E-Filing (Oregon & Federal Courts)
E-filing can be confusing, especially for self-represented (pro se) litigants.
Courts use different systems depending on which court your case is in, and filing in the wrong system can delay or reject your documents.
Start Here: What Court Is Your Case In?
Before filing anything, you must know which court has jurisdiction
Common Options
U.S. Court of Appeals (federal appellate court)
Oregon Circuit Court (trial court)
Oregon Court of Appeals
Oregon Supreme Court
U.S. District Court (federal trial court)
If you are unsure, check:
The court listed on the summons or judgment
The caption on prior court orders
The case number
Oregon Circuit Courts (Trial Courts)
Most Oregon civil and family law cases are filed in Oregon Circuit Court.
Filing Method
- Oregon uses OJD eFile (File & Serve) for most circuit court cases.
- What You Should Know
- You must register for an OJD eFile account.
- Some document types may still require paper filing.
- Filing fees vary by case type.
- Clerks cannot give legal advice or tell you what to file.
OJD Forms
Oregon Judicial Department forms are organized by county and case type. Always verify that you are using the correct form for your court.
OJD eFile (File & Serve)
OJD eFile is the electronic filing system for Oregon state courts.
Key Points
- Used for filing documents in most circuit court cases
- Documents must meet formatting and naming requirements
- Rejected filings must be corrected and re-submitted
- Filing confirmation does not guarantee acceptance
If your filing is rejected, review the rejection notice carefully before re-filing.
These are all links and will take you to each site by clicking on them
| OJD–Self-Help This page is self explanatory if you are trying to figure something out. |
| OJD Online Services This is the page you e-file with and you can file for waiver fees here. It is my experience that when you are first filing you want to go to the court and file your initial filing there. Example: If you are filing for a TRO to get your car back you actually go in front of the judge of the day and make your pleadings. Further: If you are filing for a TRO to get property back you have to notify the lender at least a day ahead of time that you are going to court to file a TRO to get your property back. Emergency TRO’s can be approved but unless the lender did something wrong and you are below the 60% investment cap for the state of Oregon it is only a temporary remedy if the judge approves you. I was approved and got my car back. I had invested 66% of the price of the car and Chase had miscoded the car bankruptcy to keep other banks and credit unions from refinancing. The car was never in bankruptcy, Every state has its own laws and constitution. We charge $125 to research states outside Oregon and custom prepare your documents and we will not accept your money if it turns out you do not have a claim. And even outside of Oregon you are still Pro Se litigant filing. And not every state would let outside state lawyers review and edit your documents. If that is also the case we would return your money. |
| Oregon Court of Appeals Oregon Appellate Courts Oregon Court of Appeals Used for appeals from circuit court decisions.. |
| Oregon Supreme Court Oregon Supreme Court Used for limited appeals, petitions for review, and constitutional matters. Important Notes Appellate courts have strict formatting and deadline rules Many appeals require prior approval or jurisdictional review Missing a deadline can end your case Always confirm appellate rules before filing |