Search Grant County Dissolution Of Marriage Records

Grant County dissolution of marriage records are held by the County Clerk at the Superior Court in Ephrata. The clerk's office manages all family law filings for the county, including dissolution petitions, decrees, parenting plans, and related documents. If you need to look up a case, get a certified copy of a dissolution decree, or check the status of a filing, you can search online through the Odyssey Portal or visit the courthouse in Ephrata. Grant County was created in 1909 and the county seat has been Ephrata since then.

Grant County Superior Court Clerk

The Grant County Clerk is an elected position, chosen by the citizens of Grant County to manage all superior court records and financial transactions. Kimberly A. Allen has served as County Clerk since 2006. The office is responsible for processing and managing records across a range of court matters, including family law cases like dissolution of marriage. The clerk's office also supports three Superior Court Judges and one Court Commissioner.

Grant County's clerk's office handles Juvenile Court and Civil Commitment matters in addition to family law. If you have questions about a dissolution case, contacting the clerk directly is the most direct path. Staff there can look up cases by name or case number and tell you what documents are available. Beginning January 2, 2026, all documents filed in Superior Court must be submitted in compliance with formatting rules, and paper files will no longer be maintained. Electronic filing is the new standard.

The Grant County Clerk's page provides information on court services and how to access records. The screenshot below shows the clerk's official page.

The Grant County Clerk's page includes information on the office's duties, contact details, and how the office supports the Superior Court for family law matters including dissolution.

How to Search Grant County Dissolution Records

The statewide Odyssey Portal is the best tool for searching Grant County dissolution of marriage records online. Click Smart Search and enter the party's last name first. The system returns case numbers, filing dates, and status information. Note the case number and use it when contacting the clerk or searching the Digital Archives.

The Washington State Digital Archives also holds Grant County Superior Court records. According to archived information, Grant County was created in 1909 from part of Douglas County. If you are looking for historical records, the Digital Archives may have what you need. Search by case number with dashes for best results. The Central Regional Branch of the Washington State Archives can also assist at (509) 963-2136.

In-person access works well too. Go to 35 C Street NW in Ephrata during business hours. Call 509-754-2015 or toll-free 800-572-0119 ext. 2801 to confirm hours and what to bring. Staff can search by name and provide copies of dissolution records on request. Grant County's public records process requires that requests identify specific records per RCW 42.56. Be specific when making your request.

The Grant County Superior Court page provides additional guidance on court matters. The screenshot below shows that page.

The Superior Court page has information on forms, procedures, and how to contact the court for matters including dissolution of marriage filings.

Fees and Costs

Filing a dissolution of marriage petition in Grant County costs approximately $280. The petitioner pays this fee to the Superior Court Clerk when submitting the initial petition. The fee is set under Washington State law and covers court operations and related surcharges. Confirm the exact current amount with the clerk's office before filing since fees can change with legislative updates.

Certified copies of a dissolution decree cost $5 for the first page and $1 for each additional page of the same document. Non-certified copies run $0.50 per page. You need certified copies for legal purposes like name changes, updating financial accounts, or showing proof of marital status to a government agency.

Fee waivers exist for those who qualify. File a motion and declaration for waiver of civil filing fees with the court. If you receive public assistance or your income is below 200% of the federal poverty level, you will likely qualify. Forms are available at the courthouse or through the Washington Courts website. The Grant County Public Records Officer is also available for questions about record requests and applicable fees under Grant County Resolution 23-103-CC.

What Records Are Available

Grant County dissolution of marriage records held by the Superior Court Clerk include the full case file from initial petition through final decree. The Decree of Dissolution is the primary document most people request. It contains all the terms of the dissolution: property division, parenting plan, child support, and spousal maintenance if the court ordered it. This is the document you need for most legal purposes after a dissolution is finalized.

Other documents in the case file may include the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage, the Summons, financial declarations from each party, signed settlement agreements, and orders entered by the court at various stages of the case. If children were involved, the parenting plan and child support worksheets are part of the file. Washington handles child support matters under RCW Chapter 26.19.

Most dissolution records in Grant County are public. You do not have to be a party to a case to request copies. Some sealed documents or records involving minors may be restricted. Adoptions, dependency proceedings, and mental competency cases are not available to the general public. If you are unsure whether a specific record is accessible, ask the clerk's office before making a formal request.

The DOH vital records page handles dissolution certificates for cases finalized since 1968. The screenshot below shows the DOH ordering portal.

You can order a dissolution certificate from DOH for $25, but the actual Decree of Dissolution with all case terms must be obtained from the Grant County Superior Court Clerk.

Getting Copies

To get copies of a Grant County dissolution record, contact the clerk's office at 509-754-2015. You can visit in person at 35 C Street NW in Ephrata. Staff will search by name or case number and process your copy request. Certified copies require payment at the time of request. Bring a valid photo ID and, if you know it, the case number.

For online access, use the Odyssey Portal to find the case number, then request copies from the clerk. The Washington State Digital Archives also holds Grant County Superior Court records. Select Superior Court Cases and Grant County, then search by case number. Some older records are available there without needing to contact the clerk.

If you only need a dissolution certificate, not the full court file, order through the Washington Department of Health. They hold certificates for dissolutions finalized since 1968. The DOH fee is $25. VitalChek orders typically arrive in 3 to 7 business days. The DOH certificate confirms the dissolution but does not include decree terms. For the actual decree, go to the Grant County Clerk.

Legal Help in Grant County

Northwest Justice Project provides free legal help to low-income residents across Washington, including Grant County. Their phone line is (888) 201-1014. Visit nwjustice.org for eligibility information and services. They assist with family law matters including dissolution of marriage.

The Washington State Bar Association runs a statewide lawyer referral service at (206) 443-9722. You can search their attorney directory at wsba.org. Self-help guides and official court forms are available at washingtonlawhelp.org and courts.wa.gov.

Grant County dissolution cases follow Washington State law. RCW Chapter 26.09 covers the dissolution process from start to finish. Washington is a no-fault state. The only ground is that the marriage is "irretrievably broken" under RCW 26.09.030. The state is a community property state, and property is divided under RCW 26.09.080. A mandatory 90-day waiting period applies after service of the petition before the court can finalize the dissolution.

Cities in Grant County

Grant County's largest city is Moses Lake. All dissolution cases filed by residents anywhere in Grant County go through the Grant County Superior Court in Ephrata.

Other communities in Grant County include Quincy, Ephrata, Soap Lake, Mattawa, Warden, and George. Dissolution filings for residents of these communities all go through the Superior Court in Ephrata.

Nearby Counties

These counties share borders with Grant County. File in the county where you reside. If you are unsure, confirm your county by checking your address against county boundary maps.