You can file in Multnomah County if at least one defendant lives or can be found there, the damage or injury happened there, or the contract was to be performed there. Claims of $750 or less must go to small claims, unless the law you sue under allows lawyer fees; from $750.01 to $10,000 you can choose small claims or general civil court.
| Limit | $10,000 |
|---|---|
| Court | Multnomah County Circuit Court, Small Claims Department |
| Address | Multnomah County Courthouse, 1200 SW 1st Ave., Room 02100 (Customer Service), Portland, OR 97204 |
| Phone | 971-274-0545 |
| Hours | In person Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; phones 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 to 4:00 p.m. |
| Fees | $57 for claims of $2,500 or less and $102 for claims over $2,500. Oregon Judicial Department schedule effective 1 January 2026. Pay by cash, card, check or money order to the State of Oregon. |
| Serving papers | You must serve every defendant: by sheriff or private process server, by a competent Oregon resident 18 or older who is not a party, by substituted or office service with follow-up mail, or by restricted-delivery certified mail. File proof within 63 days of filing or the case may be dismissed. The sheriff's fee is not stated. |
Multnomah County Circuit Court, Small Claims Department small claims page
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General information to help you get organized, last checked November 1, 2026. It isn't legal advice, and SueYou isn't a law firm. Laws change and every case is different, so confirm anything important with a lawyer or the court. No lawyer has reviewed this page yet.
