Find Dissolution Of Marriage in Camas

Camas dissolution of marriage cases are filed with Clark County Superior Court, which serves Camas and all other cities and towns in Clark County. Whether you need to search for a dissolution case, check on a filing, or get a certified copy of a final decree, the Clark County Clerk's office at the Clark County Courthouse in Vancouver holds those records. This page covers how to search for Camas dissolution records, what the filing process involves, what copies cost, and where to get legal help in the Camas area.

Where to File for Dissolution in Camas

Camas is in Clark County, so dissolution of marriage cases are filed at the Clark County Courthouse at 1200 Franklin Street in Vancouver. The Clark County Superior Court Clerk holds all court records on the first floor of the courthouse. Public hours for reviewing files are 9:00 a.m. to noon and 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Camas is about 15 miles east of the courthouse, so plan ahead before making the trip.

The Camas-Washougal Municipal Court at Camas City Hall handles traffic and misdemeanor matters for Camas. It does not hold dissolution records. The municipal court can be reached at (564) 397-2125 or by email at dc.camas@clark.wa.gov. Their lobby is open Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. But again, dissolution filings go to Clark County Superior Court, not the municipal court.

The Camas City Clerk's Office at 616 NE 4th Avenue manages city records and public disclosure requests for Camas under the Washington Public Records Act. The city clerk responds to public records requests by online submission or in person, Monday through Friday 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Reach them at (360) 817-1591 or publicrecords@cityofcamas.us. The city clerk does not maintain court records, but can direct you to the right county office.

The Camas City Clerk's Office manages city public records requests and can direct residents seeking dissolution of marriage records to the Clark County Superior Court Clerk in Vancouver.

How to Search Camas Dissolution Records

The statewide court search at odysseyportal.courts.wa.gov includes Clark County and is a good starting point for finding a Camas dissolution case. Search by party name or case number. The portal shows basic case information: filing date, case type, parties, and docket activity. It does not display the full content of documents, just the case index.

To view the full file or get copies, visit the Clark County Superior Court Clerk at 1200 Franklin Street in Vancouver. Court records from 1996 to present can be copied onto a CD for 25 cents per page plus a $20 CD fee. Documents can also be emailed at 25 cents per page. Printed copies by mail cost 50 cents per page. Certified copies cost $5 for the first page and $1 for each additional page. These fees apply to non-restricted public records.

For older records, the Washington State Digital Archives has historical Clark County court records that are free to search online. If you are looking for a Camas dissolution from before the digital court era, the archives are a useful first stop.

Clark County's public records access portal explains how residents can review court files and request copies of dissolution of marriage records from the clerk's office in Vancouver.

Filing Fees in Camas

Clark County charges around $320 to file a dissolution of marriage petition. This reflects the base filing fee plus state surcharges. Fees can change, so confirm the current amount with the Clark County Superior Court Clerk before you file. Visit the clerk's office at 1200 Franklin Street or check the Clark County website for current fee schedules.

Copies of court records cost 50 cents per page by mail or 25 cents per page by email. Documents on CD cost 25 cents per page plus a $20 CD fee. Certified copies cost $5 for the first page and $1 for each additional page. Non-certified copies are fine for personal records. If you need a certified copy for a name change, property transfer, or other legal purpose, the certified version with the court seal is required.

Fee waivers are available if the filing fee is a hardship. File a motion and financial declaration with the court. People who receive public assistance or whose income falls below 200% of the federal poverty level typically qualify. Forms are available at the clerk's office and on the Washington Courts website.

The Dissolution Process in Camas

Camas residents follow Washington State law under RCW Chapter 26.09 when filing for dissolution of marriage. Washington is a no-fault state. Neither spouse has to prove the other did anything wrong. The only ground required is that the marriage is irretrievably broken. Either party can assert this, and the court does not require evidence of misconduct.

The petitioner files a Petition for Dissolution and a Summons at Clark County Superior Court. The respondent is served or signs a Joinder. Under RCW 26.09.030, Washington requires a 90-day waiting period after service before the dissolution can be finalized. This applies in all cases, including agreed ones. No one can waive this waiting period. It starts from the date the respondent is served or signs the Joinder.

Washington is a community property state. Under RCW 26.09.080, the court divides property acquired during the marriage in a way it finds just and equitable. Separate property owned before the marriage or received as a gift or inheritance is generally not divided. If children are involved, a parenting plan is required under RCW 26.09.187. Child support is calculated under RCW Chapter 26.19 using both parents' incomes and the residential time schedule.

Clark County's access to records page notes that most court files are available for public review during regular hours. Some records may be restricted or sealed by court order. If you are not a party to the case, you still have the right to request public court records but not to access any portions that are under a protective order.

The Clark County Courthouse in Vancouver houses the Superior Court Clerk where Camas residents file dissolution of marriage petitions and can access completed case records.

Getting Copies of Dissolution Records

Clark County Superior Court Clerk at 1200 Franklin Street holds the full dissolution case files for Camas cases. These records are public unless sealed. The file includes the petition, financial declarations, parenting plan (if applicable), and the final Decree of Dissolution. Visit in person during public hours or submit a written request. The clerk can also email documents at 25 cents per page or mail them at 50 cents per page.

Certified copies cost $5 for the first page and $1 per additional page. If you need the copy for a legal purpose, name change, or official process, get a certified copy with the court seal. For personal reference, a non-certified copy costs less and works fine.

The Washington Department of Health also issues dissolution certificates for cases finalized since 1968. These are official summaries rather than copies of the full court file. Order at doh.wa.gov for $25. VitalChek handles these requests with typical delivery of 3 to 7 business days.

Legal Help for Dissolution in Camas

Camas residents can get free legal help through Northwest Justice Project, which serves Clark County and handles family law cases for income-qualified individuals. Call (888) 201-1014 or visit nwjustice.org to apply. They assist with court forms, procedures, and in some situations provide direct legal representation. The sooner you contact them, the more options you have.

For those seeking a private attorney, the Washington State Bar Association's directory at wsba.org lists family law attorneys who practice in Clark County. The WSBA referral line is (206) 443-9722. Many attorneys in the Vancouver and Camas area offer free initial consultations. It is worth calling a few to compare.

Self-help resources are available at washingtonlawhelp.org, which has step-by-step guides for filing dissolution without a lawyer. All required court forms are free to download at courts.wa.gov/forms. The Clark County Courthouse may have a self-help center available for procedural questions. Clark County also has pretrial services at (564) 397-4414 for other court-related matters, but dissolution questions go to the civil family law clerk.

Clark County Dissolution Records

Camas is in Clark County, and all dissolution of marriage filings go through Clark County Superior Court in Vancouver. The county page has more information on the court system and how to access Clark County dissolution records.

View Clark County Dissolution Records

Nearby Cities

These cities near Camas also file dissolution cases through Clark County Superior Court.