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Guide to Uncontested Divorce in Oregon

December 23, 2025

Uncontested / Simple Divorce in Oregon: A Plain-English Guide

Thinking about ending your marriage but hoping to avoid a long, expensive court fight? Many people in Oregon choose an uncontested dissolution of marriage so they can move on with life in a calmer, more affordable way.

Here’s the Oregon “insider” tip most generic guides miss: if you and your spouse are on good terms, filing together as Co-Petitioners (a Co-Petition for Dissolution of Marriage) can be one of the fastest, lowest friction routes because it typically eliminates service of process. You both show up in the case from day one. Oregon court packets also describe this as filing as co-parties, and the idea is the same: joint filing + a stipulated judgment.

PlainDivorce is not a law firm. We don’t provide legal advice or represent you in court. This article is general legal information about uncontested divorce in Oregon. Court rules, forms, and fees change, and you are responsible for confirming current requirements with official Oregon sources or a local lawyer before relying on this information.

If your situation is complicated, or if you feel unsafe or pressured, please talk to a lawyer or legal aid organization before you try to handle a divorce on your own.

Table of Contents

uncontested divorce in Oregon

1. What Is an Uncontested or Simple Divorce in Oregon?

In Oregon, divorce is officially called a dissolution of marriage. Oregon is a no-fault state, meaning a judge can grant a dissolution based on “irreconcilable differences” without requiring you to prove adultery, cruelty, or other fault.

An uncontested divorce in Oregon is a dissolution case where:

  • Both spouses agree the marriage should end, and
  • There is no active dispute over children, support, or property division that would require a contested hearing.

In practice, uncontested Oregon cases usually look like one of these:

  • Co-Petition (joint filing): you both file together as Co-Petitioners, which usually avoids formal service.
  • Standard filing (petitioner vs. respondent): one spouse files as the petitioner, and the other spouse (the respondent) either cooperates by signing appropriate uncontested paperwork, or does not contest after proper service.

Oregon also has a streamlined process called summary dissolution. Only couples who meet strict requirements can use it. Two common disqualifiers many people run into are: (1) the marriage length limit (often described as 10 years or less), and (2) restrictions related to owning real property (a home/land). Because these rules are strict and can change, always confirm eligibility using the current official summary dissolution packet before you invest time filling it out.

2. Who Qualifies for an Uncontested Divorce in Oregon?

Before you invest time in DIY forms, confirm you’re allowed to file in Oregon and that your situation fits an Oregon uncontested divorce.

2.1 Residency rules

In most cases, you can file in Oregon if:

  • At least one spouse has lived in Oregon for at least six months before filing, and
  • You file in the Circuit Court in a county where at least one spouse lives.

Some situations can add technical venue details. Always verify your specific filing location rules using official Oregon Judicial Department resources.

2.2 Grounds for divorce

Oregon is a no-fault state. The common ground is that there are irreconcilable differences and the marriage has broken down.

There is no universal rule requiring a certain separation period before filing. The key timing gate is usually residency, not “how long you’ve been separated.”

2.3 When is a case “uncontested” or “simple”?

A case is usually a good fit for a simple divorce in Oregon when:

  • You both agree the marriage should end.
  • You can agree on parenting arrangements (if applicable).
  • You can agree on child support and/or spousal support (if applicable).
  • You can agree on how to divide property, retirement, and debts.
  • Both of you are willing to sign paperwork and cooperate with the process.

2.4 Situations where uncontested divorce may not work

Uncontested divorce generally is not a good fit when:

  • There is domestic violence, coercion, or you feel unsafe.
  • You strongly disagree about parenting time, custody/decision making, or support.
  • There are complex assets (business ownership, multiple properties, large retirement accounts, stock options).
  • One of you is giving up a lot and you’re not sure if it’s fair.
  • There are serious immigration or tax consequences tied to the divorce.

In those situations, it’s wise to speak with a lawyer or legal aid before signing anything.

3. The Fastest Option: Co-Petition for Dissolution (Joint Filing)

If you and your spouse are amicable and ready to cooperate, Oregon’s Co-Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (often described in court packets as filing as co-parties) is a high value DIY path because it can remove the biggest friction point in divorce: service of process. When you file together, you generally do not have to serve the standard petition used in a petitioner/respondent case.

Think of Oregon uncontested divorce as two tracks:

  • Standard Divorce (Petitioner vs. Respondent): file → serve → wait for a response/appearance or uncontested agreement → submit judgment.
  • Co-Petition Divorce (Co-Petitioners / Co-Parties): file together → submit a stipulated package → court reviews → judge signs the General Judgment of Dissolution.

Why this matters: in a standard case, service can cost money (sheriff/process server) and add delay. In a co-petition case, you’re usually skipping that step because both spouses are already participating.

4. Step-by-Step Overview of the Uncontested Divorce Process

Every county has small local preferences, but most Oregon uncontested dissolutions follow the same basic structure. Oregon provides statewide packets and individual forms through the Oregon Judicial Department.

Step 1 – Choose your track: Co-Petition vs. standard filing

  • If you’re cooperative: seriously consider the Co-Petition / co-party route (fewer friction points, usually no service).
  • If you’re unsure your spouse will cooperate: the standard petitioner/respondent route may be safer procedurally (because it’s built around service and response deadlines).

Step 2 – Get agreement on kids, support, and property (in writing)

Even in a “simple” case, the court needs clear terms for:

  • Parenting arrangements (if applicable)
  • Child support (if applicable)
  • Spousal support (if applicable)
  • Property and debts

In Oregon uncontested cases, your agreement is often reflected directly in the final General Judgment of Dissolution. When both parties agree, it’s commonly a stipulated judgment (often described as a Stipulated General Judgment).

Step 3 – Prepare the required Oregon documents (including the “companion form” traps)

Exact document stacks vary by “with children” vs. “without children,” but Oregon DIY filers commonly see these required building blocks:

  • Petition (or Co-Petition) for Dissolution of Marriage (your opening document).
  • Confidential Information Form (CIF) (often one for each party).
  • Notice of Filing of Confidential Information Form (the required companion document that tells the other party you filed the CIF). In Oregon, you generally do not file only the CIF by itself.
  • Record of Dissolution of Marriage, Annulment or Registered Domestic Partnership (the Oregon Health Authority record used with the court process).
  • General Judgment of Dissolution of Marriage (the final order the judge signs).
  • Certificate re: Pending Child Support Proceedings and/or Existing Child Support Orders/Judgments (UTCR Form 8.090) (required in cases involving children, so the court knows if child support is already handled elsewhere).
  • Uniform Support Declaration (often required if you are requesting child support or spousal support; confirm in your current packet and local court instructions).

Why the CIF “Notice” matters: Oregon treats confidential info filings as a two step process: (1) you file the private CIF, and (2) you file and serve a public Notice that the CIF was filed. If the Notice is missing, clerks often reject the filing or you get delayed.

Privacy “CIF Companion Rule” (Mini Checklist): File the Confidential Information Form (CIF) (sealed/private) → file the Notice of Filing CIF (public) → serve the Notice on the other party.

Start with the latest official Oregon Judicial Department packets (they are updated and include step by step instructions and current form stacks).

Step 4 – File in the right Circuit Court (and pay the filing fee or request a waiver/deferral)

After signing and preparing your paperwork, you file with the Circuit Court in the correct county and pay the required filing fee (or apply for a fee waiver/deferral if you qualify).

Step 5 – Service of process (only in the standard track)

This is the step co-petitioners usually avoid.

  • Co-Petition cases: because you file together, you generally don’t need to serve the standard petition paperwork.
  • Standard cases: the petitioner must make sure the respondent is properly served (unless the respondent signs an appropriate acceptance/acknowledgment of service, when allowed).

Step 6 – Court review (desk review vs. brief hearing, depending on county and case type)

Many uncontested cases are decided mostly on paperwork, but some counties or case types may still require a short appearance. If anything is incomplete, the court may ask for corrections.

Step 7 – Final judgment: the General Judgment of Dissolution

If the judge approves your paperwork and terms, the court signs and enters the General Judgment of Dissolution. Once entered, your marriage is legally dissolved.

You can request certified copies from the clerk, and you should keep records for future name changes, refinancing, retirement division, and general proof of divorce.

5. Special Issues When You Have Children

If you have children under 18 (or certain children 18–20 still in school), Oregon’s “with children” packets require additional parenting and support information. The judge will look for clear, child focused terms and required attachments.

  • Child support jurisdiction check: Oregon commonly requires the Certificate re: Pending Child Support Proceedings and/or Existing Child Support Orders/Judgments (UTCR Form 8.090) so the court can confirm whether support is already being handled by another court or agency.
  • Support financial snapshot: If child support or spousal support is requested, Oregon packets often require a Uniform Support Declaration. Confirm the current requirement in the exact packet you are using and your county’s local rules.
  • Confidential information: If children are involved, the CIF and its companion Notice are still critical, because you must keep private data out of public filings.

Even in an uncontested case, the court can refuse to approve arrangements it believes are unsafe or not in a child’s best interests. If you have safety concerns or high conflict, talk to a lawyer or legal aid before filing.

6. How Long Does an Uncontested Divorce Take in Oregon?

Oregon does not have a universal “waiting period” after filing before a dissolution can be granted. Timing depends on paperwork quality, whether service is required (standard track), and how busy your local court is.

As a general expectation:

  • Fast cases: a few weeks in very simple, cooperative filings with complete paperwork.
  • Typical cases: one to three months (or more), especially with children or additional required documents.

If your goal is speed and you’re both cooperative, the Co-Petition path often removes the time and cost friction of service, which can help cases move more smoothly.

7. What Does an Uncontested Divorce Cost in Oregon?

A DIY uncontested divorce is usually far cheaper than a contested divorce with lawyers, but you should still plan for baseline court costs.

7.1 Court fees

Oregon filing fees are set by official fee schedules and can change. Many Oregon resources describe the dissolution filing fee as being around $300. Confirm the exact current amount with your county Circuit Court before filing (especially if you are filing electronically or requesting a waiver/deferral).

7.2 Other possible costs

  • Service of process costs (standard track only), if using a sheriff or process server
  • Notary fees (for documents requiring notarization)
  • Parenting class fees (if required in your county)
  • Mediation costs (optional, if you use it to reach agreement)
  • Certified copies of the General Judgment (if needed)

Co-Petition advantage: the biggest practical savings is often service of process, because co-petitioners usually don’t need formal service in the first place.

8. When a DIY Divorce Might Not Be Right for You

Many people successfully complete an Oregon uncontested dissolution on their own with careful reading and good organization. But DIY is risky when the facts are high stakes or safety is an issue.

Consider speaking with a lawyer or legal aid if:

  • There is a history of domestic violence or controlling behavior.
  • You feel pressured to sign documents you don’t understand.
  • You have a high conflict parenting situation.
  • You own a business or have complex assets/debts.
  • Either spouse has significant immigration or tax concerns tied to the divorce.
  • You’re unsure whether your proposed settlement is fair.

9. Where a Self-Help Divorce Kit Fits Into the Process

Oregon’s official forms and packets are the correct starting point, but they can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to choose between Co-Petition vs. standard filing, keep CIF rules straight, and assemble a clean stipulated judgment package.

A good Oregon uncontested divorce kit can help you:

  • Quickly choose the correct track (Co-Petition vs. standard) for your situation.
  • Stay organized with a form checklist and filing sequence.
  • Avoid common mistakes that cause delays (especially around confidential info handling and missing companion notices).
  • Use consistent wording so your Stipulated General Judgment reads clearly.
  • Track key steps (filing, service if needed, and submission of the proposed General Judgment of Dissolution).

PlainDivorce kits are built around uncontested cases and focus on guiding you through the paperwork and typical process. They do not replace legal advice, and they aren’t meant for complex or contested cases, but for many people, they can make a DIY divorce more manageable and less stressful.

Download Our Oregon Uncontested Divorce Self-Help Kit

10. Final Thoughts and Next Steps

Starting an uncontested divorce in Oregon can feel intimidating, but many people handle a simple dissolution successfully when they’re organized and realistic about what they can manage without legal advice.

As you decide your next steps:

  • Confirm you meet Oregon’s residency rules and you’re filing in the correct Circuit Court.
  • If you’re both cooperative, prioritize the Co-Petition for Dissolution track to reduce service friction.
  • Use the latest Oregon Judicial Department forms/packets (not old copies floating online).
  • Pay special attention to companion requirements like CIF + Notice of Filing of CIF.
  • If children are involved, confirm your child support companion forms, including the UTCR Form 8.090 certificate and any required support declarations.
  • Verify current fees and procedures right before filing, since Oregon updates fee schedules and forms over time.
  • Get legal help if anything feels unsafe, disputed, or financially complex.

Remember: PlainDivorce is not a law firm and cannot give you legal advice. This guide is general information only, and you should confirm current requirements using official Oregon sources or a local lawyer before you file.

About Harry D

Expert contributor at PlainDivorce, helping Canadians and American navigate simple uncontested divorces with clarity and confidence.