Whatever the zip code, divorce American style is fraught with confusing rules and regulations peculiar to each state. Oregon is no exception, making it important for anyone contemplating the dissolution of marriage in the Beaver State to have a grasp of the basics.

First and foremost, it is imperative that at least one of the spouses has lived in Oregon for a minimum of six months prior to filing for divorce. Additionally, the petition for dissolution (Oregon does not use the term "divorce") can only be filed in the county in which the petitioner lives. Oregon is a "no-fault" state, meaning that a divorce can be obtained with no grounds other than irreconcilable differences. This is not to say that fault is never used as a reason for dissolution. There are isolated instances in which one of the parties was not capable of fulfilling a marriage contract because of age or lack of understanding or when consent was obtained by either fraud or force; in these cases, dissolution for cause may be granted.

Once the petition has been filed, there is a mandatory waiting period prior to the settlement or trial (though there is rarely a trial involved), assuming the petition is not contested. If the respondent does contest any portion of the petition, including monetary disputes, custody arrangements, support and related issues, the hearing date might be held up for months or, in more complicated cases, a year or more.

Often, temporary measures are taken when there is a long delay between the filing and the hearing. Such matters as child custody and support, money, property division and joint debts may be heard by a judge who can then issue orders that remain in effect until such time as the final judgment is entered.

Oregon is an equitable division state, which means that many factors are used to discern where property goes after a separation. Things such as health of each party, the contribution of a homemaker, child custody, and property owned outside of the marriage as well as retirement or pension plans will be considered. The goal of this practice is to ensure that each person leaves the marriage in a state of financial stability.

In some cases, a judge may suggest conciliation sessions for the divorcing couple. In all cases where children are part of the action, their welfare is the judge's primary concern when making decisions concerning support, care and custody. Additionally, when a divorce involves children, parenting classes are required and there can often be a waiting period to begin these programs.

Although it is possible to file for divorce in Oregon on your own, there are many minute details to be handled. With so much paperwork and legal maze-running, it is always recommended that each person consult with an experienced divorce attorney to ensure that both parties enjoy a fair and equitable outcome to one of life's more difficult events.