Spokane Valley Dissolution Of Marriage
Spokane Valley dissolution of marriage cases are filed with the Spokane County Superior Court, the same court that serves the city of Spokane. Spokane Valley is a separate incorporated city with about 105,000 residents, but it shares the Spokane County court system for all family law matters. If you need to find a dissolution case, get a decree copy, or file a new petition, you work through the Spokane County Clerk's office in downtown Spokane. This page covers how to search records, what to expect from the process, and where to get help.
Spokane Valley Overview
Where to File for Dissolution in Spokane Valley
Spokane Valley residents file dissolution cases at the Spokane County Superior Court, located in downtown Spokane about 10 miles west of the city. Spokane Valley has its own city hall and provides some municipal services, but it does not have a superior court. All family law matters, including dissolutions, legal separations, and custody cases, go through Spokane County Superior Court.
The Spokane County Clerk's office, at Room 300 of the courthouse, manages all Superior Court records. They accept new case filings, maintain existing case files, and process copy requests. The clerk's office is open Monday through Friday, with a lunch break closure from noon to 1:00 PM. County fees apply for copies and certified documents.
| Office | Spokane County Clerk of Superior Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 1116 W Broadway Avenue, Room 300 Spokane, WA 99260 |
| Phone | (509) 477-2211 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM (Closed Noon to 1:00 PM) |
| clerk@spokanecounty.org | |
| Website | spokanecounty.gov/clerk |
The City of Spokane Valley has its own public records office for city government records, but dissolution case records are not city records. They are Superior Court records held by the County Clerk. Do not submit dissolution record requests to the city. Go directly to the county clerk at the address above.
How to Search Spokane Valley Dissolution Records
Spokane County has an online court document viewer that lets you search public Superior Court cases including dissolutions filed by Spokane Valley residents. You can search by party name, case number, or filing date. The viewer shows case status, docket entries, and parties. It does not provide full document images for all cases, but it gives you enough to confirm a case exists and check its status.
For complete records or certified copies, contact the Spokane County Clerk directly. By phone, you can get limited case information at (509) 477-2211 for public cases only. For written requests by mail, send your request to Room 300 of the courthouse and include both parties' names, the approximate filing date, and a description of what you need. You can also email the clerk at clerk@spokanecounty.org. The statewide Washington Courts portal also covers Spokane County cases and allows multi-county searches.
Research fees apply if staff must search for a case. The fee is $30 per hour after the first search. Copy fees are $0.25 per page for non-certified copies and $5.00 for the first page of a certified copy, then $1.00 per additional page. Sealed or confidential cases require a court order before the clerk releases any documents.
The Spokane Valley public records page explains the city's process for public records requests. Note that dissolution case records must be requested from the Spokane County Clerk, not from the city.
Filing Fees in Spokane Valley
The filing fee for a dissolution of marriage in Spokane County is approximately $315. This amount covers the base petition fee plus statutory court surcharges. Fees are set by the county and can change, so confirm the exact amount with the clerk before you file. Spokane County has updated its schedule in recent years.
Beyond the filing fee, you may also pay for service of process, certified copies after the case is final, and any required parenting seminars if you have children. The parenting seminar fee varies by provider but generally runs $35 to $75. If you cannot pay the filing fee, you can file a motion for a fee waiver. The waiver forms are free on the Washington Courts website. Income-based hardship or receipt of public benefits are the main qualifying factors.
The Dissolution Process
Dissolution of marriage in Washington State is governed by RCW Chapter 26.09. Washington is a no-fault state. You do not need a reason beyond saying the marriage is irretrievably broken. Either spouse can make that statement. No proof of wrongdoing is required.
Filing begins with a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage and a Summons. The other spouse must be served or must sign a Joinder. Under RCW 26.09.030, the court cannot finalize the dissolution until at least 90 days after the petition was filed and served. This waiting period is mandatory. If both spouses agree on all terms, the case can move quickly after the 90 days. Contested cases may take much longer.
Washington is a community property state. Under RCW 26.09.080, community property is divided equitably. Debts and assets both factor into the division. Property that was yours before the marriage, or that came to you by gift or inheritance, is generally separate property. If children are involved, the court sets a parenting plan under RCW 26.09.187 and calculates support under RCW Chapter 26.19.
Spokane County requires parents to attend a parenting seminar before dissolution cases involving minor children can be finalized. This requirement applies to both agreed and contested cases.
Getting Copies of Records
To get a dissolution decree or other court documents from a Spokane Valley case, request them from the Spokane County Clerk. The easiest way is to visit the clerk's office in person at Room 300 of the Spokane County Courthouse. You can also submit a request by mail or email. Include both parties' full names, the case number if you have it, and a clear description of the documents you want.
Certified copies cost $5.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each page after that. You may need a certified copy to change your name, update beneficiary designations, or show proof of dissolution to a financial institution. Non-certified copies are less expensive and work for personal reference. The Washington Department of Health can also provide certified divorce certificates for cases from 1968 onward. Order through the DOH vital records page for $25 per copy. Certificates confirm the dissolution occurred but do not contain the decree's terms.
Legal Help in Spokane Valley
Spokane Valley residents have access to the same legal aid and attorney resources as the rest of Spokane County. Several organizations offer free or reduced-cost help, and private attorneys in the Spokane area handle family law cases regularly. Getting legal help before you file can save you from costly mistakes down the road.
Northwest Justice Project offers free legal help to low-income Washington residents including those in Spokane Valley. Call (888) 201-1014 or visit nwjustice.org to check eligibility. The Washington State Bar Association has a statewide lawyer referral service at (206) 443-9722 and an online attorney search at wsba.org. Many attorneys offer a free or low-cost initial consultation.
For those filing on their own, Spokane County has a courthouse facilitator who can help you understand the forms and process. All official dissolution forms are free at courts.wa.gov/forms. WashingtonLawHelp.org has plain-language guides covering every step from filing the petition through getting the final decree.
Spokane County Dissolution Records
Spokane Valley is in Spokane County, and all dissolution cases go through the Spokane County Superior Court. For more details on the county court system and additional family law resources, visit the Spokane County dissolution records page.
Nearby Cities
Spokane is directly adjacent to Spokane Valley and uses the same county court system for dissolution filings.