Wasco County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Wasco County in 2026
WascoRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Wasco County, Oregon. Members of the public may find dissolution of marriage filings, final decrees, case numbers, and related court documents through official channels. Record availability may vary depending on the age of the case, the nature of the proceedings, and any court-ordered restrictions. Relevant record categories include:
- Dissolution of marriage petitions
- Final judgments and decrees
- Parenting plans and custody orders
- Property division agreements
- Spousal support orders
- Post-judgment modification orders
Records may be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking divorce records in Wasco County.
Multiple Search Methods:
Online Searches:
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The OJD Records and Calendar Search provides free online access to court calendars and basic case information for Oregon circuit courts, including the Wasco County Circuit Court. This is the most common starting point for locating a dissolution case. Basic case information is available at no charge; fees apply for obtaining copies of actual documents.
2. State Court System Portal
Oregon's statewide Oregon eCourt system allows members of the public to search across jurisdictions. The Oregon Judicial Department's online portal consolidates case data from circuit courts statewide, enabling searches when the county of filing is uncertain.
3. State Vital Records
Oregon's Oregon Vital Records office maintains divorce and dissolution of domestic partnership records issued at the state level. Certified divorce certificates may be ordered through this office. Fees apply and vary by record type.
In-Person Searches:
Clerk of Court — Wasco County Circuit Court:
Wasco County Circuit Court
511 Washington Street
The Dalles, OR 97058
Phone: (541) 506-2700
Oregon Judicial Department
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
- 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
- Staff assistance for locating records
Wasco County Clerk's Office:
Wasco County Clerk
511 Washington Street, Suite 201
The Dalles, OR 97058
Phone: (541) 506-2530
Wasco County Clerk
Note: As stated by the Wasco County Clerk's office, "The County Clerk is not a part of the Oregon State Circuit Court System. For court related services, contact the Wasco County Circuit Court at (541) 506-2700." Divorce case files are maintained by the Circuit Court, not the County Clerk.
By Mail:
Written Request:
- Mail to: Wasco County Circuit Court, 511 Washington Street, The Dalles, OR 97058
- Include the following:
- Full names of both parties
- Approximate date of divorce or dissolution
- Case number (if known)
- Requester's full name and contact information
- Purpose of request (if required)
- 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 case volume and record age.
By Phone:
Limited Information:
- Wasco County Circuit Court: (541) 506-2700
- Staff may confirm:
- Whether a case exists in the system
- Case number
- Case status
- Filing date
- Staff cannot provide:
- Detailed document contents by phone
- Copies of documents
- Confidential or restricted information
Through Attorneys:
An attorney licensed in Oregon may access court records on behalf of a client, including requesting sealed or restricted documents through appropriate legal motions. Members of the public seeking assistance with complex cases may consult the Oregon State Bar's lawyer referral service for professional guidance.
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 may need to search multiple counties if the county of filing is unknown. Under ORS § 107.025, at least one party must have been a resident of Oregon for six months prior to filing, and the case is filed in the county of that party's residence.
Time Considerations:
- Recent dissolutions: Records may not appear in online systems 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 specific written request.
What If You Cannot Find a Record:
- Verify the correct county of filing
- Attempt alternate name spellings, including maiden names
- Search under both spouses' names
- Check the Oregon Vital Records office for a dissolution certificate
- Contact the Wasco County Circuit Court directly at (541) 506-2700
- Consult a licensed Oregon attorney for assistance with sealed or difficult-to-locate records
What Are Wasco County Divorce Records?
Wasco County divorce records are official court documents generated during dissolution of marriage proceedings filed in the Wasco County Circuit Court. These records constitute part of the public court file and are maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk under Oregon law.
Types of Divorce Records:
Court Case Files:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage
- Response or answer to the petition
- Financial affidavits and disclosure statements
- Parenting plans
- 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 legally ending the marriage. It serves as legal proof of divorce and establishes:
- The date of dissolution
- Division of marital property and debts
- Spousal support terms, 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 through the Wasco County Circuit Court.
Supporting Documents:
- Original marriage certificate (submitted as exhibit)
- Financial disclosure documents
- Property inventories and appraisals
- Parenting plan details
- Post-judgment modification orders
Purpose of Divorce Records:
Legal Purposes:
- Proof of marital status for remarriage
- Name change documentation
- Property transfer and title recording
- Estate planning and beneficiary designations
- Immigration proceedings
- Social Security benefit claims
Personal Purposes:
- Genealogical and family history research
- Personal record-keeping
- Verification of dissolution terms
Who Maintains Divorce Records:
The Wasco County Circuit Court is the primary custodian of dissolution case files. The court maintains complete case files, provides certified copies, and indexes records by party names. The Oregon Vital Records office maintains state-level divorce certificates, which contain limited information compared to the full court file.
Legal Framework:
Oregon dissolution of marriage proceedings are governed by ORS Chapter 107, which establishes the grounds, procedures, and requirements for dissolution in the state. Oregon is a no-fault dissolution state, meaning irretrievable breakdown of the marriage is the sole ground required. Access to court records is governed by ORS § 7.010 and Oregon's public records law, which presumes public access to court documents subject to specific statutory exceptions.
Are Wasco County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in the Wasco 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.
Public Access Policy:
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 judgment of dissolution
- Property division orders
- General case status
- Docket entries reflecting the chronological history of the case
What May Be Restricted:
Financial Information:
- Social Security numbers (redacted from public filings under Oregon court rules)
- Bank account and credit card numbers (redacted)
- Detailed tax returns (may be filed under seal or with restricted access)
- Specific account balances (may be subject to limited access)
Children's Information:
- Addresses where minor children reside
- Schools children attend
- Medical and psychological evaluation records
- 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 treatment records
- Medical records submitted as exhibits
- Personal addresses in cases involving protective orders
Sealed Records:
A court may seal all or part of a dissolution 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.
Legal Basis for Public Access:
Oregon's public records law and court access rules establish a presumption of public access to court filings. Restrictions require a specific legal basis, and courts apply a balancing test weighing transparency against privacy interests. As stated in Oregon's judicial access policy, courts are committed to providing "access to court records while protecting the privacy and safety of individuals involved in court proceedings."
Who Can Access Records:
- General public: May access most case information, view docket summaries, and obtain copies of public documents upon payment of applicable fees.
- 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 documents upon a proper showing.
- Researchers and media: May access public portions of case files; access to sealed records requires a court order.
Restrictions on Use:
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. Permitted uses include legal proceedings, background research, genealogical research, news reporting, and personal verification.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Wasco County?
The Wasco County Circuit Court charges standard fees for copies and certified documents in accordance with Oregon court fee schedules. Current fees are as follows:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copies of court documents (per page) | $0.25 per page |
| Certified copy of final judgment/decree | $5.00 per document |
| Certification fee (per document) | $5.00 |
| Electronic copies (where available) | Varies |
| Search fee | No separate search fee |
- Inspection of records: Members of the public may inspect public court records at no charge at the courthouse public access terminals during regular business hours.
- Certified copies: A certification fee applies to each document requiring a court seal and clerk's signature.
- Payment methods: The Wasco County Circuit Court accepts cash, check, and money order. Members of the public should confirm current accepted payment methods directly with the court clerk.
- Fee waivers: Parties who qualify as indigent under Oregon law may petition the court for a waiver of fees pursuant to ORS § 21.682, which governs waiver of court fees for persons unable to pay.
- Oregon Vital Records fees: The Oregon Vital Records office charges a separate fee for certified divorce certificates ordered through the state office. Current fee schedules are available on the Oregon Vital Records website.
- Online access: Basic case information available through the OJD Records and Calendar Search is provided free of charge. Fees apply for document retrieval and certified copies.
What's Included in Divorce Records in Wasco County
A complete dissolution of marriage case file maintained by the Wasco County Circuit Court contains the following categories of documents.
Basic Case Information:
- Case number and court name
- Names of petitioner and respondent
- Judge assigned to the case
- Attorneys of record
- Filing date and case type designation
Initial Pleadings:
The Petition for Dissolution of Marriage includes the petitioner's identifying information, the date and location of marriage, the date of separation if applicable, the grounds for dissolution (irretrievable breakdown under Oregon's no-fault standard), information regarding minor children, property and debt claims, and the relief requested. The Response or Answer sets forth the respondent's position, admissions or denials, and any counterpetition for relief. Financial affidavits submitted by both parties detail income from all sources, monthly expenses, assets including real property, vehicles, bank and investment accounts, and retirement accounts, as well as all liabilities.
Discovery Documents:
Discovery materials may include financial disclosure documents such as tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, investment and retirement account statements, and business financial records. Interrogatories (written questions answered under oath) and requests for production of documents may also be part of the case file.
Property-Related Documents:
- Marital asset inventory listing real property, vehicles, financial accounts, retirement accounts, business interests, and personal property with estimated values
- Debt inventory covering mortgages, vehicle loans, credit card balances, and other obligations
- Appraisals and expert valuations for real property, businesses, and personal property
Children-Related Documents (if applicable):
- Parenting plan specifying legal and physical custody, regular and holiday timesharing schedules, transportation arrangements, and decision-making responsibilities for education, healthcare, and extracurricular activities
- Child support calculation worksheet reflecting both parties' incomes, number of overnights, health insurance costs, and childcare expenses
- Custody evaluations ordered by the court, which may be subject to restricted access
- Guardian ad litem reports, if a guardian was appointed to represent the children's interests
Settlement Documents:
The Marital Settlement Agreement is a comprehensive written agreement resolving all issues in the dissolution, including property division, debt allocation, spousal support terms, child-related provisions, tax treatment of assets, and attorney fee allocation. If the parties participated in mediation, a mediation agreement may be incorporated into the settlement agreement; however, mediation communications themselves are confidential and not part of the public record.
Court Orders and Judgments:
- Temporary orders addressing custody, support, and use of property during the pendency of the case
- The Final Judgment of Dissolution, which is the court's definitive order ending the marriage, containing findings of fact, conclusions of law, all property and support awards, custody and parenting time provisions, and the judge's signature and court seal
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs), if retirement accounts are divided, directing plan administrators to distribute benefits
Post-Judgment Documents (if applicable):
- Petitions to modify custody, parenting time, or support
- Court orders on modification requests
- Contempt motions and enforcement actions
- Income deduction orders for support enforcement
What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed:
- Social Security numbers and financial account numbers (redacted from all public filings)
- Addresses and schools of minor children
- Domestic violence details in cases involving protective measures
- Mental health and substance abuse evaluation records
- Mediation communications
- Trade secrets contained in business valuations
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Wasco County?
Proof of divorce in Wasco County may be obtained through two primary channels: the Wasco County Circuit Court and the Oregon Vital Records office.
From the Wasco County Circuit Court:
A certified copy of the Final Judgment of Dissolution serves as the standard legal proof of divorce accepted by government agencies, financial institutions, and other entities. Members of the public may obtain a certified copy by:
- Appearing in person at the Wasco County Circuit Court, 511 Washington Street, The Dalles, OR 97058, during business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.), and requesting a certified copy from the clerk.
- Submitting a written request by mail to the same address, including the names of both parties, the approximate date of dissolution, the case number if known, and payment of the applicable certification fee.
- Searching for the case number online through the OJD Records and Calendar Search prior to making a request, to confirm case details.
From Oregon Vital Records:
The Oregon Health Authority's Vital Records office issues certified divorce certificates for dissolutions recorded in Oregon. Members of the public may order divorce and dissolution of domestic partnership records through the state office. These certificates contain limited information compared to the full court file but are accepted as proof of dissolution status for many purposes.
Oregon Vital Records
800 NE Oregon Street, Suite 205
Portland, OR 97232
Phone: (971) 673-1190
Oregon Vital Records
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Wasco County?
A dissolution of marriage proceeding in Wasco County may be made confidential, in whole or in part, under specific legal circumstances. Oregon law does not provide for automatic confidentiality of dissolution records; however, a party may petition the court to seal records upon a demonstrated showing of good cause.
The following categories of information may be subject to confidentiality protections:
- Domestic violence cases: Courts may restrict access to addresses, contact information, and case details when a party is a victim of domestic violence or stalking, consistent with Oregon's protective order statutes.
- Children's information: Names, addresses, schools, and medical or psychological records pertaining to minor children may be redacted or sealed to protect the children's safety and privacy.
- Financial account information: Social Security numbers and financial account numbers are redacted from all public filings as a matter of standard court practice under Oregon court rules.
- Mental health and medical records: Records submitted as exhibits that contain protected health information may be filed under seal.
- Mediation communications: Under Oregon law, all communications made during court-ordered mediation are confidential and are not filed with the court or accessible to the public.
- Sealed case files: A court may seal an entire case file upon a specific motion and finding that the privacy interest outweighs the public's right of access.
Members of the public seeking to seal dissolution records must file a motion with the Wasco County Circuit Court and demonstrate a legally sufficient basis for sealing under Oregon court rules.
How Long Does Wasco County Keep Divorce Records?
The Wasco 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.
Retention periods for dissolution records are as follows:
- Final judgments of dissolution: Retained permanently. Final decrees are considered permanent court records and are not subject to destruction.
- Complete case files (contested dissolutions): Retained for a minimum of 10 years following the close of the case, with permanent retention of the final judgment.
- Uncontested dissolution case files: Retained for a minimum of 10 years following entry of the final judgment.
- Post-judgment modification records: Retained as part of the original case file for the applicable retention period.
- Archived paper records: Cases predating electronic filing are maintained in paper or microfilm format and may require additional retrieval time. The Oregon State Archives assists with preservation of older court records.
- Electronic records: Cases filed through Oregon's eCourt system are maintained in the statewide electronic case management system and are accessible through the OJD Records and Calendar Search.
Oregon's records retention requirements for court records are established under Oregon Administrative Rules and the Oregon State Archives' records retention schedules. Members of the public seeking records older than those available in the electronic system should contact the Wasco County Circuit Court directly at (541) 506-2700 to inquire about archived record availability.