, which are established pursuant to Oregon administrative rules and state archival requirements.
- Active and recently closed cases: Complete case files for dissolution proceedings are retained permanently by the circuit court. Final judgments and decrees are considered permanent records and are not subject to destruction.
- Electronic records: Cases filed through Oregon's electronic filing system are maintained in the court's electronic case management system indefinitely.
- Paper records (older cases): Paper case files predating electronic filing may be transferred to the Oregon State Archives after a defined retention period. The Oregon State Archives holds historic court records, including dissolution records, with applicable access restrictions for certain categories of information.
- Vital records data: Dissolution data reported to the Oregon Center for Health Statistics is retained as part of the state's vital statistics records system.
- Post-judgment documents: Modification orders, contempt proceedings, and enforcement actions filed after the original judgment are retained as part of the permanent case file.
Members of the public seeking records from older cases should contact the Union County Circuit Court to determine whether the file remains at the courthouse or has been transferred to the State Archives.