Spokane Dissolution Of Marriage Search
Spokane dissolution of marriage cases are filed with the Spokane County Superior Court, which is the court of record for all family law matters in Spokane County. If you need to search for an existing case, get a copy of a dissolution decree, or learn how to start a new filing, the Spokane County Clerk's office is your first stop. Spokane is Washington's second-largest city with around 230,000 residents, and the county court handles a substantial volume of family law cases every year. You can look up case information online through the county's document viewer or visit the clerk's office in person for certified copies and full case file access.
Spokane Overview
Where to File for Dissolution in Spokane
Spokane residents file for dissolution at the Spokane County Superior Court. The County Clerk's office, located on the third floor of the courthouse at 1116 W Broadway Avenue, handles all Superior Court filings including family law cases. Timothy W. Fitzgerald serves as Clerk of the Superior Court. The clerk's office manages every record in the dissolution case from the initial petition through the final decree.
Spokane County Superior Court has jurisdiction over all dissolution cases filed by Spokane County residents. The court also handles legal separations, parenting plan modifications, child support adjustments, and domestic violence protection orders. Note that the Spokane County District Court and Spokane Municipal Court do not have jurisdiction over dissolution cases. Those cases must go to Superior Court.
| 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 (Noon to 1:00 PM closed for lunch) |
| clerk@spokanecounty.org | |
| Website | spokanecounty.gov/clerk |
The Spokane County Courthouse is in downtown Spokane on Broadway Avenue. Street parking and nearby parking garages are available. Bring a valid ID when you visit. For Municipal or District Court records, contact those courts directly since the Superior Court Clerk only has Superior Court files.
Spokane County also has detailed information about the dissolution process on their website at spokanecounty.gov/dissolution.
How to Search Spokane Dissolution Records
Spokane County provides an online court document viewer where you can look up public Superior Court cases. You can search by party name, case number, or date. The viewer shows case status, party names, hearing dates, and docket entries. For the complete file or certified copies, you need to contact the clerk directly.
To search for a dissolution case, you need the full name of at least one party and a rough idea of when the case was filed. If you have the case number, searching is faster. The statewide Washington Courts portal also provides access to Spokane County cases and lets you search across multiple counties. For historical records, the Washington State Digital Archives holds older court records that may not be in the online viewer.
In-person searches at the clerk's office are done by appointment or walk-in during business hours. By phone, the clerk can provide limited information about public cases at (509) 477-2211. For mail requests, send a letter to the clerk's office at Room 300 of the courthouse. Include both parties' names, the approximate filing date, and a description of what documents you need. Research fees are $30 per hour after your initial search, and copy fees are $5.00 for the first certified page plus $1.00 per additional page.
The Spokane County Clerk's Records page shows what categories of court records are maintained and how to request copies of dissolution and family law documents.
Filing Fees in Spokane
Filing a dissolution of marriage petition in Spokane County costs approximately $315. This total includes the base court filing fee and several required surcharges. Fees can change, and Spokane County has updated its fee schedule in recent years, so always verify the current amount with the clerk before you submit your petition.
Additional costs you may encounter in a Spokane dissolution case include service of process fees if you use the county sheriff (roughly $40 to $60), or a private process server (usually $50 to $100). Parenting seminars are required when minor children are involved. Certified copies of the final decree are $5.00 for the first page and $1.00 per additional page. Non-certified copies are $0.25 per page.
If you cannot afford to pay, file a motion to waive civil filing fees along with a declaration of your financial situation. People who receive state or federal public assistance generally qualify. Forms are on the Washington Courts website at no cost.
The Dissolution Process
Washington State law governs dissolution through RCW Chapter 26.09. The state uses "dissolution of marriage" rather than divorce. Washington is entirely no-fault. The only ground needed is that the marriage is irretrievably broken. Neither spouse has to prove any wrongdoing.
At least one spouse must be a Washington resident or a member of the military stationed here. There is no minimum county residency period. The process starts with filing a Petition for Dissolution and a Summons. The other spouse must be formally served with these papers or sign a Joinder. Under RCW 26.09.030, the court must wait at least 90 days after filing and service before entering the final Decree of Dissolution. This waiting period is mandatory and cannot be waived.
Washington is a community property state. Under RCW 26.09.080, property earned or acquired during the marriage is generally divided between both spouses. Property you had before the marriage, or received as a gift or inheritance, is usually considered separate and not subject to division. The court considers each spouse's financial situation and other relevant factors in making the final property award.
If children are involved, the court requires a parenting plan that covers custody, visitation schedules, and decision-making. Child support is set under RCW Chapter 26.19 based on both parents' income and the number of children.
Getting Copies of Records
To get a copy of a dissolution decree or case documents for a Spokane case, contact the Spokane County Clerk. You can go in person, send a mail request, or call the office. In-person requests can usually be filled the same day. For mailed requests, include party names, filing date, case number, and a list of the documents you want. The clerk will let you know the cost before processing your request.
Spokane County notes that court records cannot be requested through the county's general public records portal. You must go directly to the clerk's office for court documents. Non-certified copies cost $0.25 per page. Certified copies cost $5.00 for the first page and $1.00 per additional page. Sealed or confidential records require a court order before the clerk can release them.
The Washington Department of Health maintains statewide divorce records from 1968 to present. You can order a certified divorce certificate online through the DOH website for $25 per copy. A certificate confirms a dissolution occurred but does not contain the detailed terms found in the decree. For the full decree, you need the clerk's office.
Spokane County's court records page explains how to obtain copies of dissolution documents and which types of records are public versus restricted.
Spokane County Courts provides a breakdown of what a dissolution decree versus a divorce certificate contains, and how to get each type of document from the appropriate office.
Legal Help in Spokane
Spokane has legal aid and attorney referral resources for people who need help with dissolution cases. Options range from free assistance for those with low income to paid consultations with private family law attorneys. Getting at least a brief legal consultation before you file can help you avoid mistakes that are hard to fix later.
Northwest Justice Project serves low-income clients across Washington with free civil legal help, including family law. Call (888) 201-1014 or go to nwjustice.org to apply. Spokane also has local legal aid offices that may be able to help with your case. The Washington State Bar Association's referral service connects you with qualified family law attorneys in your area. Call (206) 443-9722 or search their directory at wsba.org.
If you are representing yourself, the Spokane County Courthouse has a facilitator's office that can help you understand the forms and the process. WashingtonLawHelp.org also has detailed self-help guides for dissolution, child support, and parenting plans. All official court forms are available at no cost through courts.wa.gov/forms. The Guide and File tool on that site generates completed forms based on your answers to an online interview.
Spokane County Dissolution Records
Spokane is the county seat of Spokane County, and all dissolution filings for the county go through the Superior Court located here. For more information on the county court, fees, and family law resources, visit the Spokane County dissolution records page.
Nearby Cities
Spokane Valley is an adjacent city that also files dissolution cases through Spokane County Superior Court.