Adams County Dissolution Of Marriage
Adams County dissolution of marriage records are kept by the Superior Court Clerk in Ritzville. The clerk maintains all case files for dissolution, legal separation, and related family law matters filed in the county. You can search for dissolution cases online through the statewide Odyssey Portal, or visit the courthouse in person to review files and request certified copies. Adams County is a rural county in east-central Washington, and the Superior Court handles all family law matters, including divorce filings, parenting plans, and property division orders. If you need a certified copy of a dissolution decree or want to look up case details, this page explains your options.
Adams County Overview
Adams County Superior Court Clerk
The Adams County Superior Court Clerk's office is located at the Adams County Courthouse in Ritzville. This office keeps all dissolution records filed in the county. The clerk receives and processes every document submitted in a Superior Court case, including petitions, responses, financial declarations, parenting plans, and the final decree. Staff can help you look up case information and get copies of court documents.
Adams County Superior Court handles all family law matters for residents of the county, including dissolution of marriage, legal separation, child custody, and child support. The court is a court of general jurisdiction, which means it handles major civil cases, felony criminal matters, and all domestic relations filings. If you or your spouse lives in Adams County, this is where your dissolution case will be filed.
The courthouse also houses the District Court and county offices. Public records are available for inspection Monday through Friday during regular business hours. The clerk's office does not give legal advice, but staff can tell you the status of a case and point you to the correct forms.
| Office | Adams County Superior Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address |
Adams County Courthouse 210 W Broadway Ave Ritzville, WA 99169 |
| Phone | (509) 659-3247 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | co.adams.wa.us |
How to Search Adams County Dissolution Records
The easiest way to look up Adams County dissolution cases is through the statewide Washington Courts Odyssey Portal. This free online tool lets you search by party name or case number. You can see basic case details, docket entries, and case status without visiting the courthouse. Most dissolution cases filed in Adams County Superior Court are searchable through this system.
For older records and historical dissolution cases, the Washington State Digital Archives is a good resource. The Digital Archives partners with county clerks across the state to provide online access to civil, criminal, domestic, and probate records. You can also search through the State Archives at sos.wa.gov/archives/search.aspx.
In-person searches are done at the courthouse during business hours. Bring the full name of at least one party and, if possible, the approximate filing year. Staff can look up cases and pull files from storage. In-person visits let you review the full case file and get certified copies on the spot.
The Washington State Department of Health maintains divorce certificates from 1968 to present. Keep in mind that the DOH holds divorce certificates, not full decrees. If you need the actual decree, that comes from the County Clerk. There can be a delay of up to five months before DOH receives the most recent records from county clerks.
The image below shows the Washington State Department of Health vital records page, where you can order a dissolution certificate if one is on file.
The DOH charges $25 for a dissolution certificate. Mail orders take six to eight weeks. For faster service, VitalChek processes orders by phone at 1-866-687-1464 with a typical delivery of three to seven business days.
Filing Fees and Costs
The filing fee to open a dissolution case in Adams County is approximately $280. This fee is paid to the clerk when you file your Petition for Dissolution of Marriage. The exact total can vary depending on the specific surcharges applied at the time of filing. Contact the clerk's office to confirm the current amount before you go.
Other costs you may run into include fees for certified copies of court documents. Certified copies cost $5.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page. Standard photocopies of public records cost about $0.15 per page at the Adams County Courthouse. Service of process, if you need a sheriff or process server to deliver the summons, typically adds another $40 to $100.
Fee waivers are available. If your income is low or you receive public assistance, you can file a motion and declaration to waive the civil filing fee. The court will review your financial situation and decide. Forms for this are available on the Washington Courts website and at the courthouse. Under RCW Chapter 26.09, Washington law governs all dissolution proceedings in the state.
Note: Filing fees can change with new legislation. Always call the clerk at (509) 659-3247 to confirm the current fee before you file.
What Dissolution Records Are Available
Adams County Superior Court keeps a complete file for each dissolution case. The file includes everything submitted to the court from start to finish. Most documents in a dissolution case file are public records under RCW 42.56 and General Rule 31. Some items may be sealed or redacted, including documents with Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and certain records involving minor children.
A typical dissolution case file contains the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage, the Summons, any Response filed by the other party, temporary orders, financial declarations, a parenting plan if children are involved, child support worksheets, a settlement agreement or findings of fact, and the Final Decree of Dissolution. The decree is the document most people need. It is the court order that ends the marriage and sets the terms for property, custody, and support.
Washington is a no-fault state. Under RCW 26.09.030, the only ground for dissolution is that the marriage is "irretrievably broken." There are no fault-based filings here. Either spouse may petition regardless of the other party's wishes. The court cannot deny the dissolution if the waiting period and procedural requirements are met.
90-Day Waiting Period: Washington law requires a 90-day waiting period after filing and service before any dissolution can be finalized. There are no exceptions. Plan for this when you start the process.
Getting Copies of Dissolution Records
To get a certified copy of a dissolution decree from Adams County, visit or write to the Superior Court Clerk at 210 W Broadway Ave, Ritzville, WA 99169. In-person requests are handled during business hours. You can also send a written request by mail. Include the case name, case number if you have it, the year the case was filed, and a check or money order for the copy fees.
Certified copies are required by many agencies and institutions. The Social Security Administration, financial lenders, passport offices, and some foreign governments need a certified copy to process name changes or verify marital status. A certified copy includes the official court seal and the deputy clerk's signature.
If you just need to confirm that a dissolution was finalized, a certificate from the Washington State Department of Health may be enough. DOH certificates are one-page documents showing the parties' names and the date the dissolution was recorded. They cost $25 per copy. The county clerk holds the actual decree; DOH holds the certificate. These are two different documents.
Washington law under RCW 26.09.080 governs how community property is divided in a dissolution. The decree will spell out the property division terms. If you need to enforce the decree or modify any terms later, you will also need copies from the clerk's office.
Legal Help in Adams County
Several statewide organizations offer help to people going through dissolution in Adams County. If you cannot afford an attorney, Northwest Justice Project provides free legal services to low-income residents of Washington State, including help with family law matters. Call (888) 201-1014 or visit nwjustice.org to learn more about eligibility and available services.
WashingtonLawHelp at washingtonlawhelp.org is a free online resource with self-help guides, court forms, and step-by-step instructions for filing for dissolution without an attorney. All official court forms for Washington State are also available at courts.wa.gov/forms.
If you want to hire a private attorney, the Washington State Bar Association runs a lawyer referral service at (206) 443-9722. You can also search for licensed attorneys in your area through the WSBA directory at wsba.org. The Attorney General's office has additional guidance at atg.wa.gov.
Child custody and support rules in Washington are set by RCW 26.09.187 and RCW Chapter 26.19. If your dissolution involves children, understanding these statutes will help you prepare your parenting plan and child support worksheet. Legal aid organizations can walk you through these requirements at no cost if you qualify.
Cities in Adams County
Adams County includes Ritzville, Othello, Lind, Ritzville, and several smaller communities. All dissolution cases in Adams County are filed at the Superior Court in Ritzville, regardless of which city or town you live in. No cities in Adams County meet the population threshold for a dedicated city page on this site.
Nearby Counties
Adams County borders several other eastern Washington counties. If you are unsure which county to file in, file where you or your spouse currently lives. Check the address carefully before you submit your petition.