Tacoma Dissolution Of Marriage Records

Tacoma dissolution of marriage cases are handled by the Pierce County Superior Court, which is located in the County-City Building in downtown Tacoma. If you live in Tacoma and need to file for dissolution, search for an existing case, or get a certified copy of a decree, the Pierce County Superior Court Clerk's office is where you start. Tacoma is the county seat of Pierce County and home to roughly 220,000 residents. The Superior Court Clerk maintains all dissolution filings and handles record requests for the entire county.

Where to File for Dissolution in Tacoma

Tacoma residents file dissolution cases at the Pierce County Superior Court Clerk's office, Room 110 of the County-City Building at 930 Tacoma Ave S. This is the main courthouse for Pierce County, and the Superior Court handles all family law matters including dissolution, legal separation, parenting plans, child support, and adoption. The Tacoma City Clerk's office manages city government records and is a completely separate office that does not handle court cases.

Pierce County Superior Court is a court of general jurisdiction. It has authority over all dissolution cases filed by Pierce County residents. The Pierce County District Court, also in the County-City Building, handles traffic, misdemeanor, and small claims matters but does not handle dissolution or other family law cases. Always file dissolution petitions with Superior Court.

The clerk's office notes that ongoing construction may cause longer wait times. The county recommends using online tools whenever possible. For in-person visits, arrive early and allow extra time at the security checkpoint.

How to Search Tacoma Dissolution Records

Pierce County offers online access to Superior Court case records through the LINX system. You can search dissolution cases filed from 1991 onward by party name or case number. LINX shows case status, docket entries, and party information. Many decrees from 1991 forward are available through the system without going to the courthouse.

For dissolution cases filed before 1991, contact the clerk's office directly. Pre-1991 records may require a Scan Document Request Form. Public access computers are available at the courthouse for free searches if you prefer not to pay for online access. The statewide Washington Courts portal also searches Pierce County cases and allows you to look across multiple counties at once. Older records may also be available through the Washington State Digital Archives.

Pierce County's records page at piercecountywa.gov/records lists all the categories of records available online and how to request older records. Vital records like birth and death certificates are handled separately by the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department. The County Auditor handles recorded documents and marriage certificates.

Pierce County's marriage and divorce records page covers what documents are available online, what requires an in-person visit, and how to request copies from the clerk's office.

Filing Fees in Tacoma

Filing a dissolution of marriage in Pierce County costs approximately $320. New fees went into effect July 27, 2025. Always verify the current amount directly with the clerk before filing, since these fees include base amounts plus multiple statutory surcharges that can change.

Common additional costs in a Tacoma dissolution case include service of process fees, parenting seminar costs if children are involved, and certified copy fees when the case is final. Certified copies are $5.00 for the first page and $1.00 per additional page. Non-certified copies are $0.25 per page if ordered online or $0.50 per page when the clerk makes them for you.

If you cannot pay the filing fee, file a motion for a civil filing fee waiver. The waiver forms are free at courts.wa.gov. You will need to provide a declaration showing your income and expenses. Those receiving public assistance or earning below 200% of the federal poverty level typically qualify. Pierce County also has self-help resources at the courthouse to help you fill out these forms.

The Dissolution Process

Dissolution of marriage in Washington is governed by RCW Chapter 26.09. The state is entirely no-fault. You do not need to give a reason other than that the marriage is irretrievably broken. Either or both spouses can say that, and the court will proceed. No one needs to prove fault, affair, or any other specific cause.

One spouse must be a Washington resident or a military member stationed here. Filing starts with a Petition for Dissolution and a Summons. The other spouse is then served or signs a Joinder. Under RCW 26.09.030, the court cannot finalize the dissolution until at least 90 days after filing and service. That 90-day waiting period is required by law and cannot be shortened.

Washington is a community property state. Under RCW 26.09.080, community property is divided equitably. This means fairly, not necessarily equally. Separate property that was yours before the marriage or came by inheritance or gift stays separate. If children are part of the case, the court requires a parenting plan under RCW 26.09.187 and sets child support using the schedule in RCW Chapter 26.19.

Getting Copies of Records

To get copies of dissolution documents from a Tacoma case, visit the Pierce County Superior Court Clerk at Room 110 of the County-City Building, or submit a written request by mail. Include both parties' full names, the year the case was filed, the case number if you have it, and which documents you need. Staff will confirm the copy fee before preparing your order.

Certified copies of the decree are required for some legal purposes such as changing a name, updating beneficiary designations, or refinancing property. Non-certified copies work for personal reference. The Washington Department of Health maintains statewide divorce records from 1968 to present. You can order a certified divorce certificate from the DOH website for $25. The certificate confirms the dissolution but does not contain the decree terms. Get the full decree from the clerk if you need the complete document.

This Pierce County records page covers how to request copies of dissolution decrees and other Superior Court documents, with information on fees and the online search system.

The Pierce County Superior Court Clerk is located in Room 110 of the County-City Building in downtown Tacoma and is open Monday through Friday during regular business hours.

Legal Help in Tacoma

Tacoma has a range of legal resources for people going through dissolution. Whether you qualify for free legal aid or need to hire a private attorney, help is available. Even handling the case yourself is manageable with the right guides and forms.

Northwest Justice Project provides free family law assistance to low-income Washington residents including those in Tacoma and Pierce County. Call (888) 201-1014 or visit nwjustice.org to apply. The Washington State Bar Association has a lawyer referral service at (206) 443-9722 and a searchable directory at wsba.org for finding local family law attorneys.

Pierce County has a family law facilitator at the courthouse in Tacoma. The facilitator can help you understand forms and procedures, though they cannot give legal advice. All official court forms are free at courts.wa.gov/forms. WashingtonLawHelp.org has step-by-step guides for every part of the dissolution process, from the initial petition through property division and parenting plans.

Pierce County Dissolution Records

Tacoma is the county seat of Pierce County, and all dissolution filings go through the Pierce County Superior Court located here. For more details on the court system, fees, and county-wide resources, visit the Pierce County dissolution records page.

View Pierce County Dissolution Records

Nearby Cities

These cities near Tacoma also file dissolution cases through Pierce County Superior Court.