What is a Request for Production of Documents (RFP) in Oregon Family Court?

A request for production of documents (RFP) is a formal way to ask the other side in a legal case to share records or files that matter to the case. 

This article explains what RFPs are, how to send one, and what to do if you get one. 

Learn about other ways to get documents for an Oregon family court case here. 

Can I use an RFP in my family court case?   

Yes. If you're involved in an Oregon family court case, like divorce or custody, both sides can send each other a request for production of documents. 

You can ask for any documents related to your case, including: 

• Pay stubs, W-2s, and tax returns.   
• Bank statements or loan documents.   
• Property deeds or vehicle titles.   
• Medical or school records.   
• Police reports or criminal history records. 

Where can I find an RFP form?  

• If you have a lawyer, they can help you write an RFP and send it to the other person. Most lawyers have their own RFP forms.
• If you do not have a lawyer, you can use Oregon’s Discovery Notice form to ask the other side for documents. If you need more documents than what is listed on the form, you can add your own requests at the end (see image below). 

 How do I serve my RFP on the other side?  

You must mail your RFP by regular USPS mail (no return receipt needed).   

Here are the steps to serving an RFP: 

1. Print out the Discovery Notice form.
2. Make a copy.   
3. Mail the copy to the other person at their current address.
4. On your copy, write down the details of when you served the other side (for your records):  
   “I, (your name) ____________________ mailed a copy of this statute to (other side’s name) ________________________ by first-class regular USPS mail on (date) ________________________________ to their last known address: _____________________________________________________.  

After you send your request, the other person has 33 days to reply and give you the documents. If they do not provide them, you can take more steps to make them do so.  

What if the other side doesn’t provide documents?    

If the other side does not give you documents, email them a reminder about your request. Ask when they will send the documents. 

If the other person ignores your request or refuses to give you documents, you still have options: 

1. Use other methods to get the documents. This might mean collecting documents yourself or asking third parties for them. Learn more about these options here.
2. Hire a lawyer. You can also hire a lawyer to help you file a motion to compel. This is a formal request for the court to order the other person to provide the documents. 

What should I do if I get an RFP?   

If you have a lawyer, they will help you respond to the RFP.  

If you do not have a lawyer, here are some steps you can follow: 

1. Read the entire request for production.   
2. Write down any questions or concerns you have. For example, you might think a request is too hard or too expensive to follow.
3. Email your questions or concerns to the other person’s lawyer. Email is best because it gives you a written record.
4. Do your best to work with the attorney to provide the documents.
5. If the lawyer is unreasonable or will not work with you, it is okay to stand your ground and not do everything they ask. For example, you can refuse to give confidential records. 

Further reading   

• Read the law: Oregon's rules for requests for production are found in Oregon Rule of Civil Procedure 43. Special discovery rules for family law cases are found at Oregon Revised Statutes 107.089.    
• Family Law in Oregon Bar Book: The Oregon State Bar (OSB) publishes in-depth legal guides for attorneys. Family Law in Oregon covers requests for production of documents and other family law topics. If you’re an attorney, you can access this book through your OSB login. If you’re not an attorney, contact a law library for free access. 

Where to get help with an RFP

If you need help with a request for production or a motion to compel, talk to a lawyer. Here are some ways to find one: 

• Contact Oregon’s Lawyer Referral Service: This free service can connect you to private lawyers in Oregon.
• Search our Legal Directory. If you’re worried about legal costs, you can search for free or low-cost legal help using the directory on this site.  

For more help finding a lawyer, read our guide to hiring a lawyer in Oregon.