If you’re wondering when your eviction case will go before a judge in Oregon, this article breaks down the timeline in plain language.

**1. File the eviction complaint.** After serving a proper notice and waiting the required period, you can file a Residential Eviction Complaint in the Oregon circuit court for the county where the rental is located. Include copies of your notice and proof of service.

**2. First appearance hearing.** The court will schedule a first appearance hearing—sometimes called an initial hearing or first appearance—usually within one to two weeks of filing. At this brief hearing the judge checks paperwork and asks whether the tenant contests the eviction. If the tenant does not appear or does not contest, the judge may grant a judgment and issue a writ of execution shortly after.

**3. Trial date (if contested).** If the tenant contests the eviction, the judge will schedule a trial, typically within 15 days. Both landlord and tenant present evidence, and the judge decides whether to grant the eviction.

**4. Writ of execution and lockout.** If you win your case, the court issues a writ of execution authorizing the sheriff to remove the tenant. The sheriff posts the writ at the rental and typically gives the tenant four to seven days to move out before conducting the lockout.

Remember that exact timelines can vary by county and court workload. Always bring copies of the lease, your notice, proof of service, and any evidence of the violation. This article is for general informational purposes and not legal advice. For help navigating an eviction hearing in Oregon, feel free to contact us or schedule a consultation.