Oregon Dissolution of Marriage Checklist — Step-by-Step (2026)

Phase 1 — Pre-Filing Assessment

• Confirm residency: either party has 6+ months in Oregon — or Oregon-married exception
• Identify county: Circuit Court where either spouse lives
• Decide: co-petition (both file together) or solo petition
• Download the correct OJD packet from courts.oregon.gov/forms:
  • Dissolution without children, no significant property
  • Dissolution without children, with property
  • Dissolution with minor children

Phase 2 — Financial Inventory

Both spouses must make financial disclosures. Gather:

• Last 3 pay stubs (both spouses)
• Last 2–3 years federal and Oregon state income tax returns
• All bank and investment account statements
• Retirement account statements (note pre-marital balances)
• Mortgage statement and property value estimate
• Vehicle values and loan balances
• All credit card and debt statements
• Business interest documentation if applicable

Phase 3 — Complete OJD Forms and Marital Settlement Agreement

• Complete all forms in the OJD packet for your scenario
• Draft Marital Settlement Agreement (MSA) covering:
  • All marital property (real estate, vehicles, accounts, retirement)
  • All marital debts
  • Spousal support (type, amount, duration) or written waiver
• If children: complete Parenting Plan and Oregon Child Support Guidelines worksheet
• Financial disclosure forms

Phase 4 — File at Circuit Court

• Take original + required copies to Circuit Court Clerk in filing county
• Pay $287–$301 filing fee (or file fee waiver motion if qualifying)
• Clerk issues case number
• Automatic temporary restraining orders now in effect for both parties
• For solo petition: Clerk issues Summons for service

Phase 5 — Serve the Respondent (Solo Petition Only)

• Co-petition: Skip this step — no service required
• Solo petition — options:
  • Respondent signs Acceptance of Service (simplest)
  • Mail with Acknowledgment Form
  • Personal delivery by non-party (not you)
  • Sheriff/process server
• File proof of service with Circuit Court Clerk

Phase 6 — Response Period (Solo Petition Only)

• Respondent has 30 days to file a Response (30 days from service)
• For agreed cases: Respondent may sign Acceptance of Service and waive response
• Use this time to finalize and execute the Marital Settlement Agreement

Phase 7 — File Final Documents / Proposed Judgment

• File proposed Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage with all required attachments:
  • Marital Settlement Agreement (signed by both parties)
  • If children: Parenting Plan; Child Support Worksheet; Support Order
• Financial disclosures (both parties)
• No waiting period — judge reviews and signs when satisfied

Phase 8 — Judgment Entered and Post-Dissolution

• Obtain certified copies of Judgment
• Real estate: execute deed → record at county recording office
• Retirement: initiate QDRO for employer plans
• Update beneficiary designations
• Name restoration: Oregon DMV → Social Security → bank accounts

Last reviewed: March 2026 | No waiting period | Co-petition = no service step | Automatic restraining orders from filing | OJD packets free at courts.oregon.gov

Last reviewed: March 2026 · Verify current fees and forms with your local court before filing.