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Preparing Your Own Divorce
Eligibility to file in Deschutes County
Two conditions must be met to be eligible to file for divorce in Deschutes County:
- You must have lived in Oregon for the last six (6) months
- One party must be a resident of Deschutes County.
Other Requirements
If you are filing for a Dissolution (divorce) and have children or are unmarried parents involved in a custody case, you are required to attend the Seminar for Divorcing Parents.
If you reside outside of Oregon or have an extenuating circumstance that would prevent you from attending the Seminar for Divorcing Parents in person, or need to take the class offered in Spanish, you may be eligible to attend a program for divorcing parents that is presented on-line. Consistent with local Rule 8.46, you must submit a motion and affidavit to the court in order to be considered for this on-line alternative. Program information is provided through the link below.
Orientation and forms
Two options exist to help you understand and meet the requirements to complete a self-represented divorce:
1. Attend an orientation session with the court facilitator
2. Register for and complete an online orientation
Self-Represented Court Facilitator
To schedule an orientation session or find out more information about the process, contact the self-represented court facilitator. The facilitator's office is in the first floor of the Justice Building in downtown Bend:
Address: 1100 NW Bond Street, Bend, Oregon 97701
Phone: (541) 388-5300, extension 2620.
Hours:
Monday/Wednesday, 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday/Thursday,
Co-petitioners - by appointment only: 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
The facilitator is not an attorney, therefore NO LEGAL ASSISTANCE or ADVICE, will be provided. The facilitator is available to assist in the completion of the forms and provide information regarding Deschutes County Circuit Court’s policies and procedures.
Online Orientation
A new option now available is an on-line orientation session that will assist you with the process of correctly filling out the required forms.
If you choose to take advantage of the online orientation option you must print out all of the necessary forms before you begin. Please review the available forms carefully to insure you select the correct forms that pertain to your specific circumstance. Once you have printed out the necessary forms, including the registration form (the registration form must be signed and submitted along with your dissolution forms). Each of the modules must be viewed in its entirety and in the correct order to ensure you fill out all of the required paperwork correctly. Any documents filled out incorrectly may be cause for the judge to refuse them and for you to be required to attend a three hour orientation class at the courthouse.
Please remember that court staff are not allowed to provide you with any legal advice. This orientation is only to assist you with filling out the required paperwork correctly. There are written directions provided with each set of forms. If you find they do not answer all of your questions you may need to consult with an attorney or refer to legal aid.
More Information
An overview video is available to help you understand the process.