Jefferson County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Jefferson County in 2026
JeffersonWARecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Jefferson County, Washington. Members of the public may find dissolution of marriage filings, final decrees, case numbers, party names, and related court documents through this resource. Available record categories may include:
- Dissolution of marriage petitions
- Final divorce decrees
- Parenting plans and custody orders
- Property settlement agreements
- Support orders
Records can be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking divorce records in Jefferson County.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Jefferson County Superior Court Clerk maintains case records accessible through the Washington Courts public portal. Basic case information is available at no charge; fees apply for document copies.
2. State Court System Portal
The Washington Courts case search portal allows members of the public to search dissolution cases across Washington State jurisdictions, including Jefferson County Superior Court. This consolidated database provides case numbers, filing dates, and party names.
3. State Vital Records
The Washington State Department of Health registers divorce certificates as vital records. Certified copies of divorce certificates for dissolutions finalized in Washington State are available through the Vital Records office. Fees apply for certified copies.
In-Person Searches
Clerk of Court — Jefferson County Superior Court:
Jefferson County Superior Court Clerk
1820 Jefferson Street
Port Townsend, WA 98368
Phone: (360) 385-9125
Jefferson County Superior Court
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Services available in person:
- Search case files by party name or case number
- View filed documents at public access terminals
- Request certified copies of final decrees
- Staff assistance for locating records
Records Department:
The Superior Court Clerk's office maintains both current and archived dissolution case files. Historical records predating electronic filing may be stored in physical archives and may require additional retrieval time.
By Mail
Written Request:
- Mail to: Jefferson County Superior Court Clerk, 1820 Jefferson Street, Port Townsend, WA 98368
- Include the following with each request:
- Full legal names of both parties
- Approximate date of dissolution
- Case number (if known)
- Requester's full name and contact information
- Purpose of request (if required)
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return of documents
- Processing time: Requests are processed within approximately 1–2 weeks, subject to volume and record availability.
By Phone
Limited Information Available:
- Jefferson County Superior Court Clerk: (360) 385-9125
- Staff may confirm:
- Whether a case exists in the system
- Case number
- Case status
- Filing date
- Staff cannot provide:
- Detailed document contents by phone
- Copies of filed documents
- Confidential or restricted information
Through Attorneys
An attorney licensed in Washington State may access dissolution case files on behalf of a client, request sealed documents upon a proper showing of cause, and obtain certified copies through professional channels. The Washington State Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service for members of the public seeking legal representation in complex records matters.
Information Needed for Search
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses at time of filing
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of dissolution
- Case number, if known
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Previous addresses in Jefferson County
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
- Names of minor children, if applicable
Search in Correct County
Dissolution proceedings in Washington State are filed in the Superior Court of the county where either spouse resided at the time of filing, pursuant to RCW 26.09.010. Members of the public who are uncertain of the filing county may need to search multiple counties. A dissolution cannot be located by searching the county where the marriage ceremony occurred unless that county was also a party's county of residence.
Residency Requirement:
Under current Washington law, at least one spouse must have been a resident of Washington State at the time of filing. There is no minimum residency period specified under RCW 26.09.010; however, the filing must occur in the county of the petitioner's or respondent's residence.
Time Considerations
Recent Dissolutions:
- Records may not appear in online systems immediately following a final hearing
- Allow several business days to several weeks for processing after the final order is entered
- Electronic filing has reduced processing time for cases filed in recent years
Older Dissolutions:
- Cases predating electronic filing may be archived in paper format
- Digitization of older records is ongoing but not complete
- Additional retrieval time should be anticipated for archived cases
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common Issues:
- Dissolution was filed in a different county
- Name variations between married and maiden names
- Spelling differences in party names
- Case is still pending and not yet finalized
- Very old records stored in physical archives
- Case has been sealed by court order
Next Steps:
- Contact the Jefferson County Superior Court Clerk at (360) 385-9125
- Attempt alternate name spellings
- Search under both spouses' names
- Check the Washington State Department of Health vital records for a divorce certificate
- Consult a licensed Washington State attorney for complex searches
What Are Jefferson County Divorce Records?
Jefferson County divorce records are official court documents generated during dissolution of marriage proceedings filed in Jefferson County Superior Court. These records constitute part of the court's permanent family law case files and are maintained by the Superior Court Clerk as public records subject to applicable access restrictions.
Types of Divorce Records:
Court Case Files
The complete dissolution case file contains all documents filed by the parties and issued by the court throughout the proceeding, including:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage
- Summons
- Response or answer to petition
- Financial affidavits and disclosure statements
- Proposed and final parenting plans
- Marital settlement agreements
- Motions, responses, and supporting declarations
- Court hearing notices and minute entries
- Temporary orders
- Final judgment and decree of dissolution
Final Decree
The final decree of dissolution is the official court order terminating the marriage. It constitutes legal proof of divorce and establishes:
- The date the marriage was legally dissolved
- Division of marital property and debts
- Spousal support or maintenance terms, if any
- Child custody and residential schedule, if applicable
- Child support obligations, if applicable
- Restoration of a former name, if requested
Certified copies of the final decree are available from the Jefferson County Superior Court Clerk upon payment of applicable fees.
Supporting Documents
- Original marriage certificate (submitted as exhibit)
- Financial disclosure documents
- Property appraisals and valuations
- Parenting plan worksheets
- Child support calculation worksheets
- Post-decree modification orders
Purpose of Divorce Records:
Legal Purposes
- Proof of marital status for remarriage
- Name change documentation for government agencies
- Property transfer and title recording
- Estate planning and beneficiary designations
- Immigration and naturalization proceedings
- Social Security benefit determinations
Personal Purposes
- Genealogical and family history research
- Personal record-keeping
- Verification of dissolution terms
Who Maintains Divorce Records:
Clerk of Court
The Jefferson County Superior Court Clerk serves as the primary custodian of all dissolution case files. The Clerk indexes records by party names and case number, provides certified copies, and maintains both electronic and paper archives.
State Vital Records Office
The Washington State Department of Health Vital Records office maintains divorce certificates for dissolutions finalized in Washington State. These certificates provide summary information and are distinct from the complete court case file.
Legal Framework:
Dissolution of marriage proceedings in Washington State are governed by RCW Chapter 26.09, which establishes the no-fault dissolution framework, residency requirements, and procedural requirements for all dissolution cases. Public access to court records is governed by the Washington Court Rules, General Rule 31, which balances the presumption of public access against privacy interests in family law matters.
Are Jefferson County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Jefferson County Superior Court are public court records subject to Washington State's public access framework. Members of the public may access basic case information and most filed documents; however, certain categories of information are restricted or may be sealed by court order.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of parties (petitioner and respondent)
- Names of attorneys of record
- Court hearing dates and docket entries
- Court orders and judgments
- Final decree of dissolution
- Property division orders
- General case status
What May Be Restricted:
Financial Information
- Social Security numbers (redacted from public filings)
- Bank account and financial account numbers (redacted)
- Detailed tax returns (may be filed under seal)
- Credit card and loan account numbers (redacted)
Children's Information
- Residential addresses of minor children
- Names of schools children attend
- Medical and psychological information about children
- Child custody evaluations (may be sealed)
- Guardian ad litem reports (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 or specific documents upon a showing of good cause. Sealed records are not accessible to the general public. Cases involving domestic violence, child abuse, or confidential settlements may be subject to sealing orders.
Legal Basis for Public Access:
Washington's public records framework, combined with Washington Court Rules General Rule 31, establishes a presumption of public access to court records. Restrictions require a specific legal basis, and courts apply a balancing test weighing transparency against privacy interests.
Who Can Access Records:
| Requester | Access Level |
|---|---|
| General public | Public documents and docket information |
| Parties to the case | Full access to own case file |
| Attorneys of record | Full access to client's case file |
| Researchers and media | Public portions; sealed records require court order |
| Law enforcement | Statutory access to restricted records |
Prohibited Uses:
- Stalking, harassment, or intimidation
- Identity theft or fraud
- Violation of existing protective orders
- Commercial exploitation where prohibited by law
Permitted Uses:
- Legal proceedings and background verification
- Genealogical research
- News reporting protected under the First Amendment
- Academic research
- Personal record verification
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Jefferson County?
The Jefferson County Superior Court Clerk charges standard fees for copies and certified copies of dissolution records. Current fees are established pursuant to RCW 36.18.016, which governs clerk fees in Washington State Superior Courts.
Standard Copy Fees:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard copies (per page) | $0.50 per page |
| Certified copy of final decree | $5.00 per document (plus per-page copy fee) |
| Certification fee | $5.00 |
| Electronic copies (where available) | Varies |
Washington State Department of Health — Divorce Certificate Fees:
The Washington State Department of Health charges fees for certified divorce certificates ordered through the state vital records office. Current fees are posted on the Department of Health website and are subject to change.
Accepted Payment Methods:
- Cash (in-person only)
- Check or money order payable to Jefferson County Superior Court Clerk
- Credit or debit card (in-person; availability subject to change)
Fee Waivers:
Members of the public who demonstrate indigency may petition the court for a waiver of copy fees in connection with their own dissolution case. Fee waiver requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis.
What Is Available at No Charge:
- Viewing case docket information online through the Washington Courts portal
- Reviewing case files at public access terminals in the clerk's office (no copy fee for viewing only)
- Confirming case existence and status by phone
What's Included in Divorce Records in Jefferson County
A complete dissolution case file maintained by the Jefferson County Superior Court Clerk contains all documents filed from the initiation of proceedings through post-decree actions. The scope of the file depends on whether the dissolution was contested or uncontested and whether children or significant assets were involved.
Basic Case Information:
- Case caption (case number, court name, parties' names, judge assigned)
- Filing date and case type designation
- Attorneys of record and their contact information
- Docket index listing all filed documents in chronological order
Initial Pleadings:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage, including marriage date and location, grounds for dissolution (irretrievable breakdown under Washington's no-fault framework), identification of children, and relief requested
- Summons
- Response or answer filed by the respondent
- Counterpetition, if filed
Financial Documents:
- Financial declarations from both parties (income, expenses, assets, and liabilities)
- Tax returns submitted as exhibits
- Pay stubs and income verification
- Bank, investment, and retirement account statements
- Property appraisals and business valuations
Children-Related Documents (if applicable):
- Proposed and final parenting plans establishing legal and physical custody, residential schedules, holiday provisions, and decision-making authority
- Child support worksheets and orders
- Custody evaluations ordered by the court (may be restricted)
- Guardian ad litem reports (restricted access)
Settlement and Order Documents:
- Marital settlement agreement addressing property division, debt allocation, spousal maintenance, and child-related provisions
- Temporary orders entered during the pendency of the case
- Final judgment and decree of dissolution
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for division of retirement accounts
Post-Decree Documents (if applicable):
- Petitions to modify parenting plan or child support
- Court orders on modification requests
- Contempt motions and enforcement orders
- Income withholding orders
What Is Typically Redacted or Sealed:
- Social Security numbers
- Financial account numbers
- Children's residential addresses and school information
- Domestic violence-related evidence
- Mental health and substance abuse records
- Mediation communications (confidential by statute)
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Jefferson County
Proof of dissolution of marriage in Jefferson County is obtained through a certified copy of the final decree of dissolution or a certified divorce certificate issued by the Washington State Department of Health.
Method 1 — Certified Copy from the Superior Court Clerk:
A certified copy of the final decree of dissolution is the most comprehensive form of proof and is accepted by government agencies, financial institutions, and courts.
- Contact or visit the Jefferson County Superior Court Clerk at 1820 Jefferson Street, Port Townsend, WA 98368, phone (360) 385-9125
- Provide the full names of both parties and the approximate date of dissolution or the case number
- Pay the applicable certification and copy fees
- Certified copies may be obtained in person, by mail, or through authorized third-party services
Method 2 — Divorce Certificate from the Washington State Department of Health:
The Washington State Department of Health issues certified divorce certificates for dissolutions finalized in Washington State. These certificates provide summary proof of dissolution and are accepted for many legal and administrative purposes.
- Submit a request online, by mail, or in person through the Department of Health Vital Records office
- Provide identifying information for both parties and the approximate year of dissolution
- Pay the applicable fee as posted on the Department of Health website
Jefferson County Superior Court Clerk
1820 Jefferson Street
Port Townsend, WA 98368
Phone: (360) 385-9125
Jefferson County Superior Court Clerk
Washington State Department of Health — Vital Records
101 Israel Road SE
Tumwater, WA 98501
Phone: (360) 236-4300
Washington State Department of Health
Members of the public may also search the Washington State Digital Archives for historical dissolution records that have been transferred to the state archives system.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Jefferson County?
Dissolution records in Jefferson County are presumptively public; however, Washington law and court rules permit confidentiality protections under specific circumstances.
Circumstances Under Which Records May Be Confidential:
- Domestic violence cases: Addresses, contact information, and identifying details of protected parties may be withheld from public access pursuant to Washington's address confidentiality program and applicable court rules.
- Sealed records: A party may move the 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 access against the privacy interest asserted.
- Children's information: Information identifying the residential location, school, or medical status of minor children is subject to restriction under Washington Court Rules General Rule 22.
- Mental health and substance abuse records: These records are protected under both state and federal law and are not part of the publicly accessible case file.
- Mediation communications: Under RCW 7.07.030, mediation communications are confidential and are not filed with the court or accessible to the public.
- Confidential settlement terms: Parties may agree to keep specific settlement terms confidential; however, court orders incorporating those terms remain public unless sealed.
Members of the public seeking access to sealed or restricted dissolution records must file a motion with the Jefferson County Superior Court demonstrating a legitimate legal basis for access.
How Long Does Jefferson County Keep Divorce Records?
Jefferson County Superior Court retains dissolution records in accordance with the Washington State Archives retention schedules established for Superior Court case files.
Retention Periods:
- Final decrees and permanent orders: Retained permanently. Final judgments of dissolution, parenting plans, and support orders are part of the permanent court record and are not destroyed.
- Complete case files: Superior Court dissolution case files are retained for a minimum of 75 years from the date of filing under Washington State Archives retention schedules for family law matters.
- Financial disclosure documents: Certain financial exhibits may be returned to the parties or destroyed after a specified period following case closure, subject to court rules.
- Archived records: Cases older than a specified threshold may be transferred to the Washington State Regional Archives or the Washington State Digital Archives for long-term preservation.
- Electronic records: Cases filed electronically are maintained in the court's case management system and are subject to the same retention requirements as paper records.
Members of the public seeking records from cases that have been transferred to the state archives may submit requests through the Washington State Digital Archives, which serves as the first digital archives in the nation dedicated to preserving electronic records of both state and local government agencies.