How to Divorce Without a Lawyer in Portland, OR (2025 Guide)

You can get divorced without a lawyer in Portland—especially if your case is uncontested and you and your spouse agree on major issues like property, parenting time, and support. Oregon law allows you to represent yourself (pro se), and Multnomah County processes thousands of no-lawyer divorces every year.

This guide walks you through the exact steps, forms, timelines, and costs to complete a DIY divorce in Portland, OR.

Can You Really Divorce Without a Lawyer in Portland?

Yes. Many Portland couples complete their divorce without hiring attorneys, especially when the case is uncontested.

A no-lawyer divorce works best when both spouses agree on:

• Division of assets & debts

• Custody & parenting time

• Child support

• Spousal support (maintenance)

• Health insurance & tax matters

When disagreements arise, mediation offers an affordable, fast alternative to attorney-led litigation.

Which Type of Divorce Works Best Without a Lawyer in Oregon?

Oregon offers two options that work well for DIY filers:

✔ Short-Form Summary Dissolution

Fastest + simplest

• Must meet eligibility (shorter marriage, limited assets, no real estate, no children)

• Ideal for couples with simple situations

✔ Standard Uncontested Divorce

• Most common for DIY cases

• Includes a full Settlement Agreement

• Works even with kids or property, as long as both spouses agree

How to Divorce Without a Lawyer in Portland: Step-by-Step

1. Meet Oregon’s Residency Requirement

To file in Portland/Multnomah County:

• One spouse must have lived in Oregon for 6 months,
  OR

• You married in Oregon and at least one spouse lives in the state now

Oregon is a no-fault divorce state using “irreconcilable differences.”

2. Complete the Required Oregon Divorce Forms

Forms differ depending on whether you have kids and whether you qualify for a summary dissolution.

Forms for Summary Dissolution (if eligible):

• Petition for Summary Dissolution

• Summary Dissolution Judgment

• Marital Settlement Agreement

Forms for Standard Uncontested Divorce:

• Petition for Dissolution (with or without children)

• Summons (if not filing jointly)

• Confidential Information Form

• Notice of Social Security Numbers

• Parenting Plan (if children)

• Child Support Worksheets

• Marital Settlement Agreement

• General Judgment of Dissolution

Divorce.com™ prepares all Oregon + Multnomah County compliant forms for you automatically.

3. File Your Petition With the Multnomah County Circuit Court

Portland divorces are filed at:

Multnomah County Circuit Court – Family Law
1200 SW 1st Ave, Portland, OR 97204

You may file:

• In person

• By mail

• Electronically via the Oregon eFiling system

Filing Fee (2025):

• ~$301–$337 depending on the case type

Fee waivers and deferrals are available.

4. Serve Your Spouse (Unless Filing Jointly)

If filing jointly, service is not required.

If filing alone, your spouse must be served by:

• Sheriff

• Process server

• Anyone 18+, not involved in the case

• Certified mail (limited situations)

Your spouse then has 30 days to respond.

Many uncontested couples simply sign an Acceptance of Service to avoid delays.

5. Exchange Required Financial Information

Both spouses must exchange:

• Income information

• Property & assets

• Debts

• Tax returns

• Retirement accounts

• Expense details

This ensures the Settlement Agreement is complete and fair.

6. Prepare a Comprehensive Settlement Agreement

Your Settlement Agreement must address:

• Real property division

• Vehicles, bank accounts, investments

• Debt allocation

• Parenting time & decision-making (if children)

• Child support

• Spousal support

• Insurance and tax obligations

Both spouses sign the agreement before submitting final paperwork.

7. Submit Your Final Judgment Packet

Your final packet typically includes:

• General Judgment of Dissolution

• Parenting Plan (if applicable)

• Child support documents

• Settlement Agreement

• Proof of Service (if required)

Many uncontested cases do not require a hearing.

8. Finalize Your Divorce

Once approved:

• A judge signs your General Judgment of Dissolution

• The clerk enters it into the court record

• Your divorce is legally final

How Long Does a DIY Divorce Take in Portland?

• Summary dissolution: 4–8 weeks

• Uncontested standard divorce: 6–12 weeks

• Contested divorce: 6–18+ months

Oregon has no mandatory waiting period beyond service requirements.

How Much Does It Cost to Divorce Without a Lawyer in Portland?

DIY Divorce Costs

• Filing fee: $301–$337

• Service: $40–$120

• Notary: $5–$10

Online Divorce Services

• $499–$999

Attorney Fees

• $300–$500/hour

• Uncontested: $4,000–$8,000+

• Contested: $12,000–$25,000+

DIY or online filing offers the most cost savings.

Benefits of Divorcing Without a Lawyer in Portland

✔ Save thousands in attorney fees

✔ Faster than litigation

✔ Predictable Multnomah County process

✔ Ideal for amicable spouses

✔ Online tools simplify the paperwork

Common DIY Divorce Mistakes in Portland

Avoid:

• Using outdated Oregon court forms

• Incorrect or incomplete Settlement Agreements

• Filing before completing financial disclosures

• Missing required parenting documents

• Service errors

• Not understanding summary dissolution eligibility

Divorce.com™ ensures court-ready accuracy.

Get Help Filing Your Portland Divorce Without a Lawyer

Divorce.com™ helps Portland couples complete uncontested divorces quickly and affordably.

Why Portland residents choose Divorce.com™:

• Oregon + Multnomah County–approved forms

• Guided online questionnaire

• Optional attorney review

• Clear instructions for filing and service

• Transparent flat-fee pricing

Start your Portland divorce today and avoid unnecessary legal fees.