Access Tumwater Dissolution Of Marriage Records
Tumwater dissolution of marriage cases are filed with the Thurston County Superior Court, which handles all family law matters for Thurston County residents. Tumwater is a city of about 25,000 people just south of Olympia, and both cities share the same county court system. The Thurston County Clerk's office maintains all dissolution case files and handles copy requests for cases going back many years. Whether you need to search for an existing case or start a new filing, this page explains how the Thurston County court handles dissolution records.
Tumwater Overview
Where to File for Dissolution in Tumwater
Tumwater residents file dissolution cases at the Thurston County Clerk's office. Thurston County has two clerk locations. Civil and criminal records are handled at 2000 Lakeridge Drive SW in Olympia. Family and juvenile matters, including dissolution, are handled at 2801 32nd Ave SW in Tumwater. That second location is convenient for Tumwater residents since it is within the city itself.
The Thurston County Clerk's office has moved its services largely online and notes that in-person counter services have been reduced. Public terminals are available in the lobbies for document viewing from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM daily. Check the county website before visiting to confirm current hours and available services, since policies have changed in recent years.
| Office | Thurston County Clerk |
|---|---|
| Civil/Criminal Address | 2000 Lakeridge Drive SW Olympia, WA 98502 |
| Family/Juvenile Address | 2801 32nd Ave SW Tumwater, WA 98512 |
| TCClerk@co.thurston.wa.us | |
| Website | thurstoncountywa.gov/clerk |
Note that as of March 2026, Ex Parte services at the Thurston County Clerk have been suspended until further notice. New fees also went into effect July 27, 2025. Always check the county website for the latest hours and service updates before you go.
How to Search Tumwater Dissolution Records
Thurston County offers public document viewing terminals in the courthouse lobbies. These terminals are available from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM on weekdays and allow you to search for dissolution cases at no cost. You can also contact the clerk's office by email at TCClerk@co.thurston.wa.us to request information about a specific case.
For statewide searches, the Washington Courts portal includes Thurston County cases and lets you search by party name or case number across multiple counties. The Washington State Digital Archives holds older historical court records that predate electronic systems. This is useful for genealogical research or finding cases from many decades ago.
The Washington Department of Health maintains statewide divorce records from 1968 to present. A certified divorce certificate from the DOH costs $25 and can be ordered through their website. DOH certificates confirm a dissolution was finalized. They do not contain the decree's terms. The full decree must come from the Thurston County Clerk.
Thurston County's clerk page describes current services, online access options, and how to request documents from the family and juvenile court location in Tumwater.
Filing Fees in Tumwater
Filing a dissolution petition in Thurston County costs approximately $300. New fees went into effect in July 2025, so verify the exact amount with the clerk before you file. The total includes the base court filing fee and several required surcharges that go toward court operations and county services.
Additional costs may include service of process fees if you use a professional server, parenting seminar fees if children are involved, and copy fees when you get the final decree. Certified copies from the Thurston County Clerk cost $5.00 for the first page and $1.00 per additional page. If you need a waiver of the filing fee, forms are available free on the Washington Courts website. Show proof of financial hardship or receipt of public benefits. The court will review your declaration and either grant or deny the waiver.
The Dissolution Process
Washington State uses dissolution of marriage rather than divorce. The process is governed by RCW Chapter 26.09. Washington is a no-fault state. You do not need to prove any fault or specific reason. Either spouse can state that the marriage is irretrievably broken, and the court will proceed from there.
At least one spouse must be a Washington resident or a military member stationed in the state. Filing in Thurston County requires that residency to be in the county, or at least that your address ties you to the county's jurisdiction. Under RCW 26.09.030, the court must wait at least 90 days after filing and service before finalizing the dissolution. You cannot shorten this period even if both spouses agree and sign everything right away.
Washington is a community property state. Under RCW 26.09.080, property and debts from the marriage are divided equitably. Property you owned before the marriage or received as a gift or inheritance stays separate in most cases. If children are part of the case, the court sets a parenting plan and calculates child support under the state schedule at RCW Chapter 26.19.
Thurston County has a family law facilitator at the courthouse who can help self-represented parties understand the forms and procedures. The facilitator cannot give legal advice but can point you to the right resources and forms.
Getting Copies of Records
To get copies of dissolution documents from a Tumwater case, contact the Thurston County Clerk. For family court documents, use the Tumwater location at 2801 32nd Ave SW. You can email the clerk at TCClerk@co.thurston.wa.us or visit the public terminals in person during weekday hours. Include the names of both parties and the case number if you have it in any written request.
Certified copies cost $5.00 for the first page and $1.00 per additional page. Non-certified copies are less expensive. Certified copies are often required when you need to change your name, update legal documents, or show proof of dissolution to a financial institution or court in another state. The Washington DOH can also provide certified divorce certificates for cases from 1968 onward for $25 per copy.
The Washington Department of Health vital records page is where you order a certified divorce certificate. This is a statewide record and costs $25 per copy. It confirms a dissolution was finalized but does not contain the full decree terms.
The Washington Courts forms page has all official dissolution forms available at no cost. You can find every document needed for filing, including the petition, summons, parenting plan, and financial declaration.
Legal Help in Tumwater
Tumwater residents can access legal help through statewide programs and local attorneys serving Thurston County. Free assistance is available for those who meet income guidelines. Private attorneys in the Olympia-Tumwater area also handle family law cases regularly.
Northwest Justice Project provides free civil legal help to low-income Washington residents. Call (888) 201-1014 or visit nwjustice.org to apply. They handle family law cases throughout the state. The Washington State Bar Association connects people with private attorneys through its referral service at (206) 443-9722. You can search for attorneys online at wsba.org.
For those filing on their own, all official dissolution forms are free at courts.wa.gov/forms. The Guide and File tool walks you through completing the paperwork step by step. WashingtonLawHelp.org also has plain-language guides on every part of the dissolution process, from filing the initial petition through the 90-day waiting period and the final decree.
Thurston County Dissolution Records
Tumwater is in Thurston County, and all dissolution filings go through the Thurston County Superior Court. For more details on the county court system and family law resources, visit the Thurston County dissolution records page.
Nearby Cities
These cities are near Tumwater and file dissolution cases through Thurston County Superior Court.