University Place Dissolution Of Marriage
University Place dissolution of marriage cases are handled by the Pierce County Superior Court in Tacoma, which serves all Pierce County residents including those in University Place. University Place is a city of about 33,000 people on the west side of Tacoma, and it does not have its own superior court. All family law filings including dissolution, parenting plans, and child support go to the Pierce County Clerk's office in Tacoma. This page covers how to search for dissolution records, what the filing process looks like, and where to get legal help.
University Place Overview
Where to File for Dissolution in University Place
University Place residents file dissolution cases at the Pierce County Superior Court Clerk's office in Tacoma, which is just a few miles east of University Place. The clerk's office is at Room 110 of the County-City Building at 930 Tacoma Ave S. All Pierce County dissolution, legal separation, custody, and child support cases go through this office. There is no separate filing location in University Place.
Pierce County Superior Court handles all family law matters for the county. The clerk accepts new case filings, maintains case files, and processes requests for copies of court documents. The Pierce County District Court, also in the courthouse building, does not have jurisdiction over dissolution cases. Make sure you go to the Superior Court Clerk's office, not the District Court, when filing.
| 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 |
Ongoing construction at the courthouse has been causing delays. The county suggests using online tools and submitting requests electronically when possible. If you must go in person, plan extra time for security and potential wait times at the clerk's counter.
How to Search University Place Dissolution Records
Pierce County uses the LINX system for public online access to Superior Court records. You can search dissolution cases filed from 1991 to the present by name or case number. LINX shows case status, party names, and docket entries. Many decrees from 1991 onward are accessible without visiting the courthouse in person.
Cases filed before 1991 require a direct request to the clerk's office. Those older records have not been digitized. Public access computers in the courthouse lobby let you search for free. The statewide Washington Courts portal also covers Pierce County cases and can be searched from anywhere. For older historical records, the Washington State Digital Archives may have records going back several decades.
Copy fees are $0.25 per page for non-certified online copies or $0.50 per page when the clerk makes them for you. Certified copies are $5.00 for the first page and $1.00 per additional page. Note that records involving minor children may be restricted and require a court order to access.
The Pierce County Superior Court Clerk's office in Tacoma maintains all University Place dissolution case files and handles copy requests for the entire county.
Filing Fees in University Place
Filing a dissolution petition in Pierce County costs approximately $320. New fees went into effect July 27, 2025. The amount includes the base filing fee and required surcharges. Confirm the exact amount with the clerk before submitting your petition, since fees can change and there may be additional charges depending on the type of case.
Beyond the initial filing fee, you may pay for service of process, parenting seminars if children are involved, and certified copies of the final decree after the case is complete. If paying the fee is a hardship, file a motion to waive the fee along with a financial declaration. Forms for the fee waiver are free at courts.wa.gov. Qualifying based on income or public benefit receipt is the usual path to approval.
The Dissolution Process
Washington uses "dissolution of marriage" under RCW Chapter 26.09. The state is entirely no-fault. You do not need to prove that your spouse did anything wrong. Saying the marriage is irretrievably broken is sufficient. Either spouse can make that statement.
Filing begins with a Petition for Dissolution and a Summons. The other spouse must be served with those documents or sign a Joinder. Under RCW 26.09.030, the court must wait at least 90 days after filing and service before the final decree can be entered. This mandatory waiting period cannot be waived. If both spouses agree on all issues, the case can move quickly once the 90 days have passed. Contested cases may take much longer.
Washington is a community property state. Property earned or acquired during the marriage is divided equitably under RCW 26.09.080. Pre-marital property and assets received as gifts or through inheritance remain separate in most situations. If children are involved, the court requires a parenting plan and sets support under RCW Chapter 26.19.
Pierce County requires parents to complete a parenting seminar before any dissolution case involving minor children can be finalized. Both parents must complete the seminar, and completion must be filed with the court before the judge signs the decree.
Getting Copies of Records
To get a copy of a dissolution decree or other documents from a University Place case, request them from the Pierce County Superior Court Clerk. Go to Room 110 of the County-City Building in Tacoma, or mail your request to that address. Include both parties' full names, the case number if available, and a description of the documents you need. The clerk will confirm the fee before processing.
Certified copies are typically needed for legal transactions such as name changes, property title transfers, or proving dissolution to another court or financial institution. Non-certified copies cost less and work for personal reference. The Washington Department of Health maintains statewide divorce records from 1968 to present. You can order a $25 certified divorce certificate from the DOH website. That certificate confirms the dissolution occurred but does not include the decree's terms.
Pierce County's marriage and divorce records page covers what is available online, how to order copies from the clerk, and what to do if your records predate the digital system.
Pierce County Superior Court handles dissolution records for University Place and all other communities in Pierce County. Both in-person and mail requests are accepted.
Legal Help in University Place
University Place residents can access legal resources through statewide programs and local attorneys in the Pierce County area. Free legal help is available for those who qualify based on income. For others, private family law attorneys in Tacoma and the surrounding area handle dissolution cases regularly.
Northwest Justice Project serves low-income clients across Washington. Call (888) 201-1014 or visit nwjustice.org to check if you qualify for free help. The Washington State Bar Association has a lawyer referral service at (206) 443-9722 and an online attorney directory at wsba.org. Pierce County also has a family law facilitator at the Tacoma courthouse who can help you understand the forms and filing process.
Self-represented filers can download all official dissolution forms for free at courts.wa.gov/forms. The Guide and File tool on that site creates completed forms based on your answers to an interview. WashingtonLawHelp.org offers step-by-step plain-language guides for dissolution, parenting plans, and child support.
Pierce County Dissolution Records
University Place is in Pierce County, and all dissolution cases are filed with the Pierce County Superior Court in Tacoma. For more details on the county court system and family law resources, visit the Pierce County dissolution records page.
Nearby Cities
These cities near University Place also file dissolution cases through Pierce County Superior Court.