Civil Process

A-
A+

The Civil Process Unit is responsible for carrying out the duties imposed and mandated upon the Sheriff as an officer of the court system, as required by law, and as they pertain to:

• Forcible Entry and Detainer (FED) actions;
• Writs of Garnishment;
• Abuse Prevention Restraining Orders;
• Extraordinary Writs;
• Notice Processes;
• Writs of Execution;
• Property Sales; and,
• Criminal, Juvenile, and Civil Subpoena service.

The Public Civil Log Viewer is provided as a courtesy to citizens who have engaged the Lane County Sheriff’s office to serve civil process (Small Claims, garnishments, FED evictions, protection orders, custody papers, etc) on their behalf and displays only papers that have been served. The Log Viewer is updated every three hours, meaning papers may have been served that do not yet appear on the log. Additionally, our Civil Intake staff works Monday - Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., except legal holidays. Papers served after hours and on weekends will be updated the next business day.

If have a specific question regarding service, please contact us during our phone hours of Mon-Fri 10a.m. to 4 p.m. at 541-682-4156, or 541-682-4150, option 3, option 3.

The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. By law, the Civil Process Unit may not give legal advice. Please consult an attorney for any legal guidance.

What types of services require a service fee and what is the fee?

Types of service requiring a service fee include:

Summons;
Citation;
Civil Subpoena;
Notice;
Order;
Small Claims;
Writ of Execution; and,
Writ of garnishment, or similar judicial documents.

Visit our fee schedule for associated fees. Fees are non-refundable. If you have questions about the fees, please contact our Civil Process Unit at 541-682-4156, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Fees are non-refundable. If you have questions about the fees, please contact our Civil Process Unit at 541-682-4156, Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

How do I evict a tenant?

FED eviction is a court process. A landlord must sue the tenant in a court for possession of the premises. The sheriff serves legal papers and, if the tenant does not comply with the court's orders, physically evicts the tenant. For further information on the legal process, visit the Oregon State Bar Association’s Landlord and Tenant Law website.

How do I file a restraining order?

You can petition the Lane County Circuit Court for a restraining order. You must personally appear before a judge before a restraining order will be granted. For further information, contact the court at 541-682-4020.

Lane County Victim Services provides advocates to assist with the restraining order process and will accompany the petitioner to court. For further information on these services, contact Victim’s Services at 541-682-4523.

How do I complete a FED Eviction?

See attached document for instructions .

My child's other parent won't return my child after a visitation period. How can I get my child?

Under certain circumstances the Court may issue an Order of Assistance ordering the Sheriff to take custody of a child and return the child to the custodial parent. For additional information on how to obtain an Order of Assistance, contact the Lane County Circuit Court at 541-682-4020. You may also contact your local law enforcement if you believe the crime of custodial interference (ORS 163.245) has occurred.

I can't find an address to serve the defendant my civil papers. Can the sheriff do a background check for the defendant?

No. The sheriff does not perform detective services to locate a defendant. We are also restricted from using criminal databases to assist individuals.

What type of papers does the sheriff serve?

The sheriff serves legal papers that have been filed with a court of law or issued by a governmental administrative agency. The sheriff does not serve letters or sealed envelopes.

I have a judgment and the debtor won't pay. How can I collect?

The court can issue Writs of Garnishment or Writs of Execution as methods of seizing property.

A Writ of Garnishment directs a third party to turn over property or money that the third party has in their possession. A Writ of Execution directs the sheriff to seize property that is in the possession of the debtor. The creditor needs to determine who has the property of the debtor and which legal mechanism to use.

Resources

The information contained in this website is for general information purposes only. By law, the Civil Unit may not give legal advice. Please consult an attorney for any legal guidance.

Possible legal resources:

1.        OregonLawHelp.org

2.        Tel-Law Program 1-800-452-4776

3.        Lane County Legal Aid
              376 E 11th Ave.
              Eugene, OR 97401
              (541) 485-1017

4.        Oregon State Bar
              Mailing Address:  P.O. Box 231935 Tigard, OR 97281-1935
              Physical Location: 16037 SW Upper Boones Ferry Rd (Directions) Tigard, OR 97224

              (503) 620-0222 or Inside Oregon: 1 (800) 452-8260
              Fax: (503) 684-1366
              Email: General OSB Inquiries: [email protected]

5.        Law libraries located at any courthouse or university

6.        For information regarding specific civil matters, refer to the Oregon Revised Statutes.