Pierce County Dissolution Of Marriage Records

Pierce County dissolution of marriage records are maintained by the Clerk of Court at the Pierce County Superior Court in Tacoma. As Washington's second-most populous county with roughly 950,000 residents, Pierce County handles a large volume of dissolution of marriage filings each year. The clerk's office stores all case files and processes requests for copies of decrees, dockets, and other documents. If you need to search for a dissolution case or get a certified copy of a decree from Pierce County, this page covers everything you need to know.

Pierce County Superior Court Clerk

The Pierce County Clerk of Court office handles case filings, court records, and official documents for civil, criminal, family law, and probate cases. The clerk provides certified copies of legal records and assists with marriage licenses, probate filings, and court forms. The office is at the County-City Building in downtown Tacoma. Dissolution records are in the superior court clerk's office, not the district court.

Pierce County Superior Court handles serious legal matters including criminal cases, civil disputes, family law cases, and probate. Dissolution of marriage falls under the family law category. The clerk's office can look up cases using LINX, Pierce County's online search tool, which covers cases from 1991 onward. LINX lets you search by name or case number and see case details and docket information.

The clerk's phone service ends at 3:30 PM even though the office stays open until 4:30 PM. If you need to call, make sure to call before 3:30 PM. Email contact is pcclerk@piercecountywa.gov.

The Pierce County Clerk of Court office is in Room 110 of the County-City Building at 930 Tacoma Ave. S. in Tacoma and handles all dissolution of marriage case records.

How to Search Pierce County Dissolution Records

Pierce County uses LINX as its primary online case search tool. LINX covers cases from 1991 onward and lets you search by party name or case number. You can see party names, docket entries, case status, and related filings. LINX is accessible through the Pierce County courts system. This tool is the fastest way to find basic information about a Pierce County dissolution of marriage case without visiting the courthouse.

The statewide portal at odysseyportal.courts.wa.gov is another option for searching Washington dissolution cases. This free public tool covers multiple counties and can help confirm where a dissolution was filed if you are not sure it was in Pierce County. Results show filing dates, case status, and party information.

For older records before 1991, the Washington State Digital Archives holds historical Superior Court records from Washington counties. Searches there are free. If you need a decree from several decades ago, the Digital Archives is a good place to start before contacting the clerk.

To get actual documents, contact the clerk at (253) 798-7455 or visit the office. You can also search for Pierce County dissolution records through the statewide portal and then follow up with the clerk for copies. Certified copies of the decree cost $5 for the first page, $1 per additional page. Non-certified copies run about $0.25 to $0.50 per page. Mail requests typically take about 7 working days to process.

The Pierce County Superior Court Clerk office at the County-City Building in Tacoma maintains all dissolution records and processes records requests from the public.

Fees and Costs

Filing for dissolution of marriage in Pierce County costs approximately $320. Pierce County's filing fee is somewhat higher than smaller Washington counties due to local facility and technology surcharges. Washington State sets the base fee and counties add their own charges on top. The petitioner pays this fee when filing the Petition for Dissolution of Marriage.

For copies of dissolution records, certified copies cost $5 for the first page and $1 for each additional page. Non-certified photocopies run approximately $0.25 to $0.50 per page. Marriage record certified copies from the auditor cost $3; non-certified photocopies are $1. Dissolution records are stored with the superior court clerk, not the auditor.

Other costs you may face include service of process if the petition needs to be served by the sheriff, parenting seminar fees if children are involved, and fees for filing various motions. Pierce County also has online portals for filing cases and tracking case progress, which can save time compared to in-person visits for routine matters.

If you cannot afford the filing fee, you can ask the court to waive it. File a motion and financial declaration. People receiving public assistance or with household income below 200% of the federal poverty level typically qualify. Get fee waiver forms from courts.wa.gov/forms or at the clerk's office.

Pierce County marriage and divorce records are handled by separate offices: marriage licenses go through the Auditor, while dissolution records are kept by the Superior Court Clerk.

What Records Are Available

Pierce County dissolution of marriage records at the clerk's office include the complete case file. This covers the Petition for Dissolution, the Summons, proof of service, financial declarations from both parties, all motions and court orders entered during the case, the parenting plan if children were involved, child support orders, property and debt division agreements, and the final Decree of Dissolution. All of these become part of the permanent public record stored by the clerk.

Most dissolution records are open to public inspection. You do not need to be a party to request copies. LINX search is available for cases from 1991 forward. Older cases may require a manual search by clerk's staff. Restricted records include anything sealed by court order, adoption files, mental health records, and juvenile dependency cases. The clerk can tell you what is available in a specific file.

The Decree of Dissolution is the key document for most people. It is the court order that officially ends the marriage and sets out all the terms, including property division, spousal maintenance, the parenting plan, and child support. Certified copies are needed for legal name changes, updating Social Security records, or proving marital status.

For a simpler proof of dissolution, the Washington State Department of Health issues divorce certificates for dissolutions granted since 1968. Order from the DOH vital records office.

Pierce County provides online portals for filing cases and checking case records, which residents can use to track dissolution proceedings and access basic case information.

Getting Copies

You can get copies of Pierce County dissolution records by visiting the clerk's office, calling, or submitting a mail request. The office is at 930 Tacoma Ave. S., Room 110, Tacoma, WA 98402. Phone is (253) 798-7455. Email is pcclerk@piercecountywa.gov. Remember that phone service ends at 3:30 PM even though the office is open until 4:30 PM.

For mail requests, include the names of both parties, the approximate year, and the case number if you have it. Specify certified or non-certified copies. Mail requests typically take about 7 working days to process. Include a check or money order and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Do not send cash.

Online portals are available for some Pierce County court transactions. Check the clerk's website at piercecountywa.gov for the latest information on what can be done online versus what requires a phone call or in-person visit.

Legal Help in Pierce County

Pierce County has a range of legal resources for people who need help with dissolution cases. Northwest Justice Project provides free civil legal services to low-income residents throughout the area. They handle family law cases including dissolution, custody, and support. Call (888) 201-1014 or visit nwjustice.org. Their office serves the greater Tacoma area and surrounding Pierce County communities.

The Washington State Bar Association runs a statewide lawyer referral service at (206) 443-9722. You can search for attorneys on their website at wsba.org. WashingtonLawHelp at washingtonlawhelp.org offers free guides on dissolution and family law topics. All official court forms are at courts.wa.gov/forms.

Washington's dissolution law is in RCW Chapter 26.09. Washington is a no-fault state. Under RCW 26.09.030, the only ground for dissolution is that the marriage is irretrievably broken. There is a mandatory 90-day waiting period after filing and service. Property division follows community property rules under RCW 26.09.080. Child custody is governed by RCW 26.09.187, and child support by RCW Chapter 26.19.

Cities in Pierce County

Pierce County is home to many cities and communities. All dissolution of marriage filings for Pierce County residents go through the Superior Court Clerk in Tacoma.

Nearby Counties

These counties share borders with Pierce County. Make sure you file in the county where you live. If you are near a county line, confirm your address before filing.