Search Pasco Dissolution Of Marriage Records
Pasco dissolution of marriage cases are filed and maintained through the Franklin County Superior Court, which is located in Pasco at 1016 N 4th Avenue. Pasco is the county seat of Franklin County and the largest city in the Tri-Cities area on the Washington side. The Franklin County Clerk's office holds all dissolution case files including petitions, orders, parenting plans, and final decrees. Residents can request records by phone, in person, or by mail. This page covers the filing process, search options, fees, and legal resources for Pasco residents.
Pasco Overview
Where to File for Dissolution in Pasco
Pasco residents file dissolution of marriage cases at the Franklin County Superior Court Clerk's office. The courthouse is at 1016 N 4th Avenue in Pasco. The Franklin County Clerk's office can be reached at (509) 545-3525. This is where you go to file a new dissolution case, look up an existing case, or get copies of documents. The clerk can also tell you what forms to file and in what order.
Franklin County also has a District Court that handles small claims and misdemeanor matters. For dissolution specifically, contact the Clerk's office for Superior Court at (509) 545-3525. Small claims cases go to the District Court at (509) 545-3593. Marriage certificates come from a different office entirely: the Franklin County Auditor at (509) 545-3536. Knowing which office handles what saves time when you call.
| Office | Franklin County Superior Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 1016 N 4th Avenue Pasco, WA 99301 |
| Phone | (509) 545-3525 |
| Auditor (marriage records) | (509) 545-3536 |
| Court Administration | (509) 736-3071 |
The Pasco Municipal Court handles city ordinance violations and does not process family law matters. For civil case schedules, contact Court Administration at (509) 736-3071. All dissolution filings and records go through the Franklin County Superior Court Clerk.
How to Search Pasco Dissolution Records
The Washington Courts Odyssey Portal covers Franklin County Superior Court cases. Search by party name or case number to find dissolution filings. The portal shows basic case information including filing date, case type, and status. Basic searches are free and do not require account registration.
Franklin County's own court records page also points to the statewide Washington Courts case search engine, which covers municipal, district, superior, and appellate court records. For dissolution cases, select Franklin County and the appropriate case type. The clerk's office at (509) 545-3525 is the fastest route for specific record requests once you know a case exists.
In-person access is available at the clerk's office during business hours. Staff can locate cases by name or case number and produce copies. Court records may be viewed at no charge on site. Copy fees apply when you need to take documents. The Washington State Digital Archives has historical Franklin County court records that you can search for older cases not in the current electronic system.
For copies of dissolution records, contact the clerk directly with the names of both parties, the approximate year of filing, and the case number if available. Standard copies run $0.50 per page. Certified copies cost more and include the court's seal and signature.
Pasco residents can also request public records from the city through the City of Pasco public records page. Court records for dissolution cases are separate and go through Franklin County Superior Court.
City-level public records cover city business and services. Dissolution case files are maintained by the Franklin County Superior Court Clerk in Pasco.
Filing Fees in Pasco
The filing fee for a dissolution of marriage in Franklin County is approximately $300. This is the initial fee to file the petition and covers required state surcharges. Fees are subject to change based on state legislation. Confirm the current fee with the clerk at (509) 545-3525 before submitting paperwork.
Other costs in the dissolution process may include service of process fees, parenting seminar costs if minor children are involved, and copy fees for case documents. If you use the county sheriff to serve papers on the other spouse, that carries a separate fee. Parenting seminars typically cost $35 to $75 per person depending on the program. Standard copy fees from the clerk's office are $0.50 per page. Certified copies are more expensive and include the court seal.
Fee waivers are available for people who cannot afford the filing cost. File a motion and declaration explaining your income and financial situation. People receiving public assistance or earning under 200% of the federal poverty level typically qualify. Forms for the waiver request are available at the clerk's office or at courts.wa.gov/forms. You can also get a dissolution certificate from the Washington State Department of Health for $25 by mail if you need a lower-cost alternative to court-certified copies.
The Dissolution Process
Washington State dissolution law is in RCW Chapter 26.09. Washington does not allow fault-based dissolution. The only ground is that the marriage is irretrievably broken. One spouse states this in the petition, and the court proceeds without requiring any additional proof of fault or wrongdoing.
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. Pasco residents who meet that requirement can file in Franklin County without any minimum local residency period. The process starts with a Petition for Dissolution and a Summons filed with the clerk. The other spouse must be served or must sign a Joinder.
After service, a 90-day waiting period must pass before the court can enter the Decree of Dissolution. If both parties agree on all terms, the case can be finalized at the 90-day mark by submitting the agreed decree for the judge to sign. Disputes over property, debts, custody, or support go through hearings. The Franklin County Superior Court has jurisdiction over all domestic relations matters and will decide any issues the parties cannot resolve. Cases involving minor children require a parenting plan under RCW 26.09.187. Child support is calculated using state worksheets under RCW 26.09.080, taking both parents' incomes and the parenting schedule into account.
Getting Copies of Records
To get copies of Pasco dissolution records, contact the Franklin County Superior Court Clerk at (509) 545-3525. You can also visit the courthouse at 1016 N 4th Avenue in Pasco during business hours. Records may be viewed on site at no charge. If you need copies, the clerk will tell you the cost based on page count and whether you need certified or non-certified documents.
Certified copies carry the court's seal and are legally valid for name changes, financial account updates, and similar legal purposes. Standard copies are cheaper but may not be accepted everywhere. For a dissolution certificate rather than full case documents, contact the Washington State Department of Health. DOH handles events from January 1, 1968 forward. For older records, the county clerk and the Washington State Archives are the best sources.
The City of Pasco public records page also provides information on municipal records separate from court filings.
For all dissolution of marriage case records, the Franklin County Superior Court Clerk at 1016 N 4th Avenue in Pasco is the right contact, not the city's public records office.
Legal Help in Pasco
Pasco and Franklin County residents can access legal help through programs serving eastern Washington. The Coordinated Legal Education, Advice and Referral System (CLEAR) is available at (888) 201-1014 and provides a lawyer referral service for low-income residents. Northwest Justice Project runs CLEAR and serves Franklin County through this line. Visit nwjustice.org for more information on eligibility and services.
The Washington State Bar Association at (206) 443-9722 and wsba.org can connect you with private family law attorneys in the Pasco and Tri-Cities area. For self-help guidance, WashingtonLawHelp.org has dissolution guides in multiple languages. All required court forms are free at courts.wa.gov/forms. The Franklin County clerk can also point you to court self-help resources if you plan to file without legal representation.
Franklin County Dissolution Records
Pasco is the county seat of Franklin County. All dissolution of marriage cases for Pasco residents are filed and maintained at the Franklin County Superior Court. For more information about the county court, fees, and available resources, visit the Franklin County dissolution records page.
Nearby Cities
Kennewick and Richland are nearby Tri-Cities communities. Each files dissolution cases through their respective county superior courts.