Federal Way Dissolution Of Marriage Records
Federal Way dissolution of marriage cases are filed and maintained through the King County Superior Court, which serves all of King County including Federal Way. Whether you need to search for an existing dissolution case, get a copy of a final decree, or start a new filing, the King County Clerk's office is the place to go. You can search case information online through the county's public portal or visit the courthouse in Seattle to review complete case files and request certified copies of dissolution records.
Federal Way Overview
Where to File for Dissolution in Federal Way
Federal Way residents file dissolution of marriage cases at the King County Superior Court. This is a general jurisdiction trial court that hears all family law matters, including divorce, custody, and support. Because Federal Way is located in King County north of Interstate 90, cases are assigned to the Seattle courthouse at 516 Third Avenue. The county clerk manages all case files there.
King County Superior Court handles dissolution filings for dozens of cities across the county. It is the only court in King County with the authority to grant a dissolution of marriage. The Federal Way Municipal Court deals only with misdemeanors, traffic infractions, and code violations. It does not handle divorce or family law cases. For dissolution, you must file with Superior Court.
| Office | King County Superior Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| 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/court/superior-court |
The courthouse is in downtown Seattle. You can reach it by bus, light rail, or car. Bring a valid ID when you visit. Security screening is required at the entrance. If you are driving, paid parking garages are available nearby.
How to Search Federal Way Dissolution Records
You have several ways to look up dissolution of marriage records tied to Federal Way. Online searches are the fastest option for basic case data. If you need the actual court documents or a certified copy of the decree, you will need to go to the courthouse or make a mail request.
King County Superior Court provides public access to case records through its online portal. You can search by party name or case number and see party information, docket entries, and current case status. The statewide search tool at odysseyportal.courts.wa.gov also lets you search across Washington counties from one place. For older records that may not appear online, the Washington State Digital Archives at digitalarchives.wa.gov holds historical court filings.
The King County case records page gives you access to Superior Court public records:
The records access page explains how to search case information, request copies, and find documents from King County Superior Court.
To search online, you need at least one spouse's full name and an approximate filing year. A case number speeds things up. At the courthouse, staff can pull the file and make copies while you wait. Call ahead at (206) 296-9300 to ask what documents you need to bring.
King County Superior Court is the filing court for all Federal Way dissolution of marriage cases and maintains the complete case record from filing through final decree.
Filing Fees in Federal Way
Dissolution of marriage filing fees in Federal Way are set by King County under Washington State law. The current fee is approximately $350. This covers the petition filing and includes statutory surcharges for court operations, technology, and related services. Fees can change, so check with the clerk before you file.
Additional costs depend on your situation. Service of process by the county sheriff runs about $40 to $60. A private process server typically costs $50 to $100. Certified copies of the final decree cost $5 for the first page and $1 for each page after that. If your case involves children, both parents must attend a parenting seminar, which usually costs between $35 and $75.
If you cannot pay the filing fee, you can ask the court to waive it. File a motion and declaration showing your financial situation. People who receive public assistance or whose household income is below 200% of the federal poverty level generally qualify. Court fee waiver forms are available at the courthouse and on the Washington Courts website.
The Dissolution Process
Federal Way residents file for dissolution under RCW Chapter 26.09, Washington's main family law statute. You or your spouse must be a Washington resident or a member of the armed forces stationed in the state when you file. Washington does not require a minimum period of residency in King County before filing.
Washington is a no-fault state. The only ground for dissolution is that the marriage is "irretrievably broken." You do not have to prove fault or show that either spouse did something wrong. If one or both of you say the marriage cannot be repaired, that is enough for the court to move forward. This is laid out in RCW 26.09.030.
The process starts with one spouse filing a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage and a Summons. The other spouse must be served with these papers. If both parties agree on all issues, they can submit an agreed decree and the case often moves faster. Contested cases may require mediation or hearings before a judge enters the final Decree of Dissolution. Washington law requires a 90-day waiting period after the petition is filed and served before the court can finalize the dissolution.
If children are involved in your Federal Way dissolution, a parenting plan is required. Child support is calculated using state guidelines under RCW 26.09.187. Both parents must attend an approved parenting seminar before the case can be finalized.
Getting Copies of Records
Once a Federal Way dissolution of marriage case is finalized, the decree becomes a public record at the King County Superior Court Clerk's office. You can get copies in person at the Seattle courthouse, by mail, or sometimes through the county's online system. Certified copies are needed for legal purposes like name changes, remarriage, or benefits claims.
The Washington State Department of Health also maintains a statewide index of divorce certificates. A divorce certificate is a summary document, not the full decree. You can order one through the DOH vital records office at doh.wa.gov. This is useful if you just need proof that a dissolution occurred rather than the full court file.
The DOH page explains what types of vital records are available, what documents you need to request them, and how to order by mail or online.
Legal Help in Federal Way
Several organizations can help Federal Way residents with dissolution of marriage cases. Some provide free services for people who qualify based on income. Others offer consultations at reduced rates. Getting some guidance early can help you avoid mistakes in the paperwork or process.
Northwest Justice Project serves King County and handles family law cases for low-income residents. Call (888) 201-1014 or visit nwjustice.org to learn about eligibility. The Dispute Resolution Center of King County also offers mediation services at (206) 443-9603, which can help couples reach agreement without going to trial.
The Washington State Bar Association offers a lawyer referral service at (206) 443-9722. Search for attorneys at wsba.org. WashingtonLawHelp at washingtonlawhelp.org has self-help guides and step-by-step instructions for filing without an attorney. Official court forms for all dissolution paperwork are at courts.wa.gov/forms.
King County Dissolution Records
Federal Way is in King County, and all dissolution of marriage filings go through the King County Superior Court. The county court handles cases for Federal Way and dozens of other communities across the county. For more information about the county court system and filing procedures, see the King County dissolution records page.
Nearby Cities
These nearby cities also file dissolution of marriage cases through their county court systems.