Oregon · Serving papers · Updated Oct 2026
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.
In short
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 then has this long to respond: 30 days after service.
- Time to respond
- 30 days after service
- Accept or waive service
- Yes
- Law
- ORCP 7; ORS 107.490(2)
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
File your papers first
File with the Circuit Court in the county where you or your spouse lives. Service comes after filing.
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).
Or have your spouse sign
Your spouse can sign an Acceptance of Service instead.
File proof of service
File the proof of service with the court.
Watch the deadline
30 days after service.
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
- All Oregon divorce laws
- Uncontested divorce in Oregon
- Oregon divorce forms and filing fees
- Alimony in Oregon
- Child custody and support in Oregon
- Divorce timeline estimator for Oregon
- Divorce checklist for Oregon
- Served with divorce papers: what to do
- Timeline estimator
Serving papers in nearby states
- ORS Chapter 107
- OJD: Divorce forms
- OJD: 2026 Circuit Court Fee Schedule (PDF)
- OJD: eFile
- OJD: Mediation
- OJD: Parent Education
Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.