Find Mason County Dissolution Of Marriage Records

Mason County dissolution of marriage records are kept by the Clerk of Court at the Superior Court in Shelton. If your dissolution was granted in Mason County, the clerk's office is where you go to get copies of the decree, review the case file, or confirm case status. For residents who are not sure which county handled a divorce, the Washington State Courts statewide search is a useful first step. This page explains how to search Mason County dissolution records, what documents are available, what it costs to get copies, and where to find legal help if you need it.

Mason County Superior Court Clerk

Mason County Clerk Charles Rhodes took office on January 1, 2023. The clerk is an elected position established by the Washington State Constitution, Article IV. The office is the administrative and financial officer of the Superior Court. It processes all documents filed in Superior Court cases, including dissolution of marriage, civil matters, felony criminal cases, probate, guardianship, and juvenile proceedings. The clerk also preserves an independent and accurate record of all court proceedings.

One thing to know about Mason County: court documents are not available or visible online through the clerk's own website. The clerk's services page notes that case indexes can be searched through the Washington State Courts website, but actual documents are not posted online. You need to contact the office directly by phone or mail to get copies. The clerk does not accept email or fax requests for records.

The clerk's office phone number is (360) 427-9670, extension 346. You can also email superiorcourtclerk@masoncountywa.gov to ask about procedures, though records requests themselves must go through mail or in-person visits. The office is at 411 North 5th Street in Shelton.

Mason County Clerk Charles Rhodes oversees the Superior Court Clerk's office, which stores and processes all dissolution of marriage records filed in Mason County.

How to Search Mason County Dissolution Records

The main public tool for searching Mason County dissolution of marriage cases is the statewide portal at odysseyportal.courts.wa.gov. You can search by party name or case number. Results show the filing date, case status, and the names of the parties. This is free and does not require creating an account. The Mason County courts FAQ also points to this tool for residents unsure which county handled a dissolution.

If you know the dissolution happened in Mason County and want the actual case file, you contact the clerk directly by phone or mail. The clerk's staff can look up the case, confirm what documents exist, and tell you what it costs to get copies. Keep in mind that Mason County does not accept email or fax for records requests. You go in person or use U.S. mail.

The Washington State Digital Archives is useful for older records. Historical Superior Court filings from Mason County may be indexed there. Searches are free. If you are looking for a dissolution from decades past, this is a good place to check before calling the clerk's office.

The Mason County Superior Court Facilitator can help with paperwork for domestic and custody cases, which includes filings related to dissolution of marriage.

Fees and Costs

The filing fee for a dissolution of marriage in Mason County is approximately $280. This is paid to the clerk when the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage is filed. Washington State establishes the base fee, and Mason County adds local surcharges for court operations. The total may vary slightly based on what you file at the time of petition.

Copies of court records from the Mason County Clerk have set fees. The clerk's office requires payment in advance. Personal checks are not accepted. Call ahead to confirm accepted payment types before your visit or before mailing a records request. Bring cash or a money order if you plan to visit in person.

Certified copies of the Decree of Dissolution are what you need for legal purposes such as name changes or updating financial accounts. These carry the court's official seal. Plain photocopies cost less but are not accepted everywhere. Ask the clerk which type you need for your specific situation.

If you cannot afford the filing fee, a waiver is available. File a motion and financial declaration with the court. People receiving public assistance or with income below 200% of the federal poverty level usually qualify. Fee waiver forms are at courts.wa.gov/forms.

What Records Are Available

Mason County dissolution of marriage records at the clerk's office include all documents filed during the case. The Petition for Dissolution starts the file. Other documents in the record typically include the Summons, proof of service, financial declarations from both parties, any motions filed during the case, agreements on property and debts, the parenting plan if children were involved, and the final Decree of Dissolution. All of these go into the official case file, which the clerk stores permanently.

Under Mason County's interpretation of Washington law (following the Nast v. Michels decision), the clerk's office is not subject to the Public Records Act as a judicial body. But many court records, including dissolution decrees, custody and support orders, probate records, and judgments, remain available for public inspection and copying under general court rules. You do not have to be a party to the case to ask for copies.

Certain records are restricted. Adoption files are sealed. Mental illness records filed in court cases are confidential. Juvenile dependency files are closed to the public. Some financial exhibits may be sealed if the court ordered it. The clerk's staff can tell you what is and is not available in a specific case.

The state also maintains divorce certificates through the Department of Health. These are available for dissolutions granted since 1968 and can be ordered from the DOH vital records office. A DOH certificate is simpler than a court decree copy but works as proof of dissolution in many situations.

Mason County maintains public records through several departments. Dissolution of marriage records are specifically held by the Superior Court Clerk, not the Auditor's office.

Getting Copies

To get copies of Mason County dissolution records, visit the clerk's office at 411 North 5th Street in Shelton or send a written request by mail to P.O. Box 400, Shelton, WA 98584. No email or fax requests are accepted. Payment must be made in advance, and personal checks are not accepted. Call (360) 427-9670 ext. 346 before visiting to confirm hours and current procedures.

When making a request, include the full names of both parties, the approximate year the case was filed, and the case number if you have it. State clearly whether you need a certified copy or a regular photocopy. Certified copies have the court seal and are required for legal transactions. Regular copies are fine for personal reference.

The Superior Court Facilitator in Mason County can help with filing paperwork on domestic and custody matters. This is a free court service and can be helpful if you are filing without an attorney. Contact the clerk's office to ask about facilitator availability and hours.

Case indexes for Mason County can be found through the Washington State Courts system, which directs users to the courts.wa.gov portal for name-based case searches.

Legal Help in Mason County

If you need legal help with a dissolution case in Mason County, Northwest Justice Project is the primary resource for low-income residents. They provide free civil legal services including family law matters like dissolution and custody. Call (888) 201-1014 or visit nwjustice.org to find out if you qualify. They serve clients throughout Washington State, including Mason County.

The Mason County courts FAQ suggests the Lawyer Referral Program of the Thurston County Bar at 360-923-4844 for people who need an attorney referral. This can connect you with an attorney for a reduced-fee initial consultation. The Washington State Bar Association also runs a statewide referral service at (206) 443-9722. You can search for attorneys at wsba.org.

Self-help resources are available through WashingtonLawHelp.org. The site has guides on dissolution, custody, parenting plans, and child support. All official court forms are available at courts.wa.gov/forms. Washington dissolves marriages under RCW Chapter 26.09. The process requires a 90-day waiting period after the petition is filed and served before the court can enter a final decree. Community property is divided under RCW 26.09.080.

Cities in Mason County

Mason County communities include Shelton, Belfair, Allyn, Hoodsport, and Union. All dissolution of marriage cases for Mason County residents are filed at the Superior Court in Shelton.

No cities in Mason County meet the population threshold for individual city pages on this site. All dissolution filings go through the Mason County Superior Court Clerk's office in Shelton.

Nearby Counties

Mason County borders these counties. File for dissolution in the county where you reside. Call the clerk if you are unsure which county applies to your address.