Lincoln County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Lincoln County in 2026
LincolnORRecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Lincoln County, Oregon. Members of the public seeking dissolution of marriage records may find case numbers, filing dates, party names, and final judgment information through official court and state resources. Available record categories include divorce decrees, dissolution case files, court dockets, spousal support orders, property division documents, and parenting plan records.
Divorce records in Lincoln County may be searched through official resources including the Lincoln County Circuit Court clerk's office, public access terminals at the courthouse, the Oregon Judicial Department's online case search system, and the Oregon State Archives. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking these records.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Oregon Judicial Case Information Network (OJCIN) is the primary online tool for locating divorce case records statewide. OJCIN contains judgment dockets and the official Register of Actions from Oregon State Courts. Basic case information is available at no charge, while document copies require payment of applicable fees. This is the most common method for locating dissolution of marriage cases filed in Lincoln County.
2. Lincoln County Circuit Court Records Portal
The Lincoln County Circuit Court records page provides direct access to case information maintained by the 17th Judicial District. Members of the public may search by party name or case number to locate dissolution proceedings.
3. State Vital Records
Oregon does not issue divorce certificates through the Oregon Health Authority in the same manner as birth or death certificates; however, the Oregon Health Authority Vital Records office maintains statistical records of divorces registered in the state. The Oregon State Archives also offers research services for vital records, including divorce information, when the requester supplies the names of both parties, the approximate date of divorce, and the Oregon county where the dissolution was filed.
In-Person Searches
Clerk of Court — Lincoln County Circuit Court:
Lincoln County Circuit Court
225 W Olive St, Room 210
Newport, OR 97365
Phone: (541) 265-4236
Lincoln County Circuit Court
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
- Services available in person:
- Search dissolution case files by party name or case number
- View documents at public access terminals
- Request certified copies of final decrees and judgments
- Obtain staff assistance for locating archived records
By Mail
Written Request:
- Mail to: Lincoln County Circuit Court, 225 W Olive St, Room 210, Newport, OR 97365
- Include the following in the written request:
- Full names of both parties (including maiden names if applicable)
- Approximate date of divorce or filing year
- Case number, if known
- Requester's full name and contact information
- Purpose of request, if required
- Payment for copy fees (check or money order payable to Oregon Judicial Department)
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return of documents
- Processing time: Requests are processed within approximately 1–2 weeks, depending on volume and whether records require retrieval from archives.
By Phone
Limited Information Available:
- Clerk of Court: (541) 265-4236
- Staff may confirm:
- Whether a case exists in the system
- Case number and filing date
- Current case status
- Staff cannot provide:
- Detailed document contents by phone
- Copies of filed documents
- Confidential or restricted case information
Through Attorneys
An attorney licensed in Oregon may access dissolution case files on behalf of a client, including requesting documents that may require a showing of good cause for sealed materials. The Oregon State Bar's lawyer referral service connects members of the public with attorneys experienced in family law matters. Attorney access is particularly useful in complex cases involving sealed financial records, custody evaluations, or post-judgment enforcement proceedings.
Information Needed for Search
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses at the time of filing
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce or year of filing
- Case number, if previously obtained
Helpful Additional Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Previous addresses in Lincoln County
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
- Names of minor children (used to cross-reference parenting plan filings)
Search in Correct County
Dissolution of marriage proceedings in Oregon are filed in the circuit court of the county where either spouse resided at the time of filing. Under ORS § 107.035, venue for dissolution actions lies in the county of residence of either party. Members of the public who are uncertain of the filing county may need to search multiple counties. The county where the marriage ceremony occurred is not necessarily the county where the dissolution was filed.
Residency Requirement:
Oregon law requires that at least one spouse be a resident of Oregon for a minimum of six months prior to filing for dissolution of marriage, pursuant to ORS § 107.075. The dissolution is filed in the county where the resident spouse resides.
Time Considerations
Recent Divorces:
- Newly finalized cases may not appear in online systems immediately following the final hearing.
- Records are available within days to a few weeks after the court enters the final judgment.
- Members of the public should allow processing time before conducting an online search.
Older Divorces:
- Cases predating electronic filing may exist only in paper format.
- Archived records may require additional retrieval time.
- The Oregon State Archives maintains older vital records and may assist with historical dissolution research.
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common Issues:
- The dissolution was filed in a different Oregon county.
- Name variations exist between married and maiden names.
- Spelling differences in party names affect search results.
- The case remains pending and has not been finalized.
- Very old records have been transferred to archival storage.
- The case has been sealed by court order.
Next Steps:
- Contact the Lincoln County Circuit Court clerk at (541) 265-4236.
- Attempt alternate name spellings or maiden name searches.
- Search under both spouses' names.
- Check the Oregon State Archives for historical records.
- Consult a licensed Oregon family law attorney for assistance with sealed or difficult-to-locate records.
What Are Lincoln County Divorce Records?
Lincoln County divorce records are official court documents generated during dissolution of marriage proceedings filed in the Lincoln County Circuit Court, which serves as the 17th Judicial District of Oregon. These records are maintained by the clerk of court and constitute part of the permanent family law case file. As the Oregon Judicial Department notes, court records are official documents of the judicial branch and are subject to public access rules established under Oregon law.
Types of Divorce Records:
Court Case Files:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage
- Response or answer to the petition
- Financial affidavits submitted by both parties
- Parenting plans (when minor children are involved)
- Marital settlement agreements
- Motions, responses, and court orders
- Transcripts of court hearings (when prepared)
- Final judgment of dissolution of marriage
Final Decree:
The final judgment of dissolution is the official court order terminating the marriage. It serves as legal proof of divorce and establishes:
- The date the marriage was legally dissolved
- Division of marital property and allocation of debts
- Spousal support or alimony terms, if ordered
- Child custody and parenting time arrangements, if applicable
- Child support orders, if applicable
- Restoration of a former name, if requested
Certified copies of the final judgment are available through the Lincoln County Circuit Court clerk's office.
Supporting Documents:
- Original marriage certificate (submitted as exhibit)
- Financial disclosure documents
- Property inventories and appraisals
- Parenting plan modifications
- Post-judgment modification orders
Purpose of Divorce Records:
Legal Purposes:
- Establishing proof of marital status for remarriage
- Documenting name changes for government identification
- Supporting immigration proceedings requiring proof of prior marriage dissolution
- Facilitating property transfers ordered by the court
- Providing documentation for Social Security survivor or spousal benefit claims
- Supporting estate planning and beneficiary designation updates
Personal Purposes:
- Genealogical and family history research
- Personal record-keeping
- Verification of divorce terms for compliance purposes
Who Maintains Divorce Records:
The clerk of the Lincoln County Circuit Court serves as the primary custodian of all dissolution case files. The clerk indexes records by the names of both parties and provides certified copies upon request. The Oregon State Archives maintains historical vital records, including older divorce records, and offers research assistance services.
Legal Framework:
Dissolution of marriage proceedings in Oregon are governed by ORS Chapter 107, which establishes the grounds, procedures, and requirements for dissolving a marriage. Oregon is a no-fault dissolution state, meaning that irretrievable breakdown of the marriage is the sole ground required. Public access to court records is governed by the Oregon Uniform Trial Court Rules and Oregon's public records statutes.
Are Lincoln County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Lincoln County Circuit Court are public court records, accessible to any member of the public under Oregon's public records framework. Access is subject to specific restrictions designed to protect sensitive personal and financial information, as well as the privacy of minor children and domestic violence victims.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of both parties (petitioner and respondent)
- Names of attorneys of record
- Scheduled court hearing dates
- Court orders and judgments
- Final judgment of dissolution
- Property division orders
- General case status and docket entries
What May Be Restricted:
Financial Information:
- Social Security numbers are redacted from all publicly accessible documents under Oregon court rules.
- Bank account and credit card numbers are redacted.
- Detailed financial statements and tax returns may be subject to limited access upon court order.
Children's Information:
- Addresses where minor children reside may be withheld.
- Schools attended by minor children are not disclosed in public records.
- Medical and psychological evaluations of children may be sealed.
- Guardian ad litem reports are restricted from general public access.
- Child custody evaluation reports prepared by court-appointed evaluators are subject to restricted access.
Sensitive Personal Information:
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence may be sealed or redacted.
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment records are protected.
- Personal addresses and phone numbers of domestic violence victims are withheld pursuant to Oregon's address confidentiality program.
Sealed Records:
A court may seal all or part of a dissolution case file upon a showing of good cause. Cases involving allegations of abuse, high-profile parties, or confidential settlement terms may be subject to sealing orders. Mediation communications are confidential under Oregon law and do not become part of the public court record.
Who Can Access Records:
- General Public: May access most case information, view docket summaries, and obtain copies of public documents. Photo identification may be required at the clerk's office.
- Parties to the Case: Have full access to their own case file, including documents subject to restricted public access.
- Attorneys: May access case files on behalf of clients and may petition the court for access to sealed materials upon a showing of legitimate need.
- Researchers and Media: May access public portions of case files. Court permission is required to access sealed records, with First Amendment considerations applicable to media requests.
Prohibited Uses of Divorce Records:
- Stalking, harassment, or intimidation of any party
- Identity theft or fraudulent purposes
- Violation of existing protective orders
- Any use prohibited by Oregon statute or court order
Obtaining Confidential Records:
Members of the public seeking access to restricted or sealed portions of a dissolution case file must file a motion with the Lincoln County Circuit Court demonstrating a legitimate legal need. The court evaluates such requests on a case-by-case basis, applying a balancing test between the public interest in transparency and the privacy interests of the parties and their children.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Lincoln County?
The Lincoln County Circuit Court charges fees for copies and certified copies of court records in accordance with the Oregon Judicial Department's standard fee schedule. The following current fees apply:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copies of court documents (per page) | $0.25 per page |
| Certified copy of final judgment/decree | $5.00 per document |
| Certification fee (per document) | $5.00 |
| OJCIN online case search (registered users) | Subscription or per-search fee applies |
| In-person public access terminal search | No charge for viewing |
- Inspection of public court records at the courthouse public access terminal is available at no charge.
- Basic case information retrieved through the OJCIN online case search is available to registered users; fees apply for registered account access and document retrieval.
- Certified copies of the final judgment of dissolution, required for legal purposes such as remarriage or name change, carry a certification fee per document.
- Accepted payment methods at the Lincoln County Circuit Court clerk's office include cash, check, and money order payable to the Oregon Judicial Department. Credit card acceptance should be confirmed directly with the clerk's office.
- Fee waiver provisions may be available for indigent requesters. Members of the public seeking a fee waiver must submit a completed application to the clerk demonstrating financial hardship in accordance with Oregon court rules.
- No fee is charged for viewing documents at the courthouse public access terminal; fees apply only when copies are requested.
What's Included in Divorce Records in Lincoln County
A complete dissolution of marriage case file maintained by the Lincoln County Circuit Court contains the following categories of documents:
Basic Case Information:
- Case number, court name, and judicial division
- Names of petitioner and respondent
- Judge assigned to the case
- Attorneys of record for each party
- Date of filing and case type designation
Initial Pleadings:
Petition for Dissolution of Marriage:
- Identifying information for both parties
- Date and location of marriage
- Date of separation, if applicable
- Statement of irretrievable breakdown as grounds for dissolution
- Information regarding minor children, including names and dates of birth
- Claims regarding property division, spousal support, and child-related relief
Response/Answer:
- Respondent's admissions or denials
- Counterpetition, if filed
- Respondent's independent requests for relief
Financial Affidavits:
- Both parties' income from all sources
- Monthly living expenses
- Assets including real property, vehicles, bank accounts, investments, and retirement accounts
- Liabilities including mortgages, loans, and credit card debt
Discovery Documents:
- Financial disclosure documents including tax returns, pay stubs, and account statements
- Interrogatories and answers under oath
- Requests for production of documents and responses
- Business financial statements, if applicable
Property-Related Documents:
- Marital asset inventory with descriptions and estimated values
- Debt inventory
- Real property appraisals
- Business valuations
- Expert reports on asset values
Children-Related Documents (if applicable):
Parenting Plan:
- Legal custody (decision-making authority) designation
- Physical custody and primary residence designation
- Regular, holiday, summer, and vacation timesharing schedules
- Transportation and communication arrangements
- Decision-making responsibilities for education, healthcare, religion, and extracurricular activities
- Relocation restrictions
Child Support:
- Child support calculation worksheet using Oregon Child Support Guidelines
- Income information for both parents
- Number of overnights with each parent
- Health insurance and childcare cost allocations
- Support amount ordered and payment schedule
Custody Evaluations (if ordered):
- Reports from court-appointed psychologists or evaluators
- Home study findings
- Parenting assessments and recommendations (may be restricted from public access)
Support Documents:
Spousal Support:
- Type of support ordered (transitional, compensatory, or maintenance support under Oregon law)
- Amount and duration of support
- Payment schedule and method
- Modification and termination provisions
Settlement Documents:
- Marital settlement agreement resolving all contested issues
- Property division terms
- Debt allocation
- Mediation agreement, if the case was mediated (note: mediation communications themselves are confidential)
Court Orders and Judgments:
- Temporary orders for custody, support, and use of property
- Temporary restraining orders or protective orders, if issued
- Final judgment of dissolution of marriage, including all findings of fact, conclusions of law, and orders
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for division of retirement accounts, if applicable
Post-Judgment Documents (if applicable):
- Petitions to modify custody, parenting time, or support
- Court orders on modification requests
- Contempt motions and orders
- Income deduction orders for support enforcement
- Liens filed pursuant to support judgments
What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed:
- Social Security numbers (redacted from all public documents)
- Bank account and financial account numbers (redacted)
- Children's residential addresses and school information
- Domestic violence details (may be sealed upon motion)
- Mental health and substance abuse evaluation records
- Guardian ad litem reports
- Trade secrets contained in business valuations
- Mediation communications (confidential by statute)
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Lincoln County
Proof of divorce in Lincoln County is obtained through a certified copy of the final judgment of dissolution of marriage issued by the Lincoln County Circuit Court. A certified copy bears the court's official seal and the clerk's certification, making it acceptable for legal purposes including remarriage, name change on government identification, immigration proceedings, and Social Security benefit applications.
Steps to Obtain a Certified Copy:
- Identify the case by searching the OJCIN online case search system or by contacting the Lincoln County Circuit Court clerk directly at (541) 265-4236.
- Note the case number and the date the final judgment was entered.
- Submit a request to the clerk's office in person, by mail, or as directed by current court procedures.
- Pay the applicable certification fee of $5.00 per certified document plus $0.25 per page for copies.
- Receive the certified copy in person or by mail with a self-addressed stamped envelope.
Lincoln County Circuit Court
225 W Olive St, Room 210
Newport, OR 97365
Phone: (541) 265-4236
Lincoln County Circuit Court
For historical divorces or cases where the original court file has been transferred, the Oregon State Archives provides research services and may assist in locating older dissolution records. Requesters should supply the full names of both parties, the approximate date of divorce, and the county of filing.
Oregon Health Authority — Center for Health Statistics
800 NE Oregon St
Portland, OR 97232
Phone: (971) 673-1190
Oregon Vital Records and Certificates
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Lincoln County?
Dissolution of marriage proceedings in Lincoln County are presumptively public court records; however, Oregon law and court rules permit certain records or portions of records to be treated as confidential under specific circumstances.
Circumstances Under Which Divorce Records May Be Confidential:
- Domestic violence cases: When a party is a victim of domestic violence, the court may seal residential addresses, contact information, and related evidence to protect the safety of the victim and minor children.
- Sealed financial records: Tax returns, detailed financial statements, and account information may be subject to restricted access upon court order, though basic financial affidavits remain part of the public file.
- Children's information: Under Oregon court rules, information identifying the residential addresses, schools, and medical providers of minor children is protected from general public disclosure.
- Mental health and substance abuse records: Evaluations and treatment records submitted in dissolution proceedings are restricted from public access.
- Guardian ad litem and custody evaluation reports: Reports prepared by court-appointed evaluators and guardians ad litem are not available to the general public without a court order.
- Mediation communications: Oregon law renders mediation communications confidential and they do not become part of the public court record.
- Court-ordered sealing: Any party may petition the court to seal all or part of a case file upon a demonstrated showing of good cause, such as protection of trade secrets or sensitive personal information.
Members of the public seeking access to sealed records must file a motion with the Lincoln County Circuit Court and demonstrate a legitimate legal basis for access under Oregon court rules.
How Long Does Lincoln County Keep Divorce Records?
The Lincoln County Circuit Court retains dissolution of marriage records in accordance with Oregon's court records retention schedules established by the Oregon Judicial Department and the Oregon State Archives.
Retention Periods:
- Active and recently closed dissolution cases: Retained permanently by the circuit court in electronic or paper format. Final judgments of dissolution are considered permanent records of the court.
- Complete case files: Oregon circuit courts retain dissolution case files for a minimum of ten years following the close of the case, after which files may be transferred to the Oregon State Archives or microfilmed for long-term preservation.
- Final judgments and decrees: Retained permanently as part of the court's judgment docket. These records do not expire and remain accessible indefinitely.
- Post-judgment modification records: Retained as part of the original case file and subject to the same retention schedule as the underlying dissolution proceeding.
- Archived records: Cases transferred to the Oregon State Archives remain accessible through the State Archives research services, which assist researchers in locating historical dissolution records.
- Electronic records: Cases filed electronically through Oregon's eCourt system are maintained in the court's electronic case management system and are subject to the same permanent retention requirements as paper records.
Members of the public seeking records from cases closed more than ten years ago should contact both the Lincoln County Circuit Court clerk and the Oregon State Archives to determine the current location of the file.