How to Get Divorce Records From Oregon

An individual may need a copy of his divorce certificate to provide proof of divorce for a legal purpose such as remarriage. Alternatively, a family historian may like to collect divorce records as part of a genealogy or family tree project. In Oregon, the Department of Human Services tracks all vital events in the state, including all marriages and divorces, through the Center for Health Statistics. The CHS, also known as Oregon Vital Records, allows members of the public to get divorce records. CHS limits access to certain interested parties and for specific purposes during the first 50 years after the divorce occurred.

• 1

  Confirm your eligibility to request a divorce certificate, as the CHS restricts who can get a copy within the first 50 years following the divorce---eligible requests can come from the ex-spouses and family members, their attorneys, other parties with personal or property rights, government agencies and parties engaging in other CHS-specified purposes. Submit a notarized letter with permission from an eligible requesting party if you do not qualify yourself.

• 2

  Pick a method for submitting your request, as CHS accepts orders by mail, telephone, fax, Internet and in person. Prepare a Divorce Record Request Form unless you have chosen to submit all necessary information over the Internet using the VitalChek online service. Proceed to the VitalChek website approved by Oregon Vital Records if you have chosen to order and pay online.

• 3

  Write the number of certified copies needed at the top of the Divorce Record Request Form. Complete the form with all requested information, including the full name of the husband and maiden name of the wife, date of the divorce, and name of the county granting the divorce. State your name, contact information and relationship to the ex-spouses. Explain the reason why you need a copy of the divorce certificate. Write your mailing address in the space at the bottom of the form where you can create your own mailing label.

• 4

  Submit the form to CHS using your selected method---if ordering divorce records by mail (see Resources), attach a check or money order made out to DHS/Vital Records for the total cost of your order, depending on the number of requested certified copies. Order by telephone at 971-673-1190 or fax your completed form to 503-234-8417. Provide your credit card information when requested to do so by the Vital Records office if ordering by telephone or fax.