King County Divorce Records

What Are King County Divorce Records?

Divorce records in King County are official legal documents maintained by government agencies that document the dissolution of marriage between two individuals. These records are created and maintained pursuant to Washington State's Revised Code § 26.09.030, which governs dissolution of marriage proceedings. Divorce records typically consist of multiple documents filed throughout the divorce process, including the initial petition, financial disclosures, parenting plans, and the final decree of dissolution.

The King County Superior Court maintains the official court files for divorces granted within the county's jurisdiction. Additionally, the Washington State Department of Health maintains vital records that include certificates of divorce for statistical and verification purposes.

Divorce records serve multiple important functions:

• Legal proof of marital status change
• Documentation required for remarriage
• Evidence for name change processes
• Verification for Social Security benefits
• Supporting documentation for loan applications
• Required evidence for immigration matters
• Historical and genealogical research

The completeness and accessibility of divorce records may vary based on when the divorce occurred and the specific documents being sought. Records from recent decades are generally more comprehensive and accessible than historical records.

Are King County Divorce Records Public?

King County divorce records have varying levels of public accessibility depending on the specific document type and content. Pursuant to the Washington Public Records Act, RCW 42.56, many government records, including court records, are presumptively open to public inspection. However, this general rule is subject to numerous exceptions and limitations.

Court divorce case files maintained by the King County Superior Court are generally available for public inspection with certain restrictions:

• Basic case information (parties' names, case numbers, filing dates) is publicly accessible
• Financial declarations and sensitive personal information may be sealed or redacted
• Cases involving domestic violence may have restricted access
• Records containing information about minor children have heightened privacy protections
• Cases sealed by court order are not publicly available

Certified divorce certificates issued by the Washington State Department of Health have more restricted access. According to RCW 70.58A.530, these certificates are available only to:

• The individuals named on the record
• Immediate family members
• Legal representatives of the parties
• Those with a court order authorizing access
• Government agencies for official purposes

Members of the public seeking divorce records must balance their right to information with the privacy interests of the individuals involved in the divorce proceedings.

How To Find a Divorce Record In King County in 2026

Members of the public seeking divorce records in King County may utilize several methods to locate these documents. The appropriate approach depends on the specific information needed and the requester's relationship to the parties involved.

For King County Superior Court divorce case files:

• Visit the King County Superior Court Clerk's Office in person to request records
• Search the King County Superior Court Records online portal using case number, party name, or filing date
• Submit a written request by mail using the official records request form
• Request certified copies of specific court documents for an additional fee

King County Superior Court Clerk's Office
King County Courthouse
516 Third Avenue, Room E-609
Seattle, WA 98104
206-477-3000
King County Superior Court

For certified divorce certificates from the Washington State Department of Health:

• Submit a request through the Department of Health vital records portal
• Visit a Department of Health office in person with proper identification
• Mail a completed application with required identification and payment
• Use an authorized third-party vendor approved by the Department of Health

Washington State Department of Health
101 Israel Road SE
Tumwater, WA 98501
360-236-4300
Washington State Department of Health

Requesters should be prepared to provide specific information including full names of both parties, the approximate date of divorce, and case number if available. Proper identification is required for restricted records.

How To Look Up Divorce Records in King County Online?

King County provides several digital resources for accessing divorce records online. These electronic systems offer convenient alternatives to in-person requests, though some limitations apply regarding document availability and access restrictions.

To search for divorce case records online:

• Access the King County Court Records Search portal
• Create a user account if required for full access
• Select "Family Law" or "Dissolution" as the case type
• Enter search criteria such as party names, case number, or date range
• Review the list of matching cases and select the desired record
• View basic case information and docket entries at no cost
• Pay applicable fees to view or download specific document images

For certified divorce certificates:

• Visit the Washington State Department of Health vital records ordering system
• Create an account and verify your identity
• Select "Divorce Certificate" as the record type
• Enter the required information about the parties and event
• Pay the applicable fee using a credit/debit card
• Choose delivery method (mail or electronic delivery where available)

Online access to divorce records is subject to the same privacy restrictions as in-person requests. Sensitive information may be redacted, and some documents may require special authorization for access. Technical limitations may also apply to older records that have not been digitized.

How To Find Divorce Records for Free In King County?

While obtaining certified copies of divorce records typically involves fees, King County residents have several options for accessing basic divorce record information at no cost. These free resources provide limited information but can be useful for verifying the existence and general details of a divorce case.

Free options for divorce record research include:

• Using public access terminals at the King County Superior Court Clerk's Office to view basic case information
• Searching the King County Superior Court Records online portal for case information (document viewing fees may apply)
• Visiting the King County Law Library to access legal research databases
• Consulting newspaper archives for published divorce notices (available at public libraries)
• Reviewing public index books for older records (pre-digital era) at the courthouse

King County Law Library
King County Courthouse
516 Third Avenue, Suite W621
Seattle, WA 98104
206-477-1305
King County Law Library

Members of the public should note that free access options typically provide only basic information such as:

• Confirmation that a divorce was filed/granted
• Names of the parties involved
• Case number and filing date
• Judge assigned to the case
• General case status (pending, dismissed, completed)

Detailed documents such as divorce decrees, parenting plans, and financial settlements generally require payment of copy fees or certification fees. Additionally, free access methods do not circumvent privacy restrictions on confidential or sealed records.

What's Included in a Divorce Records In King County

Divorce records in King County comprise a comprehensive collection of documents that chronicle the legal dissolution of marriage. These records vary in content depending on the complexity of the case and the specific circumstances of the divorce.

A complete divorce case file typically contains:

• Petition for Dissolution of Marriage - The initial filing that states the grounds for divorce and requested relief
• Summons - Formal notice to the respondent about the divorce action
• Response/Answer - The non-filing spouse's formal reply to the petition
• Financial Declarations - Sworn statements detailing assets, debts, income, and expenses
• Parenting Plan (if children involved) - Legal document outlining custody, visitation, and decision-making authority
• Child Support Worksheets and Orders - Calculations and determinations of support obligations
• Temporary Orders - Court directives governing conduct and arrangements during the pendency of the case
• Settlement Agreements - Negotiated resolutions regarding property division, support, and other issues
• Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law - The court's determinations regarding relevant facts and applicable law
• Final Decree of Dissolution - The official court order terminating the marriage

The certified divorce certificate issued by the Washington State Department of Health contains more limited information, typically including:

• Full names of both parties
• Date and place of divorce
• Case number
• Date of marriage
• County where divorce was granted
• Limited statistical information

Pursuant to Washington Court General Rule 22, certain sensitive information may be redacted or sealed within divorce records, including Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and information about minor children.

How To Get Proof of Divorce In King County?

Individuals requiring legal proof of divorce in King County have several options for obtaining official documentation. The appropriate type of proof depends on the specific purpose for which verification is needed.

For most official purposes, individuals may obtain:

• Certified Copy of Divorce Decree - The most comprehensive proof, containing the judge's order and all terms of the divorce
• Certificate of Divorce - A concise document verifying the fact and date of divorce
• Certified Copy of Divorce Certificate - An official extract containing basic information about the divorce

To obtain a certified copy of the divorce decree:

1. Contact the King County Superior Court Clerk's Office
2. Provide the case number, names of parties, and approximate date of divorce
3. Complete the required request form
4. Pay the applicable certification fee ($5 per document plus copy fees)
5. Present valid identification if requesting in person

King County Superior Court Clerk's Office
King County Courthouse
516 Third Avenue, Room E-609
Seattle, WA 98104
206-477-3000
King County Superior Court

To obtain a divorce certificate:

1. Submit a request to the Washington State Department of Health
2. Provide required identification and proof of eligibility
3. Pay the certificate fee ($25 per certificate)
4. Choose delivery method (mail or in-person pickup)

Washington State Department of Health Vital Records
101 Israel Road SE
Tumwater, WA 98501
360-236-4300
Washington State Department of Health

Authorized representatives may request these documents on behalf of eligible individuals with proper documentation of their authority. Government agencies may have specialized procedures for obtaining verification of divorce for official purposes.

Can a Divorce Be Confidential In King County?

While divorce proceedings in King County are generally matters of public record, Washington State law provides several mechanisms through which certain aspects of divorce cases may be kept confidential. These provisions balance the public's right to access court records with individuals' privacy interests and safety concerns.

Confidentiality options in divorce proceedings include:

• Sealing Specific Documents - Pursuant to Washington Court General Rule 15, parties may petition the court to seal specific sensitive documents
• Redaction of Personal Identifiers - Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and children's birthdates are automatically redacted
• Confidential Name Change - Victims of domestic violence may request confidential name changes under RCW 4.24.130
• Domestic Violence Protection - Cases involving domestic violence may have heightened confidentiality protections
• Restricted Access to Financial Declarations - Financial information is subject to limited disclosure
• Sealing Entire Case - In extraordinary circumstances, a judge may seal an entire case file

To request confidentiality measures:

1. File a motion with the King County Superior Court requesting specific confidentiality protections
2. Demonstrate compelling reasons that outweigh the public interest in disclosure
3. Attend a hearing where the judge will consider the request
4. If granted, ensure all confidential documents are properly designated

The court applies a strict standard when considering requests to seal records, requiring demonstration that:

• A compelling privacy or safety interest outweighs the public interest
• No less restrictive alternative would adequately protect the interest
• The requested sealing is no broader than necessary

Even when records are sealed, certain basic information about the case typically remains public, including the parties' names and the fact that a divorce was filed or granted.

How Long Does a Divorce Take In King County?

The duration of divorce proceedings in King County varies significantly based on multiple factors, including case complexity, level of agreement between parties, court caseload, and statutory waiting periods. Washington State law establishes certain minimum timeframes, but the actual process often extends beyond these minimums.

Key factors affecting divorce timeline:

• Statutory Waiting Period - Washington State imposes a mandatory 90-day waiting period from the date of filing and service before a divorce can be finalized, per RCW 26.09.030
• Agreement Level - Uncontested divorces proceed more quickly than contested cases
• Property Complexity - Cases involving substantial or complex assets require more time for valuation and division
• Child-Related Issues - Divorces involving children typically take longer to resolve custody and support matters
• Court Congestion - Current caseload in King County courts affects scheduling availability
• Discovery Process - The exchange of financial and other information can extend timelines
• Settlement Negotiations - Time spent attempting to reach agreement outside of court

Approximate timeframes for King County divorces:

• Uncontested Divorces with Complete Agreement: 3-6 months
• Moderately Contested Divorces: 6-12 months
• Highly Contested Divorces: 12-24+ months

According to statistics from the King County Superior Court, the median time from filing to resolution for divorce cases is approximately 10 months, though this varies by case type and complexity.

Parties seeking to expedite their divorce should consider:

• Filing all required documents completely and accurately
• Participating in alternative dispute resolution such as mediation
• Promptly responding to discovery requests
• Being prepared for scheduled court appearances
• Considering collaborative divorce processes

The court cannot waive the 90-day waiting period under any circumstances, establishing an absolute minimum timeline for even the most straightforward cases.

How Long Does King County Keep Divorce Records?

King County maintains divorce records according to Washington State's records retention schedules, which establish minimum retention periods for various types of court and vital records. The retention period varies based on the type of record and its historical significance.

Retention periods for different types of divorce records:

• Court Case Files - The King County Superior Court Clerk's Office retains divorce case files permanently for cases filed after 1889, pursuant to the Washington State Archives Retention Schedule
• Divorce Certificates - The Washington State Department of Health maintains divorce certificates permanently as vital records
• Divorce Indexes and Registers - Maintained permanently for historical and reference purposes
• Microfilmed/Digitized Records - Converted to preservation formats and retained permanently
• Exhibits and Supporting Documents - May have shorter retention periods depending on type and significance

While records are retained permanently, the format and accessibility may change over time:

• Recent Records (typically post-1980) - Maintained in original paper form or as digital images with full text searchability
• Older Records (pre-1980) - May be archived on microfilm or in physical storage facilities
• Historical Records (pre-1940) - May require special handling and access procedures

To access older divorce records:

1. Contact the King County Archives
2. Provide as much specific information as possible about the case
3. Allow additional time for retrieval of archived materials
4. Be prepared to pay research and copy fees for historical document retrieval

King County Archives
1215 East Fir Street
Seattle, WA 98122
206-477-6446
King County Archives

The permanent retention of divorce records ensures their availability for legal, genealogical, and historical research purposes, though the accessibility and completeness of very old records may be limited by the record-keeping practices of earlier eras.

How To Get a Divorce In King County

Individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage in King County must follow Washington State's established legal process for divorce, formally known as "dissolution of marriage." The process involves several required steps and documentation.

To initiate a divorce in King County:

1. Establish eligibility - Either spouse must be a Washington State resident, or a member of the armed forces stationed in Washington
2. Prepare the initial documents:
   • Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
   • Summons
   • Confidential Information Form
   • Vital Statistics Form
3. File the documents with the King County Superior Court Clerk
4. Pay the filing fee (currently $314) or submit a fee waiver application if eligible
5. Serve the documents on the other spouse according to legal requirements
6. Wait for the spouse's response (they have 20-60 days depending on service method)
7. Complete financial disclosures and exchange information
8. Participate in mandatory settlement conferences if children are involved
9. Negotiate terms or prepare for trial if contested
10. Finalize the divorce by submitting:
    • Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law
    • Final Divorce Order (Decree)
    • Parenting Plan and Child Support Order (if applicable)
    • Property Division Order (if applicable)

King County Superior Court - Seattle
King County Courthouse
516 Third Avenue
Seattle, WA 98104
206-477-1400
King County Superior Court

King County Superior Court - Kent
Maleng Regional Justice Center
401 4th Avenue North
Kent, WA 98032
206-477-2600
King County Superior Court

Resources available to assist with the divorce process include:

• King County Family Law Facilitators - Provide procedural information and form review
• King County Law Library - Offers legal research materials and self-help resources
• Northwest Justice Project - Provides legal assistance to low-income individuals
• Washington Law Help - Offers online guides and forms

All divorces in Washington State are "no-fault," meaning neither party needs to prove wrongdoing to obtain a divorce. The only legal ground required is that the marriage is "irretrievably broken."

How To Get Divorce Papers In King County

Individuals seeking to initiate or respond to divorce proceedings in King County have multiple options for obtaining the necessary legal forms. These documents must comply with Washington State law and King County Superior Court requirements.

Sources for obtaining divorce papers include:

• Washington State Courts Website - Offers standardized state-approved forms for download
• King County Superior Court Clerk's Office - Provides paper forms at courthouse locations
• King County Law Library - Offers form packets and reference materials
• Washington Law Help - Provides guided interviews to complete forms online
• Commercial legal form providers - Offer Washington-specific divorce forms for purchase

Essential divorce forms typically include:

• Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (FL Divorce 201)
• Summons: Notice About a Marriage or Domestic Partnership (FL Divorce 200)
• Confidential Information Form (FL All Family 001)
• Notice About Military Service (FL All Family 103)
• Proof of Service (FL All Family 101)
• Financial Declaration (FL All Family 131)
• Final Divorce Order (FL Divorce 241)
• Findings and Conclusions About a Marriage (FL Divorce 231)

Additional forms required for cases involving children:

• Parenting Plan (FL All Family 140)
• Child Support Worksheets (WSCSS - Schedule)
• Child Support Order (FL All Family 130)

King County Superior Court Family Law Facilitator Program
King County Courthouse
516 Third Avenue, Room C-213
Seattle, WA 98104
206-477-2553
Family Law Facilitators

King County Superior Court Family Law Facilitator Program
Maleng Regional Justice Center
401 4th Avenue North, Room 3D
Kent, WA 98032
206-477-2781
Family Law Facilitators

The Family Law Facilitators can:

• Provide the correct forms
• Review completed forms for procedural completeness
• Explain court procedures and requirements
• Provide referrals to legal resources

They cannot provide legal advice, complete forms for you, or represent you in court. Individuals with complex cases are advised to consult with an attorney.

Lookup Divorce Records in King County

Request copies of recorded documents

How to Access Court Documents

Public disclosure requests - Superior Court

Vital Records | Washington State Department of Health

Ordering a Marriage or Divorce Record