Sammamish Dissolution Of Marriage
Sammamish dissolution of marriage cases are filed and maintained through the King County Superior Court in Seattle. Sammamish is in King County on the Eastside, and all family law matters including dissolution go through the King County Superior Court Clerk. The clerk maintains official records for all King County Superior Court cases and offers both online and in-person access to dissolution records. This page covers where to file, how to search cases, what fees apply, and where to find legal help for Sammamish residents.
Sammamish Overview
Where to File for Dissolution in Sammamish
Sammamish residents file dissolution of marriage cases at the King County Superior Court. The primary courthouse is at 516 Third Avenue in Seattle. The Norm Maleng Regional Justice Center in Kent at 401 Fourth Avenue N is a second location that may be more convenient for Sammamish residents given its location. Both locations process the same filings and access the same records system.
The Sammamish City Clerk's office at 801 228th Avenue SE handles city-level records including public records requests, business licensing, and council records. It coordinates with King County for local elections and maintains city ordinances and resolutions. However, dissolution of marriage court records are not city records. They are held by the King County Superior Court Clerk. Police records for Sammamish are requested through the King County Records Unit at 516 Third Avenue Room W-150 in Seattle, not through the city clerk. Keep those distinctions in mind when deciding where to send your request.
| Office | King County Superior Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Seattle Location | 516 Third Avenue, Room E-609 Seattle, WA 98104 |
| Kent Location | Norm Maleng Regional Justice Center 401 Fourth Avenue N, Kent, WA 98032 |
| Phone | (206) 296-9300 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | kingcounty.gov/en/dept/dja |
How to Search Sammamish Dissolution Records
The King County court records access page is the primary online tool. Select the Family/Domestic Case Search and search by party name, case number, or filing date. The system shows docket entries, party information, and current case status. Basic searches are free. The KC Record Access Portal lets registered users order full case files and documents online.
The Washington Courts Odyssey Portal also covers King County dissolution cases. It is a good starting point if you are uncertain whether a case was filed in King County or a neighboring county, as it searches across multiple counties at once. For historical records, the Washington State Digital Archives has King County court records going back many decades. The Puget Sound Regional Archives holds historical King County divorce case files from 1854 to 1971 for very old cases.
When you need to take copies home, certified copies are $5 for the first page and $1 for each additional page. Non-certified copies are $0.25 per page online or $0.50 per page when clerk-assisted. Expedited processing for $30 turns around in one business day instead of five. In-person viewing at either courthouse is free at the public access terminals.
The King County court records access page is where Sammamish residents search dissolution of marriage cases and request documents from the Superior Court Clerk.
The Family/Domestic Case Search on the King County portal allows searches by party name, case number, and filing date, showing docket and status details for all Superior Court cases.
Filing Fees in Sammamish
Filing a dissolution of marriage in King County costs approximately $350. This is among the higher filing fees in Washington State, reflecting King County's large population and court operations. The fee covers the petition and required state surcharges. Confirm the current exact amount with the clerk before filing, as these fees can change.
Other costs include service of process fees if you use the sheriff (roughly $40 to $60), private process server fees ($50 to $100 or more), parenting seminar costs when children are involved ($35 to $75 per person), and copy fees for case documents. Certified copies are $5 for the first page and $1 per additional page. An expedited processing option adds $30 for next-business-day document turnaround. In-person viewing of records at either courthouse is free.
If you cannot afford the filing fee, file a motion and declaration for a fee waiver. The court will review your income and financial situation. People on public assistance or earning below 200% of the federal poverty level typically qualify. All forms are at courts.wa.gov/forms. A dissolution certificate from the Washington State Department of Health is $25 by mail and may be a lower-cost alternative if you only need proof of the dissolution event for name changes or similar purposes.
The Dissolution Process
Washington State dissolution law is in RCW Chapter 26.09. Washington is no-fault only. There are no fault-based grounds available. The only basis for dissolution is that the marriage is irretrievably broken. Stating that claim is all that is required for the court to proceed.
Under RCW 26.09.030, at least one spouse must be a Washington resident or a military member stationed here when the petition is filed. Sammamish residents who meet that requirement can file right away. There is no minimum King County residency period beyond the state requirement. After filing, the other spouse is served or signs a Joinder. The 90-day waiting period then begins. The court cannot finalize the dissolution before those 90 days pass.
Agreed dissolutions where both parties have resolved everything can close at the 90-day mark by submitting the agreed final decree. Disputed cases require hearings on the open issues. Any case involving minor children requires a parenting plan under RCW 26.09.187. Child support is based on state guidelines and both parents' income. King County requires both parents to complete a parenting seminar before the court finalizes a parenting plan. Washington applies community property principles to asset and debt division.
Getting Copies of Records
To get copies of Sammamish dissolution records, contact the King County Superior Court Clerk at (206) 296-9300. You can visit either courthouse location in person, use the KC Record Access Portal online, or mail a written request to 516 Third Avenue, Room E-609, Seattle, WA 98104. Include the names of both spouses, the approximate filing year, and the case number if you have it. The clerk will locate the file and confirm fees before producing copies.
Certified copies carry the court's seal and signature and are legally valid for name changes, financial accounts, and other formal purposes. They cost $5 for the first page and $1 per additional page. Non-certified copies are cheaper but may not be accepted everywhere. For in-person viewing without taking copies, the public access terminals at both courthouse locations are free. The KC Record Access Portal also allows registered users to view documents at lower page rates than clerk-assisted copies.
King County's court records access system also provides case data and reports on dissolution filings for the county including Sammamish and other Eastside communities.
The KC Record Access Portal allows registered users to order documents and audio from King County Superior Court cases, including dissolution filings by Sammamish residents.
Legal Help in Sammamish
Sammamish residents can access legal help through programs serving King County. Northwest Justice Project provides free family law assistance to qualifying low-income residents across the county. Call (888) 201-1014 or visit nwjustice.org for eligibility details. The CLEAR program takes calls on weekday mornings.
The King County Bar Association has a lawyer referral service at (206) 267-7010. The Washington State Bar Association at (206) 443-9722 and wsba.org offers a broader statewide referral service including Eastside family law attorneys. For self-help, WashingtonLawHelp.org provides detailed dissolution guides. All required court forms are free at courts.wa.gov/forms. Sammamish's location on the Eastside means residents have access to a number of private family law firms serving both King County and the Bellevue area.
King County Dissolution Records
Sammamish is in King County. All dissolution of marriage cases go through the King County Superior Court. For more information on the county court, fee schedules, and resources, visit the King County dissolution records page.
Nearby Cities
These nearby cities also file dissolution cases through King County Superior Court.