Search Spokane County Dissolution Of Marriage
Spokane County dissolution of marriage records are held by the Spokane County Clerk's Office at the Superior Court in downtown Spokane. The clerk maintains all divorce case files, including decrees, parenting plans, and financial declarations. Spokane County serves roughly 545,000 residents across the city of Spokane, Spokane Valley, and surrounding communities. Records can be searched online through the county's court viewer tool or the statewide Odyssey Portal. Certified copies of final decrees and other key documents are available in person or by request. Most filings are public records accessible under RCW 42.56.
Spokane County Overview
Spokane County Superior Court Clerk
The Spokane County Clerk's Office is responsible for maintaining all records for cases filed in Spokane County Superior Court. Dissolution of marriage cases fall under the jurisdiction of the Superior Court, and the clerk keeps the full case file from start to finish. This includes the Petition for Dissolution, Summons, financial declarations, parenting plans, and the final Decree of Dissolution. Staff can locate cases and provide copies to members of the public.
According to the Spokane County Courts marriage and divorce records page, the clerk's office is the primary point of contact for divorce records. A typical divorce record may include the names of both parties, the case number, the filing date, the presiding judge, and the outcome of the case. The Spokane County Court also provides an online viewer tool that lets you look up court records by party name, case number, or filing date.
| Office | Spokane County Clerk's Office |
|---|---|
| Address |
Spokane County Courthouse 1116 W Broadway Ave Spokane, WA 99260 |
| Phone | (509) 477-2211 |
| clerk@spokanecounty.org | |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:00 PM |
| Website | spokanecounty.org - County Clerk |
The Spokane County Clerk's Office page provides contact details, hours, and access to court records for dissolution of marriage and other family law cases.
How to Search Spokane County Dissolution Records
Spokane County gives you several ways to look up dissolution of marriage cases. The county's own court viewer tool is available online and lets you search by party name, case number, or filing date. This tool is available through the Spokane County Court Document Viewer. It shows case information and select documents filed with the court.
You can also use the statewide Odyssey Portal to search Spokane County records. The portal covers Superior Court family law cases and lets you filter by county, case type, and status. Search results include party names, filing dates, and docket entries. Not all historical documents are available digitally. Older filings, sealed documents, or restricted materials may require an in-person request.
The Spokane County Court Document Viewer allows public searches for dissolution of marriage cases by name or case number.
For in-person searches, visit the clerk's office at the Spokane County Courthouse on W Broadway Ave. Staff can search the system and pull case files. Bring a government-issued photo ID and the full name of at least one party. The FAQ page on the Spokane County Courts website confirms that you can request a copy of your divorce directly from the County Clerk of Superior Court. Court staff cannot give legal advice, but they can direct you to the correct office and explain what documents are available.
Fees and Costs
The filing fee for a dissolution of marriage in Spokane County is approximately $315. This total includes state-mandated surcharges for court services, infrastructure, and technology funds. The petitioner pays this fee at the time of filing. Fees may change, so confirm the current amount with the clerk's office before you submit your paperwork.
Copy fees in Spokane County follow the standard Washington schedule. Certified copies cost $5.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page. Uncertified copies are less. Sheriff service for serving divorce papers typically runs $40 to $60. Private process servers generally cost $50 to $100, though some charge more for hard-to-find respondents. If children are involved, both parents must complete a parenting seminar, which costs $35 to $75 depending on the provider.
Fee waivers are available for filers who cannot afford the cost. You must file a declaration showing your income and financial situation. The standard threshold is income below 200% of the federal poverty level, or receipt of public assistance. Forms are at the courthouse and on the Washington Courts website.
Note: Contact the Spokane County Clerk's Office at (509) 477-2211 to confirm current fees before filing your dissolution petition.
What Records Are Available
Spokane County Superior Court Clerk holds the complete case file for every dissolution filed in the county. Per the county's official records page, a divorce record generally includes the Decree of Dissolution, Judgments and rulings made during the proceeding, and the full Case File with all petitions, responses, and motions. These documents are part of the public record under Washington law.
The dissolution case file in Spokane County typically contains both parties' names, the case number and filing date, the judge assigned to the case, all orders and judgments, any parenting plan and child support worksheet if children are involved, financial declarations, and the final Decree of Dissolution. The decree is the document that officially ends the marriage. You need a certified copy to update Social Security records, change your name on a driver's license, or handle other legal matters tied to the dissolution.
Some records may be restricted. Sealed financial records, documents involving minors, or materials filed under a protective order are not available to the general public. The Spokane County Superior Court page lists the types of cases heard in the court and provides guidance on accessing records. For certified divorce certificates from 1968 forward, the Washington State Department of Health maintains a separate registry. You can order from the DOH vital records page.
The Washington Department of Health offers certified divorce certificates for dissolutions finalized in 1968 or later, separate from the Superior Court case file.
Getting Copies
The fastest way to get copies of Spokane County dissolution records is to visit the clerk's office at 1116 W Broadway Ave in Spokane. Bring a photo ID and either the case number or the names of both parties. Certified copies are available same-day for most cases. Non-certified copies are cheaper. You pay at the counter with cash, check, or card.
You can also request copies by mail. Write to the Spokane County Clerk's Office at the Broadway Avenue address. Include the case number or party names, the specific documents you need, whether you want certified or regular copies, and payment by check or money order. Allow several business days for processing and mailing. The Spokane County Clerk's webpage lists current contact details and may have updated instructions for remote requests.
Legal Help in Spokane County
Spokane County residents have several options for legal help with dissolution of marriage cases. Northwest Justice Project covers Eastern Washington, including Spokane County, and provides free civil legal aid to low-income individuals. Call (888) 201-1014 or visit nwjustice.org to check eligibility. Their services include help with dissolution, parenting plans, and related family law matters.
The Washington State Bar Association at (206) 443-9722 can connect you with a licensed family law attorney in the Spokane area. Search their directory at wsba.org. Free self-help guides are available at washingtonlawhelp.org. Official court forms for dissolution are posted on the Washington Courts website, including forms for uncontested cases, parenting plans, and financial declarations. The Spokane County Courts FAQ page notes that court staff can suggest resources but cannot provide legal advice directly.
The Spokane County Superior Court page provides information on filing procedures, court services, and resources for parties involved in dissolution of marriage cases.
Cities in Spokane County
Dissolution of marriage cases from anywhere in Spokane County are filed at the Spokane County Superior Court on W Broadway Avenue in Spokane.
Other communities in Spokane County include Cheney, Medical Lake, Liberty Lake, Airway Heights, and Deer Park. All dissolution cases from these areas are handled through the Spokane County Superior Court.
Nearby Counties
These counties border Spokane County. Check your address to confirm which county you should file in. You file based on where you or your spouse currently lives.