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How-to · Courts & legal

Get free legal help for an eviction court case

The Eviction Defense Project gives free legal help to low-income tenants across Oregon who face eviction court cases.

Steps

4 steps
  1. Have your case details readyYou need your court case number and hearing date. Eviction court moves fast, so do not wait.
  2. Contact them before your first court dateThey can only help if you reach out before your first appearance date.
  3. Call or use the web formGive your name, case number and court summons date. If you use the form, check your email and spam folder for a reply.
  4. Go to court and call before you signIf you do not show up, you could lose your case, even if you applied for rent assistance.

Bring

  • Court case number
  • Court hearing date
Without a case number and a hearing at least 48 hours away, you may not hear back.
  • How-to

    Apply for a court-appointed lawyer in Oregon

    Courts & legal
    1. Use the statewide application formStatewide forms from the Forms Center are accepted in all circuit courts.
    2. List income, assets, expenses and debtsGive amounts for yourself and your spouse or registered domestic partner combined.
    3. Sign the declarationYou declare the statements are true; the form is used as evidence in court.
    BringDate of birthMonthly income amountsEmployer names and addresses
    CostYou may be ordered to pay part of the cost, based on your ability to pay
    Oregon Judicial Department
  • How-to

    Ask the court to enforce a custody or parenting order

    Courts & legal
    1. Choose the right enforcement packetMatch your situation: parenting time, withheld custody, or registering an out-of-state order.
    2. Register an out-of-state order firstIf the order came from another state, register and confirm it in an Oregon court.
    3. Use the parenting-time packetFor a valid order setting parenting time that the other parent is violating.
    + 2 more steps in the full guide
    BringYour current signed order or judgment
    Oregon Judicial Department541-682-4020
  • How-to

    Ask the court to reduce criminal fines or fees

    Courts & legal
    1. Check that you qualifyYour case cannot be on appeal. Debts from a final criminal judgment or contempt for nonpayment may be eligible.
    2. Fill out the formFill out the PDF by hand or use the online iForm, then print it. Describe your finances and barriers to paying.
    3. Turn it in at the court of your caseTake the completed form to the circuit court where your case occurred.
    + 2 more steps in the full guide
    BringYour financial situation and barriersA copy of the form for the DA
    CostNo fee to turn in this form
    Oregon Judicial Department