There are numerous types of family law matters which come before the court. Washington County family law matters include: adoption, custody, separation, and divorce/dissolution. Instructions and forms are available to download for free in the
Forms Library.
Important: Parents to children under the age of 17, who are a party to a Washington County case involving custody or parenting time, are required to participate in a family law education program per ORS 3.425. Register with Conciliation Services for the Court Mandated Mediation package at the
Washington County Mediation and Parent Education page.
While court staff can provide general information about court procedures,
ORS 9.160 prohibits court staff from giving legal advice. If you need legal advice, please contact an attorney.
Petitions for Adoption are filed with the domestic relations clerk. Adoption inquiries may be directed to the clerk's office. The court does not have forms available for adoptions. You should speak with an attorney for assistance.
The laws about parenting time and custody apply to both married and unmarried parents. Unmarried parents can ask the court to determine legal custody, parenting time or child support. Paternity must be established before you can file.
Please refer to the Forms Library and review the instructions for General Information and definitions.
Legal separation is an order from the court that can decide issues of property, debt, custody, parenting time, and support even though the parties are still legally married. Please refer to the Forms Library and review the instructions for Legal Separation General Information and definitions.
Dissolution of Marriage (Divorce) is a way to legally end a marriage. In the State of Oregon, the only reason you need to qualify for a divorce is that you and your spouse cannot get along. The law calls this "irreconcilable differences." Please refer to the Forms Library and review the instructions Dissolution for General Information and definitions.
Child Support
Child Support is money regularly paid by a parent to help support a child. The court can order child support to be paid until a child is 18, and in some instances, until a child turns 21. Child support can be ordered as part of a divorce, a separation or a custody and parenting time case. Oregon has guidelines for calculation of support. The guidelines consider many factors, including but not limited to, income of the parents, cost of childcare, and number of children. You may request assistance from the Division of Child Support by calling 1-800-850-0228, or visiting the web site or from the Family Law Assistance Program.
Judicial Contact Information and General Protocols
Family Law Judges
Standards of Practice for Lawyers Representing Children
Representing Children - Training Video