All across the US, divorce trends are extremely high. It is almost as common as marriage; the statistics is really shocking. Almost 40% of Americans are breaking-up now, and this puts the number at 1 million every year. Many people who are remarried after a divorce get divorced again for a second time. The percentage is much higher in this case than first time divorces.
Oregon follows this trend, as well. The state and the county offices according to the Freedom of Information Act (FoIA) 1966 need to maintain Vital Records including the divorce records.
There are actually many reasons why people want to access Oregon divorce records.
You might want to access the record if you are planning to re-marry. The divorce record will be the proof of your single status. Once you have the record as proof, you can apply for a marriage certificate again. In certain cases, it is mandatory for you to get the record before you can make application for another marriage certificate.
Once you have ended your marriage you would require the divorce record to change your name, and sometimes it helps in the immigration process too. For various official checks, including verification of personal particulars in terms employment screening, the divorce record is essential.
Of course, by accessing the record, you can check the marital status of a person you are thinking of getting married to. Are you getting married to someone who you know was married before? It is best to play safe and run a check to find out whether the person has actually got the divorce, or whether the case is still in court. You cannot legally marry someone who isn’t divorced yet. If you do, your marriage will not have any legal standing.
Divorce records also help in genealogy research. It could be a tough task for a family historian to trace the ex-spouse of a family member who has drifted apart after the divorce. Particularly, if it is from the past.
You need to make the application correctly and approach the right authority. The state and the county are legally bound to provide the record on your request. However, you will need to provide accurate data, such as the full name of the husband/wife, the date and place of divorce, the type of final decree, your relationship with the person concerned, and the reason why you want the record retrieved. You must also provide your name, address, contact details, and a valid photo identity.
However, the privacy of the person in question here is also protected. So, certain personal information will not be provided to you. For instance, you cannot find out the alimony amount, learn about custody of the child, the cause of divorce, or get information on how the asset and liabilities were divided.
Usually, divorce records are available at the county level. However, if you are not sure of the county, you can write at the following address, and they will then send your request to the relevant county.
P.O. Box 14050
Phone: 503-731-4095
To request an Oregon divorce record, follow the instructions below:
Step 1.
First, download the Divorce Record Order form.
Step 2.
Read the instructions on the form. Then complete the form in full with the names of the husband and wife, place and date of divorce, your relationship, and your contact information.
Step 3.
Mail the application along with a check or money order for $20 to the address below. Please allow 5 weeks for processing.
Mail the completed application to:
Oregon Department of Human Services
Vital Records
PO Box 14050
Portland, OR 97293-0050
About Oregon Divorce Records
The state of Oregon maintains vital records through the Center for Vital Statistics in the Department of Human Services. Divorce records are first filed with the county court, and once finalized, a copy or abstract is sent to the state vital records office.
Who May Request a Divorce Record?
In Oregon, only those listed on the divorce document, or their direct family or legal representatives may obtain a certified copy of a divorce record. After 50 years, the divorce record becomes a public non-restricted document. Any non-family members wanting a copy of a divorce record may obtain one with a notarized permission letter.
Online Availability of Oregon Divorce Records
Oregon has partnered with VitalCheck to process online, telephone, or fax requests for divorce records. This service requires an extra vendor fee, as well as an expedite service fee.
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