Access Burien Dissolution Of Marriage Records
Burien dissolution of marriage cases are filed with King County Superior Court, the same court system that handles Seattle and other King County cities. If you need to search for a dissolution case, get a copy of a final decree, or understand how the filing process works for Burien residents, this page covers the key steps and resources. All dissolution records for Burien are held by the King County Department of Judicial Administration and can be accessed online or in person at the courthouse in Seattle.
Burien Overview
Where to File for Dissolution in Burien
Burien is in King County, so all dissolution of marriage petitions must be filed with the King County Superior Court at 516 Third Avenue in Seattle. The King County Department of Judicial Administration serves as the court clerk and maintains all superior court case records, including family law and dissolution cases for Burien residents. Burien City Hall at 400 SW 152nd Street houses the city clerk, but the city clerk does not hold court records and cannot assist with dissolution filings. For court matters, contact King County directly.
King County District Court has a location in Burien at 601 S.W. 149th Street. This district court handles civil cases, small claims, and misdemeanors for Burien and several surrounding south King County cities. However, dissolution of marriage is a superior court matter. The Burien District Court does not handle family law cases and does not keep dissolution records. The civil filing area for Burien's district court cases includes Algona, Auburn, Black Diamond, Burien, Covington, Des Moines, and other south King County cities, but that does not apply to dissolution.
| Office | King County Superior Court Clerk (Department of Judicial Administration) |
|---|---|
| Address | King County Courthouse 516 Third Avenue Seattle, WA 98104 |
| Phone | (206) 296-9300 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | kingcounty.gov/en/dept/dja |
The City of Burien handles public records requests for city government records under the Washington State Public Records Act, RCW 42.56. But the city clearly states it does not maintain court-related records. For dissolution records, go directly to King County District Court or King County Superior Court depending on the type of case you are looking for.
Burien's official city website directs residents to King County District Court for court-related records assistance, while dissolution of marriage records are held at King County Superior Court in Seattle.
How to Search Burien Dissolution Records
Start your search for Burien dissolution records at the statewide court portal: odysseyportal.courts.wa.gov. King County is included in this system. Search by the full legal name of either party or by the case number if you have it. The portal shows basic case information including filing date, parties, case type, and docket entries. It does not display the text of filed documents, but it tells you whether a case exists and what has happened in it.
To review the full case file or obtain copies, visit the King County Superior Court Clerk at the King County Courthouse in Seattle. King County also offers electronic filing and online record access services through its Department of Judicial Administration. Call (206) 296-9300 to find out what online options are available for the specific type of record you need. Staff can pull the file when you visit in person and make copies at the counter.
For older dissolution records, the Washington State Digital Archives has historical King County court records that are searchable online for free. This is a good resource if you are researching a dissolution from decades ago that may not be in the current online court system.
Burien's public records request process is handled through the city for municipal records, but for dissolution of marriage records, residents must go to King County Superior Court, which maintains all family law case files.
Filing Fees in Burien
Burien dissolution cases are filed in King County, which charges around $350 for a new dissolution petition. This total includes the base filing fee and various state surcharges. Because the legislature adjusts surcharges periodically, confirm the exact current fee with the clerk before you file. Call (206) 296-9300 or check the King County Superior Court's website for the current schedule.
After the case is final, certified copies of the Decree of Dissolution cost $5 for the first page and $1 per additional page. Non-certified copies are available at a lower per-page rate. For legal and official purposes, get certified copies that carry the court seal. The clerk can make them while you wait when you visit in person.
Fee waivers are available for residents who cannot afford the filing fee. You file a motion and declaration showing your financial situation. People who receive public assistance or whose income falls below 200% of the federal poverty level generally qualify. Forms are free to download at courts.wa.gov/forms and are also available at the courthouse.
The Dissolution Process in Burien
Filing for dissolution in Burien follows Washington State law under RCW Chapter 26.09. Washington uses a no-fault system, meaning neither spouse needs to prove the other did anything wrong. The only required ground is that the marriage is irretrievably broken. One or both spouses state this, and the court accepts it without requiring evidence of misconduct.
The petitioner files a Petition for Dissolution and a Summons with King County Superior Court. The respondent must be served with these papers or sign a Joinder. Under RCW 26.09.030, a 90-day waiting period is required after service before the court can finalize the dissolution. This waiting period applies in every case, even when both spouses agree on everything from the start. It cannot be waived.
Washington is a community property state. Under RCW 26.09.080, assets and debts acquired during the marriage are divided in a way the court finds just and equitable. If children are part of the case, a parenting plan is required under RCW 26.09.187. Child support is calculated under state guidelines in RCW Chapter 26.19 based on both parents' incomes and the residential schedule. King County also requires parents to attend a parenting seminar when children are involved.
King County maintains multiple court locations throughout the county, with Burien served by a district court at 601 S.W. 149th Street for non-family law matters, while dissolution of marriage cases go to King County Superior Court in Seattle.
Getting Copies of Dissolution Records
King County Superior Court Clerk holds all dissolution case files for Burien residents. These records are public unless sealed. The full file includes the petition, financial declarations, parenting plan (if applicable), and the final Decree of Dissolution. Anyone can request copies, not just the parties to the case, as long as the file is not under a seal or protective order.
Visit the King County Courthouse at 516 Third Avenue in Seattle to get copies in person. King County offers electronic filing and some online record access services through the Department of Judicial Administration. For confirmed current options, call (206) 296-9300. Certified copies cost $5 for the first page and $1 per additional page. These carry the court seal and are accepted for legal and official purposes.
The Washington Department of Health issues dissolution certificates for cases finalized since 1968. Order at doh.wa.gov for $25. VitalChek processes requests with delivery in 3 to 7 business days. A dissolution certificate is a summary document, not a copy of the full court file.
Legal Help for Dissolution in Burien
Burien residents have access to legal aid services through Northwest Justice Project, which serves King County and handles family law cases for people who qualify based on income. They can help with forms, explain procedures, and in some cases provide legal representation. Call (888) 201-1014 or visit nwjustice.org to apply. Getting help before you file can prevent delays and errors that slow the process down.
For those seeking a private attorney, the Washington State Bar Association's directory at wsba.org covers family law attorneys in the Burien and south King County area. The WSBA referral line is (206) 443-9722. Many attorneys in the area offer free or reduced-cost consultations for new family law matters.
Self-help resources at washingtonlawhelp.org include step-by-step guides for completing your own dissolution. All required forms are free at courts.wa.gov/forms. King County Superior Court also has a family law facilitator at the courthouse who can help self-represented people with procedural questions and form selection.
King County Dissolution Records
Burien is part of King County, and all dissolution of marriage cases go through King County Superior Court. The county page has more information on the court system, online access tools, and how King County handles family law matters.
Nearby Cities
These cities near Burien also file dissolution cases through King County Superior Court.