Civil Suits

Except as otherwise provided by Statute, civil actions in the Justice Court are subject to the Oregon Rules of Civil Procedure (ORCP) and the Uniform Trial Court Rules (UTC) that are followed in circuit courts.

Minimum requirements for pleadings filed in all cases:

  1. All pleadings shall be typed, machine printed or legibly written on 8 ½ x 11 inch paper on one side only.
  2. All pleadings shall include a certification by the person signing the pleading that true and complete copies of the pleadings have been served upon the opposing party or attorney and sets forth the date of service and the manner in which service was accomplished.
  3. All pleadings must have a title showing the court name and a caption showing the case name and number at the top of the first sheet.
  4. All pleadings shall be signed by the party filing them. The party's current address shall be included.
  5. Filing fee for the plaintiff is $90.00; appearance fee for each Party Defendant appearing separately is $90.00. The trial fee is $75.00 for a trial to the court and is to be paid when the trial is set; the jury trial fee is $125.00 and is to be paid by the party requesting trial by jury at the time the request is made.

Pleadings that do not meet the minimal requirements will be rejected by the court and will not be entered as an appearance.

If you have questions about how to prepare these documents, you should consult an attorney. The court staff are not permitted to provide legal advice.

This notice does not constitute suspension of the uniform trial court rules or the Oregon Rules of Civil Procedure in the court.

If you need help in finding an attorney, you may contact the Oregon State Bar Lawyer Referral Service online or by calling 503-684-3763.