Clackamas County Court Records Search
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Clackamas County stretches from the southeastern suburbs of Portland through the foothills of the Cascade Range, with Oregon City — the historic end of the Oregon Trail — serving as the county seat. The county’s court system centers on the Clackamas County Circuit Court, a state trial court of general jurisdiction within the Fifth Judicial District. This single circuit court handles all criminal, civil, family law, probate, and juvenile matters arising in the county. In addition, a county-operated Justice Court and more than a dozen municipal courts process traffic violations, lesser offenses, and small civil disputes within their respective jurisdictions. The Clackamas County Circuit Court Clerk, housed in the courthouse’s Public Service Center, is the official custodian of all circuit court case files.
Those researching Oregon court records can access information through several official channels, including clerk offices, in-courthouse terminals, and online tools maintained by the Oregon Judicial Department. OregonCourts.us may assist users in identifying correct courts, locating publicly available case data, and finding applicable forms and fee schedules. Locally, the Clackamas County Circuit Court publishes record request instructions and fee details, and maintains a staffed records counter for walk-in visitors.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Clackamas County?
Case information in Clackamas County can be found online, in person, or through written requests. The best method depends on the level of detail needed and the type of record sought.
Free Online Tools
The Oregon Judicial Department provides free access to court calendars and basic case information through its OJD Records and Calendar Search page. Users can look up upcoming hearing dates, case status, and party names for Clackamas County Circuit Court cases by entering a name or case number. The separate Smart Search portal offers a streamlined interface for the same data. These tools do not display full document images.
OJCIN OnLine (Subscription Access)
For deeper research, the Oregon Judicial Case Information Network (OJCIN) provides subscriber access to judgment dockets, the official Register of Actions, and filed documents in PDF format for all Oregon circuit courts. OJCIN requires a paid subscription; the fee schedule is published by the Oregon Judicial Department. Subscriber support can be reached at (800) 858-9658.
In-Person Access
The Circuit Court’s Records Center is located on the first floor of the courthouse in the Public Service Center, Room 1060. Public-access terminals are available for searching case information at no charge during counter hours. Staff can assist with locating files and processing copy requests.
Clackamas County Circuit Court
Address: 1000 Courthouse Road, Oregon City, OR 97045
Phone: (503) 655-8447
Building Hours: 7:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday – Friday
Public Service Counter: 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., Monday – Friday
Email: cla.court.info@ojd.state.or.us
Mail and Email Requests
Individuals who cannot visit the courthouse or search online may submit the Public Records Request Form electronically, or mail a written request to:
Clackamas County Circuit Court
1000 Courthouse Road, Room 1060
Oregon City, OR 97045
Include the case name, case number, a description of the documents needed, and whether certification or exemplification is requested. If mailing, enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope and a check payable to the State of Oregon. If the exact copy cost is unknown, write “Not to Exceed” and a maximum dollar amount in the memo line; staff will fill in the actual amount.
Copy Fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copies | $0.25 per page |
| Certified copy | $5.00 per document (plus per-page charge) |
| Exemplified copy | $10.00 per document (plus per-page charge) |
| Court recording copy | $10.00 per request (plus media cost if applicable) |
The court accepts credit/debit cards, personal checks, cashier’s checks, money orders, and cash (do not mail cash). Additional charges may apply for staff time spent locating, compiling, reviewing, and redacting records in response to complex or voluminous requests.
Are Court Records Public in Clackamas County?
Oregon law establishes a strong presumption that court records are open to the public. Under the Oregon Public Records Law (ORS 192.311 to 192.478), every person has the right to inspect and obtain copies of public records, including court files, unless a specific exemption applies. Inspection of records at the courthouse is free of charge; fees apply only when copies are requested.
Several categories of records are exempt from public disclosure or subject to restricted access:
- Sealed records. A court may seal a case file or specific documents by order. Sealed records cannot be viewed by the public without a motion to unseal and a court ruling.
- Juvenile proceedings. Records in juvenile delinquency, dependency, and related cases are confidential under ORS Chapter 419A and may be expunged upon application.
- Adoption records. Adoption files are confidential under ORS 109.289. A motion and filing fee are required to inspect sealed adoption records.
- Mental health and competency records. Certain evaluations and reports related to mental health proceedings are exempt.
- Personal identifiers. Social Security numbers, dates of birth, financial account numbers, and other confidential personal information must be redacted under Uniform Trial Court Rule (UTCR) 2.110. The court charges $25 per case plus $1 per page reviewed for redaction and segregation of confidential material.
- Grand jury proceedings. Transcripts and evidence are confidential unless released by court order.
- ORS 192.345 and 192.355 exemptions. These statutes list additional categories of conditionally and unconditionally exempt records, including certain law enforcement investigative materials, trade secrets, and attorney-client communications.
If a requested record is partially exempt, the court will redact the exempt portions and release the remainder. Any denial must cite the specific legal authority for the exemption.
Clackamas County Criminal Court Records
All felony and misdemeanor criminal cases in Clackamas County are adjudicated by the Circuit Court. The Clackamas County Justice Court and various municipal courts handle violations and certain lesser offenses within their jurisdictions.
Searching Criminal Case Records
Criminal case data — including charges, hearing dates, dispositions, and sentencing information — can be searched at no cost through the OJD’s Smart Search and eCourt Calendar portals. Enter the defendant’s name or case number. For document-level access, an OJCIN OnLine subscription provides judgment dockets and filed pleadings in PDF format.
In-person searches are available at the Records Center (Room 1060) during counter hours. Copies of criminal complaints, indictments, orders, plea documents, and judgments can be obtained for the standard per-page fee.
Arrest and Custody Records
Arrest records are maintained by the arresting law enforcement agency, not the courts. The Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office operates a public records request portal (account registration required) and publishes a searchable warrant and inmate roster.
Clackamas County Sheriff’s Office
Address: 2223 Kaen Road, Oregon City, OR 97045
Phone: (503) 785-5000
Individual city police departments within the county (Oregon City, Lake Oswego, Milwaukie, West Linn, and others) maintain their own arrest and incident records, which must be requested from the respective agency.
Oregon State Police Background Checks
Statewide criminal history checks are administered by the Oregon State Police through the Law Enforcement Data System. Individuals and authorized employers may also obtain fingerprint-based background checks through the Oregon Attorney General’s office or licensed third-party channelers. Contact the Oregon State Police at (503) 378-3720 for information on fees and procedures.
Setting Aside Convictions
Oregon permits the setting aside (expungement) of certain convictions, arrests, and charges under ORS 137.225. There is no filing fee for a motion to set aside a conviction or arrest in circuit court. Eligibility and waiting periods depend on the offense type.
Clackamas County Civil Court Records
The Clackamas County Circuit Court has jurisdiction over all civil actions filed in the county, including tort and contract claims, property disputes, foreclosures, injunctions, and landlord-tenant matters. The Clackamas County Justice Court handles small claims and civil cases involving amounts up to $10,000.
Circuit Court Civil Filing Fees (Effective January 1, 2026)
Filing fees are established by statute and apply statewide. Key fees under ORS 21.160 and the circuit court fee schedule include:
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Tort/contract — claim $10,000 or less | $170 |
| Tort/contract — claim $10,001–$49,999 | $283 |
| Tort/contract — claim $50,000–$999,999 | $594 |
| Tort/contract — claim $1M–$9.99M | $884 |
| Tort/contract — claim $10M or more | $1,178 |
| Civil action (equitable remedies only) | $281 |
| Standard civil action (no other fee statute applies) | $281 |
| Residential FED (eviction) — plaintiff | $88 (plus trial fee) |
| Commercial FED — first appearance | $281 (plus trial fee) |
Fee deferral or waiver applications must be submitted to the collection clerk by 11:30 a.m. on the day of filing.
Justice Court Civil Cases and Small Claims
The Clackamas County Justice Court handles civil disputes up to $10,000 and small claims, as well as traffic violations and misdemeanors.
Justice Court
Address: 11750 SE 82nd Avenue, Suite D, Happy Valley, OR 97086
Phone: (503) 794-3800
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (public counter 9:00 a.m.–noon and 1:00–4:00 p.m.)
Selected Justice Court fees include small claims filing at $37 (claim $2,500 or less) or $102 (claim over $2,500), civil action filing at $90, and paper copies at $3.75 plus $0.25 per page.
Forms and E-Filing
Court forms for civil matters are available on the Clackamas County Circuit Court forms page. Oregon State Bar members must file electronically under UTCR 21.140. Self-represented litigants may file conventionally by mail, at the first-floor filing window, or through the courthouse drop box (submissions by 5:00 p.m. are deemed filed that day).
Clackamas County Family Court Records
The Clackamas County Circuit Court adjudicates all family law matters, including dissolution of marriage (divorce), legal separation, child custody and parenting time, child support, parentage (paternity), domestic violence restraining orders, and adoption. The court’s Family Law division page provides procedural guides, local rules, and self-help resources.
Accessing Family Court Records
Family court case records are maintained by the Circuit Court Clerk and can be accessed through the same methods used for other case types:
- In person — Use the public-access terminals in the Public Service Center (Room 1060) to search case registers at no charge.
- Online — Basic case information is available through OJD’s free search tools; OJCIN subscribers can view filed documents.
- Written request — Submit the Public Records Request Form by email or mail.
Certain family court records are restricted. Adoption files are sealed under ORS 109.289 and require a court motion and fee to inspect. Juvenile dependency and delinquency records are confidential. Domestic violence restraining order petitions are filed without charge to the petitioner (ORS 107.718), and victim address information is protected.
Domestic Relations Filing Fees
Under ORS 21.155, the first appearance filing fee for divorce, annulment, separation, parentage, and related proceedings is $301. Supplemental judgment motions cost $167 under ORS 21.205. No filing, hearing, or service fee is charged for domestic violence restraining order petitions. Cases involving less than $50,000 in disputed property may be ordered into arbitration under Supplemental Local Rule (SLR) 8.017; contested custody, parenting time, or support issues require some form of dispute resolution.
Self-Help Resources
The court’s Family Law Self-Help Program provides procedural assistance to unrepresented parties. A Family Law Motion Processing Guide explains how to file Orders to Show Cause and modification motions. The Oregon Department of Justice Division of Child Support assists with establishing, modifying, and enforcing child support orders.
Marriage Records
Marriage licenses in Clackamas County are issued by the Clackamas County Clerk’s Recording Division, not the courts. Both applicants must appear in person.
Recording Division
Address: 1710 Red Soils Court, Oregon City, OR 97045
Phone: (503) 655-8659
Selected Recording Division fees:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Marriage license | $60.00 |
| Waiver of 3-day waiting period | $15.00 |
| Wedding ceremony (performed by County Clerk) | $117.00 |
| Marriage license amendment | $20.00 |
| Copy of recorded record (search + first page) | $4.00 |
| Each additional page | $0.25 |
| Certification of copies | $3.75 |
Birth and Death Records
Vital records are managed by the Clackamas County Vital Records office, not the courts. Certified copies of birth and death certificates cost $25 each and can be ordered online or in person at:
Vital Records Office
Address: 2051 Kaen Road #367, Oregon City, OR 97045
Phone: (503) 655-8406
Access to recent birth and death records (less than 100 years old) is restricted under Oregon law to individuals with a direct and tangible interest, such as immediate family members or legal representatives. Statewide records may also be obtained through the Oregon Health Authority’s Vital Records program.
Clackamas County Probate Court Records
Probate matters in Clackamas County are handled by the Probate Department of the Circuit Court. This department processes estate administration (both full and simple estates), protective proceedings (guardianships and conservatorships), and trust matters.
Types of Probate Proceedings
Oregon law provides for several paths depending on the size and complexity of the estate:
- Full estate administration — Required when the decedent’s assets do not qualify for simplified procedures. The court appoints a personal representative, who is responsible for gathering assets, paying creditors, filing tax returns, and distributing remaining property. A petition for appointment of a personal representative must be filed, and a bond is generally required (SLR 9.055).
- Simple estate affidavit — Under ORS 114.505 to 114.560, smaller estates may avoid full probate through a simple estate affidavit. The filing fee is $124.
- Guardianship — For a living person who cannot manage medical or personal decisions. The filing fee for a petition for appointment of a guardian is $124. A court-appointed visitor investigates and files a report.
- Conservatorship — For managing the financial affairs of an incapacitated person. Filing fees are scaled by estate value (see below).
Probate Filing Fees (Circuit Court, Effective January 1, 2026)
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Petition for personal representative — estate under $50,000 | $278 |
| Petition for personal representative — estate $50,000–$999,999 | $591 |
| Petition for personal representative — estate $1M–$9.99M | $882 |
| Petition for personal representative — estate $10M+ | $1,176 |
| Simple estate affidavit | $124 |
| Petition for guardian | $124 |
| Petition for conservator — estate under $50,000 | $278 |
| Petition for conservator — estate $50,000–$999,999 | $591 |
| Certified copies of letters testamentary/administration | $5.00 + $0.25/page |
Searching Probate Records
Probate cases are searchable through OJD’s free online search tools by case number or party name. OJCIN OnLine subscribers can view the full Register of Actions and filed PDFs. The Probate Clerk can also be contacted directly at (503) 655-8447, option 7, for case-specific inquiries.
Fiduciary Education Requirement
Under SLR 9.076, nearly all appointed fiduciaries in Clackamas County must complete an education class administered by Guardian Partners. The class is pre-recorded and can be taken at the attendee’s convenience. The registration fee is considered a cost of administration.
Probate Forms
The Probate Department provides a limited set of local probate forms for common filings. Additional forms may be drafted with the assistance of an attorney, a legal document preparer, or through resources at the Clackamas County Law Library, which is located in the courthouse building. The court’s Supplemental Local Rules contain specific requirements for probate filings, including SLR 9.055 (bonding) and SLR 9.085 (competency of unrepresented fiduciaries).