Find Dissolution Of Marriage Records in Yakima
Yakima dissolution of marriage cases are handled by the Yakima County Superior Court, which serves all residents of Yakima County in central Washington. If you need to search for an existing dissolution case, request a certified copy of a decree, or find out how to file a new petition, the Yakima County Clerk's office is your starting point. Yakima is the county seat with around 98,000 residents. The county clerk serves as executive officer of the Superior Court, custodian of all court records and exhibits, and manager of the jury system, providing public access to dissolution and other court records.
Yakima Overview
Where to File for Dissolution in Yakima
Yakima residents file dissolution cases at the Yakima County Superior Court Clerk's office at 128 N 2nd Street, Room 323. The County Clerk is an elected official who serves as the administrator of the clerk's office and executive officer of the Superior Court. The clerk's office manages all case filings, maintains court records and exhibits, and provides public access to dissolution and other case records.
Yakima County Superior Court has 8 full-time elected judges and 3 appointed court commissioners. The court handles all family law matters including dissolution of marriage, legal separation, parenting plans, child support, adoption, and domestic violence. The Yakima County District Court, also at 128 N 2nd Street, handles limited jurisdiction matters including misdemeanors and small civil claims but does not have authority over dissolution cases. Always file dissolution petitions with Superior Court.
| Office | Yakima County Clerk of Superior Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 128 N 2nd Street, Room 323 Yakima, WA 98901 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | yakimacounty.us/clerk |
The Yakima County Clerk's office was established to give the public fair and accurate access to court decisions and records. Staff can provide case status information and general guidance on court procedures, though they cannot give legal advice on your specific situation.
How to Search Yakima Dissolution Records
You can search for dissolution records in Yakima County in several ways. The Yakima County Clerk's office accepts in-person record requests during business hours Monday through Friday. Staff can search by party name or case number and pull files from the records system. The office is open from 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM, which is a broader window than many county clerks in the state.
The Yakima County Superior Court also has an online court record request page at yakimacounty.us/records. You can submit requests electronically without visiting the courthouse. The statewide Washington Courts portal also provides online access to Yakima County cases and allows you to search across multiple counties at the same time. For older historical records, the Washington State Digital Archives holds court records going back many decades.
The Washington Department of Health maintains statewide divorce records from 1968 to present. You can order a certified divorce certificate for $25 through the DOH website. This certificate confirms a dissolution occurred. It does not contain the decree's terms. For the full decree, contact the Yakima County Clerk directly.
The Yakima County Clerk of Superior Court page explains the role of the clerk's office and how to access dissolution and other court records maintained there.
Filing Fees in Yakima
The filing fee for a dissolution of marriage in Yakima County is approximately $300. The total includes the base petition fee and several required surcharges. Fees can change, so verify the current amount with the Yakima County Clerk before you file. Call the office or check the county website for the latest fee schedule.
Other costs in a Yakima dissolution case may include service of process fees, parenting seminar costs if children are involved, and copy fees when you need the final decree. Certified copies of court documents are $5.00 for the first page and $1.00 per additional page. Non-certified copies cost less. If the filing fee is too much for you to pay, you can ask the court to waive it. File a motion with a financial declaration showing your income. The forms are free at courts.wa.gov. Receipt of public benefits or income below 200% of the federal poverty line are the usual qualifying factors.
The Dissolution Process
Washington law uses dissolution of marriage rather than divorce. The process falls under RCW Chapter 26.09. Washington is a no-fault state. You do not need to prove that your spouse did something wrong. Simply stating that the marriage is irretrievably broken is enough to start the process. Either spouse can make that statement.
At least one spouse must be a Washington resident or in the military stationed here. The first step is filing a Petition for Dissolution and a Summons with the Yakima County Clerk. The other spouse must be formally served with the papers or sign a Joinder. Under RCW 26.09.030, the court cannot enter a final decree until at least 90 days after filing and service. This waiting period is mandatory even when both spouses agree on everything. You cannot skip it or speed it up.
Washington is a community property state. Under RCW 26.09.080, community property acquired during the marriage is divided equitably. Property owned before the marriage or received by gift or inheritance is generally separate property. If children are part of the case, the court requires a parenting plan and sets child support using the state schedule under RCW Chapter 26.19, based on both parents' incomes and time with the children.
Yakima County Superior Court has 8 elected judges, so cases are assigned across multiple judicial departments. When you file, your case is assigned to a specific department. Check the clerk's office for guidance on which department handles your case type.
Getting Copies of Records
To get a copy of a dissolution decree or other documents from a Yakima case, contact the Yakima County Superior Court Clerk. You can visit in person at Room 323 of the courthouse at 128 N 2nd Street, use the online court record request system, or submit a request by mail. Include both parties' full names, the case number if available, and a description of the documents you need. The clerk will confirm the copy fee before processing your order.
Certified copies of the decree are commonly needed for name changes, refinancing property, or proving dissolution in another legal matter. Non-certified copies are less expensive and fine for personal records. The Washington DOH also issues certified divorce certificates for $25 each through their website. Those certificates confirm the dissolution but do not include the decree's specific terms. For the full decree, go to the clerk.
Yakima County's court record request page lets you submit requests online for dissolution decrees and other Superior Court documents without visiting the courthouse.
The Yakima County Superior Court page provides information about the court's structure, judges, and how cases are managed within the county's judicial system.
Legal Help in Yakima
Yakima residents have access to legal aid and attorney resources through several statewide programs and local organizations. Free help is available for those who qualify based on income. Private family law attorneys in the Yakima area also handle dissolution cases and can advise you on your specific situation.
Northwest Justice Project provides free legal help to low-income Washington residents including those in Yakima County. Call (888) 201-1014 or visit nwjustice.org to check eligibility and apply. They handle family law cases including dissolution, custody, and child support. The Washington State Bar Association has a referral service at (206) 443-9722 and an online attorney search at wsba.org. Most attorneys offer a free or low-cost first consultation.
For those filing on their own, all official court forms are free at courts.wa.gov/forms. The Guide and File tool helps you complete the forms by answering questions through an online interview. WashingtonLawHelp.org has step-by-step plain-language guides on how to file for dissolution, handle parenting plans, and work through property division without a lawyer. The Yakima County Clerk's staff can answer general procedural questions and point you to the right forms, but they cannot give legal advice.
Yakima County Dissolution Records
Yakima is the county seat of Yakima County, and all dissolution cases in the county go through the Yakima County Superior Court here. For more information on the county court system, fees, and family law resources, visit the Yakima County dissolution records page.
Nearby Cities
There are no other qualifying cities near Yakima. All dissolution cases in Yakima County are filed with the Yakima County Superior Court.