King County Divorce Records
King County divorce records are maintained by the County Clerk at the Superior Court in Seattle. You can search case information online or visit the courthouse to obtain copies. King County is home to roughly 2.3 million residents, making it the most populous county in Washington. It encompasses Seattle, Bellevue, Kent, Renton, Federal Way, and many surrounding communities. The County Clerk stores all dissolution case files and processes records requests. If you need to look up a dissolution case, the King County Superior Court online portal is a solid starting point. For certified copies of the Decree of Dissolution, you can visit the clerk's office in person or submit a written request.
King County Overview
King County Superior Court Clerk
The County Clerk's office at King County Superior Court keeps all dissolution records filed in the county. The family law division handles dissolution filings, stores case files, and provides copies of decrees and judgments. Staff can help you locate both recent and older cases. The main office is located at the King County Courthouse in downtown Seattle.
King County is the busiest court system in Washington State. It covers Seattle and surrounding communities including Bellevue, Kent, Renton, Federal Way, Auburn, Kirkland, and Redmond. If you or your spouse resides anywhere in the county, you file for dissolution here.
| Office | King County Superior Court Clerk - Family Law |
|---|---|
| Address |
King County Courthouse 516 Third Avenue Seattle, WA 98104 |
| Phone | (206) 296-9300 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | kingcounty.gov/courts/clerk |
How to Search King County Divorce Records
You can search for dissolution records in King County online or in person. Online searches are best for pulling basic case details. In-person visits let you review the full file and get certified copies right away. Both methods give you access to dissolution records going back many years.
King County Superior Court provides its own online case search tool through the eCourt system. You can search by party name or case number. The system displays party names, docket entries, and case status. You can also use the statewide Washington Courts public access system to search across counties.
To search dissolution records in King County, you typically need:
- Full name of one or both spouses
- Approximate year the case was filed
- Case number if you have it
You can also search in person at the courthouse. Go to the King County Courthouse at 516 Third Avenue in Seattle. Staff can look up cases and make copies. Bring a valid photo ID. The clerk can search by name or case number. Certified copies cost more than plain copies.
King County Divorce Fees
King County follows the fee schedule established under Washington State law. The filing fee for a dissolution is approximately $350. This amount covers various statutory surcharges for court operations, facilities, and technology. The petitioner pays this fee when filing the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage.
Other costs you may encounter:
- Service of process by sheriff: about $40 to $60
- Private process server: varies, usually $50 to $100
- Certified copies of the decree: $5 first page, $1 each additional
- Parenting seminar (if children involved): $35 to $75
Fee waivers are available for individuals who cannot afford to pay. You file a motion and declaration for waiver of civil filing fees. You need to demonstrate your financial situation. The court reviews your request and determines eligibility. If you receive public assistance or your household income falls below 200% of the federal poverty level, you generally qualify. Forms are available at the courthouse or on the Washington Courts website.
Tip: Filing fees can change. Contact the King County Superior Court Clerk or check their website to confirm the latest costs before you file.
Divorce Filing Process in King County
Filing for dissolution in King County follows Washington State law under RCW Chapter 26.09. Each step creates records that become part of your case file at the County Clerk's office.
First, you need to meet the residency requirement. Under RCW 26.09.030, either spouse must be a resident of Washington State or a member of the armed forces stationed in the state. There is no minimum time requirement for living in a specific county.
Washington is a pure no-fault state. The only ground for dissolution is that the marriage is "irretrievably broken" under RCW 26.09.030. The court does not consider fault-based reasons. Either spouse can petition and the other cannot prevent the dissolution.
The process begins when one spouse files a Petition for Dissolution and a Summons. The other spouse must be served with these documents or sign a Joinder. If both spouses agree on all terms, they can file an agreed decree. Contested cases may go through mediation or a trial before the judge enters the Decree of Dissolution.
90-Day Waiting Period: Washington requires a mandatory 90-day waiting period after the petition is filed and served before a dissolution can be finalized. There are no exceptions to this waiting period.
Property division follows community property rules. Under RCW 26.09.080, the court divides community property in a just and equitable manner. Community property is generally anything acquired during the marriage. Separate property includes assets owned before the marriage and gifts or inheritances received during the marriage, if kept separate.
What King County Divorce Records Contain
Dissolution records in King County include several types of documents. The Petition for Dissolution is the initial filing that starts the case. It states that the marriage is irretrievably broken and outlines what the petitioner is requesting. The settlement agreement shows what both parties agreed to regarding property, custody, and support. Financial declarations detail each spouse's income, assets, and debts. All of this goes into the court file.
The Decree of Dissolution is the key document most people need. This is the court order that officially ends the marriage. It lays out all the terms: property division, the parenting plan, child support amounts, and any spousal maintenance. Certified copies of the decree are needed for things like name changes, updating identification, or proving marital status.
A dissolution record in King County typically shows:
- Names of both parties
- Date of marriage and separation
- Community property and debt division terms
- Parenting plan and residential schedule for children
- Child support amounts
- Spousal maintenance if ordered
Most dissolution records at the County Clerk's office are public. You do not have to be a party to the case to request copies. Sealed financial documents like tax returns may not be available. Records involving minors may also have restricted access in certain situations.
Legal Help for Divorce in King County
Several organizations offer help with dissolution cases in King County. Some provide free legal assistance to people who qualify based on income. Others charge a reduced fee for the initial consultation. These resources can help you understand the process, complete your forms, or connect you with an attorney.
Northwest Justice Project serves the Seattle area and handles family law cases for low-income residents, including dissolution, custody, and support. Call (888) 201-1014 to inquire about their services. Their website at nwjustice.org has more details on eligibility and services offered.
The King County Bar Association runs a lawyer referral service. Call (206) 267-7010 for a referral. The Washington State Bar Association also runs a statewide referral service at (206) 443-9722. You can search their directory at wsba.org. WashingtonLawHelp at washingtonlawhelp.org has self-help guides and all official court forms are available at courts.wa.gov.
Cities in King County
King County has many cities and communities. All of them file dissolution cases at the King County Superior Court in Seattle.
Other communities in King County include Kent, Renton, Federal Way, Auburn, Kirkland, Redmond, Sammamish, Shoreline, and many more. All dissolution cases go through the King County Superior Court system.
Nearby Counties
These counties border King County. If you are unsure which county handles your dissolution case, check the address where you reside. You must file in the correct county.