Oregon · Legal help by topic · Updated Oct 2026

Legal help in Oregon: get back what you're owed

Eight free guides for Oregon, in one place: the key facts and deadlines from each, and a direct link to the full guide. Start with the problem you have.

Small Claims Map

Small claims court in Oregon

If someone owes you money and won't pay, you can sue without a lawyer.

Most you can sue for
$10,000
Court
small claims court
Filing fee
$57–$102
Lawyers
No lawyers

Facts from Small Claims Map. About this topic

Tenant Rights Map

Renters' rights in Oregon

If you rent, state law sets how fast a deposit comes back, what the landlord must repair and the notice before an eviction case.

Deadline to return a deposit
31 days
Security deposit limit
No statewide limit
Notice before an eviction case for unpaid rent
10 or 13 days (72 hours weekly)
Notice before the landlord enters
24 hours

Cities with their own rules: Portland

Facts from Tenant Rights Map, checked Oct 2026. About this topic

Wage Claim Map

Unpaid wages in Oregon

If your employer didn't pay you, a state office may collect it for free.

File a wage claim with
Oregon Bureau of Labor and Industries
Minimum wage (2026)
$15.55
Final paycheck if fired
Next business day
Deadline to file a wage claim
6 years

Facts from Wage Claim Map, checked Oct 2026. About this topic

Lemon Car Map

Lemon law in Oregon

If a new car keeps going back to the shop for the same defect, the maker may owe you a refund or a replacement.

Lemon law period
24 mo / 24,000 mi
What makes it a lemon
3 repairs · 1 if unsafe · 30 calendar days
Covers used cars
No
Before you sue
If maker has a program

Facts from Lemon Car Map, checked Oct 2026. About this topic

Tax Appeal Map

Property tax appeals in Oregon

If your home's assessed value is too high, you can appeal it, but only within a short window.

Deadline to appeal
Oct–Dec 31 (county clerk)
Where you appeal first
County Property Value Appeals Board (PVAB) petition
Median effective tax rate
0.81%
Median yearly tax on a home
$3,876

Open nowOpen. Counties mail 2026-27 tax statements by October 25, 2026, and you can file a petition from the day yours is mailed until December 31, 2026. The next window opens when the October 2027 statements go out. (as of October 21, 2026)

Facts from Tax Appeal Map, checked Oct 2026. About this topic

Exemption Map

Property tax exemptions in Oregon

If you own and live in your home, you may qualify for breaks that lower your property tax. You usually have to apply.

Homestead exemption
No general exemption
Homestead deadline
See the guide
Senior break
Yes
Disabled veterans
$27,092

Facts from Exemption Map, checked Oct 2026. About this topic

Owed Map

Unclaimed money in Oregon

Old bank accounts, deposits, refunds and checks end up with the state. Searching and claiming is free.

Official search
Oregon Unclaimed Property Program (unclaimed.oregon.gov)
Held by the state
Over $1 billion (January 2025)
Cost to search and claim
Free
On MissingMoney.com
Yes

Facts from Owed Map, checked Oct 2026. About this topic

Divorce Law Map

Divorce in Oregon

Before you can file, one of you usually must have lived in the state for a set time, and many states make you wait before the divorce is final.

Residency before you can file
6 months (with exceptions)
Waiting period
No statutory wait found
Filing fee
$301

Facts from Divorce Law Map, checked Oct 2026. About this topic

Deadlines at a glance in Oregon

Short forms of each guide's rule. Every deadline has details (when the clock starts, exceptions, how to count days): read the full rule in the guide before you rely on it. “See the guide” means our data has no short form for it.

Deadlines at a glance in Oregon
TopicDeadline or time limitRuleGuide
Small claims courtDeadline to sue: written contract6 yearsSmall Claims Map
Small claims courtDeadline to sue: verbal agreement6 yearsSmall Claims Map
Small claims courtDeadline to sue: property damage6 yearsSmall Claims Map
Renters' rightsDeadline to return a deposit31 daysTenant Rights Map
Renters' rightsNotice before an eviction case for unpaid rent10 or 13 days (72 hours weekly)Tenant Rights Map
Unpaid wagesDeadline to file a wage claim6 yearsWage Claim Map
Unpaid wagesFinal paycheck if firedNext business dayWage Claim Map
Lemon lawLemon law period24 mo / 24,000 miLemon Car Map
Lemon lawDeadlineYou must sue within 1 year after the earlier of 2 years from original delivery or the date the vehicle reaches 24,000 miles, extended for any disaster-related extension (ORS 646A.416).Lemon Car Map
Property tax appealsDeadline to appealOct–Dec 31 (county clerk)Tax Appeal Map
Property tax exemptionsHomestead deadlineSee the guideExemption Map
Unclaimed moneyDeadline to claimSee the guideOwed Map
DivorceResidency before you can file6 months (with exceptions)Divorce Law Map
DivorceWaiting periodNo statutory wait foundDivorce Law Map

Several problems at once? Get one plan for Oregon.

Open the finder

Other problems: free official help

RobinClaim doesn't cover debt collectors, scams, custody and child support, and other areas yet. These official and nonprofit services can help in every state:

Links checked Oct 2026. Sources are listed in how we research.

Nearby states

All states