Search Lakewood Dissolution Of Marriage Records
Lakewood dissolution of marriage cases are handled through the Pierce County Superior Court in Tacoma. Lakewood is a city in Pierce County, and all family law matters including divorce, child custody, and support go through the county Superior Court. The Pierce County Clerk's office maintains all dissolution case files, and you can search records online using the LINX system or visit the courthouse in person to request certified copies and file new cases.
Lakewood Overview
Where to File for Dissolution in Lakewood
Lakewood residents file for dissolution of marriage at the Pierce County Superior Court. This court handles all family law matters for Pierce County, including divorce, custody, support, and domestic relations. Pierce County Superior Court has 22 judges and 9 commissioners. The Lakewood Municipal Court does not handle dissolution cases. It is a court of limited jurisdiction handling misdemeanors, infractions, and parking violations only.
Felony criminal cases, divorce, child support, and probate are all handled at Pierce County Superior Court, not local municipal courts. The clerk's office is at the Pierce County Courthouse in Tacoma, about 10 to 15 minutes from most Lakewood neighborhoods. Pierce County District Court handles small claims and name changes, but dissolution filings go to Superior Court.
| Office | Pierce County Superior Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 930 Tacoma Ave S, Room 110 Tacoma, WA 98402 |
| Phone | (253) 798-7440 |
| Website | piercecountywa.gov/Clerk-of-the-Superior-Court |
The courthouse is in central Tacoma. Parking is available nearby. Bring a valid photo ID when you go. The clerk's office handles filings, records requests, and questions about dissolution procedures.
How to Search Lakewood Dissolution Records
Pierce County offers LINX, an online case search system for Superior Court records. You can search dissolution of marriage cases filed since 1991 at linxonline.co.pierce.wa.us. Search by party name or case number. LINX shows case status, docket entries, and party information for Lakewood dissolution cases.
Pierce County's marriage and divorce records page covers the LINX system, how to search for dissolution cases, and how to request copies from the clerk's office.
For cases before 1991, contact the Pierce County Superior Court Clerk directly. The statewide portal at odysseyportal.courts.wa.gov also provides access to Lakewood dissolution records. For historical filings, the Washington State Digital Archives at digitalarchives.wa.gov holds older Pierce County court records.
Filing Fees in Lakewood
Dissolution of marriage filing fees in Lakewood are set by Pierce County. The current fee is approximately $320. It includes statutory surcharges for court operations. Check with the clerk before filing, as fees are subject to 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. Certified copies are what courts and agencies require for legal purposes. Mail requests to the Pierce County Clerk generally take about seven working days.
The Pierce County Clerk's page covers fees for copies, filing procedures, and how to make a records request for dissolution and other Superior Court cases.
If you cannot afford the filing fee, a fee waiver is available. File a motion and declaration of financial hardship. Households receiving public assistance or with income below 200% of the federal poverty level generally qualify. Forms are at the courthouse and free at courts.wa.gov/forms.
The Dissolution Process
Lakewood residents file for dissolution under RCW Chapter 26.09. Washington is a no-fault state. The only ground is that the marriage is "irretrievably broken." Under RCW 26.09.030, one spouse must be a Washington resident or military member stationed in the state at the time of filing. There is no minimum Pierce County residency period.
One spouse files a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage and a Summons at Pierce County Superior Court. The other spouse is then served with those documents. Washington law requires a 90-day waiting period after the petition is filed and served before the court can finalize the dissolution. If both parties agree on all issues, an agreed decree speeds things up. Contested cases may go through mediation or a hearing before the judge enters the final Decree of Dissolution.
Lakewood has a significant military population because of Joint Base Lewis-McChord. If one spouse is an active duty service member, Washington state law governs the dissolution, and federal protections under the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act may affect certain aspects of the case. Talk to an attorney familiar with military divorce if this applies to your situation.
Cases with children require a parenting plan. Both parents must attend an approved parenting seminar in Pierce County before the case is finalized. Child support follows state guidelines under RCW 26.09.187.
Getting Copies of Records
After a Lakewood dissolution case is finalized, the decree is a public record at the Pierce County Superior Court Clerk's office. You can request copies at the Tacoma courthouse, by mail, or through LINX for cases from 1991 onward. Bring your case number. Before 1991, contact the clerk directly for paper records.
The Washington State Department of Health maintains a statewide dissolution certificate index. A DOH certificate confirms a dissolution occurred but does not include the full terms of the decree. Order one at doh.wa.gov. For the full decree, get a certified copy from the Pierce County Clerk. Both types of documents serve different purposes.
The DOH vital records page explains how to order dissolution certificates, what identification is required, and how long the process takes for different types of requests.
Legal Help in Lakewood
Lakewood residents have access to legal aid and attorney referral services for dissolution of marriage cases. Some organizations provide free help to those who qualify on income. Others offer lower-cost consultations. Getting legal guidance is especially important in military divorce cases, which can involve unique issues around benefits and jurisdiction.
Northwest Justice Project serves Pierce County and handles family law cases for qualifying low-income residents. Call (888) 201-1014 or visit nwjustice.org for eligibility information. WashingtonLawHelp at washingtonlawhelp.org has self-help guides for people handling dissolution without an attorney, including instructions for completing each required form.
The Washington State Bar Association offers a lawyer referral service at (206) 443-9722. Find family law attorneys at wsba.org. All official court forms are free at courts.wa.gov/forms. Pierce County also has a family law facilitator at the courthouse who can answer procedural questions.
Pierce County Dissolution Records
Lakewood is in Pierce County, and all dissolution of marriage cases are filed with the Pierce County Superior Court in Tacoma. The county court handles filings for Lakewood and many other Pierce County communities. For more on the county court system and additional resources, visit the Pierce County dissolution records page.
Nearby Cities
These nearby cities also file dissolution cases through Pierce County Superior Court.