Douglas County Civil Case Records

Douglas County civil court records are stored at the Circuit Court in Roseburg, Oregon. The county was created on January 7, 1852, and named for U.S. Senator Stephen A. Douglas of Illinois. Roseburg serves as the county seat. The courthouse at 1036 SE Douglas Ave has stood since 1929, with additions built in 1956 and 1977. Civil cases filed in Douglas County go through the Circuit Court, and the clerk's office stores all case files on site. Residents and the public can access civil court records in person, by phone, or through online tools.

Douglas County Circuit Court

The Douglas County Circuit Court handles all civil cases in the county. The main courthouse is at 1036 SE Douglas Ave in Roseburg. Court hours are 8 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday, with a midday break from noon to 1 PM. The civil division can be reached at 541-957-2471. This is the number to call if you need to ask about a civil case or request records.

Douglas County has six judges who rotate through civil, criminal, family, and probate cases. In a notable change, Senate Bill 95 in 2025 created new judicial positions for Douglas County. These were the first new judges added in over 40 years. The added positions help the court keep up with a growing caseload, which benefits anyone waiting on civil court records or case rulings in Douglas County.

The Douglas County Circuit Court website lists court hours, judge assignments, and contact details for the Roseburg office.

From this site you can find links to forms, local rules, and records access for Douglas County civil cases.

Search Douglas County Civil Records

There are several ways to search for civil court records in Douglas County. The Oregon Judicial Department runs a free online records search that covers all 36 circuit courts in the state. You can search by party name or case number to find civil cases filed in Douglas County. The free search shows basic case information, including filing dates, hearing schedules, and judgment entries.

The Oregon eCourt Case Information system (OECI) offers a more detailed view. This subscription tool shows the full register of actions and judgment dockets for any civil case. It is used by attorneys, title companies, and people who need complete case details from Douglas County civil court records.

You can also search in person at the courthouse. The Circuit Court office in Roseburg has public access terminals. These are free to use. Walk in during business hours, and staff can direct you to the terminal or help you look up a case. Call the civil division at 541-957-2471 if you want to check on a case before you visit.

Note: Adoption, juvenile, and mental health records are not included in public search results for Douglas County. State and federal law protects these case types from public access.

Douglas County Record Copies

Getting copies of civil court records from Douglas County follows the statewide process. You can request copies in person at the courthouse. Go to Room 252 or 254 at 1036 SE Douglas Ave in Roseburg. Give staff the case number and the names of the parties. Tell them which documents you need. They will pull the file and make copies.

You can also submit requests by mail. Send your request to the Douglas County Circuit Court at 1036 SE Douglas Ave, Roseburg, OR 97470. Include all case details, a check payable to the State of Oregon, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. The statewide records request page also accepts online submissions for Douglas County civil court records.

Copy fees are standard across Oregon. Plain copies cost $0.25 per page. Certified copies of civil court records add $5.00 per certificate. If the total will exceed $25, the court will contact you with an estimate first. Under ORS 192.324, the court must process your request and provide copies within a reasonable time. Staff handle requests in the order they come in.

The Douglas County court records page explains what you need to submit a request.

This page walks you through the steps for requesting copies of civil court records from the Douglas County clerk.

Douglas County Clerk Office

County Clerk Dan Loomis manages the Douglas County Clerk's office. It is at the Justice Building, Room 201, at 1036 SE Douglas Ave in Roseburg. The clerk's office handles property recordings, elections, and other county functions. The phone number is 541-440-4324. The fax is 541-957-2461. Office hours are 8 AM to noon and 1 PM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday.

Property records in Douglas County often connect to civil court records. When a civil judgment creates a lien, the County Clerk records it. If you are tracing a property dispute through the courts, you may need records from both the Circuit Court and the County Clerk. The clerk also issues marriage licenses and manages the county's election process.

The Douglas County Clerk page on the county website has contact information and links to recording services.

From the clerk's page you can find forms, fee schedules, and details on how to record documents in Douglas County.

Civil Cases Filed in Douglas County

The Douglas County Circuit Court hears a wide range of civil matters. Standard civil cases involve claims over $10,000. Small claims cover disputes under $10,000. Both produce civil court records that the clerk stores at the Roseburg courthouse.

Civil filings in Douglas County include contract disputes, property claims, personal injury lawsuits, and foreclosure actions. Each case creates a paper trail from the initial complaint through the final judgment. Under ORS 7.110, the circuit court clerk has custody of all records and files of the court. Every document filed in a Douglas County civil case is part of the public record unless a judge orders it sealed.

The register of actions for each case tracks every event. Under ORS 7.020, the clerk must maintain this register. It shows filing dates, hearing schedules, motions, and orders. This is the main tool for tracking civil court records in Douglas County. You can view it at the courthouse or through online search tools.

Public Access to Douglas Records

Oregon's public records law gives broad access to civil court records. Under ORS 192.311, court records fall within the definition of public records. Anyone can ask to see civil court records in Douglas County. You do not have to be part of the case. You do not have to give a reason for your request.

Under ORS 192.314, the right to inspect public records belongs to every person. The Douglas County Circuit Court must allow you to view civil court records during normal business hours. If you want copies, they charge the standard fees. Certified copies carry the court seal and can be used for legal purposes.

Some civil court records may have sealed parts. A judge might seal financial details or trade secrets in a business dispute. But the great majority of civil court records in Douglas County are fully open to the public.

Note: Douglas County has municipal courts in Myrtle Creek, Reedsport, Roseburg, Sutherlin, and Winston. These handle city violations, not civil court records. For civil matters, you need the Circuit Court.

Douglas County Court History

Douglas County has one of the longer court histories in Oregon. The county was carved from Umpqua County on January 7, 1852. It was named for Stephen A. Douglas, the U.S. Senator from Illinois. Roseburg became the county seat and has held that role ever since.

The current courthouse was built in 1929. It got additions in 1956 and 1977 to keep up with the county's needs. Civil court records from Douglas County go back many decades. Older records may take more time to locate, but they are still part of the public record. The court clerk at the Roseburg office can help you find historical civil court records.

The Douglas County official website has more information about county history and government departments.

The county site links to departments including the clerk, the circuit court, and the sheriff's office, all of which maintain public records in Douglas County.

Nearby Counties

Douglas County borders Lane County to the north, Coos and Curry counties to the west, Josephine and Jackson counties to the south, and Klamath County to the east. Each county has its own circuit court and maintains its own civil court records. If you are not sure which county handled a case, check the address where the events took place or where the parties lived at the time of filing.