Shoreline Dissolution Of Marriage Records
Shoreline dissolution of marriage records are filed at the King County Superior Court, which serves all residents of King County including those in Shoreline. If you need to search for an existing case, get a copy of a dissolution decree, or find out where to file, this page covers the key steps. Shoreline is a city of about 56,000 people on the north border of Seattle. Because Shoreline sits in King County, all dissolution cases go through the King County court system in Seattle. You can search basic case information online or go to the courthouse in person to review the full file and get certified copies.
Shoreline Overview
Where to File for Dissolution in Shoreline
Shoreline residents file dissolution cases at the King County Superior Court in Seattle. There is no separate courthouse in Shoreline for family law matters. The King County Courthouse handles all dissolution filings for the county, and the County Clerk's office manages those case files. King County also has the Maleng Regional Justice Center in Kent, which handles some family law matters for south King County cities, but the main clerk's office for records is in Seattle.
King County Superior Court handles family law cases including dissolutions, child support, parenting plans, adoptions, and domestic violence protection orders. The court processes cases for all cities in the county. If either spouse lives in Shoreline or anywhere else in King County, you file here.
| Office | King County Superior Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | King County Courthouse 516 Third Avenue Seattle, WA 98104 |
| Phone | (206) 296-9300 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | kingcounty.gov/courts/clerk |
The courthouse is in downtown Seattle. You can reach it by bus, light rail, or car. Paid parking is available nearby. Bring a valid photo ID when you go. You will pass through a security checkpoint at the entrance.
How to Search Shoreline Dissolution Records
You have a few options for looking up dissolution records in Shoreline. The fastest way is to use the King County Superior Court's online case search, which shows party names, case status, and hearing dates. For the full file or a certified copy of the decree, you need to go to the clerk's office in person or submit a written request.
King County allows online access to case information through its records portal. You can search by party name or case number. The Washington Courts statewide case search also lets you look up cases across multiple counties at once. For older records, the Washington State Digital Archives has some historical court records going back many decades.
King County charges for copies when you request them from the clerk. Non-certified copies cost $0.25 per page when you order online and $0.50 per page when the clerk assists you. Certified copies are $5.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page. If you want staff to search for you, there is a $30.00 per hour research fee. You can also email copy requests to desk.correspondence@kingcounty.gov.
The Washington State Department of Health maintains divorce records from 1968 to the present. You can order a divorce certificate through the DOH website for $25 per copy. Note that the DOH provides certificates, not decrees. If you need the actual decree with all the terms of the case, you must get that from the King County Clerk.
The Department of Health vital records page is where you go to order a certified divorce certificate. This is different from the court decree, but it serves as proof that a dissolution was finalized.
Filing Fees in Shoreline
The cost to file a dissolution case in King County is approximately $350. This amount includes several statutory surcharges added on top of the base filing fee. These surcharges fund court operations, technology, and facility costs. Fees can change, so verify the current amount with the clerk before you file.
Other common costs in a dissolution case include service of process fees if you use the county sheriff (typically $40 to $60), or a private process server (usually $50 to $100). If your case involves children, King County requires both parents to complete a parenting seminar before the case can be finalized. Seminar fees generally run $35 to $75. Certified copies of the final decree cost $5.00 for the first page plus $1.00 per additional page.
If you cannot pay the filing fee, you can ask the court to waive it. File a motion and declaration showing your financial situation. People who receive public assistance or whose household income is below 200% of the federal poverty level typically qualify. Waiver forms are on the Washington Courts website.
The Dissolution Process
Washington State uses the term "dissolution of marriage" rather than divorce. The process is governed by RCW Chapter 26.09. Washington is a no-fault state, which means you do not need to prove fault or wrongdoing. The only legal ground for dissolution is that the marriage is "irretrievably broken."
To file in King County, at least one spouse must be a Washington resident or a member of the armed forces stationed here. There is no minimum time you need to have lived in the county before filing. Under RCW 26.09.030, once the petition is filed and served on the other spouse, the court must wait at least 90 days before entering a final decree. This waiting period applies even when both spouses agree on everything.
The basic steps are: file the petition and summons with the clerk, pay the filing fee, serve the other spouse (or have them sign a joinder), exchange financial information, work out terms for property, debts, and any parenting issues, then present a proposed decree to the judge. Agreed cases move faster. Cases where spouses disagree may require mediation or a trial before the judge decides.
Washington is a community property state. Under RCW 26.09.080, the court divides community property equitably. Property you owned before the marriage or received as a gift or inheritance is generally separate property and not subject to division.
Getting Copies of Records
To get a copy of a dissolution decree or other case documents from a Shoreline case, contact the King County Superior Court Clerk. You can submit a request by email, mail, or in person. For mailed or emailed requests, include the full names of both parties, the year the case was filed, and the case number if you have it.
The clerk's office is at 516 Third Avenue in Seattle. If you go in person, staff can pull the file and make copies the same day in most cases. Plan to pay the per-page copy fee when you pick up the documents. Certified copies cost more but are often required for legal purposes like changing a name or updating financial accounts.
The King County records access page shows how to submit copy requests and what fees apply. You can use this portal to request copies without going to the courthouse in person.
The Washington Courts forms page has all the standard dissolution forms in one place. You can find petitions, summons, financial declarations, parenting plans, and final decree templates at no cost.
Legal Help in Shoreline
Several resources serve Shoreline residents who need help with dissolution cases. Some are free if you qualify based on income. Others charge reduced fees or can connect you with a private attorney. Even if you plan to handle the case yourself, consulting a lawyer for an hour or two can help you understand your rights before you sign anything.
Northwest Justice Project provides free civil legal aid to low-income Washington residents, including family law help. Call (888) 201-1014 or visit nwjustice.org to check eligibility and apply. They handle cases across the state, including King County. The Washington State Bar Association also has a lawyer referral service at (206) 443-9722. You can search for family law attorneys through their directory at wsba.org.
For people filing without an attorney, WashingtonLawHelp.org has step-by-step guides and all the court forms you need. King County also has a family law facilitator at the courthouse who can answer questions about the process, though they cannot give legal advice. All official forms are free at courts.wa.gov/forms. The Guide and File tool on that site walks you through completing the paperwork using an interview format.
King County Dissolution Records
Shoreline is in King County, and all dissolution filings go through the King County Superior Court. For more details on the county court system, copy fees, and family law resources, visit the King County dissolution records page.
Nearby Cities
These cities are near Shoreline. Each files dissolution cases through its own county superior court.