Des Moines Dissolution Of Marriage Records
Des Moines dissolution of marriage cases are filed through King County Superior Court, which handles all family law matters for Des Moines and the rest of King County. If you need to find a dissolution case filed by a Des Moines resident, check the status of a pending case, or obtain a certified copy of a divorce decree, the King County Department of Judicial Administration is where those records are kept. This page explains how to search for Des Moines dissolution records, what the process involves, and what resources are available to help.
Des Moines Overview
Where to File for Dissolution in Des Moines
Des Moines is in King County, so dissolution of marriage cases are filed with King County Superior Court at 516 Third Avenue in Seattle. The King County Department of Judicial Administration serves as the superior court clerk and maintains all case records for dissolution and other family law matters. Des Moines residents must file at the courthouse in Seattle, which is about 16 miles north of Des Moines.
Des Moines has its own Municipal Court at 21630 11th Ave. S., Suite C, Des Moines, WA 98198, with a phone number of (206) 878-4597. The court lobby is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The Des Moines Municipal Court handles city ordinance violations, traffic matters, and misdemeanors within city limits. It does not handle family law or dissolution cases. The King County District Court in Burien at 601 S.W. 149th Street handles civil and small claims cases for Des Moines, but dissolution still goes to Superior Court.
| 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 Des Moines City Clerk handles public records requests for city government records. The city responds uniformly and fairly to records requests under RCW 42.56, and provides inspection and copying of records within five business days of the initial response. But the city clerk does not maintain court records. Dissolution filings stay with King County Superior Court.
Des Moines City Clerk handles public records requests for city matters, and can direct residents to the correct King County office for dissolution of marriage records and court case information.
How to Search Des Moines Dissolution Records
The statewide court portal at odysseyportal.courts.wa.gov includes King County and lets you search for Des Moines dissolution cases by party name or case number. You can see filing dates, docket entries, party names, and case status. The portal does not show the full text of court documents, but it confirms whether a case exists and gives you a timeline of what has been filed and when.
To review the full case file or get copies of specific documents, visit the King County Superior Court Clerk at 516 Third Avenue in Seattle. King County also offers electronic services through the Department of Judicial Administration including online access to some records. Call (206) 296-9300 to ask what is available for the type of record you need before making the trip to Seattle. Staff can also take written requests by mail for copy orders.
For older cases, the Washington State Digital Archives has historical King County court records that are searchable online at no cost. If you are looking for a dissolution from many years ago, start there before going in person to the courthouse.
King County maintains court locations throughout south King County to serve Des Moines and surrounding communities, with dissolution of marriage records held at King County Superior Court in Seattle.
Filing Fees in Des Moines
Des Moines residents file dissolution cases in King County and pay the King County filing fee, which is around $350. This covers the base fee and state surcharges that the legislature adds for various court programs. The exact total can shift when the legislature updates those surcharges, so confirm the current amount with the clerk at (206) 296-9300 before filing.
After the case closes, certified copies of the final Decree of Dissolution cost $5 for the first page and $1 for each additional page. These certified copies carry the court seal and are needed for most official and legal purposes such as name changes, property transfers, or financial account updates. Non-certified copies are cheaper and fine for personal records.
If you cannot afford the fee, apply for a waiver. Submit a motion and financial declaration showing your income and expenses. People who receive public assistance or fall below 200% of the federal poverty level generally qualify. Fee waiver forms are on the Washington Courts website and at the courthouse.
The Dissolution Process in Des Moines
Des Moines residents follow Washington State law under RCW Chapter 26.09 when filing for dissolution. Washington is a no-fault state, meaning neither spouse has to prove wrongdoing. The only ground is that the marriage is irretrievably broken. Either party can state this, and the court accepts it without needing evidence of fault.
The petitioner files the Petition for Dissolution and a Summons with King County Superior Court. The respondent must be served or sign a Joinder. Under RCW 26.09.030, Washington requires a 90-day waiting period after service before the court can enter the final decree. This waiting period cannot be waived. It applies in all cases including those where both parties fully agree from the start.
Washington uses community property rules for dividing marital assets and debts. Under RCW 26.09.080, the court divides property in a just and equitable manner. Separate property brought into the marriage or received as a gift or inheritance is typically not included in the division. If children are involved, the court requires a parenting plan under RCW 26.09.187, and child support is set under state guidelines in RCW Chapter 26.19. King County also requires parents to attend a parenting seminar in cases involving children.
Agreed cases move faster. If both spouses sign agreed financial declarations and a parenting plan (if applicable), the court can review the package and enter the decree once the 90-day period expires. Contested cases may need mediation or a hearing. Every case generates a permanent court record held by the King County Superior Court Clerk.
The Des Moines Municipal Court at 21630 11th Ave. S. is closed on standard holidays. For superior court matters including dissolution, contact King County Superior Court directly at (206) 296-9300.
Getting Copies of Dissolution Records
King County Superior Court Clerk holds all dissolution case files for Des Moines residents. The full file includes the petition, financial declarations, parenting plan (if applicable), and the final decree. These records are public unless a judge has sealed them. Anyone can request copies of public court records.
Visit the King County Courthouse in Seattle or call (206) 296-9300 to find out about mail-in or electronic copy options. Certified copies cost $5 for the first page and $1 per additional page. Non-certified copies are cheaper. If you need the copy for a legal purpose, get a certified copy with the court seal. The King County Department of Judicial Administration can confirm current copy fees and turnaround times when you call.
The Washington Department of Health issues dissolution certificates for cases finalized since 1968. Order at doh.wa.gov for $25. VitalChek processes requests with 3 to 7 business day delivery. A certificate is a summary of the dissolution and does not include the detailed terms of the decree.
Legal Help for Dissolution in Des Moines
Des Moines residents who need free legal help with a dissolution case can contact Northwest Justice Project. They serve King County and provide civil legal services to income-qualified individuals. Family law is one of their main areas. Call (888) 201-1014 or apply online at nwjustice.org. They can assist with forms, explain the process, and in some cases provide representation.
The Washington State Bar Association's directory at wsba.org lists family law attorneys who practice in south King County and the Des Moines area. The WSBA referral line is (206) 443-9722. Many attorneys offer free or low-cost initial consultations. Connecting with a lawyer early can help you avoid procedural mistakes that delay your case.
For those handling their own dissolution, washingtonlawhelp.org has self-help guides and all required court 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 forms and procedural questions. The facilitator does not provide legal advice but can explain what to file and in what order.
King County Dissolution Records
Des Moines is in King County, and all dissolution of marriage cases go through King County Superior Court. Visit the county page for more detail on court resources and how to access King County dissolution records.
Nearby Cities
These cities near Des Moines also file dissolution cases through King County Superior Court.