Klamath County Court Records
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Klamath County sits in south-central Oregon, with Klamath Falls as the county seat. Its court system includes the Circuit Court, which handles the widest range of cases, a Justice Court for traffic and minor civil matters, and the Klamath Falls Municipal Court for city-level offenses. Criminal case files, civil litigation documents, family law proceedings, and probate matters are all maintained by various clerks and administrative offices throughout the county.
If you're trying to locate court records in Oregon, you have several options: visiting clerk offices in person, using public access terminals at the courthouse, searching through online portals run by the Oregon Judicial Department, or contacting county government offices. OregonCourts.us connects users to official state court resources, including the statewide records and calendar search system, which can help you identify publicly available case information in Klamath County and across Oregon.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Klamath County?
How you find a court case depends on which court handled it and what kind of record you need. The Klamath County Circuit Court is the court of general jurisdiction and holds the largest share of case records — criminal, civil, family, and probate filings alike.
Online Search
The Oregon Judicial Department runs an Online Records Search portal that gives the public free access to basic case information across all Oregon circuit courts. To search specifically for Klamath County records:
- Go to the Smart Search portlet on the portal page.
- Enter a case number or party name in the search field.
- Click Advanced Filtering Options to narrow your results.
- In the Filter by Location dropdown under General Options, select Klamath.
- Under Case Search Criteria, choose the appropriate case type — civil, family, probate, or criminal.
- Click Submit, then select a case number from the results to view the details.
If you need copies of specific documents, you can also submit a Court Records Request Form online. This statewide form asks for the case number and the exact documents or hearing dates you need. The Statewide Records Request Page has more detail on your available options.
In-Person Search
If you visit the Klamath County Courthouse, public access kiosk computers in the lobby let you search for newer digitized case records. For older files that haven't been digitized yet, ask court records staff for assistance.
Klamath County Circuit Court
Address: 316 Main Street, Klamath Falls, Oregon 97601
Phone: (541) 883-5503
Courthouse Hours: Monday–Thursday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
(Clerk's office closed 12:00 p.m. to 1:00 p.m.)
Copy Fees
| Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Regular paper copy | $0.25 per page |
| Certified copy | $5.00 + per-page copy charge |
| Exemplified copy (3-Way Certificate) | $10.00 + per-page copy charge |
| Electronic document emailed | $3.00 per case request |
| Electronic certified copy | $5.00 |
| CD of documents | $1.00 + electronic copy costs |
| Audio recording (electronic) | $10.00 per proceeding |
Payment must be made in full before the court processes your request. The court may take up to 5 business days to respond and 10 or more business days to complete certain requests. If the court reaches out for additional information or payment and receives no reply within 60 business days, the request will be closed.
Are Court Records Public in Klamath County?
Oregon's Public Records Law, codified at ORS 192.311 through 192.478, establishes that court records are part of the public record and may be inspected or copied by any person. This applies to records held by Klamath County courts and offices.
That said, certain categories of court records are exempt from public disclosure, either by statute or court order. Records that are generally not available for public inspection include:
- Adoption records — Confidential by statute. Access is limited; qualified individuals must submit a Request for Court Adoption Records form. The Oregon Judicial Department's adoption records access page has further details.
- Juvenile court records — Confidential under Oregon law, with access governed by the Juvenile Court Records Access Rules. Contact the Klamath County Circuit Court directly for guidance on requesting these records.
- Mental health records — Protected from public disclosure.
- Grand jury proceedings — Sealed from public view.
- Juror questionnaires — Not available for public inspection.
- Judicial work product and drafts — Exempt under the public records law.
- Sealed records — Any record sealed by court order is inaccessible without a motion to inspect, which carries a $25 fee per case plus $2 per page reviewed under ORS 21.200.
Records that are not sealed or otherwise confidential can be reviewed at the courthouse, searched through the online portal, or requested in copy form. Court staff handle records requests on a first-come, first-served basis.
Klamath County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Klamath County move through different courts depending on the severity of the offense. Felonies and serious misdemeanors go to the Circuit Court, while lesser offenses fall under the Justice Court or Klamath Falls Municipal Court.
Circuit Court Criminal Records
The Klamath County Circuit Court handles all felony prosecutions and misdemeanor cases beyond the lower courts' jurisdictional limits. Case files — including charging documents, motions, plea entries, sentencing orders, and disposition records — can be searched through the Online Records Search portal by selecting the criminal case type filter. To request copies, use the statewide Court Records Request Form.
Justice Court
The Klamath County Justice Court handles traffic citations issued by the Klamath County Sheriff's Department, the City of Merrill Police Department, and the City of Malin Police Department, as well as animal control violations and county code violations.
Klamath County Justice Court
Address: 6500 S. Sixth Street, Klamath Falls, OR 97603
Phone: (541) 884-1864
Fax: (541) 884-6964
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:45 p.m.
Klamath Falls Municipal Court
The Klamath Falls Municipal Court processes city ordinance violations and other minor offenses within the city.
Klamath Falls Municipal Court
Address: 500 Klamath Avenue, Klamath Falls, OR 97601
Phone: (541) 883-5311
Hours: Monday–Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.; Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.
Arrest Records and the Sheriff's Office
The Klamath County Sheriff's Office maintains arrest records and jail booking information. You can view current custody information using the Adults In Custody online search, which allows searches by last name, first name, or booking date range. In-person copies of arrest records are available at the Sheriff's Office during business hours.
Klamath County Sheriff's Office
Address: 3300 Vandenberg Road, Klamath Falls, OR 97601
Phone: (541) 883-5130
Fax: (541) 883-4271
Email: civil@co.klamath.or.us
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Statewide Criminal History Checks
The Oregon State Police Criminal Justice Information Services (CJIS) Division is the state repository for criminal records. Two request forms are available depending on what you need:
- Copy of Own Record / Clearance Letter Request — for individuals requesting their own records
- Request for Oregon Criminal History Information on Another Individual — for open record requests on another person
The fee is $33, payable by check or money order. Record subjects must also provide fingerprints on an FD258 fingerprint card. The Klamath County Sheriff's Office offers fingerprinting services on Tuesday and Thursday from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. for $15 (cash, check, or money order; valid photo ID required). Send your completed form, fingerprint card, and payment to:
Oregon State Police CJIS Division
Unit 11
P.O. Box 4395
Portland, OR 97208-4395
Expungement
Under ORS 137.225, certain arrest and conviction records may be set aside (expunged) from a person's criminal history upon petition. Eligibility depends on the type of offense and the time elapsed since conviction or release. Set-aside petitions are filed in the court where the original case was heard.
Klamath County Civil Court Records
Civil disputes in Klamath County go to the Circuit Court for general litigation and to the Justice Court for small claims and minor civil matters.
Circuit Court Civil Cases
The Klamath County Circuit Court handles civil matters including contract disputes, personal injury claims, real property actions, foreclosures, and other cases above the small claims threshold. You can search civil case records online using the Online Records Search portal — select Search Civil, Family, and Probate Case Records under the case type filter and narrow results to Klamath County.
To request copies, use the online Court Records Request Form or visit the courthouse. Regular copies cost $0.25 per page, and certified copies cost $5.00 plus the per-page charge. The Oregon Judicial Department publishes the full circuit court fee schedule, which details filing fees, motion fees, and other costs under ORS Chapter 21.
Statewide court forms for civil proceedings are available through the Oregon Judicial Department's Forms Center.
Small Claims and Justice Court
The Klamath County Justice Court handles small civil claims and landlord-tenant disputes. Call (541) 884-1864 for information about small claims procedures and record availability.
Property Records
Deeds, liens, plats, and other property-related records are filed with the Klamath County Clerk's Office, which also serves as the county recording office. The County Clerk does not conduct record searches on behalf of the public, but you can search recorded documents yourself using the Search Documents tool on the Clerk's website. The Online Property Search through the County Assessor is another option for locating property information by account ID, name, address, or legal description. Certified copies of recorded documents cost $7.75.
Klamath County Family Court Records
Family law matters in Klamath County — divorce, legal separation, child custody, child support, and protective orders — are all handled by the Klamath County Circuit Court. The court's Family Court program offers resources for people navigating domestic relations proceedings.
Searching Family Court Records
Non-confidential family case information can be found through the Online Records Search portal. Use the advanced filtering options to select Klamath County and the family case type. Basic docket information — party names, filing dates, and hearing dates — is generally accessible online.
Divorce Records
Certified copies of divorce records are not available through the online portal because certain divorce documents carry confidentiality protections. If you're eligible to obtain them, submit the Court Records Request Form online or visit the Circuit Court clerk's office in person. Visitors can use the lobby kiosk computers for newer digitized records; older files must be retrieved by staff. Standard copies cost $0.25 per page, and certified copies cost $5.00 plus the per-page charge.
The Oregon Judicial Department provides free divorce, separation, and annulment forms as well as broader family law forms on its website.
Domestic Violence Protective Orders
If you need information about obtaining a restraining order in Klamath County, the Oregon Judicial Department's protective orders page walks through the process.
Marriage Records
Marriage licenses and records are maintained by the Klamath County Clerk's Office, not the Circuit Court. Both applicants must appear in person with valid identification. Oregon requires a three-day waiting period before the license can be used, though you can request a waiver for an additional $10. The license is valid for 60 days and only within Oregon. You can start the application process through the Clerk's online marriage application.
Klamath County Clerk's Office
Address: 305 Main Street, Klamath Falls, OR 97601
Phone: (541) 883-5134
Fax: (541) 885-6757
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Marriage License and Record Fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Marriage license (includes one certified copy) | $57.75 (cash or debit only) |
| Duplicate marriage certificate | $10.00 |
| Duplicate marriage packet | $20.00 |
| Certified copy of marriage license | $7.75 |
| Marriage consent for minor | $10.00 (cash or debit only) |
| Waiver of 3-day waiting period | $10.00 (cash or debit only) |
| Wedding ceremony (by County Clerk) | $117.00 |
Card payments carry a $1.49 convenience fee. Checks are not accepted for marriage license fees.
Birth and Death Records
Klamath County Public Health issues certified copies of birth and death certificates only within six months of the event. After that window closes, you'll need to contact the Oregon Vital Records Office. A certified copy of a birth or death certificate costs $25 from either office. Oregon restricts access to death records for 50 years and birth records for 100 years from the date of the event. Eligible requesters include parents, legal guardians, spouses, domestic partners, siblings, children, and legal representatives. Order forms are available in English and Spanish for birth certificates and in English and Spanish for death certificates. A valid photo ID is required.
Klamath County Probate Court Records
Probate cases in Klamath County are heard by the Circuit Court, which has jurisdiction over estate administration, wills, trusts, guardianships, conservatorships, and related proceedings. Oregon does not have a separate probate court — all probate matters move through the circuit court system.
Searching Probate Records
Probate case records that are not sealed or confidential are generally open to the public. You can search them for free on the Online Records Search portal — use the advanced filtering options to select Klamath County and the probate case type. Basic information such as party names, filing dates, and docket entries will appear in the results.
Requesting Copies
To get copies of probate documents — including wills admitted to probate, letters testamentary, inventories, accountings, and distribution orders — you can:
- Submit the online Court Records Request Form with the case number and the specific documents you need.
- Visit the Klamath County Courthouse at 316 Main Street, Klamath Falls, and use the lobby kiosk computers for newer digitized records, or ask staff to retrieve older files.
Regular copies cost $0.25 per page. Certified copies — often required for estate administration purposes like presenting fiduciary letters to financial institutions — cost $5.00 plus the per-page charge. Note that paper-certified copies (rather than electronic) may be necessary for probate documents used in estate administration, such as fiduciary letters and small estate affidavits.
Guardianships and Conservatorships
Guardianship and conservatorship petitions for incapacitated adults and minors are filed with the Circuit Court. Records in these proceedings are generally public, though certain personal information within the filings may be restricted. Statewide forms for guardianship and conservatorship matters are available through the Oregon Judicial Department's Forms Center.
For questions about accessing any probate, guardianship, or conservatorship case records, contact the Klamath County Circuit Court at (541) 883-5503.