Search Bothell Dissolution Of Marriage Records
Bothell dissolution of marriage cases are primarily filed through the Snohomish County Superior Court, which serves most of the city. Whether you need to search for a dissolution case, check on its status, or get a certified copy of a decree, this page explains what to expect and where to go. Records are held by the Snohomish County Superior Court Clerk and can be accessed in person in Everett or searched online through the statewide court portal.
Bothell Overview
Where to File for Dissolution in Bothell
Most of Bothell falls within Snohomish County, so dissolution of marriage petitions for most Bothell residents are filed with the Snohomish County Superior Court in Everett. The Snohomish County Superior Court Clerk's office maintains all dissolution case records for the county. The courthouse is located at 3000 Rockefeller Avenue in Everett, roughly 15 miles north of central Bothell.
A small portion of Bothell is within King County. If you live in the King County portion, your dissolution goes through King County Superior Court at 516 Third Avenue in Seattle. If you are unsure which county your address falls in, check with Bothell City Hall at 18415 101st Avenue NE, Bothell, WA 98011, or call (425) 806-6100. The City Clerk's office there can help you identify the correct county for your address.
| Office | Snohomish County Superior Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 3000 Rockefeller Avenue, M/S 605 Everett, WA 98201 |
| Phone | (425) 388-3466 |
| contact.clerk@snoco.org | |
| Website | snohomishcountywa.gov - Access Court Records |
The Bothell Municipal Court at Bothell City Hall handles traffic and misdemeanor cases for the city. It does not hold dissolution records. For dissolution matters, go to the Snohomish County Superior Court in Everett. Bothell Municipal Court records requests can be submitted through the city's Records Center portal or in person at the clerk's window, but these are separate from family law records.
Snohomish County provides public access to court records through the clerk's office in Everett, where Bothell residents can search and obtain dissolution of marriage case documents.
How to Search Bothell Dissolution Records
The statewide court search at odysseyportal.courts.wa.gov is the easiest way to start looking for a Bothell dissolution case. Snohomish County is part of this system. Enter a party name or case number to find basic case information including filing date, docket entries, and current status. The online portal does not display the full content of court documents, just the index and activity log.
To view the full case file or get copies, visit the Snohomish County Clerk's Office in Everett. Access to view public court records there is free. Staff can search by name or case number and pull the file. Audio recordings of court hearings cost $25 per hearing date if you need them. Confidential or sealed records require an in-person request with a valid government-issued photo ID.
The Washington State Digital Archives holds older court records and is a good resource for Bothell cases from several decades ago. Searching the digital archives is free. For juvenile court records, contact the Snohomish County Clerk at contact.clerk@snoco.org or (425) 388-3466 directly.
Bothell's city records portal handles municipal records requests, while dissolution of marriage records for most Bothell residents are kept at the Snohomish County Superior Court Clerk's office.
Filing Fees in Bothell
Snohomish County charges around $310 to file a dissolution of marriage petition. This includes the base filing fee and state-mandated surcharges. The total can vary slightly when state law adjusts the surcharge schedules, so confirm the current amount with the Snohomish County Superior Court Clerk at (425) 388-3466 before you go.
After the dissolution is finalized, certified copies of the Decree of Dissolution cost $5 for the first page and $1 per additional page. Non-certified copies cost $0.50 per page. Certified copies carry the court seal and are required for most legal and official purposes. Plain copies work for personal reference. Fees are paid at the clerk's counter in Everett.
If the filing fee is a hardship, you can apply for a fee waiver. The waiver process involves filing a motion and financial declaration with the court. People who receive public assistance or whose income falls below 200% of the federal poverty level generally qualify. Fee waiver forms are available at the courthouse and on the Washington Courts website.
The Dissolution Process in Bothell
Bothell residents follow the same state law as every other city in Washington. Dissolution is governed by RCW Chapter 26.09. Washington is a no-fault state, so neither spouse has to prove misconduct. The only ground for dissolution is that the marriage is irretrievably broken. The court does not require either party to blame the other.
One spouse files a Petition for Dissolution and a Summons with the Snohomish County Superior Court. The other spouse is served or signs a Joinder. Under RCW 26.09.030, there is a 90-day waiting period after service before the court can issue the final decree. Even agreed cases must wait out this period. The waiting period starts from the date the respondent is served or signs the Joinder, not from the filing date.
Washington is a community property state. Under RCW 26.09.080, the court divides assets and debts acquired during the marriage in a just and equitable way. Separate property owned before the marriage or received as a gift or inheritance typically stays with its owner. If children are involved, the court requires a parenting plan under RCW 26.09.187 and uses state guidelines under RCW Chapter 26.19 to calculate child support.
The Bothell City Clerk oversees municipal elections and the city's records management program. The clerk is also an Elections Liaison to both King County and Snohomish County given Bothell's split-county status. While this office does not handle dissolution cases, it manages the city's public records process under RCW 42.56.
The Bothell City Clerk's office manages city records and public records requests, while dissolution of marriage cases for Bothell residents go through either Snohomish or King County Superior Court depending on the resident's address.
Getting Copies of Dissolution Records
Snohomish County Superior Court Clerk holds the dissolution case files for most Bothell residents. Visit the clerk's office at 3000 Rockefeller Avenue in Everett to request copies. Staff can pull the file and make copies at the counter. Viewing public court records is free. Copies cost $0.50 per page for non-certified copies and $5 for the first page of a certified copy, then $1 per additional page.
If the case was filed in the King County portion of Bothell, the records are at the King County Superior Court Clerk at 516 Third Avenue in Seattle. The fee structure is similar. Call (206) 296-9300 for King County copies or (425) 388-3466 for Snohomish County copies.
The Washington Department of Health issues dissolution certificates for cases finalized since 1968. These are official summaries available for $25 at doh.wa.gov. VitalChek processes these with 3 to 7 business day delivery. If you need the full decree text, get it from the county court clerk instead.
Legal Help for Dissolution in Bothell
Residents of Bothell can get free legal help through Northwest Justice Project, which covers Snohomish County and King County. They handle family law cases including dissolution of marriage for people who qualify based on income. Call (888) 201-1014 or visit nwjustice.org to learn about eligibility and how to apply. Their staff can help with forms, procedures, and in some cases may provide representation.
For those who can hire an attorney, the Washington State Bar Association's directory at wsba.org covers family law attorneys in the Bothell area. The WSBA referral line is (206) 443-9722. For self-help, washingtonlawhelp.org has detailed guides and courts.wa.gov/forms has all required court forms for free download. Snohomish County's public defender office can be reached at (425) 339-6300 for criminal matters, though dissolution is a civil case and a separate type of legal help is needed.
Snohomish County Dissolution Records
Most Bothell residents file dissolution of marriage cases through Snohomish County Superior Court. The county page has more information on court access, resources, and how to search and obtain dissolution records in Snohomish County.
Nearby Cities
These cities near Bothell also file dissolution cases through Snohomish County or King County Superior Court.