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Serving divorce papers in Oregon

After you file in Oregon, your spouse must get the papers. This page covers who can deliver the papers, how your spouse can accept or waive service, the deadline to respond, what happens without a response and the law.

Checked against official sources: Oct 24, 2026

In short

If you were served: Time to respond: 30 days after service. If you are filing: Your spouse must be served with the summons and petition under ORCP 7 (personal delivery by an adult who is not you, or another allowed method).

Time to respond
30 days after service
Accept or waive service
Possible: your spouse signs a form
Law
ORCP 7; ORS 107.490(2)

Were you served in Oregon?

Enter the day you got the papers (the summons and the petition). We show the deadline to answer.

The day the papers were handed to you or you signed for them.

Enter the date you were servedYour deadline appears when you enter the date.

How papers are served in Oregon

  • Your spouse must be served with the summons and petition under ORCP 7 (personal delivery by an adult who is not you, or another allowed method).
  • Your spouse can sign an Acceptance of Service instead.

Law: ORCP 7; ORS 107.490(2)

Deadline to respond and default

30 days after service

If your spouse doesn't respond in time, you can usually ask the judge for a default judgment.

Serving your spouse in Oregon, step by step

  1. File your papers first

    File with the Circuit Court in the county where you or your spouse lives. Service comes after filing.

  2. Serve the papers

    Your spouse must be served with the summons and petition under ORCP 7 (personal delivery by an adult who is not you, or another allowed method).

  3. Or have your spouse sign

    Your spouse can sign an Acceptance of Service instead.

  4. File proof of service

    File the proof of service with the court.

  5. Watch the deadline

    30 days after service.

  6. If there is no response

    If your spouse doesn't respond in time, you can usually ask the judge for a default judgment.

Questions about serving divorce papers in Oregon

How do you serve divorce papers in Oregon?

Your spouse must be served with the summons and petition under ORCP 7 (personal delivery by an adult who is not you, or another allowed method). Your spouse can sign an Acceptance of Service instead.

Can my spouse accept or waive service in Oregon?

Your spouse can sign an Acceptance of Service instead.

How long does my spouse have to respond in Oregon?

30 days after service

More about divorce in Oregon

Serving papers in nearby states

Sources

Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.