Find Dissolution Of Marriage Records in South Hill
South Hill dissolution of marriage cases are handled by the Pierce County Superior Court, which serves this unincorporated community southeast of Tacoma. If you need to search for a dissolution case, obtain a copy of a decree, or start a new filing, the Pierce County Superior Court Clerk is your primary contact. South Hill is a large unincorporated community with around 75,000 residents. Despite its size, it has no city hall or municipal court, so all family law matters go through the county court system in Tacoma. This page explains how to find and access those records.
South Hill Overview
Where to File for Dissolution in South Hill
South Hill residents file all dissolution of marriage cases at the Pierce County Superior Court Clerk's office in Tacoma. The courthouse is about 10 miles northwest of South Hill. Because South Hill is unincorporated Pierce County, there is no local municipal court that handles family law matters. Everything goes to the county seat.
Pierce County Superior Court is a court of general jurisdiction. It handles all dissolution, legal separation, child support, parenting plan, and adoption cases filed by Pierce County residents. The clerk's office maintains all case files and handles copy requests. Note that the Pierce County District Court, also in the courthouse building, does not handle dissolution or family law cases. That is strictly a Superior Court matter.
| Office | Pierce County Superior Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | County-City Building 930 Tacoma Ave S, Room 110 Tacoma, WA 98402 |
| Phone | (253) 798-7440 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | piercecountywa.gov/clerk |
There is ongoing construction near the courthouse, and the county warns that wait times may be longer than usual. Use online tools when possible to avoid delays. If you must go in person, arrive early and allow extra time.
How to Search South Hill Dissolution Records
Pierce County uses the LINX online system to give the public access to Superior Court case records. You can search by party name or case number to find basic information about a dissolution case. For cases filed from 1991 forward, the decree and many other documents may be available through LINX. The system is free to use and available around the clock.
For dissolution cases filed before 1991, you need to contact the clerk's office directly. Those older records may not be digitized. Staff can search for them manually and let you know what is available. You can also use the Washington Courts statewide portal to search Pierce County cases along with other counties at the same time. The Washington State Digital Archives also has some older court records that may be useful for genealogical or historical research.
If you need a certified copy of a dissolution decree, contact the clerk's office. Non-certified copies are $0.25 per page online or $0.50 per page when the clerk makes them for you. Certified copies cost $5.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page. Some records involving minors are restricted and not available to the public without a court order.
Pierce County's online records system lets you search for dissolution cases by name or case number. Decrees from 1991 onward are often available without visiting the courthouse.
Filing Fees in South Hill
Filing a dissolution case in Pierce County costs approximately $320. New fees went into effect on July 27, 2025, so confirm the current amount with the clerk before you file. The total includes the base petition fee plus statutory surcharges for court operations, technology, and other county services.
Other costs you may face include service of process fees if you use a professional server, certified copy fees for the final decree, and the cost of any required parenting seminars if children are involved. Pierce County requires parents to attend a parenting seminar before most dissolution cases with minor children can be finalized. If you cannot afford the filing fee, you can request a waiver. Forms for this are available free at courts.wa.gov. You will need to show proof of financial hardship or public benefit status.
The Dissolution Process
Washington calls it dissolution of marriage, not divorce. The law is in RCW Chapter 26.09. Washington is a pure no-fault state. You do not prove that anyone did anything wrong. The only ground is that the marriage is irretrievably broken, and either spouse can say that.
To file in Pierce County, at least one spouse must live in Washington or be stationed here in the military. Under RCW 26.09.030, there is a mandatory 90-day waiting period after filing and service before the court can finalize the dissolution. This wait applies even if both spouses agree on every issue. You start the clock by filing the petition and serving it on your spouse, or by having your spouse sign a joinder.
Washington is a community property state. Under RCW 26.09.080, property acquired during the marriage is generally divided equitably between both spouses. Property owned before the marriage, or received as a gift or inheritance, is usually treated as separate property. If children are involved, the court also sets a parenting plan and calculates child support using the state schedule under RCW Chapter 26.19.
Agreed dissolution cases typically move faster than contested ones. If both spouses agree on property, debts, and any parenting issues, the case may be finalized shortly after the 90-day waiting period ends.
Getting Copies of Records
If you need a copy of a dissolution decree or other documents from a South Hill case, contact the Pierce County Superior Court Clerk. You can go in person to the courthouse in Tacoma, or submit a written request by mail or through the clerk's online system. Include the names of both parties, the case number if you have it, and the specific documents you want.
The clerk charges $5.00 for the first page of a certified copy and $1.00 per page after that. Non-certified copies are cheaper. The Washington State Department of Health also maintains divorce records from 1968 onward. A certified divorce certificate from the DOH costs $25 and can be ordered through their website. The DOH issues certificates, not decrees. If you need the actual decree document, you must get it from the clerk.
Pierce County's records page covers what documents are available online and how to request older records from the clerk directly.
The Pierce County Superior Court Clerk's office handles all copy requests for dissolution decrees and other Superior Court documents filed by South Hill residents.
Legal Help in South Hill
South Hill residents can access legal aid and attorney referral services through several organizations. If your income is limited, you may qualify for free help with your dissolution case. Even for people who can afford an attorney, a brief consultation can help you understand the process before you start.
Northwest Justice Project offers free family law help to low-income residents across Washington, including Pierce County. Call (888) 201-1014 or visit nwjustice.org to see if you qualify. The Washington State Bar Association has a lawyer referral service you can reach at (206) 443-9722, and you can search for family law attorneys at wsba.org.
For those handling their own case, WashingtonLawHelp.org has plain-language guides on how to file for dissolution, what forms to use, and how to handle parenting plans and child support. All official court forms are free at courts.wa.gov/forms. Pierce County also has a family law facilitator at the courthouse in Tacoma who can help you understand the forms and process, though the facilitator cannot give legal advice.
Pierce County Dissolution Records
South Hill is in Pierce County, and all dissolution cases are filed with the Pierce County Superior Court. For more information on the court system, fees, and family law resources throughout the county, visit the Pierce County dissolution records page.
Nearby Cities
These cities are close to South Hill. Each files dissolution cases through Pierce County Superior Court.