Find Lynnwood Dissolution Of Marriage Records
Lynnwood dissolution of marriage cases are handled through the Snohomish County Superior Court in Everett. Lynnwood is a city in Snohomish County, and all family law filings including divorce go through the county Superior Court. You can search for dissolution records online using the statewide court portal or contact the Snohomish County Clerk's office to request certified copies and look up cases that may not be in the online system.
Lynnwood Overview
Where to File for Dissolution in Lynnwood
Lynnwood residents file for dissolution of marriage at the Snohomish County Superior Court in Everett. The Superior Court has jurisdiction over family law matters including dissolution, child custody, guardianship, and support. The County Clerk serves as the official custodian of Superior Court records and handles court records for dissolution and other family law cases. The court is located in Everett, about 15 to 20 minutes north of Lynnwood.
Lynnwood Municipal Court is a court of limited jurisdiction that handles municipal ordinance violations, traffic citations, and misdemeanor crimes. It does not have authority over dissolution of marriage or any family law matter. The Snohomish County District Court South Division, located in Lynnwood at 20520 68th Avenue W, also handles limited matters and does not hear dissolution cases. For dissolution, Snohomish County Superior Court in Everett is the right court.
| Office | Snohomish County Superior Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 3000 Rockefeller Avenue Everett, WA 98201 |
| Website | snohomishcountywa.gov/Superior-Court |
The courthouse is in downtown Everett. Lynnwood residents can reach it by car in about 15 to 20 minutes or by bus on Community Transit routes. Bring a valid ID when visiting. The clerk's office assists with filings, records requests, and general procedural questions.
How to Search Lynnwood Dissolution Records
Snohomish County Superior Court records, including dissolution of marriage cases, are searchable through the statewide portal at odysseyportal.courts.wa.gov. You can look up cases by party name or case number and see docket entries, party information, and case status. This is the quickest starting point for finding a Lynnwood dissolution case online.
Snohomish County's court records access page explains how to search cases, what records are public, and how to request copies from the Superior Court Clerk's office in Everett.
For documents not available online, contact the Snohomish County Clerk directly. The Washington State Digital Archives at digitalarchives.wa.gov holds older court filings from Snohomish County. You can also request records from the clerk in writing. Have the case number ready if you have it. At minimum, bring the full names of both parties and an approximate filing year.
Filing Fees in Lynnwood
Dissolution of marriage filing fees in Lynnwood are set by Snohomish County under Washington State law. The current fee is approximately $310. This covers the petition filing and includes statutory surcharges. Verify the current amount with the clerk before you file.
Certified copies of dissolution decrees cost $5 for the first page and $1 for each additional page. These are the copies needed for legal purposes like name changes, remarriage applications, or updating accounts. Non-certified copies are cheaper but may not be accepted by agencies requiring official proof. Service of process by sheriff adds $40 to $60. A private process server usually runs $50 to $100.
If the filing fee is a financial hardship, ask the court about a waiver. You must file a motion and declaration explaining your financial situation. People who receive public assistance or have household income below 200% of the federal poverty level generally qualify. Fee waiver forms are at the courthouse and free at courts.wa.gov/forms.
The Lynnwood City Clerk handles public records requests for city-held documents. Dissolution of marriage records are maintained by the Snohomish County Superior Court Clerk in Everett, not the city.
The Dissolution Process
Lynnwood residents file for dissolution under RCW Chapter 26.09. Washington is a no-fault state. The only ground for dissolution is that the marriage is "irretrievably broken." You do not need to prove that either spouse did something wrong. Under RCW 26.09.030, either spouse must be a Washington resident or a military member stationed in the state when filing.
One spouse files a Petition for Dissolution and a Summons at Snohomish County Superior Court. The other spouse must then be served with those documents. Washington requires a 90-day waiting period after the petition is filed and served before the court can enter a final decree. Agreed cases resolve faster than contested ones. If both spouses agree on all issues, they submit an agreed decree together. Disputed cases may go to mediation or require a court hearing before the judge signs the Decree of Dissolution.
Washington is a community property state. Assets and debts from the marriage are generally divided equally unless both parties agree to something different. Property owned before the marriage, or received as gifts or inheritance, is usually separate. Under RCW 26.09.080, the court looks at what is just and equitable based on each spouse's resources, the length of the marriage, and other relevant factors.
Cases with children require a parenting plan. Snohomish County requires both parents to attend an approved parenting seminar before the dissolution can be finalized. Child support is set using state guidelines under RCW 26.09.187.
Getting Copies of Records
After a Lynnwood dissolution case is finalized, the decree and case documents are public records at the Snohomish County Superior Court Clerk's office. You can request copies in person in Everett, by mail, or through the online access system. Bring the case number if you have it to speed up the process.
The Washington State Department of Health maintains a statewide divorce certificate index. A DOH certificate is a brief summary document showing a dissolution occurred. It is not the full decree. You can order one at doh.wa.gov. For the actual decree with all the terms, get a certified copy from the Snohomish County Clerk. The court records document all proceedings in the dissolution case, from the initial petition through the final decree.
Lynnwood Municipal Court handles limited-jurisdiction matters only. Dissolution of marriage cases are filed with Snohomish County Superior Court in Everett, not with the Lynnwood Municipal Court.
Legal Help in Lynnwood
Lynnwood residents can find legal help for dissolution of marriage through several organizations. Legal aid serves Snohomish County and provides free or low-cost assistance for qualifying residents. Attorney referral services can match you with a private family law attorney if you need full representation.
Northwest Justice Project covers Snohomish County and handles family law matters for low-income residents. Call (888) 201-1014 or visit nwjustice.org to ask about eligibility and available services. WashingtonLawHelp at washingtonlawhelp.org offers plain-language guides and step-by-step instructions for people filing a dissolution without an attorney.
The Washington State Bar Association has a lawyer referral service at (206) 443-9722. Find Snohomish County family law attorneys at wsba.org. All official court forms are free at courts.wa.gov/forms. Snohomish County Superior Court also provides family law facilitator services to help with procedural questions at the courthouse in Everett.
Snohomish County Dissolution Records
Lynnwood is in Snohomish County, and all dissolution of marriage cases are filed with the Snohomish County Superior Court in Everett. The county court handles filings for Lynnwood and all other Snohomish County communities. For more on the county court system and filing resources, visit the Snohomish County dissolution records page.
Nearby Cities
These nearby cities also file dissolution cases through Snohomish County Superior Court or neighboring county courts.