Find Orchards Dissolution Of Marriage Records
Orchards dissolution of marriage cases are filed through the Clark County Superior Court in Vancouver. Orchards is a census-designated place in Clark County, and residents file all family law matters at the Clark County Courthouse on Franklin Street in Vancouver. The Clark County Clerk maintains all dissolution case files and handles records requests. You can search cases online through several tools or visit the courthouse in person. This page explains where to file, how to search, what fees apply, and where to find legal assistance.
Orchards Overview
Where to File for Dissolution in Orchards
Orchards residents file dissolution of marriage cases at the Clark County Courthouse in Vancouver. The courthouse is at 1200 Franklin Street, and Scott G. Weber serves as the Clark County Clerk. The clerk maintains all records from the Superior Court including criminal felonies, civil suits, and domestic relations cases like dissolution. The Clark County Superior Court is the court of general jurisdiction for the county and the only court that handles dissolution of marriage.
Clark County has several courts, but only the Superior Court handles family law. The Clark County District Court takes traffic violations, criminal traffic citations, misdemeanor crimes, civil cases under $100,000, and small claims. Municipal courts handle local ordinance matters. None of those handle dissolution. If you live in the Orchards area and need to file a dissolution, the Clark County Superior Court Clerk at 1200 Franklin Street is your destination.
| Clerk | Clark County Clerk (Scott G. Weber) |
|---|---|
| Address | Clark County Courthouse 1200 Franklin Street Vancouver, WA 98660 |
| Phone | 564-397-2292 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, standard business hours |
Marriage records go to a different office. If you need a marriage certificate, contact the Clark County Auditor's office, also in Vancouver. Divorce records and dissolution records are through the clerk. Vital statistics certificates for events after 1968 can also come from the Washington State Department of Health.
How to Search Orchards Dissolution Records
The Washington Courts Odyssey Portal covers Clark County Superior Court cases. Search by party name or case number to find dissolution of marriage cases filed in Clark County. The portal shows basic case information including filing date, case type, current status, and docket entries. Basic searches are free and do not need an account.
Most Clark County court records can also be viewed online from the Clark County Courts website. The Clark County Clerk serves as the Administrator of Court Records and the Financial Officer for the Courts. In-person access at the courthouse allows visitors to view case files at no charge. The clerk's office handles records requests by mail or in person. Certified copies cost $5 for the first page and $1 for each additional page. Non-certified copies are $0.50 per page by mail or $0.25 per page if provided electronically.
The Washington State Digital Archives has historical Clark County court records that can be searched online. For dissolution records from before 1968, the county clerk is the best source. DOH handles certificates for events from January 1, 1968 forward. For divorces before 1968, the Washington State Archives may also have copies. Search by county name and keyword "divorce" to check what is available.
The Clark County Clerk maintains dissolution records and public court records at the courthouse in Vancouver. The county clerk is the official custodian of Clark County Superior Court case files.
Most Clark County court records can be viewed online through the courts website. In-person access at the courthouse is also available for free during business hours.
Filing Fees in Orchards
The filing fee for a dissolution of marriage in Clark County is around $320. This covers the petition and associated surcharges required under state law. Fees are subject to change and should be confirmed with the clerk before filing. The clerk's office can tell you exactly what is due and what payment forms are accepted.
Other costs that come up during a dissolution include service of process fees if you use the sheriff, costs for parenting seminars if children are involved, and copy fees when requesting documents from the case file. Certified copies are $5 for the first page and $1 for each page after. Non-certified copies are $0.50 per page by mail and $0.25 by email. The Clark County Public Records Officer handles general public records, but dissolution cases specifically go through the Superior Court clerk's records team.
If you cannot afford the filing fee, you can request a waiver. The standard process involves filing a motion and declaration with the court showing your income and expenses. People on public assistance or earning below 200% of the federal poverty level generally qualify. Forms are available at the courthouse or free at courts.wa.gov/forms.
The Dissolution Process
Washington State dissolution law is in RCW Chapter 26.09. Washington is purely no-fault. There are no fault-based grounds for dissolution. The only basis is that the marriage is irretrievably broken. One spouse states that, and the court can proceed without requiring any additional showing of fault or misconduct.
Filing in Clark County requires that at least one spouse be a Washington resident or a military member stationed in the state at the time of filing, per RCW 26.09.030. Orchards residents who meet that requirement can file right away without waiting for any minimum county residency period. After filing, the petition and summons must be served on the other spouse, or that spouse signs a Joinder agreeing to the process.
A mandatory 90-day waiting period follows service. The court cannot enter the final Decree of Dissolution before that period ends. Agreed cases that resolve all issues before the 90 days are up can be finalized quickly at the close of the waiting period. Disputed cases go through hearings before Family Court judges who handle domestic relations cases in Clark County. Cases with children require a parenting plan under RCW 26.09.187 and child support worksheets calculated using state guidelines under RCW 26.09.080.
Getting Copies of Records
Copies of Orchards dissolution records are available from the Clark County Clerk's office at 1200 Franklin Street in Vancouver. You can visit in person during business hours, mail a written request, or contact the clerk at 564-397-2292. Include the names of both parties, the approximate filing year, and the case number if you have it. The clerk will locate the file and advise on fees before processing your request.
Certified copies of the decree are $5 for the first page and $1 for each additional page. These are legally valid for name changes, loan applications, remarriage, and other formal purposes. Non-certified copies are $0.50 per page by mail or $0.25 per page by email. For a dissolution certificate rather than the full case file, the Washington State Department of Health provides those by mail for $25. DOH handles events from 1968 forward.
Legal Help in Orchards
Orchards residents can get legal help through several organizations that serve Clark County. Northwest Justice Project covers the area and provides free family law assistance to qualifying low-income residents. Call (888) 201-1014 or visit nwjustice.org to learn about eligibility. Their CLEAR program handles intake calls on weekday mornings.
The Washington State Bar Association at (206) 443-9722 and wsba.org can connect you with private family law attorneys in the Vancouver and Clark County area. For self-represented filers, WashingtonLawHelp.org has detailed guides on how to file without an attorney. All required court forms are free at courts.wa.gov/forms. The Clark County courthouse also has self-help resources and can direct you to local organizations that provide more direct assistance.
Clark County Dissolution Records
Orchards is in Clark County. Dissolution of marriage filings go through the Clark County Superior Court in Vancouver. For more information on the county court, fees, and available resources, visit the Clark County dissolution records page.
Nearby Cities
These nearby cities also file dissolution cases through the Clark County Superior Court in Vancouver.