Multnomah County Clerk of Court

The Multnomah County Clerk of Court is the official county court clerk responsible for managing court records, processing filings, and providing essential court administration services. This office plays a central role in keeping the judicial system organized and accessible for the public and legal professionals alike.

The Clerk of Court office in Multnomah County serves as the hub for all court-related administrative tasks. Citizens, attorneys, and government agencies rely on this office for accurate record keeping, filing of legal documents, and official certifications. The office ensures that all court proceedings and records are systematically organized, supporting the county’s legal framework.

Current Clerk of Multnomah County

The present court clerk role in Multnomah County Circuit Court is part of the Oregon Judicial Department’s court administration rather than a separately elected official like a county clerk for elections or records. This position is held by senior administrative court staff who manage day‑to‑day operations of the clerk’s office and support case processing, filings, records management, and public service.

In this circuit, the clerk in charge works alongside the Presiding Judge and court administrators to lead the clerk’s office and ensure that court records and services run smoothly. The court’s structure lists assigned circuit clerks for specific divisions such as Family Law and General Bench, including names like Valerie Nguyen (Family Law Circuit Clerk) and Peter Henkle (General Bench), among others.

Role, Background & Office Leadership

The present court clerk and senior clerks in Multnomah County Court typically have:

• Professional background in court operations or public administration with experience in legal documentation, records systems, and court service delivery.
• Ongoing tenure that aligns with state judicial staffing cycles, with assignments updated as needed by Multnomah County Circuit Court leadership.
• Close collaboration with judges, judicial assistants, and administrative staff to support court calendars, manage filings, and maintain official records.

Because information about individual clerk names isn’t published as prominently as judicial or elected officials, most public access comes through the court’s official judicial directory or contact pages showing circuit clerk assignments by case type.

Initiatives & Improvements in Service Delivery

The clerk’s office in Multnomah County has focused on:

Enhancing public service access

• Faster document processing and clearer instructions for people representing themselves.
• Expanded court records search options online and in person.

Supporting judges and courtroom operations

• Coordination with presiding judges to support efficient case flow across multiple courthouse locations.

Streamlining record management

• Standardizing filing protocols and improving accuracy of official records to reduce errors and delays.

Division-Wise Table of Clerks

Key Responsibilities of the Clerk of Court

The Clerk of Court plays a vital role in the smooth operation of the judicial system. Their duties center on managing court records, assisting the public, and ensuring all filings are processed accurately and efficiently.

Managing Court Filings

One of the primary responsibilities of a court clerk is handling all court filings. This includes receiving, organizing, and maintaining legal documents for civil, criminal, and family cases. Clerks ensure that documents such as motions, pleadings, and petitions are properly filed according to court rules. They also track deadlines and case schedules to support judges and attorneys. By maintaining precise filing systems, clerks help prevent delays and maintain transparency in court proceedings.

• Receiving and organizing court documents
• Ensuring filings comply with legal rules
• Tracking case schedules and deadlines
• Supporting judges, attorneys, and court staff

Maintaining Public Records

Clerks of court are responsible for preserving accurate public records, including case histories, judgments, and other official documents. Maintaining these records requires attention to detail and adherence to state regulations. Accurate record-keeping supports legal accountability and provides reliable information for researchers, attorneys, and the community.

• Managing case histories and judgments
• Ensuring accuracy and legal compliance of records
• Preserving documents for public reference
• Supporting research and legal inquiries

Certifying Documents

A key function of the clerk is certifying court documents. Certified documents, such as marriage certificates, court orders, and judgments, are required for official purposes like property transfers, license applications, or appeals. The clerk ensures these certifications meet legal standards.

• Verifying the authenticity of court documents
• Issuing certified copies for legal or official use
• Maintaining accurate certification records

Administering Court Fees and Fines

Clerks manage the collection of court fees, fines, and other financial obligations. This includes calculating costs, issuing receipts, and keeping accurate financial records. Proper administration of fees ensures the court operates efficiently and funds are accurately accounted for.

• Collecting fees and fines
• Issuing receipts and maintaining records
• Providing information on fee waivers or payment options

Assisting the Public with Forms and Procedural Guidance

Serving as a point of contact for the public, clerks help individuals navigate court procedures. They provide forms, instructions, and basic guidance on filing requirements. While clerks cannot offer legal advice, their support helps citizens understand processes like filing motions, requesting records, or submitting appeals.

• Providing forms and procedural guidance
• Explaining filing requirements and deadlines
• Assisting with requests for records or appeals

Additional Administrative Roles

Clerks often oversee administrative tasks that keep the court functioning smoothly. They may coordinate schedules for hearings, maintain electronic filing systems, or supervise court staff. Their organizational skills and attention to operational detail support the judicial system’s overall efficiency.

• Coordinating hearing schedules
• Maintaining electronic and physical filing systems
• Supervising court staff and administrative operations

Court Clerk Services

Court clerk services support the public by handling records, filings, and case-related requests. These services help people request documents, submit paperwork, and track court activity through online and in-person options.

Court clerks serve as the central service desk for many court-related needs. Their offices manage public records, accept filings, and explain process steps using clear court service assistance. This section explains what services are available, how people use them, and what to expect at each stage.

Public Services Managed by the Clerk’s Office

Court clerk services focus on records and filings that affect daily legal needs. These services offered by the clerk help residents, attorneys, and businesses complete tasks without confusion. Many requests follow standard steps, which keeps processing consistent.

Common public services include:

• Marriage and divorce records for certified copies and case lookups
• Property liens and judgments tied to real estate or financial claims
• Criminal records for case status, charges, and dispositions
• Civil case filings such as small claims, contract disputes, and motions

Public document access remains a core duty. Clerks verify records, stamp filings, and record case actions. For example, a civil filing receives a timestamp, case number, and docket entry once accepted.

Filing Assistance and Legal Document Support

Filing assistance helps people submit paperwork correctly. Clerks explain filing fees, format rules, and submission methods. They do not give legal advice, yet they do explain what forms are required for a given service.

Legal document support includes form intake, fee collection, and routing to the correct court division. Court service assistance reduces rejected filings by checking basic details, such as signatures and page order.

Typical filing support steps:

• Review required forms for the case type
• Confirm fees and payment methods
• Submit documents online or at the counter
• Receive confirmation and a case reference

Online and In-Person Service Options

Court clerk services operate through digital portals and physical counters. Online service works best for records requests, payment, and status checks. In-person service suits complex filings or certified copies that require identity checks.

How to Search for Multnomah County Court Records

Multnomah County court records can be searched online through the official Oregon court system or reviewed in person at the courthouse. A structured search process helps users locate case information, court filings, and public records with fewer errors.

The Oregon Judicial Department manages public case records for Multnomah County through its statewide portal:

Official URL: https://webportal.courts.oregon.gov/portal

This website displays civil, criminal, family, probate, and traffic case data for Multnomah County courts.

Instructions to Search Court Records Online

The official case search tool follows a clear layout. Each step below explains how users can search court filings accurately.

Open the Case Search Page

Open the official portal link listed above. The homepage shows several search options, including case number search and name search.

Select the Search Type

Choose one of the available methods:

• Case Number Search for direct results
• Name Search for party-based lookup
• Advanced Search for filters by court location and date

Case number searches return the fastest and cleanest results.

Enter Search Details

Type the required information carefully:

• Enter the full case number with no spaces
• For name searches, enter last name first
• Avoid initials unless shown on court paperwork

Accurate spelling improves result quality.

Filter by Court Location

Select Multnomah County from the court location list. This step prevents results from other Oregon counties.

Review Case Results

The results page lists:

• Case title
• Case type
• Filing date
• Current case status

View Case Information

Each case page shows:

• Party names
• Scheduled hearings
• Filed motions and orders
• Judgment entries

Filing Court Documents

Filing court documents means submitting required paperwork to the clerk’s office so a case can move forward. The process follows set court filing procedures that cover forms, fees, and approved submission methods.

How the Court Filing Process Works

Filing court documents starts with preparing the correct paperwork and submitting it through an approved channel. The clerk’s office receives the materials, reviews them for basic filing requirements, and records them in the case file. Once filed, the court treats the documents as part of the official record.

Most courts follow a similar document submission process. The filer gathers forms, completes them clearly, and submits them by the deadline. Courts accept filings online, in person, or by mail, based on local rules. Timing matters since late submissions may delay hearings or filings.

Common documents filed with the clerk include:

• Complaints, petitions, or motions
• Responses, answers, or objections
• Affidavits and sworn statements
• Orders proposed for judicial review

Filing Steps with the Clerk’s Office

The filing steps follow a predictable pattern. Each step supports proper court filing procedures and reduces rejection risk.

• Prepare the documents
  Complete all required forms. Sign where required and add dates. Check margins, font size, and page limits set by the court.
• Review court filing requirements
  Courts publish rules on copies, formatting, and deadlines. These rules differ by case type.
• Calculate filing fees
  Many filings require a fee. Fee schedules list costs for civil, probate, family, or criminal matters. Fee waivers may apply for qualifying filers.
• Choose a submission method
  • Online filing: Many courts accept e-filing through approved portals.
  • In-person filing: Documents are handed to the clerk during office hours.
  • Mail filing: Postmarks matter for deadlines. Use tracking for records.
• Receive confirmation
  Filed documents receive a stamp or electronic receipt. This proof supports later reference.

A Document Checklist Tool fits best right before submission. Users can tick off forms, signatures, fees, and copies to match court filing requirements.

Fees, Forms, and Submission Methods

Filing fees vary by court and case type. Civil filings often cost more than motions within an open case. Payment options may include cash, card, or online payment, based on the clerk’s office.

Typical form sources include:

• Court websites with fillable PDFs
• Clerk’s office counters
• Approved legal form providers

Record Certification and Availability

Certified court records come from a formal request through the clerk’s office or an approved online channel. Public record viewing differs since certified copies carry legal proof status and official seals.

Certified court documents serve legal, business, and personal needs. This section explains how certified copies work, what separates them from standard public record viewing, and what privacy limits apply.

What Certified Court Records Mean

Certified court records are official record copies issued by a court clerk. Each copy includes a seal, stamp, or signature that confirms authenticity. Courts, banks, and government offices often require this format.

Common uses include:

• Legal filings and appeals
• Identity verification
• Immigration or employment paperwork
• Property or probate matters

Public record viewing allows review of case details. Certified court documents provide proof that a record is complete and accurate at the time of issue.

How to Request Certified Copies of Court Records

Most courts follow a similar request process. Some steps happen online, and others take place at the clerk’s counter.

Typical request steps

• Identify the case number, party name, and court location
• Choose the record type, such as judgment, docket, or final order
• Select certified format rather than standard copy
• Submit payment for certification and copy fees
• Wait for processing and delivery

Public Record Viewing vs. Certified Records

Fees, Rules, and Restrictions

Court filing fees and clerk office rules set the cost, limits, and eligibility for record requests and filings. These charges and rules vary by case type, document, and request method, with relief options for qualifying fee waivers.

Court systems apply structured fees and clear rules to keep records accurate and secure. These standards help manage filings, certifications, and public record requests in a fair way.

Common Court Filing Fees and Service Charges

Court filing fees cover case initiation, motions, copies, and certified records. Rates differ by court and document type, so amounts may change by location and case category. Clerk offices post fee schedules at service counters and official sites.

Typical charges include:

• Case filing fees: Civil, criminal, family, and probate filings often carry set amounts.
• Certification fees: Certified copies usually cost more than plain copies.
• Copy fees: Per-page charges apply for paper or scanned records.
• Search fees: Some courts charge for record searches handled by staff.

Clerk Office Rules, Document Limits, and Fee Relief

Clerk office rules define who may view or request records and which files remain restricted. Public case files often remain available, yet sealed cases, juvenile matters, and sensitive filings stay limited by court regulation.

Key record rules include:

• Eligibility: Many records remain open to the public; sealed files stay restricted.
• Identification: Photo ID may be required for in-person requests.
• Use limits: Records may not be used for harassment or unlawful purposes.

Fee waivers or exemptions exist for people facing financial hardship. Courts review waiver requests case by case and may require proof of income or public benefit status. Approved waivers can reduce or remove filing fees, copy costs, or service charges.

Clerk Office Location and Contact Information

The Multnomah County Clerk office location sits in Southeast Portland and serves residents during standard weekday hours. Clear contact options, office hours, and online portals make reaching the clerk simple and direct.

Official Office Address and Hours

The Multnomah County Clerk’s Office operates from a central and easy-to-find building in Portland. This office handles public records, document recording, and related clerk services.

Office Address:
501 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Room 175, Portland, OR 97214

Office Hours:

• Monday to Friday
• 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
• Closed on county holidays

The building sits near downtown, so travel time stays reasonable for most visitors.

Clerk Contact Info and Online Portals

Several contact options help residents choose what works best for them. Phone and email remain active during office hours, so responses arrive without long waits.

• Phone: 503-988-3326
• Email: recording@multco.us
• Online Services: Deed recording, document search, and fee details through the county website

Frequently Asked Questions

These Multnomah County Clerk of Court FAQs answer the questions people most often ask before contacting the courthouse. They focus on public inquiries about filings, records, fees, and court clerk help.

How to File Documents With the Multnomah Court Clerk?

Many public inquiries relate to document filing. The Multnomah County Clerk of Court accepts filings for civil, criminal, family, probate, and small claims matters.

Documents may be filed in person at the courthouse or sent by mail. Some case types allow electronic filing through Oregon’s approved eFiling system. Each filing must meet court formatting rules and deadline requirements.

Court clerks can explain filing steps and fee schedules. They do not review documents for legal accuracy or offer legal opinions.

Can certified copies of court records be requested online?

Requests for certified copies appear often in Multnomah County Clerk of Court FAQs. Certified copies are official records stamped and signed by the clerk.

Some records can be requested through online court systems, depending on the case type and age. Other requests require a written form or an in-person visit to the clerk’s office.

Fees apply per page and per certification. Processing time varies based on request volume and delivery method.

Who currently serves as clerk for Multnomah County courts?

This question causes confusion for many visitors. Multnomah County has an elected County Clerk, yet court clerks work under the Oregon Judicial Department.

Court clerks handle daily court operations such as maintaining case files, issuing court notices, and recording judgments. They work within courthouse divisions rather than as elected officials.

This structure helps keep court records accurate and available to the public.

What services does the clerk provide for the public?

Court clerk help includes many routine services. The clerk maintains official case records, processes filings, issues certified documents, and schedules hearings.

Public counters support attorneys and self-represented filers with procedural questions. Phone support handles basic case status questions and directs callers to the right department.

Clerks focus on record accuracy and court procedure rather than legal strategy.

Are there fees for viewing or requesting court records?

Fees remain a frequent topic in public inquiries. Viewing basic case information online often carries no charge. Copies and certified records require payment.

Fees follow Oregon court schedules and depend on page count and document type. Some requests qualify for fee waivers through approved court orders.

Checking current fee schedules before submitting a request helps avoid delays.

How can people contact the clerk for court clerk help?

Contacting the Multnomah County Clerk of Court depends on the service needed. Many questions can be answered by phone during business hours.

In-person visits work best for filings, certified copies, and time-sensitive matters. Written requests suit records searches and mailed copies.

These Multnomah County Clerk of Court FAQs help people prepare before reaching out, saving time for both the public and court staff.