Whitman County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Whitman County in 2026
WhitmanRecords.us provides access to publicly available data and information related to divorce records in Whitman County, Washington. Members of the public may find case numbers, filing dates, party names, and court disposition information. Available record categories include final decrees of dissolution, parenting plans, property settlement agreements, support orders, and post-judgment modification records. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the age of the case and applicable confidentiality provisions.
Records may 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 Whitman County.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Whitman 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 certified copies or document downloads.
- Access the Washington Courts case search portal to search by party name or case number
- Most common method for locating recent dissolution cases
- Free basic case information including filing date, case status, and docket entries
- Document copies require payment of applicable fees
2. State Court System Portal
The Washington State Administrative Office of the Courts maintains a statewide case search system that allows searches across multiple county jurisdictions.
- Search the Washington Courts case search to locate cases filed in any Washington county
- Useful when the county of filing is uncertain
- Consolidated database covering Superior Court records statewide
3. State Vital Records
Washington State registers divorce records through the Department of Health. The Washington State Department of Health vital records office issues certified divorce certificates for dissolutions finalized in Washington.
- Divorce certificates available for dissolutions recorded statewide
- Fees apply per certificate
- Limited information compared to full court case files
In-Person Searches
Clerk of Court — Whitman County Superior Court:
Whitman County Superior Court Clerk
400 N. Main Street
Colfax, WA 99111
Phone: (509) 397-6240
Whitman County Superior Court
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Services available in person:
- Search case files by party name or case number
- View documents at public access terminals
- Request certified copies of final decrees and orders
- Staff assistance for locating archived records
By Mail
Written Request:
- Mail requests to: Whitman County Superior Court Clerk, 400 N. Main Street, Colfax, WA 99111
- Include the following with each request:
- Full legal names of both parties
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce or filing year
- Case number, if known
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Specific documents requested
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return of documents
- Processing time: Requests are processed within approximately one to two weeks, depending on volume and record age
By Phone
Limited Information Available:
- Whitman County Superior Court Clerk: (509) 397-6240
- Staff may confirm:
- Whether a case exists in the system
- Case number and filing date
- Current case status
- Staff cannot provide:
- Detailed document contents by phone
- Copies of filed documents
- Confidential or restricted case information
Through Attorneys
An attorney licensed in Washington State may access court records on behalf of a client, including requesting sealed or restricted documents upon a proper showing of need. The Washington State Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service for members of the public seeking legal representation in family law matters. Attorney access is particularly useful in complex cases involving sealed financial records or confidential custody evaluations.
Information Needed for Search
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses at the time of filing
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate year or date of divorce
- Case number, if previously obtained
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Prior addresses in Whitman County
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
- Names of minor children, if applicable
Search in Correct County
Under Washington law, a dissolution of marriage action is filed in the Superior Court of the county where either spouse resides at the time of filing. Members of the public searching for a divorce record should confirm the county of residence at the time of the divorce, as searching in the wrong county will not return results. The county where the marriage ceremony occurred is not necessarily the county where the dissolution was filed.
Residency Requirement:
Washington State does not impose a minimum residency period before filing for dissolution. Under RCW 26.09.010, the court has jurisdiction when either party is a resident of the state or is a member of the armed forces stationed in Washington at the time the petition is filed.
Time Considerations
Recent Divorces:
- Records may not appear in the online system immediately following a final hearing
- Allow several business days to weeks for processing after the final order is entered
- The clerk's office can confirm whether a final decree has been filed
Older Divorces:
- Cases predating electronic filing may be archived in paper format
- Archived records may require additional retrieval time
- Not all historical records have been digitized; in-person or mail requests are recommended for older cases
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common Issues:
- Incorrect county — the divorce may have been filed in a different county
- Name variations — search under both married and maiden names
- Spelling differences in party names
- Case still pending and not yet finalized
- Very old records stored in off-site archives
- Case sealed by court order
Next Steps:
- Contact the Whitman County Superior Court Clerk at (509) 397-6240
- Attempt alternate name spellings and both party names
- Search the Washington Courts statewide case lookup for other counties
- Request a search of the Washington State Department of Health vital records for a divorce certificate
What Are Whitman County Divorce Records?
Whitman County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after dissolution of marriage proceedings filed in Whitman County Superior Court. These records are maintained by the Whitman County Superior Court Clerk as part of the permanent family law case file and constitute public records subject to the Washington Public Records Act, RCW 42.56.
Types of Divorce Records:
Court Case Files
The complete case file for a dissolution proceeding includes all documents filed with the court from initiation through final judgment and any post-judgment proceedings. Core documents include:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage
- Summons and proof of service
- Response or answer to petition
- Financial declarations from both parties
- Proposed and final parenting plans (if children are involved)
- Marital settlement agreements
- Motions, responses, and court orders
- Hearing transcripts (if ordered)
- Final judgment and decree of dissolution
Final Decree of Dissolution
The final decree is the official court order that legally terminates the marriage. It is the document most frequently requested for legal and personal purposes. The final decree establishes:
- The legal date of dissolution
- Division of marital property and debts
- Spousal 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 Whitman County Superior Court Clerk upon payment of applicable fees.
Supporting Documents
Supporting documents filed in a dissolution case may include financial disclosure statements, property appraisals, business valuations, parenting plan worksheets, child support calculation worksheets, and post-judgment modification orders.
Who Maintains Divorce Records:
Clerk of Court
The Whitman County Superior Court Clerk is the primary custodian of all dissolution case files. The clerk indexes records by the names of both parties and maintains both electronic and paper records depending on the filing date of the case.
Whitman County Superior Court Clerk
400 N. Main Street
Colfax, WA 99111
Phone: (509) 397-6240
Whitman County Superior Court Clerk
State Vital Records Office
The Washington State Department of Health maintains divorce records as vital records for dissolutions finalized in Washington. The department issues certified divorce certificates, which provide summary information about the dissolution but do not include the full case file.
Washington State Department of Health — Vital Records
101 Israel Road SE
Tumwater, WA 98501
Phone: (360) 236-4300
Washington State Department of Health Vital Records
Legal Framework:
Dissolution of marriage proceedings in Washington are governed by the Washington Dissolution of Marriage Act, codified at RCW 26.09. Public access to court records is governed by the Washington Public Records Act and the Washington Court Rules on access to court records. Privacy protections for sensitive information within family law files are addressed through court rules requiring redaction of certain personal identifiers.
Are Whitman County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Whitman County Superior Court are public court records under Washington law. Members of the public may access basic case information, docket entries, and most filed documents without demonstrating a specific need or purpose. However, certain categories of information within a dissolution case file are subject to restriction or redaction under applicable court rules and state statutes.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of parties (petitioner and respondent)
- Names of attorneys of record
- Court hearing dates and outcomes
- Docket entries reflecting the chronological history of the case
- Final judgment and decree of dissolution
- Property division orders
- General case status
What May Be Restricted:
Financial Information
- Social Security numbers are redacted from all publicly accessible documents pursuant to Washington court rules
- Bank account and financial account numbers are redacted
- Detailed tax returns filed as exhibits may have restricted access
- Certain financial affidavits may be subject to limited access upon court order
Children's Information
- Residential addresses of minor children may be withheld in cases involving safety concerns
- Schools attended by minor children
- Medical and psychological evaluation records pertaining to children
- Guardian ad litem reports may be sealed or have restricted access
- Child custody evaluation reports prepared by mental health professionals
Sensitive Personal Information
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence may be sealed to protect victim safety
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment records
- Medical records filed as exhibits
- Personal addresses and contact information in cases involving protective orders
Sealed Records:
A court may seal all or part of a dissolution case file upon a showing of compelling need that outweighs the public interest in access. Sealed records are not accessible to the general public without a court order. Cases involving allegations of abuse, high-profile parties, or confidential settlement terms may be subject to sealing orders.
Who Can Access Records:
- General public: May access most case information, view docket summaries, and obtain copies of public documents upon payment of fees; photo identification may be required
- Parties to the case: Have full access to their own case file, including documents that may be restricted from general public access
- Attorneys of record: Have professional access to case files and may petition the court for access to sealed materials upon a proper showing
- Researchers and media: May access public portions of case files; access to sealed records requires a court order; First Amendment considerations apply to news reporting
Restrictions on Use:
Members of the public who obtain divorce records may not use that information for stalking, harassment, identity theft, or any purpose that violates a protective order. Permitted uses include legal proceedings, genealogical research, background verification, news reporting, and academic research.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Whitman County?
The Whitman County Superior Court Clerk charges fees for copies and certified copies of court records in accordance with Washington State law. Under RCW 36.18.016, county clerks are authorized to charge established fees for copies of court documents.
Current Fee Schedule:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard copy (per page) | $0.50 per page |
| Certified copy of final decree | $5.00 per document plus $0.50 per page |
| Certification fee | $5.00 |
| Electronic copy (if available) | Varies; contact clerk |
| Search fee | No separate search fee for in-person requests |
Washington State Department of Health — Divorce Certificate Fees:
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified divorce certificate (first copy) | $25.00 |
| Each additional copy ordered at same time | $20.00 |
Accepted Payment Methods:
- Cash (in-person only)
- Check or money order payable to Whitman County Superior Court Clerk
- Credit or debit card (contact clerk to confirm current availability)
- For mail requests: check or money order only
Fee Waivers:
Members of the public who are parties to the case and who qualify as indigent may petition the court for a waiver of copy fees. A formal motion and financial declaration are required. Fee waivers are granted at the court's discretion based on demonstrated financial need.
What Is Available at No Charge:
- Viewing case docket entries through the Washington Courts online case search portal
- In-person inspection of public case documents at the courthouse (no copy fee for viewing only)
- Basic case status information provided by phone
What's Included in Divorce Records in Whitman County
A complete dissolution of marriage case file maintained by the Whitman County Superior Court Clerk contains all documents filed from the initiation of the proceeding through final judgment and any subsequent post-judgment actions. The scope of documents varies depending on whether the dissolution was uncontested or contested and whether minor children were involved.
Basic Case Information:
- Case caption including case number, court name, and names of petitioner and respondent
- Name of the assigned judge
- Names and contact information of attorneys of record
- Filing date and case type designation
- Jurisdiction basis
Initial Pleadings:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage, including marriage date and location, date of separation if applicable, identification of children, property claims, and relief requested
- Summons
- Response or answer filed by the respondent, including any counterpetition
- Financial declarations from both parties detailing income, expenses, assets, and liabilities
Property-Related Documents:
- Marital asset inventory listing real property, vehicles, financial accounts, retirement accounts, business interests, and personal property
- Debt inventory covering mortgages, loans, and credit obligations
- Appraisals and expert valuations for real property, businesses, and significant personal property
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) if retirement accounts are divided
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 final child support orders
- Custody evaluation reports prepared by court-appointed mental health professionals (may be sealed)
- Guardian ad litem reports (may have restricted access)
Settlement and Agreement Documents:
- Marital settlement agreement addressing all issues resolved by the parties
- Mediation agreements, if the case was mediated (mediation communications are confidential, but executed agreements may be filed)
Court Orders and Final Judgment:
- Temporary orders for custody, support, and use of property entered during the pendency of the case
- Final judgment and decree of dissolution, which is the court's definitive order ending the marriage and resolving all issues
- Post-judgment modification orders, contempt orders, and enforcement actions, if applicable
What Is Typically Confidential or Redacted:
- Social Security numbers
- Financial account numbers
- Residential addresses of minor children in safety-sensitive cases
- Mental health and substance abuse evaluation records
- Domestic violence evidence in cases with protective orders
- Mediation communications
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Whitman County
Proof of divorce in Whitman County may be obtained in the form of a certified copy of the final decree of dissolution from the Whitman County Superior Court Clerk or as a certified divorce certificate from the Washington State Department of Health.
Obtaining a Certified Copy of the Final Decree:
Members of the public may request a certified copy of the final decree of dissolution directly from the Whitman County Superior Court Clerk. A certified copy bears the clerk's official seal and signature and is accepted as legal proof of divorce for remarriage, name change, immigration, Social Security, and other official purposes.
- In person: Visit the Whitman County Superior Court Clerk at 400 N. Main Street, Colfax, WA 99111, during business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
- By mail: Submit a written request with party names, approximate divorce date, case number if known, and payment to the same address
- Fee: $5.00 certification fee plus $0.50 per page
Whitman County Superior Court Clerk
400 N. Main Street
Colfax, WA 99111
Phone: (509) 397-6240
Whitman County Superior Court Clerk
Obtaining a Certified Divorce Certificate from the State:
The Washington State Department of Health issues certified divorce certificates for dissolutions finalized in Washington. A divorce certificate provides summary information including the names of the parties, date of dissolution, and county of filing. It does not include the full terms of the decree.
- Submit a request online, by mail, or in person through the Washington State Department of Health vital records office
- Fee: $25.00 for the first certified copy; $20.00 for each additional copy ordered at the same time
- Eligibility: Either party to the divorce, their legal representative, or an individual with a direct and tangible interest may obtain a certified divorce certificate
Washington State Department of Health — Vital Records
101 Israel Road SE
Tumwater, WA 98501
Phone: (360) 236-4300
Washington State Department of Health Vital Records
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Whitman County?
A dissolution of marriage proceeding in Whitman County may be partially or fully confidential under specific legal circumstances. While the default rule under Washington law treats court records as public, the court retains authority to seal records or restrict access when a compelling interest outweighs the public's right of access.
Circumstances Under Which Records May Be Confidential:
- Domestic violence cases: When a party has obtained a protection order or when the case involves allegations of domestic violence, the court may seal residential addresses, contact information, and related evidence to protect victim safety
- Child protection matters: Records pertaining to the welfare of minor children, including psychological evaluations, guardian ad litem reports, and child custody assessments, may be sealed or have restricted access
- Mental health and medical records: Records reflecting a party's mental health treatment, substance abuse history, or medical condition filed as exhibits may be subject to restricted access under applicable privacy laws
- Confidential settlements: Terms of settlement reached through mediation are confidential under Washington's mediation confidentiality statutes and are not part of the public record unless incorporated into a filed court order
- Court-ordered sealing: Any party may petition the court to seal all or part of the case file upon a showing of compelling need; the court applies a balancing test weighing privacy interests against the presumption of public access
The legal basis for sealing court records in Washington is addressed through the Washington Court Rules on access to court records and the privacy provisions of RCW 26.09. Sealed records are not accessible to the general public without a court order.
How Long Does Whitman County Keep Divorce Records?
Whitman County Superior Court maintains dissolution of marriage records in accordance with Washington State court records retention schedules established by the Washington State Archives and the Administrative Office of the Courts.
Retention Periods:
- Final decrees and judgments: Retained permanently as part of the official court record; these documents are never destroyed
- Complete case files for contested dissolutions: Retained for a minimum of 75 years from the date of filing under Washington court records retention schedules
- Uncontested dissolution case files: Retained for a minimum of 75 years
- Post-judgment modification records: Retained as part of the original case file for the same retention period
- Financial affidavits and discovery documents: Retained as part of the case file; some exhibits may be returned to parties or destroyed after a specified period following case closure
- Electronic records: Cases filed electronically are maintained in the court's electronic case management system; older paper records may be transferred to the Washington State Archives
Washington State court records retention requirements are administered through the Washington State Archives. Members of the public seeking records from cases older than those maintained in the active court system may contact the Washington State Archives for assistance locating archived materials.
Washington State Archives — Olympia Branch
1129 Washington Street SE
Olympia, WA 98504
Phone: (360) 586-1492
Washington State Archives