Reviewed August 2026
Court Hearings in Oregon
Once an Oregon divorce case is filed, either spouse can file a motion asking the circuit court to set temporary rules while the case is pending. ORS 107.095 lets the court make a range of provisions after the case starts and before final judgment. This includes temporary support, parenting time, use of property, and attorney's fees. Oregon also has a specific process for urgent custody situations. ORS 107.097 allows a court to issue an ex parte temporary custody or parenting time order, or a temporary status quo order, before the other parent has been heard. The law requires a prompt hearing afterward, so that parent can respond. Oregon's circuit courts handle divorce cases statewide. The Oregon Judicial Department offers remote hearing options and free family law facilitators to help self-represented spouses navigate motions and hearings.
Virdix's document-preparation product currently prepares divorce paperwork for California and Florida cases. This page explains how court hearings 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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Temporary relief under ORS 107.095
ORS 107.095 lists the provisions a court may make after a divorce suit begins and before judgment is entered. This includes temporary support for a spouse or children, temporary custody and parenting time, use of the marital home or other property, restraining orders, and attorney's fees needed to pursue or defend the case. A spouse requests this relief by motion within the pending case. The order stays in effect only while the case remains open.
Ex parte custody orders and the required hearing
ORS 107.097 addresses situations where a parent needs an urgent custody or parenting time order before the other parent can be heard. It allows the court to issue an ex parte temporary custody or parenting time order, or a temporary prejudgment status quo order, without advance notice to the other party. This relief is granted without the other parent's input. Because of that, the statute requires a hearing afterward. That gives the affected parent a chance to respond, and the court a chance to review whether the temporary order should continue.
Where cases are heard
Oregon divorce and family law cases are filed and heard in circuit court, in the county where the case is properly filed. Oregon does not run a separate statewide family court. Circuit court judges handle divorce, custody, and support matters as part of their docket, following each county's local rules for scheduling motions and hearings.
Remote hearings
The Oregon Judicial Department publishes information about remote hearings and offers online services related to them. This reflects broad use of video and phone appearances in circuit court matters, including family law. Whether a specific hearing is remote, in person, or hybrid depends on the assigned judge and the county. Checking the court's remote hearing information or the notice of hearing beforehand is the reliable way to confirm the format.
Family law facilitators and self-represented parties
Many Oregon circuit courts have family law facilitators. They provide free information, forms guidance, and navigation help to people representing themselves in family law cases. Facilitators can meet in person at the courthouse, and many also offer help by phone or video. They can explain general procedures and instructions. But they cannot tell a party what to do, predict what a judge will decide, or represent that party in court. Contact information for facilitators is organized by county through the Oregon Judicial Department's family law resources.
Sources: Oregon Revised Statutes Chapter 107, sections 107.095 (provisions court may make before judgment) and 107.097 (ex parte temporary custody and parenting time orders; hearing), Oregon Judicial Department, Self-Help Center, family law and remote hearing information
Not independently confirmed
- The full statutory text of ORS 107.095 and ORS 107.097 was confirmed to exist at the cited section numbers and titles via the chapter index, but the complete body text of each section was not independently re-extracted in full during this session; confirm current wording at oregonlegislature.gov before publishing.
- County-by-county availability of family law facilitators and remote hearing formats was not verified county by county for this page.
Court Hearings in Oregon: frequently asked questions
What temporary relief can I request in an Oregon divorce?+
Under ORS 107.095, a court can order temporary support, temporary custody and parenting time, use of the marital home or other property, restraining orders, and attorney's fees while the case is pending. You request this by motion within the pending case.
Can an Oregon court grant temporary custody without notifying the other parent first?+
Yes, in urgent situations. ORS 107.097 allows an ex parte temporary custody or parenting time order, or a temporary status quo order, without advance notice. Because the other parent has not been heard, the law requires a hearing afterward so that parent can respond.
Which court hears divorce cases in Oregon?+
Circuit court, in the county where the case is properly filed. Oregon does not have a separate statewide family court; circuit judges handle divorce and custody matters following each county's own local rules for scheduling.
Can I appear remotely at an Oregon divorce hearing?+
The Oregon Judicial Department offers remote hearing information and online services, and video or phone appearances are common in circuit court family law matters. Whether a specific hearing is remote depends on the judge and county, so check the notice of hearing or the court's remote hearing page beforehand.
What is a family law facilitator in Oregon?+
A court-connected resource that gives free information, forms help, and procedural guidance to self-represented parties in family law cases. Facilitators can meet in person, by phone, or by video, but cannot tell you what to do or predict how a judge will rule.
Is a temporary order the same as the final divorce judgment in Oregon?+
No. Temporary orders under ORS 107.095 or ORS 107.097 govern only the period while the case is pending. The final judgment, entered later, sets the permanent terms for custody, support, and property division.
This page is general information about court hearings 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
Virdix currently serves California and Florida
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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