Washington County Court Records
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Washington County sits in northwestern Oregon, bordering the Portland metro area and taking in cities such as Hillsboro, Beaverton, Tigard, Tualatin, and Sherwood. The Washington County Circuit Court, part of the Oregon Judicial Department, is the county's main trial court and handles criminal, civil, family, probate, and traffic matters. Several municipal courts and a justice court also operate throughout the county, each covering specific local matters. Case files from these courts document pleadings, evidence, orders, judgments, and all other official filings that make up a case's history.
If you're searching for Washington County court records, a good place to start is OregonCourts.us. The Oregon Judicial Department provides a free online records and calendar search tool covering all circuit courts and the Tax Court, letting you look up basic case information by party name or case number. You can also visit public access terminals at the courthouse, contact the clerk's office directly, or submit a formal records request online or by mail.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Washington County?
There are several ways to find a court case in Washington County. The right approach depends on whether you prefer searching online, visiting in person, or submitting a written request.
Online search options:
- Use the Oregon Judicial Department Online Record Search to query basic case information for free. Enter a case number, party name, or relevant keywords.
- Submit a request through the Washington County Circuit Court's online records request form if you need copies of specific documents.
- Subscribers can access more detailed case records through OJCIN Online, which connects to the Oregon eCourt Case Information (OECI) system and includes register of actions data for all Oregon circuit courts.
In-person search:
Head to the Public Records Review Room at the Justice Services Building, where free public access terminals are available.
Washington County Circuit Court Records Department
Address: Justice Services Building, 150 N 1st Avenue, Room 110J, Hillsboro, OR 97124
Phone: (503) 846-8888
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m. (closed on legal holidays)
Request by mail:
Download and complete the Records Request by Mail form. Include the full names of the parties, the case number or year filed, the specific documents you need, your preferred format (electronic or paper), and whether you need certified or regular copies. Enclose a check payable to the State of Oregon — not-to-exceed checks are accepted up to $30.00 — along with a self-addressed stamped envelope. Mail everything to:
Washington County Circuit Court
Attention: Records Department
150 N 1st Avenue, MS 37
Hillsboro, OR 97124
Copy fees:
| Copy Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Paper copy | $0.25 per page |
| Cost per case request (regular copies) | $3.00 + per-page charge |
| Certified copy | $5.00 + per-page charge |
| Exemplified copy | $10.00 + per-page charge |
| Microfilm document (emailed) | $0.45 per page |
| Electronic document (emailed) | $3.00 per case request |
| Electronic certified copy | $5.00 |
| CD copy of documents | $1.00 + electronic copy costs |
| Mailing | Actual postage cost |
Payment is due before the request is fulfilled. If you can't afford court fees, you may apply for a deferral or waiver through the Oregon Judicial Department's fee deferral and waiver forms.
Are Court Records Public in Washington County?
Under the Oregon Public Records Law (ORS Chapter 192), court records are treated as public records and are generally open for inspection and copying. Most case files, docket entries, pleadings, and judgments in Washington County can be accessed by any member of the public.
That said, certain categories carry statutory restrictions. Oregon law limits access to records containing sensitive information or involving vulnerable populations. Records that are typically restricted or confidential include:
- Adoption records — access is limited to parties directly involved
- Juvenile case records — protected under separate confidentiality rules
- Mental health proceedings — restricted to authorized individuals
- Records sealed by court order — accessible only with judicial authorization
If you request records from a confidential case type, the request may be denied outright, or you may need to complete additional paperwork, present valid identification, and pick up copies in person at the courthouse. Instructions for requesting confidential records can be found in the Washington County Circuit Court's forms library.
Certified copies carry the court's seal and a clerk's signature, confirming their authenticity. Exemplified copies go a step further and include a three-way certification process involving the Court Administrator and a judge — these are typically required when filing documents in courts outside Oregon. Before ordering certified or exemplified copies, confirm with the receiving agency that the format will be accepted, especially if you're requesting electronic versions.
Washington County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Washington County are handled primarily by the Washington County Circuit Court. Initial appearances and arraignments take place at the Law Enforcement Center.
Washington County Circuit Court Criminal Department (Law Enforcement Center)
Address: 215 SW Adams Avenue, Hillsboro, OR 97123
Phone: (503) 846-8888
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
After arraignment at the Law Enforcement Center, most subsequent hearings take place at the main courthouse at 145 NE 2nd Avenue, Hillsboro, OR 97124.
Searching criminal court records:
Start with the Oregon Judicial Department Online Record Search — enter the defendant's name or case number to pull up available information. Public access terminals at each courthouse also let you search criminal case records at no cost.
Sheriff's Office criminal records:
The Washington County Sheriff's Office Criminal Records Section handles law enforcement records including arrest reports, incident reports, and investigation files. You can submit a request in two ways:
- Online: Through the Sheriff's Office Public Records Request Center (first-time users need to create an account)
- In person: At the Criminal Records Section, 215 SW Adams Ave, Hillsboro, OR 97123
Phone: (503) 846-2524
Hours: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week
Records that may be available include non-criminal accident reports, certain property crime reports, tow reports, and basic information on arrested adults. Records tied to active investigations, medical information, and anything that would identify juveniles may be withheld under Oregon law. The Sheriff's Office publishes guidelines for releasing information that spell out applicable exceptions.
Expungement (set-aside) of criminal records:
Oregon law under ORS 137.225 allows eligible individuals to petition for the set-aside of certain arrests and convictions. Forms are available on the Oregon Judicial Department's criminal arrest and set-aside forms page and the marijuana conviction set-aside page. Once completed, the petition must be filed with the court and served on the District Attorney's Office.
Warrants and self-surrender:
If you have an outstanding bench warrant for failing to appear, you can resolve it by turning yourself in at the Washington County Jail or by filing a Turn Self In (TSI) Request to appear at the court's Friday TSI docket at 8:15 a.m. The TSI Appearance Request Form must be approved by a judge before your scheduled appearance.
Washington County Civil Court Records
Civil cases in Washington County are heard by the Washington County Circuit Court. The civil division covers general civil litigation, landlord-tenant disputes, small claims, and arbitration. All civil case processing and filing takes place at the Justice Services Building.
Washington County Circuit Court — Justice Services Building
Address: 150 N 1st Avenue, Hillsboro, OR 97124
Phone: (503) 846-8888
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.
Accessing civil court records:
Civil case records are searchable through the Oregon Judicial Department Online Record Search, the courthouse's public access terminals, and by submitting a formal request through the online request form or the mail request form. The copy fee schedule described above applies to all civil case documents.
Arbitration:
Under Oregon Statutes 36.400 through 36.425 and Uniform Trial Court Rules (UTCR) Chapter 13, civil cases seeking less than $50,000 in damages are eligible for mandatory arbitration. Once a case is deemed arbitration-eligible, the court sends the parties a list of available arbitrators. Parties have 21 days to agree on one, or the court will assign someone. The arbitration hearing must generally take place within 90 days of the arbitrator's assignment, and a decision is due within 14 days of the hearing. If you want to appeal an arbitration award, the appeal must be filed within 20 days.
Small claims:
Small claims cases are processed through the civil division at the Justice Services Building. Details about small claims and small claims mediation are available on the circuit court's website.
Filing fees:
The Oregon Judicial Department publishes a statewide court fee schedule that applies to civil filings in Washington County. Each entry references the specific statute or authority behind the fee. If you can't afford the filing fee, you may apply for a deferral or waiver.
Municipal and justice courts:
Beyond the circuit court, several municipal courts and the Washington County Justice Court handle limited-jurisdiction civil and traffic matters. The Justice Court is located at:
Washington County Justice Court
Address: 3700 SW Murray Blvd, Suite 150, Beaverton, OR 97005
Phone: (503) 846-6600
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Municipal courts within the county include those in Beaverton ((503) 526-2290), Hillsboro ((503) 681-6157), Tigard ((503) 718-2478), Tualatin ((503) 691-3025), Sherwood ((503) 625-4225), Forest Grove/Cornelius ((503) 992-3268), King City ((503) 620-6444), and Gaston ((503) 985-3340). Each municipal court keeps its own records, so contact them directly for case information.
Washington County Family Court Records
Washington County doesn't have a standalone family court. Instead, family law matters are heard by the Washington County Circuit Court's domestic relations division, located on the first floor of the Justice Services Building.
The court handles these family law case types:
- Dissolution of marriage (divorce)
- Legal separation
- Custody and parenting time
- Child support
- Adoption
- Restraining and protective orders
Family Law Assistance Program hours: 8:00 a.m.–11:45 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.–4:45 p.m., Monday through Friday, at the Justice Services Building.
Instructions and forms for family law cases are available as free downloads from the Washington County Forms Library. The Oregon Judicial Department also offers statewide interactive forms through OJD iForms.
Custody and parenting time: Both married and unmarried parents can petition for custody, parenting time, or child support orders. Paternity must be established before an unmarried parent can file. Under ORS 3.425, parents of children under 17 who are parties to a Washington County custody or parenting time case must participate in a family law education program. Registration is handled through Washington County Mediation and Parent Education.
Child support: Oregon uses statutory guidelines to calculate support based on parental income, childcare costs, and other factors. Reach the Division of Child Support at 1-800-850-0228 or through the Oregon Child Support website.
Adoption: Adoption petitions are filed with the domestic relations clerk. The court does not provide adoption forms, so consulting an attorney is recommended.
Accessing family court records: Family law case records can be searched through the Oregon Judicial Department Online Record Search or requested using the same online, mail, and in-person methods described above. Records involving minors or other confidential information may have restricted access. If you need restricted family records, you may need to demonstrate a legitimate interest, provide identification, and obtain court authorization.
Vital records: Marriage licenses and ceremonies are handled through the court; details are on the circuit court's marriage ceremonies page. Birth and death records within six months of the event are kept by Washington County Health and Human Services (155 N First Ave, MS 8, Hillsboro, OR 97124; (503) 846-3538). Records older than six months are held by the Oregon Health Authority's Center for Health Statistics (800 NE Oregon Street, Portland, OR 97232; (971) 673-1190). Under Oregon law, birth records are restricted for 100 years and death records for 50 years from the date of the event; during those periods, only qualified individuals may obtain copies.
Washington County Probate Court Records
Probate matters in Washington County are handled by the Probate Department of the Washington County Circuit Court, on the first floor of the Justice Services Building.
Probate Department
Address: Justice Services Building, 150 N 1st Avenue, Hillsboro, OR 97124
Phone: (503) 846-8888, Option #3, 2, 2
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (closed 12:00 p.m.–1:00 p.m.)
The Probate Department handles the following case types:
- Estate proceedings — formal probate and administration of decedents' estates
- Affidavit of Claiming Successor (small estates) — available when no more than $75,000 of the estate's fair market value is attributable to personal property and no more than $200,000 to real property
- Protective proceedings — guardianship and conservatorship of incapacitated persons or minor children
- Name and sex change petitions — must be filed in the county of residence; forms are available in the Forms Library (also available from the cashier for $5.00)
- Trust proceedings
Searching probate records:
Probate case records can be found through the Oregon Judicial Department Online Record Search or by submitting a request through the online records request form. Mail requests and in-person visits are also accepted. Standard copy and certification fees apply.
Filing and procedures:
In most probate matters, you won't need to appear before a judge — filings are resolved through the electronic filing system. The probate commissioner sets all probate hearings, so direct scheduling questions, resets, or settlement inquiries to the Probate Department rather than to judicial chambers. Keep in mind that show cause hearings scheduled for filing deficiencies will not be cancelled even if you correct the deficiency beforehand; you must still appear before the court.
Guardianship and conservatorship:
Anyone concerned about the welfare of an incapacitated adult or child can petition for appointment as guardian or conservator. Prospective fiduciaries must disclose any criminal convictions, bankruptcy filings, and professional license revocations. A court visitor must be appointed in adult guardianship proceedings and may be appointed in conservatorship and minor guardianship cases. Conservators are generally required to be bonded and must file annual accounts with the court; guardians must file annual reports. The court provides a limited number of guardianship and conservatorship forms through its Forms Library, and given the complexity of these proceedings, consulting an attorney is strongly recommended.
Certified copies of fiduciary letters are issued by the Probate Department and are available only to the appointed fiduciary or their attorney of record. Copy and certification fees apply. For copies of all other probate documents, submit a request through the Records Department using the standard procedures and fee schedule outlined earlier in this guide.