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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

General

Generally, the answer is no. Communicating with a judge about your case or situation, without the other party present, is called "ex parte" contact.

Judges must remain neutral and can only communicate with all parties at the same time.

Yes. Call us at 503-325-8555, option 2 to set up a payment plan. 

More information about making payments and payment plans is available at Local Court Payments​

​Court clerks cannot give legal advice so we cannot tell you what to write on your forms or what you should do about your situation. We can answer general questions about court processes.

You may request copies of court documents or audio recordings of hearings by the completing the form here: Court Records

If your license is suspended because you owe the court money, you must either pay the full amount you owe or set up on a payment plan. Once you have set up a payment plan or have paid in full we will notify the DMV. The DMV may have other fees or requirements.

Civil

Instructions for landlords and many other useful forms can be found on the Landlord and Tenant forms center.

Please call 503-325-8555, option 4 then option 3 if you have questions about the process.​

Instructions and other useful forms can be found on the Name and Sex Change forms center.​

Please call 503-325-8555, option 4 then option 3 if you have questions about the process.​

Instructions and other useful forms can be found on the Protective Order forms center.

Please call 503-325-8555, option 6 then option 2 if you have questions about the process.​

Instructions and many other useful forms can be found on the Small Claims forms center

Please call 503-325-8555, option 4 then option 3 if you have questions about the process.​

Traffic/Violations

No. The only way to have your ticket dismissed is to go to trial and have a judge find you not guilty.​

You need to contact the court by the date on your ticket. That is the deadline to enter your plea. 

You can find options to resolve your ticket on our Violations webpage.​

​No. You may enter your plea any time prior to your appearance date in writing, by telephone, or in person at the courthouse. You have until 5:00 p.m. the following business day to contact the court and enter your plea. 

If you fail to contact the court within this time frame, a default judgment may be entered against you, and the full fine amount will be due and payable immediately.