Graham Dissolution Of Marriage Lookup
Graham dissolution of marriage cases are filed and maintained through the Pierce County Superior Court in Tacoma. Graham is an unincorporated community in Pierce County, so all family law filings go through the county system. You can search for dissolution cases online using the LINX system for cases from 1991 onward, or you can visit or contact the Pierce County Clerk's office directly to request copies and look up older records.
Graham Overview
Where to File for Dissolution in Graham
Graham residents file for dissolution of marriage at the Pierce County Superior Court. The court handles all family law matters for Pierce County, including divorce, child custody, child support, and domestic relations cases. The Civil and Domestic Trials division manages dissolution filings. Pierce County Superior Court has 22 judges and 9 commissioners.
Graham does not have its own courthouse or court of general jurisdiction. The Pierce County Courthouse in Tacoma serves the area. The County Clerk's office there manages all Superior Court case files. District Court and local municipal courts do not handle dissolution cases. For any matter involving divorce or legal separation, Pierce County Superior Court is the right court.
| Office | Pierce County Superior Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 930 Tacoma Ave S, Room 110 Tacoma, WA 98402 |
| Phone | (253) 798-7440 |
| Website | piercecountywa.gov/Find-Case-Information |
The courthouse is in central Tacoma, roughly 30 minutes from most Graham neighborhoods. Plan to pass through security when you arrive. Bring a valid photo ID. The clerk's office is on the second floor of the Pierce County Courthouse.
How to Search Graham Dissolution Records
Pierce County offers LINX, an online case search tool for Superior Court records. Cases filed since 1991 can be searched at linxonline.co.pierce.wa.us. You can look up cases by party name or case number. The system shows case status, docket entries, and party information for dissolution of marriage cases involving Graham residents.
For cases before 1991, you need to contact the Pierce County Superior Court Clerk directly. Older records may be in paper files that staff must pull manually. The statewide search portal at odysseyportal.courts.wa.gov covers multiple counties and is another option if you are not sure which county holds the records. The Washington State Digital Archives at digitalarchives.wa.gov may also have historical records.
Pierce County's marriage and divorce records page explains the LINX search tool, how to request copies, and what records the clerk's office maintains for dissolution cases.
Filing Fees in Graham
Dissolution of marriage filing fees for Graham residents are set by Pierce County. The current fee is approximately $320. This covers the petition filing and includes surcharges for court operations. Check with the clerk's office before you file, as fees may change.
Certified copies of dissolution decrees cost $5 for the first page and $1 for each additional page. Non-certified copies run about $0.25 to $0.50 per page, depending on how you order them. Mail requests to the Pierce County Clerk typically take about seven working days. If you need a copy for a legal purpose like a name change or remarriage, get a certified copy.
People who cannot pay the filing fee can ask the court for a waiver. You will need to fill out a motion and declaration describing your financial situation. If you receive public assistance or your household income is below 200% of the federal poverty level, you likely qualify. Waiver forms are at the courthouse and at courts.wa.gov/forms.
The Dissolution Process
Graham residents follow Washington State law when filing for dissolution. The governing statute is RCW Chapter 26.09. Washington is a no-fault state, meaning neither spouse has to prove the other did something wrong. The only ground needed is that the marriage is "irretrievably broken." If one spouse says this, the court will proceed.
Under RCW 26.09.030, at least one spouse must be a Washington resident or a military member stationed in the state at the time of filing. There is no minimum county residency period. The case starts when one spouse files a Petition for Dissolution and a Summons at Pierce County Superior Court and serves the other spouse with those documents.
Washington law requires a 90-day waiting period after the petition is filed and served before the court can enter a final decree. Agreed cases move faster than contested ones. If both spouses agree on all issues, they can submit a joint decree and skip a trial. Contested cases may go to mediation or before a judge. The final step is the judge or commissioner signing the Decree of Dissolution of Marriage.
If your case involves children, a parenting plan is required. Both parents must attend a parenting seminar approved by Pierce County. Child support is calculated using state guidelines set out in RCW 26.09.187, based on both parents' income and other factors.
Getting Copies of Records
Once a Graham dissolution case is final, the decree is a public record at the Pierce County Superior Court Clerk's office. You can request copies in person at the Tacoma courthouse, by mail, or through LINX for cases from 1991 onward. Certified copies are needed when you are changing your name, getting remarried, or updating benefits.
The Washington State Department of Health also maintains a statewide divorce certificate index. A divorce certificate shows that a dissolution occurred but does not include all the case details. You can order one at doh.wa.gov. This is a good option when you just need basic proof of a dissolution.
The DOH page covers ordering divorce certificates by mail or online, what documents you need to submit, and how long the process takes.
Legal Help in Graham
Graham residents can find legal help for dissolution of marriage through several local and statewide organizations. Some offer free services for low-income residents. Others connect you with private attorneys who handle family law cases. It helps to get some guidance before you file, especially if children or significant property are involved.
Northwest Justice Project serves Pierce County. Call (888) 201-1014 or visit nwjustice.org to find out if you qualify for free legal help. WashingtonLawHelp at washingtonlawhelp.org has plain-language guides and step-by-step instructions for people filing without an attorney.
The Washington State Bar Association offers a referral service at (206) 443-9722. You can search for family law attorneys at wsba.org. All official court forms are free at courts.wa.gov/forms, including the petition, summons, parenting plan, and financial declaration forms.
Pierce County Dissolution Records
Graham is in Pierce County, and all dissolution of marriage cases go through the Pierce County Superior Court in Tacoma. The county court handles filings for Graham and many other communities across Pierce County. For more on the county court system and resources, see the Pierce County dissolution records page.
Nearby Cities
These nearby cities also file dissolution cases through Pierce County Superior Court.