St. Evens County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In St. Evens County in 2026
StEvensRecords.us provides access to publicly available data and information related to divorce records in St. Evens County. Members of the public may find records such as final divorce decrees, dissolution case filings, court orders, parenting plans, and property division documents. Record availability may vary depending on the case, filing date, and applicable confidentiality provisions under state law.
Divorce records in St. Evens County may be searched through official resources including the Clerk of Court, public access terminals at the courthouse, the Washington State Courts case search portal, and the Washington State Department of Health vital records system. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking dissolution records.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
- The Washington Courts case search portal allows members of the public to search dissolution of marriage cases by party name or case number
- Basic case information is available at no charge
- Copies of documents may require a fee
- Most common method for locating recent filings
2. State Court System Portal
- The Washington Courts statewide portal provides access to case information across multiple jurisdictions
- Searches may be conducted across county lines
- Consolidated database for superior court family law matters
3. State Vital Records
- The Washington State Department of Health Vital Records office maintains divorce certificates for dissolutions recorded in Washington State
- Certified copies of divorce certificates are available through this office
- Fees apply; see the fee schedule on the agency's website
In-Person Searches
Clerk of Court Family Division:
- Members of the public may visit the Superior Court Clerk's office to search case files, view documents, request certified copies, and use public access terminals with staff assistance
St. Evens County Superior Court Clerk
Address: [Verify with St. Evens County official website]
Phone: [Verify with St. Evens County official website]
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. (confirm locally)
Washington Courts
Records Department:
- A separate records department may maintain historical and archived dissolution cases
- Older paper files may require additional retrieval time
- Certified copy requests for archived records are accepted at this office
By Mail
Written Request:
- Mail requests to the St. Evens County Superior Court Clerk at the address listed above
- Include the following with each request:
- Full names of both parties
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number, if known
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Purpose of request, if required
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope
- Processing time: 1–2 weeks for standard requests; archived records may require additional time
By Phone
Limited Information:
- The Clerk of Court may confirm by phone whether a case exists, provide the case number, case status, and filing date
- Detailed document contents, copies of filings, and confidential information are not provided by phone
Through Attorneys
Members of the public who require access to sealed or restricted dissolution records may retain a licensed Washington State attorney. Attorneys may request sealed documents upon a proper showing to the court. The Washington State Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service for individuals seeking legal representation in family law matters.
Information Needed for Search
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce or filing
- Case number, if known
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Previous residential addresses
- Names of minor children
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct County
Dissolution of marriage proceedings in Washington State are filed in the Superior Court of the county where either spouse resided at the time of filing. Members of the public should search the county of residence, not the county where the marriage occurred, unless the parties also resided there. Searching multiple counties may be necessary if the filing county is uncertain.
Residency Requirement:
- Under RCW 26.09.010, at least one spouse must be a resident of Washington State at the time of filing
- Washington does not impose a minimum residency period before filing for dissolution
- The petition is filed in the Superior Court of the county where either party resides
Time Considerations
Recent Divorces:
- Newly finalized cases may not appear in online systems immediately
- Members of the public should allow several business days to weeks after the final hearing for records to be indexed
- The 90-day waiting period required under Washington law must elapse before a dissolution is finalized
Older Divorces:
- Cases predating electronic filing may exist only in paper format
- Archived records may require a special retrieval request
- Additional processing time should be anticipated for records not yet digitized
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common Issues:
- Incorrect county of search
- Name variations between married and maiden names
- Spelling differences in party names
- Case still pending and not yet finalized
- Very old records held in off-site storage
- Case sealed or subject to confidentiality order
Next Steps:
- Contact the Clerk of Court directly for assistance
- Attempt alternate name spellings for both parties
- Search under both spouses' names
- Check the Washington State Department of Health vital records for divorce certificates
- Consult a licensed Washington State family law attorney for complex searches
What Are St. Evens County Divorce Records?
St. Evens County divorce records are official court documents generated during dissolution of marriage proceedings filed in the Superior Court. These records constitute part of the family law court file and are maintained by the Clerk of Court as public records subject to applicable confidentiality provisions.
Types of Divorce Records:
Court Case Files:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage
- Response or answer to the petition
- Financial affidavits and disclosure statements
- Proposed and final parenting plans
- Marital settlement agreements
- Motions, responses, and court orders
- Transcripts of court hearings
- Final judgment and decree of dissolution
Final Decree:
The final decree of dissolution is the official court order terminating the marriage. It serves as legal proof of divorce and establishes:
- The date of dissolution
- Division of marital property and debts
- Alimony or spousal maintenance, if ordered
- Child custody and parenting plan, if applicable
- Child support obligations, if applicable
- Restoration of a former name, if requested
Certified copies of the final decree are available through the Clerk of Court.
Supporting Documents:
- Original marriage certificate submitted as evidence
- Financial disclosure documents and tax returns
- Property inventories and appraisals
- Parenting plan details and custody evaluations
- Post-judgment modification orders
Purpose of Divorce Records:
Legal Purposes:
- Proof of marital status for remarriage
- Name change documentation
- Property transfer and title recording
- Estate planning and beneficiary designations
- Immigration proceedings
- Social Security benefit claims
- Enforcement of support and custody orders
Personal Purposes:
- Genealogical and family history research
- Personal record-keeping
- Verification of divorce terms and obligations
Who Maintains Divorce Records:
Clerk of Court:
The Superior Court Clerk is the primary custodian of dissolution case files in St. Evens County. The Clerk maintains complete case files, provides certified copies, and indexes records by party names. The Washington Courts website provides access to the statewide case search system.
State Vital Records Office:
The Washington State Department of Health maintains divorce certificates as part of the state's vital records system. Under current Washington practice, the Department issues certified copies of divorce certificates, which contain limited information compared to the full court file. Members of the public may order these records through the Washington State Department of Health Vital Records office.
Washington State Department of Health
101 Israel Road SE
Tumwater, WA 98501
Phone: (360) 236-4300
Washington State Department of Health
Legal Framework: Dissolution of marriage proceedings in Washington State are governed by RCW Chapter 26.09, the Dissolution of Marriage Act. Public access to court records is governed by the Washington State Court General Rule 31, which establishes the presumption of public access to court records while providing for restrictions on sensitive personal information.
Are St. Evens County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in St. Evens County Superior Court are public court records subject to Washington State's presumption of open access. Members of the public may access basic case information, court orders, and the final decree of dissolution. Certain categories of information within the case file are restricted or redacted pursuant to court rules and state law.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of parties (petitioner and respondent)
- Names of attorneys of record
- Court hearing dates and case status
- Court orders and judgments
- Final decree of dissolution
- Property division orders
- Docket entries reflecting the chronological case history
What May Be Restricted:
Financial Information:
- Social Security numbers are redacted from all public filings
- Bank account and credit card numbers are redacted
- Detailed financial statements may be subject to limited access
- Tax returns submitted as exhibits may be sealed or restricted
Children's Information:
- Names and addresses of minor children may be redacted
- Schools attended by children are not disclosed
- Medical and psychological evaluations of children may be sealed
- Child custody evaluations and guardian ad litem reports are subject to restricted access
Sensitive Personal Information:
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment records
- Personal addresses in cases involving protective orders
- Sexual abuse allegations and related evidence
Sealed Records: A court may seal dissolution records upon a showing of good cause. Cases involving allegations of abuse, high-profile parties, or confidential settlement terms may be subject to sealing orders. Mediation communications are confidential under RCW 7.07.030 and are not part of the public court record.
Who Can Access Records:
General Public:
- May access most case information and public documents
- May view docket summaries and obtain copies of public filings
- May be required to present identification at the courthouse
- Must pay applicable copying fees
Parties to the Case:
- Have full access to their own case file, including confidential documents
- May obtain all filed documents without restriction
Attorneys:
- Have access to case files consistent with their representation
- May petition the court for access to sealed records upon a proper showing
Researchers and Media:
- May access public portions of dissolution records
- Must obtain court permission to access sealed records
- First Amendment protections apply to news reporting on public court proceedings
Prohibited Uses:
- Stalking, harassment, or intimidation of any party
- Identity theft or fraudulent purposes
- Violation of existing protective orders
- Commercial exploitation where prohibited by applicable law
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in St. Evens County?
The fees for obtaining divorce records in St. Evens County are set by the Washington State Legislature and the Superior Court. Under current Washington law, the Clerk of Court is authorized to charge fees for copies and certifications of court records.
Standard Fee Schedule:
| Service | Current Fee |
|---|---|
| Plain copy (per page) | $0.50 per page |
| Certified copy of final decree | $5.00 per document (plus copy fees) |
| Certification fee | $5.00 |
| Electronic copy (where available) | Varies by county |
| Search fee | No separate search fee in most Washington counties |
- Inspection of public court records at the courthouse is available at no charge
- Certified copies of divorce certificates from the Washington State Department of Health are subject to a separate fee schedule; members of the public should consult the vital records fee schedule for current amounts
- Accepted payment methods at the Clerk of Court include cash, check, and money order; credit card acceptance varies by county
- Fee waivers may be available for indigent parties upon application to the court; members of the public seeking a fee waiver should inquire directly with the Clerk of Court
What Is Available at No Cost:
- Online case index searches through the Washington Courts case search portal
- Viewing of public case documents at public access terminals in the courthouse
- Confirmation of case existence and status by phone
What's Included in Divorce Records in St. Evens County
A complete dissolution of marriage case file maintained by the St. Evens County Superior Court Clerk contains the following categories of documents.
Basic Case Information:
- Case number, court name, and division
- Names of petitioner and respondent
- Name of the assigned judge
- Names of attorneys of record
- Filing date, case type, and jurisdictional basis
Initial Pleadings:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage: Identifies both parties, states the date and location of marriage, date of separation if applicable, grounds for dissolution (irretrievable breakdown under Washington's no-fault standard), information regarding minor children, property claims, and relief requested
- Response/Answer: Sets forth the respondent's position, admissions or denials, any counterpetition, and the respondent's requested relief
- Financial Affidavits: Both parties' income, monthly expenses, assets, liabilities, and standard of living during the marriage
Discovery Documents:
- Tax returns, pay stubs, and bank statements
- Investment and retirement account statements
- Interrogatories and answers under oath
- Requests for production and document responses
- Business financial statements, if applicable
Property-Related Documents:
- Marital asset inventory including real property, vehicles, accounts, and personal property
- Debt inventory including mortgages, loans, and credit obligations
- Home appraisals, business valuations, and expert reports
Children-Related Documents (if applicable):
- Parenting Plan: Legal and physical custody designations, regular and holiday timesharing schedules, transportation arrangements, and decision-making responsibilities for education, healthcare, and extracurricular activities
- Child Support: Calculation worksheets, income information, number of overnights, health insurance and childcare costs, and the support amount ordered
- Custody Evaluations: Psychologist or evaluator reports and recommendations, which may be sealed
- Guardian ad Litem Reports: Best interests findings and recommendations, subject to restricted access
Support Documents:
- Spousal maintenance type, amount, duration, and termination conditions
- Income and standard of living analysis supporting maintenance determinations
Settlement Documents:
- Marital Settlement Agreement: Comprehensive resolution of all issues including property division, debt allocation, spousal support, child-related provisions, tax treatment, and attorney fees
- Mediation Agreement: Terms reached in mediation, which may be incorporated into the settlement agreement; mediation communications remain confidential
Court Orders and Judgments:
- Temporary orders for custody, support, and use of property
- Temporary restraining orders and injunctions
- Final Judgment of Dissolution: The court's final order ending the marriage, including findings of fact, conclusions of law, property and debt division, support orders, parenting plan, name restoration if requested, and the judge's signature and seal
- Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO): Separate order dividing retirement plan benefits, if applicable
Post-Judgment Documents (if applicable):
- Petitions to modify custody or support and resulting orders
- Contempt motions and enforcement actions
- Income deduction orders and liens
What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed:
- Social Security numbers and financial account numbers (redacted)
- Children's residential addresses and school information
- Domestic violence details and related evidence
- Mental health evaluations and substance abuse records
- Mediation communications
- Settlement negotiations not incorporated into filed documents
How to Get Proof of Divorce in St. Evens County?
Proof of divorce in St. Evens County is obtained through a certified copy of the final judgment and decree of dissolution or through a divorce certificate issued by the Washington State Department of Health.
Step 1 – Identify the Filing County: Confirm that the dissolution was filed in St. Evens County Superior Court. If uncertain, use the Washington Courts case search to locate the case by party name.
Step 2 – Request a Certified Copy from the Clerk of Court:
- Visit the St. Evens County Superior Court Clerk's office in person, or submit a written request by mail
- Provide the full names of both parties, the case number if known, and the approximate date of dissolution
- Pay the applicable certification and copy fees
- Certified copies bear the court's official seal and the Clerk's signature, making them acceptable for legal purposes including remarriage, name changes, and immigration proceedings
Step 3 – Request a Divorce Certificate from the State:
- Members of the public may order a certified divorce certificate through the Washington State Department of Health
- Divorce certificates contain limited information (parties' names, date, and county of dissolution) and are suitable for proof of marital status
- Requests may be submitted online, by mail, or in person at the Department of Health
Washington State Department of Health
101 Israel Road SE
Tumwater, WA 98501
Phone: (360) 236-4300
Washington State Department of Health
Step 4 – Verify Identity: Requestors must provide valid government-issued photo identification. Parties to the case and their legal representatives receive unrestricted access; members of the general public receive access to the public portions of the record.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in St. Evens County?
A dissolution of marriage proceeding in St. Evens County may be subject to confidentiality protections under specific circumstances, though the default presumption under Washington law is that court records are open to public inspection.
The following categories of dissolution records may be confidential or sealed:
- Domestic violence cases: Records containing the address or identifying information of a domestic violence victim may be sealed or redacted pursuant to Washington's address confidentiality program under RCW 40.24
- Children's sensitive information: Custody evaluations, guardian ad litem reports, and psychological assessments of minor children are subject to restricted access
- Mediation communications: All communications made during court-ordered or voluntary mediation are confidential and are not filed with the court
- Sealed by court order: A party may petition the Superior Court to seal specific documents or the entire case file upon a showing of good cause; the court applies a balancing test weighing the public interest in transparency against the privacy interests of the parties
- Financial account numbers and Social Security numbers: These are redacted from all public filings as a matter of standard court practice
- Mental health and substance abuse records: Medical and treatment records submitted as exhibits may be sealed upon motion
Members of the public seeking access to sealed dissolution records must file a motion with the Superior Court demonstrating a legitimate legal basis for access.
How Long Does St. Evens County Keep Divorce Records?
St. Evens County Superior Court retains dissolution of marriage records in accordance with Washington State court records retention schedules established by the Washington State Archives.
- Final judgments and decrees of dissolution: Retained permanently; these records are never destroyed and remain accessible indefinitely
- Complete case files (contested dissolutions): Retained for a minimum of 75 years under Washington State court records retention schedules
- Uncontested dissolution files: Retained for a minimum of 75 years
- Temporary orders and interlocutory documents: Retained as part of the complete case file for the applicable retention period
- Electronic records: Cases filed electronically are maintained in the court's case management system and are subject to the same retention periods as paper records
- Archived records: Cases older than a specified number of years may be transferred to off-site storage or the Washington State Archives; retrieval of archived records may require additional processing time
- Washington State Department of Health divorce certificates: Retained permanently by the Department of Health
Members of the public seeking records from older dissolution cases should contact the St. Evens County Superior Court Clerk directly to confirm the location and availability of archived files. The Washington State Archives maintains records transferred from county courts and may be contacted for historical dissolution records.
Washington State Archives
1129 Washington Street SE
Olympia, WA 98504
Phone: (360) 586-1492
Washington State Archives