Search Richland Dissolution Of Marriage

Richland dissolution of marriage cases are filed and maintained through the Benton County Superior Court. Richland is in Benton County in the Tri-Cities area of eastern Washington, and the Benton County Clerk holds all dissolution records including petitions, orders, parenting plans, and final decrees. The Benton County Justice Center in Kennewick serves as one of the primary courthouse locations. Records can be requested in person, by mail, or by email. This page covers where to file, how to search, what fees apply, and where to find legal help.

Where to File for Dissolution in Richland

Richland residents file dissolution of marriage cases at the Benton County Clerk's office. The Benton County Clerk operates two locations. The Benton County Justice Center in Kennewick is at 7122 West Okanogan Place, Suite A210, and can be reached at (509) 735-8388. A second location is the Prosser Courthouse at 620 Market Street in Prosser at (509) 786-5624. Both locations provide access to the same records system and can process filings and requests.

Richland has its own City Clerk at city hall who maintains city-related records and is the custodian of the city seal and all ordinances. That office does not handle dissolution records. Court records are separate and go through the Benton County Clerk's office. For divorce and dissolution records specifically, contact clerk@co.benton.wa.us or call one of the two clerk locations listed above.

How to Search Richland Dissolution Records

The Washington Courts Odyssey Portal covers Benton County Superior Court cases. Search by party name or case number to find dissolution of marriage cases filed in Benton County. The portal shows basic case information including filing date, case type, and current status. Searches are free and do not require an account.

You can also contact the Benton County Clerk directly by mail or email. Include the names of both divorced parties, dates of birth if you have them, and the approximate dissolution date. The clerk can locate the file and provide information on how to get copies. In-person visits at either location allow free viewing of public court records during business hours. Copy fees apply when you want to take documents home.

The Washington State Digital Archives has historical Benton County court records. For older cases not in the current online system, this is a good starting point. The Washington State Archives Central Regional Branch also holds historical records for Benton County. For very old cases, contacting the clerk first to confirm what is available is the recommended approach.

The Benton County court records page provides information on how to access dissolution of marriage records held by the Benton County Clerk for Richland residents.

Dissolution records are kept at the Benton County superior court clerk office. Both the Kennewick and Prosser locations can process records requests.

Filing Fees in Richland

The filing fee for a dissolution of marriage in Benton County is approximately $320. This includes the petition fee and state surcharges. Confirm the current amount with the Benton County Clerk before filing, as fees change when state law is updated. The clerk's office can also tell you what payment methods are accepted at each location.

Copy fees in Benton County vary based on the type of copy and delivery method. For a standard copy emailed from the clerk, the fee is $0.25 per page. The first page of an exemplified (certified with authentication) copy costs $9, with subsequent pages at $1 each. Standard certified copies carry a different rate. Confirm current copy fees with the clerk before placing a large order.

The Washington State Department of Health provides dissolution certificates for $25 by mail for dissolutions from 1968 forward. You can also add an apostille for an additional $15 fee, which is useful if you need the certificate recognized abroad. Send requests to the DOH at the DOH vital records page. If you cannot afford the court filing fee, a fee waiver is available. Submit a motion and declaration to the court showing your financial situation, and the clerk will advise whether you qualify.

The Dissolution Process

Washington State dissolution law under RCW Chapter 26.09 applies to all Richland cases. The state is no-fault only. There are no fault-based grounds for dissolution. Stating that the marriage is irretrievably broken is sufficient. The court accepts that and proceeds without requiring proof of wrongdoing by either party.

Under RCW 26.09.030, at least one spouse must be a Washington State resident or a military member stationed in the state when the petition is filed. Richland residents who meet that requirement can file in Benton County without waiting for any minimum local residency period. After filing and service, the 90-day waiting period begins. The court cannot enter the final decree until 90 days have passed from the date of service or the date the other spouse signed the Joinder.

Agreed cases where both parties have resolved all issues can close at the 90-day mark. Disputed cases require hearings before a judge. Issues like property division, spousal support, custody, and child support may all need court resolution if the parties cannot agree. Cases with minor children require a parenting plan under RCW 26.09.187. Child support is calculated using state worksheets under RCW 26.09.080 based on both parents' income and the parenting schedule.

Getting Copies of Records

To get copies of Richland dissolution records, contact the Benton County Clerk. You can visit the Kennewick Justice Center at 7122 W. Okanogan Place, Suite A210, or the Prosser Courthouse at 620 Market Street. Mail requests are also accepted. Email clerk@co.benton.wa.us with the names of the parties, their dates of birth, and the dissolution date. The clerk will respond with what is available and the cost to obtain copies.

For a dissolution certificate rather than full case documents, the Washington State Department of Health provides those by mail for $25 each. These are accepted for name changes, benefit applications, and other vital records purposes. DOH certificates cover events from 1968 forward. The Benton County Auditor's office holds marriage license records and can be reached at the Prosser office. Dissolution records and marriage records are in separate offices, so use the clerk for dissolution and the auditor for marriage licenses.

The Washington State Department of Health vital records page is where Richland residents request dissolution certificates for post-1968 cases at $25 each.

DOH dissolution certificates are a convenient alternative to court-certified copies for people who need proof of dissolution for name changes or benefit applications.

Legal Help in Richland

Richland and Benton County residents can access legal help through programs serving eastern Washington. Northwest Justice Project covers the Tri-Cities area and provides free family law assistance to qualifying low-income clients. Call (888) 201-1014 or visit nwjustice.org to learn about 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 Richland and Tri-Cities area. For self-represented filers, WashingtonLawHelp.org provides step-by-step dissolution guides. All official court forms are free at courts.wa.gov/forms. The Benton County Clerk can also direct you to local court self-help resources if you plan to file without legal representation.

Benton County Dissolution Records

Richland is in Benton County. Dissolution of marriage cases go through the Benton County Superior Court, with clerk offices in both Kennewick and Prosser. For more information on the county court and available resources, visit the Benton County dissolution records page.

View Benton County Dissolution Records

Nearby Cities

Kennewick and Pasco are nearby Tri-Cities communities. Each files dissolution cases through their respective county superior courts.