Reviewed August 2026
Cost and Filing Fees in Oregon
Filing a petition for dissolution of marriage in Oregon circuit court costs $301. This fee comes from the statewide schedule set by ORS 21.155(1), effective January 1, 2026. It applies to the first appearance by whichever spouse files first, the petitioner or a responding party. The amount stays the same in every Oregon county because state statute sets it, not local court order. A filer who cannot afford that amount can apply for a fee deferral or waiver through the Oregon Judicial Department's Forms Center. Beyond the filing fee, an Oregon divorce case's total cost depends on serving the other spouse, whether the case involves minor children and the required Parenting After Separation class, and how contested the case becomes.
Virdix's document-preparation product currently prepares divorce paperwork for California and Florida cases. This page explains how cost and filing fees works under Oregon law for people researching before they file. It is not legal advice, and Virdix does not prepare or file Oregon paperwork. See how Virdix works for California divorces.
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Circuit court filing fee
Oregon's 2026 circuit court fee schedule, effective January 1, 2026, sets the fee for a first appearance in a dissolution of marriage, annulment, or separation case at $301 under ORS 21.155(1). The same $301 fee applies under ORS 21.155(3) to a first appearance in a related proceeding to determine spousal or child support, or a proceeding to determine custody, support, or parenting time for a child. State statute sets these fees and publishes them in one statewide schedule, so the amount stays the same whether the case is filed in Multnomah, Lane, or any other Oregon county.
Fee deferral and waiver
Oregon courts allow a filer who cannot afford the required filing fee to apply for a fee deferral or waiver. Find the forms through the Oregon Judicial Department's Forms Center, in the Fee Deferral and Waiver section. A deferral postpones payment of the fee. A waiver can excuse it, depending on the filer's financial circumstances and what the court approves.
Serving the other spouse
After filing, Oregon requires the petition and summons to be served on the other spouse. This usually happens through a sheriff's office or a private process server, and both charge a fee separate from the court filing fee. If the other spouse voluntarily signs an acceptance of service, that cost goes away. When a spouse's whereabouts are unknown, service by publication is available, but it requires a court order and separate newspaper publication costs.
Parenting After Separation class
Oregon circuit courts generally require parents with minor children in a dissolution case to complete a Parenting After Separation class before the case can reach a final judgment on custody or parenting time. The Oregon Judicial Department's parenting program page describes this requirement. The local provider running the class typically sets and collects the fee, not the court itself, so the cost can vary between counties. Check with the circuit court in the county where the case is filed for current class providers and pricing, and ask about a fee reduction if you cannot afford it.
What makes an Oregon divorce cost more
The $301 filing fee and a basic service fee cover an uncontested dissolution where both spouses agree on the terms. A contested case costs more because it can require additional motions, discovery such as requests for financial records or depositions, mediation, and appraisals of real property, retirement accounts, or a business. It can also mean multiple hearings before a circuit court judge. Disputes over property division, spousal support, or parenting time are the most common reasons an Oregon divorce ends up costing significantly more than the base filing and service fees.
Sources: Oregon Judicial Department: 2026 Circuit Court Fee Schedule (effective 2026-01-01, PDF), Oregon Courts: Fees page, Oregon Courts: Fee Deferral and Waiver forms, Oregon Judicial Department: Parenting Program
Not independently confirmed
- Sheriff/process server service fee amounts by county
- Individual Parenting After Separation class provider prices by county
- Whether Oregon eCourt Case Information (OECI) e-filing carries a separate technology fee
Cost and Filing Fees in Oregon: frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to file for divorce in Oregon?+
Oregon's statewide circuit court fee schedule, effective January 1, 2026, sets the filing fee for a first appearance in a dissolution of marriage case at $301 under ORS 21.155(1). This single statutory fee applies the same way in every Oregon county, since state law sets it rather than local court order.
What if I can't afford the Oregon filing fee?+
Oregon courts let you apply for a fee deferral or waiver if you cannot afford to pay the required filing fee. Find the forms through the Oregon Judicial Department's Forms Center under Fee Deferral and Waiver. A deferral postpones payment. A waiver can excuse it, depending on your financial circumstances.
Does Oregon charge extra to serve my spouse with divorce papers?+
Yes. Serving the petition and summons through a sheriff's office or private process server costs money separate from the $301 filing fee, and the amount depends on the method and county. If your spouse signs an acceptance of service, you avoid this cost. If their whereabouts are unknown, service by publication requires a court order and separate newspaper costs.
Is the Parenting After Separation class required and how much does it cost in Oregon?+
Oregon circuit courts generally require parents with minor children in a dissolution case to complete a Parenting After Separation class before finalizing custody or parenting time. The local provider running the class typically sets the fee, not the court, so it varies by county. Check with your circuit court for current providers and pricing, and ask about a fee reduction if needed.
Does the Oregon filing fee differ for related support or custody proceedings?+
The $301 fee under ORS 21.155 applies to the first appearance in several related domestic relations proceedings. These include dissolution of marriage, a proceeding to determine spousal or child support under ORS 108.110 and 109.100, and a proceeding to determine custody, support, or parenting time under ORS 109.103. The fee schedule lists each separately but sets them at the same amount.
What makes an Oregon divorce cost more than the filing fee?+
Contested issues drive up the cost. Disputes over property division, spousal support, or parenting time can require additional motions, discovery, mediation, appraisals of real estate or business interests, and multiple hearings before a judge. An uncontested case where both spouses agree on the terms generally stays close to the filing fee and service costs.
This page is general information about cost and filing fees in Oregon, not legal advice for your situation. Laws, fees, and procedures change over time; confirm current details with Oregon's own courts before relying on anything here. Virdix is not a law firm and is not licensed to practice law in Oregon. Virdix does not prepare or file Oregon divorce paperwork. It is not a substitute for an attorney licensed in Oregon.
More Oregon divorce guides
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In the states Virdix serves, it guides you through that state's own court forms so your paperwork is complete and consistent before you file. If you're filing in Oregon, the resources above are the right place to start, and the form above will tell you the moment Virdix reaches your state.
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