Oregon Judgment: Types, Records, Duration, and What to Expect

A judgment is the court's ultimate decision that settles a dispute and lays out each party's rights and responsibilities. In Oregon, judgments are rendered in criminal restitution cases, family law proceedings, property disputes, civil litigation, and debt collection actions. A judgment is legally binding once it is recorded and can lead to bad credit reports, liens on property, or wage garnishment.

What Is a Judgment in Oregon?

According to the Oregon Revised Statutes, Chapter 18, a judgment in Oregon is the court's final ruling on one or more requests for relief in one or more proceedings. It is the court's last ruling that brings a matter to a close. One side might be asked to make a payment, give up property, or cease specific activities. Once entered, judgments have legal force behind them and can be enforced by bank levies, garnishments, and liens.

For example, a creditor that prevails in court can receive a money judgment that demands debt repayment. A ruling in family court may impose spousal or child support duties. In Oregon, judgments of any kind have monetary and legal ramifications until they are paid off or expire.

Types of Judgments in Oregon

Oregon courts issue different types of judgments depending on the nature of the dispute:

1. Limited Judgments

An interim judgment, known as a limited judgment, settles some but not all the parties' claims in a case. It permits an appeal of a particular portion of a case while the other claims are still unresolved. This kind of judgment is essential for effectiveness. It protects one party from having to wait until the case is settled, which could take a long time, to appeal a crucial point that could have an impact on the remainder of the litigation.

2. General Judgments

The ultimate ruling that settles all outstanding claims and dismisses all parties from a lawsuit is known as a general judgment. It brings the matter to a close and is appealable, subject to any limited decisions that have already been rendered. Most people connect the conclusion of a litigation with this typical final decision. It is the court's thorough and definitive ruling.

3. Supplemental Judgments

A post-judgment order known as a supplemental judgment deals with matters that were connected to but not addressed in the original general judgment. These often include post-trial motions. Issues such as an award of legal fees, costs, and disbursements, which are usually decided after the main judgment has been entered, are the main focus of this kind of decision.

4. Default Judgments

When a defendant neglects to show up or submit a response to a complaint, a default judgment is rendered, much like in other jurisdictions. Without a trial, this type of generic judgment can be rendered.

5. Foreign Judgments

With this, a judgment creditor may register a lawful judgment from another state or nation and have it recognized and enforced as though it were an Oregon judgment. This is because Oregon adopted the Uniform Enforcement of Foreign Judgments Act.

How to Search for Judgments in Oregon

Judgments are public records in Oregon and can be accessed through several avenues:

1. Circuit Court Clerk’s Offices: Judgment records are kept by each county circuit court. Certified copies are available for a fee, and searches can be conducted in person.
2. Oregon Judicial Department Online Records (OJCIN): Online access to statewide case records, including judgments, is made possible by the Oregon Judicial Department Online Records (OJCIN) system. You may need to register and meet the fee requirements.
3. County Court Websites: Some counties, such as Multnomah and Washington, offer limited online access to local judgment and case records.
4. Third-Party Services: Official state and county systems are the most accurate and reliable sources for judgment records in Oregon; however, there are paid third-party services that compile judgment information. These are particularly advantageous because they aggregate records from all jurisdictions. If you intend to use these, it is important to ensure that they keep updated copies of judgment records.

Judgment records typically display:

• Case number
• Names of the parties
• Court location
• Judgment date
• Amount owed or relief granted

Judgment Records in Major Oregon Counties

Although Oregon uses a centralized judicial system, county courts manage filings and certified copies:

• Portland (Multnomah County): The Circuit Court of Multnomah County keeps judgment records at the courtroom clerk's office and via the OJCIN portal.
• Salem (Marion County): You may access Marion County judgments locally, through the clerk's office, and statewide online.
• Eugene (Lane County): Lane County provides access to judgment records through OJCIN and in-person clerk requests.

Although certified copies must be received directly from county clerks, the OJCIN system is the most complete resource for statewide judgment searches.

How Long Does a Judgment Last in Oregon?

The duration for judgments in Oregon is covered in theOregon Revised Statutes, Chapter 18. In Oregon, a civil judgment is enforceable and valid for ten years after it is entered. Before it expires, creditors have the option to renew the judgment, prolonging its enforcement for an additional ten years. In contrast to several jurisdictions that permit perpetual renewals, Oregon law permits a judgment to be extended once. A judgment creditor may submit a certificate of extension to the court that initially entered the judgment before the initial 10-year period ends.

There are certain exceptions to this rule, though. Typically, a criminal action's judgment remedies are valid for 20 years. The remedies may continue for 50 years if the criminal conviction includes a monetary award for reparation.

The length of child support or spousal support award judgments is longer. The judgment remedies for child support are valid for 35 years after the support obligation was initially created. Awards for spousal support made after January 1, 2004, are valid for 25 years.

What Happens After a Judgment Is Entered in Oregon?

Once a judgment is entered, creditors gain legal enforcement rights, while debtors face serious financial consequences.

For Creditors:

• Wage Garnishment: Creditors may request a court order requiring employers to withhold part of a debtor’s wages until the judgment is satisfied.
• Judgment Liens: A debtor's real estate may be subject to liens, which prevent sales or refinances until the debt is settled.
• Bank Levies: With court approval, creditors may seize funds directly from a debtor’s bank account.

For Debtors:

• Credit Reporting: Credit reports may contain judgments, which would lower scores and limit borrowing options.
• Satisfaction of Judgment: Creditors must formally release the debtor from debt after payments by filing a Satisfaction of Judgment with the court..
• Appeals or Motions to Vacate: If a debtor believes a judgment was entered unfairly, such as through a default without notice, they may appeal or move to vacate it.