Clark County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Clark County in 2026
ClarkWARecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Clark County, Washington. Members of the public may find dissolution of marriage filings, final decrees, case numbers, and related court documents through this resource. Record availability may vary depending on the age of the case, whether documents have been sealed, and the completeness of digitized archives.
Divorce records in Clark County may be searched through several official channels, including the Clark County Superior Court Clerk's Office, the Washington State Courts online portal, and the Washington State Department of Health's vital records division. Members of the public may access these records in person, by mail, online, or by phone, depending on the type of information needed.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Clark County Superior Court Clerk's Office maintains an online portal through which members of the public may search dissolution of marriage cases by party name or case number. Basic case information is available at no charge; fees apply for certified copies or document downloads.
- Access court records through the Clark County Clerk's Office records portal
- Search by petitioner or respondent name
- Free basic case information
- Fees apply for certified copies
2. Washington State Courts Name and Case Search
The Washington State Courts system provides a statewide name and case search tool that allows searches across multiple jurisdictions. As noted by the Washington Courts, "Name and Case information found on the search site is provided for use as reference material and is not the official court record." Official records must be obtained directly from the Clerk's Office.
- Search across all Washington counties
- Consolidated statewide database
- Reference use only — not official court records
3. Washington State Vital Records
The Washington State Department of Health Vital Records office issues certified copies of divorce certificates for dissolutions recorded in Washington State. This office maintains records separate from the court case file and provides a summary certificate rather than the full case file.
- Certified divorce certificates available
- Fees apply per certificate
- Useful for proof of marital status
In-Person Searches
Clark County Superior Court Clerk's Office — Family Division
Clark County Superior Court Clerk's Office
1200 Franklin Street
Vancouver, WA 98660
Phone: (564) 397-2292
Clark County Clerk's Office
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
- Services available:
- Search case files by name or case number
- View documents at public access terminals
- Request certified copies
- Staff assistance for locating records
By Mail
Written Request:
- Mail to: Clark County Superior Court Clerk's Office, P.O. Box 5000, Vancouver, WA 98666-5000
- Include the following:
- Full names of both parties
- Approximate date of dissolution
- Case number (if known)
- Requester's contact information
- Payment for copies (check or money order payable to Clark County Clerk)
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return
- Processing time: Approximately 1–2 weeks
By Phone
Limited Information Available:
- Clark County Clerk's Office: (564) 397-2292
- Staff may confirm:
- Whether a case exists
- Case number
- Case status
- Filing date
- Staff cannot provide:
- Detailed document contents
- Copies of documents
- Confidential or sealed information
Through Attorneys
An attorney licensed in Washington State may access court records on behalf of a client, including requesting sealed documents upon a proper showing of cause. The Washington State Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service for members of the public 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 dissolution
- Case number, if known
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Previous addresses in Clark County
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct County
Under RCW § 26.09.010, a petition for dissolution of marriage in Washington must be filed in 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 dissolution before initiating a search. Searching the county where the marriage ceremony occurred is not appropriate unless one spouse also resided there at the time of filing.
Time Considerations
Recent Dissolutions:
- Records may not appear in online systems immediately after a final hearing
- Allow several business days to weeks for processing and indexing
Older Dissolutions:
- Cases predating electronic filing may be archived in paper format
- Retrieval of archived records may require additional processing time
- Not all historical records have been digitized
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common Issues:
- Incorrect county searched
- 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 by court order
Next Steps:
- Contact the Clerk's Office at (564) 397-2292
- Attempt alternate name spellings
- Search under both spouses' names
- Check the Washington State Department of Health vital records database
- Consult a licensed Washington attorney for complex searches
What Are Clark County Divorce Records?
Clark County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after dissolution of marriage proceedings filed in Clark County Superior Court. These records are maintained by the Clark County Superior Court Clerk's Office as part of the permanent family law case file and constitute public records subject to Washington's Public Records Act, RCW § 42.56.
Types of Divorce Records
Court Case Files:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage
- Response or answer to petition
- Financial affidavits
- Parenting plans
- Settlement agreements
- Motions and court orders
- Final judgment of dissolution
Final Decree:
The final decree of dissolution is the official court order terminating the marriage. It establishes the date of dissolution, division of marital property, spousal support obligations if any, child custody and parenting arrangements, child support orders, and any court-ordered name changes. Certified copies of the final decree are available through the Clerk's Office.
Supporting Documents:
- Financial disclosure statements
- Property inventories and appraisals
- Parenting plan details
- 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
Personal Purposes:
- Genealogical and family history research
- Personal record verification
- Confirmation of dissolution terms
Who Maintains Divorce Records
The Clark County Superior Court Clerk's Office serves as the primary custodian of all dissolution case files, indexing records by party name and case number. The Washington State Department of Health separately maintains divorce certificates as part of the state's vital records system, providing a summary record distinct from the full court file.
As described on the Clark County Law Library's divorce and dissolution page, "In Washington, a spouse does not have to prove wrongdoing to obtain a divorce (now legally called a 'dissolution of marriage')." Washington is a no-fault dissolution state, meaning irretrievable breakdown of the marriage is the sole legal ground required under RCW § 26.09.030.
Are Clark County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Clark County Superior Court are public court records subject to Washington's Public Records Act. Members of the public may access basic case information, court orders, and the final decree without demonstrating a specific need or purpose. Certain categories of information within a case file are restricted or redacted to protect sensitive personal data.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of parties (petitioner and respondent)
- Attorneys of record
- Court hearing dates
- Court orders and judgments
- Final decree of dissolution
- Property division orders
- Docket entries reflecting case chronology
What May Be Restricted
Financial Information:
- Social Security numbers (redacted from all public filings)
- Bank account and credit card numbers (redacted)
- Detailed tax returns (may be filed under seal)
- Salary and income details (subject to limited access in some cases)
Children's Information:
- Addresses where minor children reside
- Schools children attend
- Medical and psychological evaluations of 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
- Mediation communications (confidential by statute)
Sealed Records:
A court may seal specific documents or an entire case file upon a showing of good cause. Cases involving allegations of abuse, high-profile parties, or confidential settlement terms may be subject to sealing orders. Members of the public seeking access to sealed records must file a motion with the court and demonstrate a legitimate legal basis.
Who Can Access Records
| Requester | Access Level |
|---|---|
| General public | Public documents, docket entries, final decree |
| Parties to the case | Full access to own case file |
| Licensed attorneys | Case files; sealed documents upon proper showing |
| Researchers and media | Public portions; court permission required for sealed records |
| Law enforcement | Statutory access to restricted information |
Prohibited Uses:
- Stalking or harassment of any party
- Identity theft or fraud
- Violation of existing protective orders
- Commercial exploitation where prohibited by state law
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Clark County?
The Clark County Superior Court Clerk's Office charges standard fees for copies and certified documents. Current fees are established pursuant to RCW § 36.18.016, which governs clerk's fees in Washington Superior Courts.
Standard Copy and Certification Fees:
| Service | Current Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard paper copies | $0.50 per page |
| Certified copy of document | $5.00 per document (plus per-page copy fee) |
| Exemplified/authenticated copy | $5.00 additional |
| Fax transmission (outgoing) | $2.00 first page; $1.00 each additional page |
Washington State Department of Health — Vital Records Fees:
| Service | Current Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified divorce certificate | $25.00 per copy |
| Additional copies (same order) | $20.00 each |
Accepted Payment Methods:
- Cash (in-person only)
- Check or money order payable to Clark County Clerk (mail requests)
- Credit or debit card (in-person; fees may apply)
Fee Waivers:
Members of the public who are parties to the case and who qualify as indigent may petition the court for a fee waiver pursuant to Washington court rules. The waiver application must be submitted to the Clerk's Office with supporting financial documentation.
What Is Available at No Charge:
- Viewing case information at public access terminals in the Clerk's Office
- Basic case status and docket information via the online case search portal
- In-person review of non-certified documents (no copy fee for viewing only)
What's Included in Divorce Records in Clark County
A complete dissolution of marriage case file maintained by the Clark County Superior Court Clerk's Office contains all documents filed by the parties and issued by the court from the date of initial filing through final judgment and any post-judgment proceedings.
Basic Case Information:
- Case caption including case number, court name, and parties' names
- Judge assigned to the case
- Attorneys of record for each party
- Filing date and case type designation
Initial Pleadings:
The petition for dissolution of marriage identifies both parties, states the date and location of the marriage, provides the date of separation if applicable, identifies any minor children, and sets forth the relief requested including property division, spousal support, and parenting arrangements. The respondent's answer or response states the respondent's position and may include a counterpetition.
Financial Affidavits:
Both parties are required to submit financial affidavits disclosing income from all sources, monthly expenses, assets including real property, vehicles, bank and investment accounts, and retirement accounts, and all liabilities including mortgages, loans, and credit card debt.
Property-Related Documents:
- Marital asset inventory with valuations
- Debt inventory
- Real property appraisals
- Business valuations (if applicable)
- Expert reports on asset values
Children-Related Documents (if applicable):
- Proposed and final parenting plan establishing legal and physical custody, timesharing schedule, holiday provisions, and decision-making responsibilities
- Child support calculation worksheet
- Income information for both parties
- Health insurance and childcare cost documentation
- Child support order specifying amount, payment schedule, and modification provisions
- Custody evaluations (may be restricted)
- Guardian ad litem reports (restricted access)
Support Documents:
- Spousal support or alimony order specifying type, amount, duration, and termination conditions
- Income analysis and standard of living documentation
Settlement Documents:
- Marital settlement agreement resolving all issues including property division, debt allocation, spousal support, and child-related provisions
- Mediation agreement, if the case was mediated (communications remain confidential)
Court Orders and Judgments:
- Temporary orders for custody, support, and use of property
- Temporary restraining orders or injunctions
- Final judgment of dissolution including findings of fact, conclusions of law, property division, support orders, parenting plan, and name restoration if requested
- Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) if retirement accounts are divided
Post-Judgment Documents (if applicable):
- Petitions to modify custody or support
- Court orders on modification requests
- Contempt motions and enforcement actions
- Income deduction orders
What Is Typically Confidential or Redacted:
- Social Security numbers
- Bank account and financial account numbers
- Children's residential addresses and school information
- Domestic violence details (may be sealed)
- Mental health and substance abuse evaluations
- Mediation communications
- Trade secrets in business valuations
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Clark County?
Proof of dissolution of marriage in Clark County is obtained through a certified copy of the final judgment of dissolution issued by the Clark County Superior Court Clerk's Office, or through a certified divorce certificate issued by the Washington State Department of Health.
Step 1 — Determine the Appropriate Document
A certified copy of the final decree from the Clerk's Office provides the most comprehensive proof and is accepted for legal, immigration, and property transfer purposes. A divorce certificate from the Department of Health provides a summary record suitable for proof of marital status.
Step 2 — Locate the Case
Members of the public may locate the case number and filing information through the Clark County Clerk's records access portal or the Washington State Courts name and case search.
Step 3 — Request a Certified Copy
- In Person: Visit the Clark County Superior Court Clerk's Office at 1200 Franklin Street, Vancouver, WA 98660, Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. Provide the case number and names of both parties. Pay the applicable certification fee.
- By Mail: Submit a written request to P.O. Box 5000, Vancouver, WA 98666-5000, including party names, case number if known, approximate dissolution date, payment, and a self-addressed stamped envelope.
- Vital Records Certificate: Submit a request to the Washington State Department of Health Vital Records office. The current fee is $25.00 per certified certificate.
Step 4 — Verify the Document
Certified copies bear the official seal of the Clark County Superior Court and the signature of the Clerk. These documents are accepted as legal proof of dissolution by government agencies, financial institutions, and courts.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Clark County?
Dissolution of marriage proceedings in Clark County are presumptively public under Washington's Public Records Act; however, specific documents or entire case files may be sealed or restricted under certain circumstances.
Circumstances Under Which Records May Be Confidential:
- Domestic violence cases: Courts may restrict access to addresses, contact information, and evidence related to abuse to protect the safety of victims and minor children.
- Sealed financial documents: Tax returns, detailed financial statements, and account information may be filed under seal upon motion and court order.
- Children's evaluations: Psychological evaluations, custody assessments, and guardian ad litem reports are subject to restricted access to protect the privacy of minor children.
- Mediation communications: Under Washington law, mediation communications are confidential and are not part of the public court record.
- Court-ordered sealing: Any party may petition the court to seal specific documents or the entire file upon a demonstrated showing of good cause, such as trade secrets in business valuations or safety concerns.
- High-profile cases: Courts retain discretion to restrict access in cases where public disclosure would cause substantial harm disproportionate to the public interest in access.
Members of the public seeking access to sealed or restricted records must file a formal motion with the Clark County Superior Court. The court applies a balancing test weighing the public interest in transparency against the privacy interests of the parties and any minor children involved.
How Long Does Clark County Keep Divorce Records?
Clark County Superior Court maintains dissolution of marriage records in accordance with Washington State court records retention schedules established by the Washington State Archives.
Retention Periods:
- Final judgments and decrees: Retained permanently as part of the official court record. These documents are never destroyed and remain accessible indefinitely.
- Complete case files (contested dissolutions): Retained for a minimum of 75 years from the date of filing under Washington court records retention schedules.
- Uncontested dissolution files: Retained for a minimum of 10 years, with permanent retention of the final decree.
- Financial affidavits and discovery documents: Retained as part of the case file for the applicable retention period; some financial documents may be returned to parties or destroyed after a shorter period pursuant to court rules.
- Post-judgment modification records: Retained as part of the original case file for the duration of the applicable retention period.
- Archived paper records: Cases filed prior to electronic filing are maintained in paper or microfilm format and may be held at the Washington State Archives regional facility. Retrieval of archived records may require additional processing time.
Members of the public seeking records from cases older than those maintained in the active Clerk's Office system may contact the Washington State Archives at the Puget Sound Regional Branch for assistance locating archived court records.