Washington County Court Records Search
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Washington County is located in northwestern Oregon, bordering the Portland metropolitan area, and encompasses the cities of Hillsboro, Beaverton, Tigard, Tualatin, Sherwood, and several other communities. The Washington County Circuit Court, part of the Oregon Judicial Department, is the primary trial court serving the county and handles criminal, civil, family, probate, and traffic matters. In addition to the circuit court, several municipal courts and a justice court operate within the county, each with jurisdiction over specific local matters. Court records generated by these tribunals document the pleadings, evidence, orders, judgments, and other filings that make up the official case history.
Residents and members of the public looking for Washington County court records can begin by using the resources available through OregonCourts.us. The Oregon Judicial Department maintains a free online records and calendar search tool covering all circuit courts and the Tax Court, allowing users to look up basic case information by party name or case number. Additional options include visiting courthouse public access terminals, contacting the clerk’s office directly, or submitting formal records requests online or by mail. The state courts website is a practical starting point for locating publicly available case information across the Oregon court system.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Washington County?
There are several methods for locating a court case in Washington County, depending on whether an in-person, online, or mail-based approach is preferred.
Online search options:
- Use the Oregon Judicial Department Online Record Search to query basic case information for free. Enter the 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 provides access to the Oregon eCourt Case Information (OECI) system containing register of actions data for all Oregon circuit courts.
In-person search:
Visit 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, case number or year filed, the specific documents requested, 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) and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Mail 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. Individuals who cannot afford court fees 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 available for inspection and copying. Washington County court records follow this framework, meaning that most case files, docket entries, pleadings, and judgments can be accessed by any member of the public.
However, certain categories of records carry statutory restrictions. Oregon law limits access to records that contain sensitive information or involve vulnerable populations. Records that are typically restricted or confidential include:
- Adoption records — access 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
When a requester seeks records from a confidential case type, the request may be denied outright, or the requester may need to complete additional paperwork, present valid identification, and pick up copies in person at the courthouse. Requests for confidential records must generally be submitted by letter or motion, and instructions 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 authenticity. Exemplified copies include a three-way certification process involving the Court Administrator and a judge, and are typically required when filing documents in courts outside Oregon. Before requesting certified or exemplified copies, confirm with the receiving agency that the format is acceptable, particularly if requesting electronic versions.
Washington County Criminal Court Records
Criminal matters in Washington County are handled primarily by the Washington County Circuit Court, with initial appearances and arraignments conducted 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, subsequent hearings generally take place at the main courthouse at 145 NE 2nd Avenue, Hillsboro, OR 97124.
Searching criminal court records:
Criminal case information can be located through the Oregon Judicial Department Online Record Search by entering the defendant’s name or case number. Public access terminals at each courthouse also allow free searches of criminal case records.
Sheriff’s Office criminal records:
The Washington County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Records Section is the primary custodian of the county’s law enforcement records, including arrest reports, incident reports, and investigation files. Requests can be submitted two ways:
- Online: Through the Sheriff’s Office Public Records Request Center (first-time users must 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
Types of reports that may be available include non-criminal accident reports, certain property crime reports, tow reports, and basic information on arrested adults. Records related to active investigations, medical records, and those protecting juveniles may be restricted under Oregon law. The Sheriff’s Office publishes guidelines for releasing information that outline applicable exceptions.
Expungement (set-aside) of criminal records:
Oregon law under ORS 137.225 allows 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. A completed petition must be filed with the court and served on the District Attorney’s Office.
Warrants and self-surrender:
Individuals who have an outstanding bench warrant for failing to appear may resolve the warrant by turning themselves 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 the scheduled appearance.
Washington County Civil Court Records
Civil litigation in Washington County is adjudicated by the Washington County Circuit Court. The civil division handles general civil cases, landlord-tenant disputes, small claims, and arbitration matters. Civil case processing and filing occur 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 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 determined to be arbitration-eligible, the court sends the parties a list of available arbitrators. Parties have 21 days to agree on an arbitrator or the court will assign one. 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. Appeals of an arbitration award must be filed within 20 days.
Small claims:
Small claims cases are processed through the civil division at the Justice Services Building. Information about small claims and small claims mediation is 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 fee entry references the specific statute or authority that established it. Those who cannot afford filing fees may apply for a deferral or waiver.
Municipal and justice courts:
In addition to 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 operating 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 maintains its own records and should be contacted directly for case information.
Washington County Family Court Records
Washington County does not maintain a separate family court. 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 the following 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 for free download 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 may petition the court 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 case involving custody or parenting time must participate in a family law education program. Registration is through Washington County Mediation and Parent Education.
Child support: Oregon has statutory guidelines for calculating support based on parental income, childcare costs, and other factors. The Division of Child Support can be reached 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; consultation with 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. Individuals seeking restricted family records may need to demonstrate a legitimate interest, provide identification, and obtain court authorization.
Vital records: Marriage licenses and ceremonies are handled through the court, with information available on the circuit court’s marriage ceremonies page. Birth and death records within six months of the event are maintained 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 that period, only qualified individuals may obtain copies.
Washington County Probate Court Records
Probate matters in Washington County are administered by the Probate Department of the Washington County Circuit Court, located 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 decedent’s estates
- Affidavit of Claiming Successor (small estates) — available when not more than $75,000 of the estate’s fair market value is attributable to personal property and not more than $200,000 is attributable 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 located 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:
Appearance before a judge in probate matters is generally not required; filings are resolved through the electronic filing system. The probate commissioner sets all hearings regarding probate matters, and inquiries about scheduling, resets, or settlements should be directed to the Probate Department rather than to judicial chambers. Show cause hearings scheduled for filing deficiencies will not be cancelled even if the deficiency is corrected; the party must still appear before the court.
Guardianship and conservatorship:
Anyone interested in the welfare of an incapacitated person or child may petition for appointment as guardian or conservator. Prospective fiduciaries must disclose criminal convictions, bankruptcy filings, and any 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 consultation with an attorney is strongly recommended given the complexity of these proceedings.
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 all other probate document copies, requests go through the Records Department using the standard procedures and fee schedule outlined earlier in this guide.