Divorce records in Pierce County, Washington, are available through several channels. PierceCourt.us allows quick access to publicly available information on divorce cases. Additionally, records can be obtained directly from the court that issued the decision, at the county clerk's office, and at the Washington State Department of Health, which is responsible for issuing vital records certificates, including divorce certificates. Online court case search tools can also help find the necessary information.
Pierce Divorce Records Search
In Washington State, divorce cases are handled by the Superior Court. In Pierce County, the Pierce County Superior Court Clerk is responsible for maintaining court cases, including divorce cases. The collection of divorce records includes:
- Divorce decrees
- Settlement agreements
- Custody orders
- Related court documents — motions, responses, financial declarations
Separate from court materials, the State Department of Health maintains divorce certificates — a short form that confirms the fact of divorce. To search for case information online, use the LINX Search system, which belongs to Pierce County and contains data on Superior Court proceedings.
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in Pierce
The structure for storing divorce records in Washington State involves two main locations. Each is responsible for its type of document, so it is important to know where to go.
Superior Court Clerk — Complete Court Materials
Once a judge signs a divorce decree, it is filed with the Superior Court Clerk's office. Here, the complete court file is stored: the complaint, response, parties' agreement, court decree, custody, and support orders. If you need a copy of a specific court document or the entire case file, contact here.
Basic case information — number, filing date, parties' names — can be checked through the Washington State Courts Name and Case Search. Note: the data on this portal is for reference only and is not an official court record.
Washington State Department of Health — Divorce Certificate
The Department of Health maintains the vital records registry and issues certified copies of divorce certificates. This document is shorter than the court decree — it only confirms the fact, date, and place of divorce. A certified copy is often required for name changes, new marriage arrangements, or insurance issues.
You can order a certificate by mail or through the Vital Records online portal.
When to Contact Whom
- Need a full copy of the court decision or other case documents — contact the Pierce County Superior Court Clerk.
- Need a certificate confirming the fact of divorce — order a certified copy from the Department of Health.
- Looking for historical records — Washington State Digital Archives contains digitized documents from Pierce County, although the main collection concerns marriage certificates and land records.
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in Pierce
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Certified copy of divorce certificate (Department of Health) | $25.00 | By mail — up to 6 weeks; expedited processing — 1–2 weeks |
| Expedited processing (Department of Health) | Additional $16.50 | 1–2 weeks |
| Copy of court document (Superior Court Clerk) | $0.50 per page | Usually on the day of request or within a few business days |
| Certification of court document (Superior Court Clerk) | $5.00 per document | 1–3 business days |
| LINX Online system search | Free | Immediately |