Records of divorce in King County, Washington, are available through several official sources. KingCourt.us allows quick access to public information on divorce records in this county. Additionally, documents can be obtained directly through the Superior Court that handled the case, via the Recorder's Office of King County, as well as through the Washington State Department of Health — Office of Vital Records. Online search tools, in-person visits, and mail requests are all viable methods of access.
King Divorce Records Search
In Washington State, divorce cases are handled by the Superior Court. For King County, this means that the King County Superior Court Clerk's office maintains court records: decree of dissolution, property settlement agreements, custody and support orders, as well as all procedural documents filed by the parties. These records are generally public under General Rule 31 of Washington courts, although certain documents — such as financial declarations — may be sealed from public access by the court.
Separate from court records is the divorce certificate. It is issued by the Washington State Department of Health, Center for Health Statistics. This is a short form that confirms the fact of divorce — without details of property settlement or custody.
Main office for obtaining court documents:
King County Superior Court Clerk's Office
Many court documents are available online through the KC Script Portal. There you can view, download, or order copies of case materials.
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in King
Understanding where exactly documents are filed will save time and unnecessary calls.
King County Superior Court
All divorce cases (dissolution of marriage) in King County go through the Superior Court. Once a judge signs the decree of dissolution, the document is filed with the court clerk's office. This is where the complete set of case materials is kept — from the initial petition to the final decree, including:
- Decree of dissolution
- Parenting plan and custody orders
- Settlement agreements
- Property division orders
- Modification orders, if changes were made
Search by name or case number can be performed through the Washington State Name and Case Search system. Note: this system shows only reference information, and the official record is kept directly at the court.
For cases heard at the Maleng Regional Justice Center:
Washington State Department of Health — Vital Records
After the divorce is finalized, the court notifies the Department of Health, which registers the fact of divorce and issues the divorce certificate. This document does not contain case details — only the names of the parties, date, and place of divorce. A certified copy can be ordered online, by mail, or in person.
When to contact the court and when to contact the state?
- Need a full copy of the court decision, property agreement, or custody plan → Superior Court Clerk's office
- Need a short certificate confirming the fact of divorce → Department of Health
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in King
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Court documents — viewing via KC Script Portal (online) | Free to view | Immediate |
| Copy of court document (Superior Court Clerk) — first 5 pages | $5.00 | During visit or 5–10 business days by mail |
| Copy of court document — each additional page | $1.00 | — |
| Certified copy of court document | $5.00 for certification + copying cost | During visit or 5–10 business days by mail |
| Divorce certificate (Department of Health) — online or by mail | $25.00 | 2–3 weeks standard |
| Divorce certificate (Department of Health) — expedited processing | $25.00 + additional delivery fee | 1–2 business days processing |