Washington County Court Records

Washington County courts handle various legal matters, including marital affairs, probate, civil litigation, and criminal cases. Court records document the pleadings, evidence, orders, judgments, motions, fines, and other valuable information in these legal proceedings. They offer comprehensive accounts of court activities and allow the public to stay informed about courtroom proceedings.

Court records typically provide the following information:

• Allegations
• Sworn statements
• Affidavit taken under oath
• Case parties and their attorney’s names
• Name of judge who presided over the case
• Case filing date
• Docket information

Are Court Records Public in Washington County?

Per Oregon Public Records Law, court records are public records available for public inspection and copying. Therefore, Washington County court records are accessible to the general public.

While court records are generally available to the public, state law may limit public access to records with sensitive information by prescribing the categories of persons qualified to access such records. These types of records include adoptions, mental health, and juvenile cases. Consequently, individuals outside the prescribed categories may need to pick up the copies in person, complete additional paperwork, and show identification before becoming eligible to access court records.

Washington County Court Records Search

Each courthouse maintains a public access terminal that allows record seekers to access its records freely. Record seekers can visit the courthouse where the case was filed to search for court records using the free public access terminal.

However, to access Washington County Circuit Court records, interested parties can request these records by filling out the online request form or searching for specific court records using the Oregon Judicial Department Online Record Search Tool.

If a requester cannot access specific records through the online platforms, they can mail their request by filling out the records request by mail form or visit the Washington County Court in person to request the records. The office is on:

The First Floor Justice Services Building
Public Records Review Room #110J
150 N 1st Avenue
Hillsboro, OR 97124

Washington County Court Records Search by Name

In Washington County, court records are accessible online or through the free public access terminals in the courthouses. However, record seekers typically have to specify the exact record they seek. A common way to do this is to input necessary information, such as the case number, party names, or keywords related to the case, in the terminal or web search area. Clicking enter queries the search area to locate the requested court record from the database.

Record-seekers who wish to obtain copies typically have to pay a fee. Copy costs range from 25 cents to $10, depending on the type of record copy requested. Below are the types of copies obtainable and their prices:

• Paper Copy: 25 cents per page.
• Certified Copy: $5
• Exemplified Copy: $10
• Cost per Request in a Case for Regular copies: $3.00 per case request
• Microfilm Document Emailed: 45 cents per page
• Electronic Document Emailed: $3.00 per case request
• Electronic Certified Copy: $5
• Exemplified Copy: $10

Washington County Courts

Washington County's court system consists of several circuit courts, municipal courts, county courts, justice courts, and tax courts. The Municipal Courts, County Courts, and Justice Courts are locally funded, while the Circuit Courts and Tax Courts are state law establishments.

Local courts have limited jurisdiction over certain types of civil, criminal, and traffic cases. Circuit Courts typically handle cases beyond the jurisdiction of other courts. The Tax Court has exclusive and general jurisdiction over most cases involving Oregon tax laws. You can find the respective locations of the courthouses in Washington County below:

Washington County Circuit Court - Courthouse
145 NE 2nd Avenue, Hillsboro, OR 97124
(503) 846-8888

Washington County Circuit Court - Justice Services Building
150 North 1st Avenue, MS 37, Hillsboro, OR 97124
(503) 846-8888

Washington County Circuit Court - Juvenile Services Building
222 North 1st Avenue, Hillsboro, OR 97124
(503) 846-4701

Washington County Circuit Court - Law Enforcement Center
215 SW Adams Avenue, Hillsboro, OR 97124
(503) 846-8888

Beaverton Municipal Court
4755 SW Griffith Drive, Beaverton, OR 97005
(503) 526-2290

Forest Grove / Cornelius Municipal Court
Forest Grove City Hall
1924 Council Street, P.O. Box 326, Forest Grove, OR 97116
(503) 992-3268

Gaston Municipal Court
116 Front Street, P.O. Box 129, Gaston, OR 97119
(503) 985-3340

Hillsboro Municipal Court
150 East Main Street, Hillsboro, OR 97123
(503) 681-6157

King City Municipal Court
City Hall
15300 SW 116th Avenue, King City, OR 97224
(503) 620-6444

Sherwood Municipal Court
22560 SW Pine Street, Sherwood, OR 97140
(503) 625-4225

Tigard Municipal Court
13125 SW Hall Blvd, Tigard, OR 97223
(503) 718-2478

Tualatin Municipal Court
8650 SW Tualatin Road, Tualatin, OR 97062
(503) 691-3025

Washington County Justice Court
3700 SW Murray Blvd, Suite 150, Beaverton, OR 97005
(503) 846-6600

Washington County District Court Records

In Washington County, the District Court is the Washington County Circuit Court. The Court typically handles various cases, including criminal cases, civil litigation, family law cases, and traffic violations.

Interested parties can access District Court records electronically by filling out the request form or searching online using the Oregon Judicial Department Online Record Search Tool. They can also mail in their request or visit the Washington County Court in person to request the records.

Washington County Criminal Records

Criminal records often include information about Washington county arrests, mugshots, reports, logs, investigations, jail records, evidence, and search warrants. In Washington County, criminal records are publicly available and accessible to anyone. The Criminal Records Section of the Sheriff’s Office maintains the County’s criminal records.

Requesters can access criminal records by submitting a request to the Sheriff’s Office through their online platform. However, first-time requesters may need to create an account on the platform to gain access to the records. Alternatively, record seekers can visit the Criminal Record Section of the Sheriff’s Office in person. The Office is located at:

215 SW Adams Avenue
Hillsboro, Oregon 9712

Washington County Criminal Court Case Lookup

The Washington County Circuit Court and local county courts typically handle criminal cases in Washington County. Public access terminals in each local courthouse allow record seekers to search for criminal case records handled by the respective court.

In addition, individuals can access court records, including criminal case information, by visiting the Washington County Circuit Court website. The website provides access to transcripts, case files, and audio recordings of court cases, including criminal hearings.

It's important to note that the primary agency responsible for maintaining Washington County’s criminal records is the Criminal Records Section of the Sheriff’s Office. Their record archive includes cases resulting in convictions, as well as those where the charges were dropped before trial. Access to the Sheriff’s Office record archive is available through their online platform.

Get Washington County Civil Court Records

Washington County Civil Court records consist of marriage records, birth and death records, divorce and marriage dissolutions, property records, and case files. Anyone can access these records through the public access terminals in local courthouses.

In addition, record seekers can access civil court records through the Oregon Judicial Department Online Records Search platform. However, they typically need to specify the records they seek by providing information such as party names, the case number, the filing date, the type of copy, and related information.

Washington County Family Court Records

Washington County does not have a special court dedicated to handling family matters. Instead, the Washington County Circuit Court handles Washington County’s family cases. The court handles various cases including divorce, child custody, restraining order, and domestic violence cases.

Seekers of family court records can obtain these records by submitting a request through the Washington County Circuit Court website. However, first-time requesters must create an account on the platform to access the records. The information required to create an account includes your email address, full name, residential address, zip code, and phone number.

Note that certain records containing sensitive or confidential information may be inaccessible. For instance, records containing information relating to a minor typically have restricted access. Nevertheless, an interested party can access these records by visiting the courthouse. However, the individual may need to provide identification, demonstrate a legitimate interest in the case, or obtain authorization from the court.

Washington County Marriage and Divorce Records

In Washington County, marriage records are public records and can be accessed by interested parties for various purposes, including genealogical research, legal matters, and personal records. The Washington County Circuit Court has jurisdiction to hear Washington County’s marriage and divorce matters. Records of these cases are available in the Court’s records archive. In addition, the Records File Room at the Washington County Circuit Court is responsible for maintaining all documents in the local court files, including marriage and divorce case files. Interested persons can access these documents by visiting the Washington County Circuit Court website or going to the courthouse's physical location to request the records.

Washington Birth and Death Records

Birth and death records are crucial for establishing a person’s identity, citizenship, and familial relationship. These records are also valuable to individuals who wish to trace their lineage or construct family trees.

The Washington County Health and Human Services and the Oregon Health Authority are the primary custodians of Washington County’s birth and death records. The Health and Human Services Office maintains birth and death records under six months old, and these records are accessible by visiting the Office at:

Washington County Health and Human Services
155 N First Ave, MS 8
Hillsboro, OR 97124
(503) 846-3538

It is advisable to call the office for directions and additional information before visiting the location.

If the birth and death records are older than six months, interested parties must request the record from the Oregon Health Authority (Vital Records). They can do this electronically by filling out the Request Public Records form on their website or visiting the Authority’s office at:

Oregon Health Authority
800 NE Oregon Street
Portland, OR 97232
(971) 673-1190

The Oregon Center for Health Statistics also issues certified copies of the County’s vital records, including birth and death records. You can order certified copies of these records from them via mail, by phone, or in person using the above address.

Under the Oregon Public Records Law, Washington County’s birth and death records are inaccessible to the public until 100 years after the date of the event for birth and 50 years for death. During the restriction period, only the person on record, their close relatives, and persons with legitimate interest are typically qualified to obtain copies of birth or death records in Washington County. However, third parties should use the Birth and Death Eligibility tool to check their eligibility for these records.

Washington County Probate Court Records

The Probate Department in Washington County handles various cases, including estate cases, affidavits of claiming successors, protective proceedings (guardianship and conservatorship), name and sex change cases, trust proceedings, and other general probate matters. One way to access these records is to use the Oregon Judicial Department Online Record Search Tool. Record seekers can also request case file copies by filling out an online web form. If requesters cannot access specific records electronically, they can mail in their request with a self-addressed stamped envelope or visit the probate court office in person at:

Probate Department
First Floor, Justice Services Building
150 N 1st Avenue
Hillsboro, Oregon 97124

Washington County Property Records

Property records are legal documents that contain information about a piece of land or a building. These records typically include information on deeds, mortgages, liens, plats, and judgments. Per Oregon Public Records Law, property records are public records available for public inspection and copying. The Washington County Assessment & Taxation Department, Recording Division, maintains property records in Washington County. Record seekers can obtain these records by requesting them in person at the Department’s Office. The office is located at:

155 N First Avenue
Suite 130, MS 9,
Hillsboro, Oregon 971241

Washington County Court Records Online

Third-party online resources may provide a convenient way of accessing court records in Washington County, Oregon. They also offer other advantages, such as convenience and broader search capabilities. However, users should be mindful of limitations related to accuracy, completeness of information, costs, and privacy considerations when utilizing these platforms for accessing court records.