Rotate Legal Oregon Small Claims Forms For Free

If you use the Claim and Notice form in Supporting Documents below, you will need one complete original to file with the Court. Upon payment of the $37 filing fee, two copies will be made and certified for service.

Small claims trials are informal so that the parties can handle their own cases. Lawyers cannot appear without special permission of the court. The plaintiff first, and the defendant second, will present sworn testimony, evidence, and witnesses to the judge. The judge is only interested in facts.

You don't have an unlimited amount of time to file a claim. You'll have to bring it within the statute of limitations period for your particular case. For example, the Oregon statute of limitations is six years for contract and property damage cases, and two years for personal injury matters.

Court staff cannot give legal advice (see section below). You may talk to a lawyer at any time for help with your claim, but lawyers are not allowed to participate in small claims hearings without the judge's permission.

Pay the Claim within 14 days of receiving service. This includes your court fees and costs. Payment should come directly to you. Defendant may provide proof to the court that the claim is paid, and you may file a notice with the court to dismiss your claim.

Under Oregon law, the majority of civil actions must be filed within two years, including claims related to personal injury, defamation, fraud, and medical malpractice. There is a six-year statute of limitations for injury to personal property, trespassing, contracts, and debt collection.