Search Vancouver Dissolution Of Marriage Records
Vancouver dissolution of marriage cases are filed with the Clark County Superior Court, which serves all residents of Clark County in southwest Washington. If you need to search for an existing dissolution case, get a certified copy of a decree, or learn how to start a new filing, the Clark County Clerk's office is the right place to go. Vancouver is Washington's fourth-largest city with around 190,000 residents and is the county seat of Clark County. The Clark County Clerk maintains all dissolution case files and processes copy requests for cases going back many years.
Vancouver Overview
Where to File for Dissolution in Vancouver
Vancouver residents file dissolution cases at the Clark County Clerk's office at 1200 Franklin Street in Vancouver. The office is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM, with a lunch closure from noon to 1:00 PM. The facilitator's office, which helps self-represented filers, is open 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM. Note that appointments with the facilitator must be scheduled in person and cannot be made by phone.
The Clark County Clerk handles copy requests, new case filings, and access to existing court records. The clerk's office also provides family law instructions covering the forms needed for domestic case actions including dissolution, modifications, and legal separation. Vancouver City Hall and the City Clerk's office deal with city government records and are a separate entity with no role in court case filings.
| Office | Clark County Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 1200 Franklin Street Vancouver, WA 98660 |
| Phone | (564) 397-2292 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM (Closed Noon to 1:00 PM) |
| Website | clark.wa.gov/clerk |
The Clark County Clerk website has a copy request form and family law filing instructions. You can submit copy requests through the online system without visiting the courthouse in person.
How to Search Vancouver Dissolution Records
Clark County provides online access to court records through the clerk's website. You can search dissolution cases by party name or case number. The online system shows basic case information including status, parties, and docket entries. For complete documents or certified copies, you need to submit a copy request to the clerk.
The Clark County Clerk accepts copy requests through the online system at clark.wa.gov/clerk. You can also submit requests in person at the courthouse. The statewide Washington Courts portal provides access to Clark County cases alongside other counties and is useful for multi-county searches. For older historical records, the Washington State Digital Archives may have documents predating electronic case systems.
The Washington Department of Health maintains statewide divorce records from 1968 to present. Certified divorce certificates are available through the DOH website for $25 per copy. DOH certificates confirm a dissolution was finalized but do not contain the decree language. For the full decree, go to the Clark County Clerk.
The Clark County Clerk's access records page is where you submit copy requests and search for dissolution case information for Vancouver and all other Clark County communities.
Filing Fees in Vancouver
Filing a dissolution petition in Clark County costs approximately $320. The total includes the base court filing fee and required surcharges. Clark County fees can change, so verify the current amount with the clerk before submitting your petition. The clerk's office can confirm the exact amount by phone or online.
Other costs in a Vancouver dissolution case may include fees for serving the other spouse, parenting seminar costs if children are involved, and certified copy fees when the case ends. Certified copies of the final decree are typically $5.00 for the first page and $1.00 per additional page. If paying the filing fee is a financial hardship, you can request a waiver. Waiver forms are free on the Washington Courts website. Show proof of low income or receipt of public benefits to qualify.
The Dissolution Process
Washington State calls it dissolution of marriage, not divorce. The process is governed by RCW Chapter 26.09. Washington is completely no-fault. The only ground for dissolution is that the marriage is irretrievably broken. Neither spouse needs to prove fault or give a specific reason beyond that statement.
At least one spouse must be a Washington resident or be in the military stationed here. The process starts with filing a Petition for Dissolution and a Summons with the Clark County Clerk. The other spouse must be formally served with these documents or sign a Joinder. Under RCW 26.09.030, the court must wait at least 90 days after filing and service before it can enter the final Decree of Dissolution. The 90-day wait is mandatory and cannot be waived even if both spouses agree on everything.
Washington is a community property state. Under RCW 26.09.080, property and debts from the marriage are divided equitably. Pre-marital property and assets received as gifts or through inheritance are generally kept separate. If children are involved, the court sets a parenting plan under RCW 26.09.187 and calculates child support under RCW Chapter 26.19.
Clark County has a family law facilitator at the courthouse. The facilitator can help self-represented parties understand the forms and the filing process. Appointments must be made in person, not by phone.
Getting Copies of Records
To get a copy of a dissolution decree or other case documents from a Vancouver case, contact the Clark County Clerk. You can use the online copy request system at clark.wa.gov, visit the clerk's office in person, or submit a request by mail to 1200 Franklin Street. Include both parties' full names, the approximate year of filing, and the specific documents you need. The clerk will confirm the fee before preparing your order.
Certified copies of the decree are needed for legal matters like name changes, property transfers, or proving dissolution to a court in another jurisdiction. Non-certified copies cost less and are fine for personal records. The City of Vancouver handles its own public records separately, but dissolution court records are county records held by the Clark County Clerk. Do not submit dissolution requests to the city.
The City of Vancouver's public records page handles city government records. Court dissolution records, however, are held by the Clark County Clerk at a separate location.
Clark County's family court facilitator page explains the services available for self-represented parties in Vancouver dissolution cases and how to get help with the forms and filing process.
Legal Help in Vancouver
Vancouver residents have access to legal aid and attorney referral services through several organizations. Free assistance is available for people who meet income requirements. Private attorneys in the Vancouver area also handle dissolution cases and can advise you on property division, parenting plans, and other complex issues.
Northwest Justice Project provides free civil legal help to low-income Washington residents including those in Clark County. Call (888) 201-1014 or visit nwjustice.org to apply. They have staff serving the southwest Washington region. The Washington State Bar Association has a statewide lawyer referral service at (206) 443-9722 and a searchable attorney directory at wsba.org.
For those filing without an attorney, all official court forms are free at courts.wa.gov/forms. The Guide and File tool walks you through completing the forms based on your specific situation. WashingtonLawHelp.org also has step-by-step guides for dissolution, parenting plans, and child support. Clark County's facilitator office at the courthouse can help answer questions about forms and procedures.
Clark County Dissolution Records
Vancouver is the county seat of Clark County, and all dissolution filings go through the Clark County Superior Court. For more details on the county court system and family law resources, visit the Clark County dissolution records page.
Nearby Cities
These cities are near Vancouver and file dissolution cases through Clark County Superior Court.