Federal Way Divorce Decree Lookup
Federal Way divorce decree records are filed and maintained by the King County Superior Court Clerk in Seattle. Federal Way is the third-largest city in King County with about 98,000 residents, and all dissolution cases for Federal Way residents go through the county court system. You can search for case information online through the King County eCourt portal, or visit the courthouse in downtown Seattle to get certified copies and review case files. Federal Way Municipal Court handles only misdemeanors and does not process any family law or dissolution matters.
Federal Way Overview
Where to File Federal Way Divorce Decrees
Federal Way residents file for dissolution at the King County Superior Court in Seattle. The courthouse is at 516 Third Avenue in downtown Seattle, roughly 25 to 30 miles north of Federal Way. The County Clerk manages all case filings and records. There is also the Norm Maleng Regional Justice Center at 401 Fourth Avenue North in Kent, which handles some King County Superior Court matters and may be closer for Federal Way residents to reach.
Federal Way Municipal Court deals only with misdemeanors, traffic violations, and city ordinance matters. If someone tells you to contact Federal Way Municipal Court for a divorce decree, that is not correct. All dissolution cases are handled by King County Superior Court, and records are kept at the clerk's office in Seattle or the Kent facility.
| Office | King County Superior Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | King County Courthouse 516 Third Avenue Seattle, WA 98104 |
| Phone | (206) 296-9300 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | kingcounty.gov/courts/clerk |
The Kent Regional Justice Center at 401 Fourth Avenue North in Kent may serve Federal Way residents more conveniently. Call (206) 477-1760 to confirm which location handles your specific case type or records request before driving to Seattle.
The Federal Way City Website provides access to city government services and municipal records, though dissolution cases and divorce decree records are handled by King County Superior Court.
Federal Way city offices handle permits, city licenses, and local municipal matters, while divorce filings go to the county court in Seattle or the Kent facility.
Searching Federal Way Divorce Records Online
King County Superior Court offers an online case search through the KC Script portal at kingcounty.gov/courts/clerk.aspx. You can search by party name, case number, or case type. The portal shows party names, filing dates, docket entries, and current case status. For full document access and certified copies, you need to visit or contact the clerk's office directly.
The statewide Washington Courts case search is another option. It covers cases across multiple counties and can confirm whether a record exists in the King County system. For older records, the King County Archives at 1215 East Fir St. in Seattle holds pre-1979 microfilm divorce records. More recent historical records are available through the Washington State Digital Archives at digitalarchives.wa.gov.
To search, you need the full name of at least one spouse and a general idea of when the case was filed. A case number, if available, makes the lookup instant. Without a case number, there may be a research fee if staff must spend significant time searching. Call ahead at (206) 296-9300 to ask about the current process.
Federal Way and the King-Pierce County Border
Federal Way sits very close to the boundary between King County and Pierce County. Most of the city is in King County, but some residential areas near the southern edge are technically in Pierce County. Before you file, make sure you know which county you actually live in. Your county determines which court you file in. If you file in the wrong county, your case could be transferred or dismissed.
The easiest way to confirm your county is to look at your property tax bill or check with your county assessor. King County residents file at King County Superior Court. Pierce County residents file at Pierce County Superior Court in Tacoma. These are two different courts with different case numbers and different records systems. Do not assume your address falls in one county or the other just because you think of yourself as living in Federal Way.
Under RCW 26.09.030, you file where you reside. Washington is a no-fault state, and the only ground required is that the marriage is irretrievably broken. There is no minimum length of county residency required, but you must be a Washington resident at the time of filing.
Note: If you recently moved to or from Federal Way, confirm your county of residence with the King County or Pierce County Assessor before filing your dissolution petition.
Federal Way Divorce Decree Copy and Filing Costs
Filing a dissolution petition at King County Superior Court costs approximately $364. This includes the base fee and statutory surcharges. Fee waivers are available if you qualify based on financial hardship. Forms for the waiver are at the courthouse or at courts.wa.gov/forms.
Copy fees for dissolution decree records:
- Non-certified copies (online portal): $0.25 per page
- Non-certified copies (in-person): $0.50 per page
- Certified copies: $5.00 first page, $1.00 each additional page
- Expedited processing: $30.00 for one business day turnaround
Certified copies are needed for most legal purposes such as name changes, mortgage applications, and estate matters. Plain copies work fine for personal reference. If you need the record urgently, the $30 expedited fee buys same-business-day processing at the King County courthouse.
Legal Help for Federal Way Residents
The King County Family Law Facilitator is available at the King County Courthouse in Seattle in Room W-291. The phone line for appointments is (206) 263-3542. The facilitator helps self-represented parties understand court procedures and review completed forms. There is a small fee per session, and they cannot give legal advice or represent you, but they can help you get the paperwork right.
Northwest Justice Project serves Federal Way residents and provides free legal help for qualifying low-income individuals. Call their CLEAR hotline at (888) 201-1014 or visit nwjustice.org. WashingtonLawHelp at washingtonlawhelp.org has free self-help guides for dissolution cases. All official court forms are available at courts.wa.gov/forms.
The Washington State Bar Association attorney directory is at wsba.org. If your case involves significant property, children, or a contested situation, getting at least a consultation with an attorney is worthwhile.
Property and Children in Federal Way Divorces
Washington divides community property equally in most cases under RCW 26.09.080. Community property is what you and your spouse accumulated together during the marriage. Separate property you owned before the marriage, or received as inheritance or gift, generally stays yours. The court can adjust the division based on the specific facts of the case.
Cases with minor children require a parenting plan and child support order. The parenting plan sets the residential schedule and spells out how major decisions get made. Child support is calculated under RCW Chapter 26.19 using both parents' incomes. King County requires parents to attend a parenting seminar before a case with children can be finalized. The clerk's office has information on approved seminar providers when you file.
King County Divorce Records
Most Federal Way residents are in King County, and their dissolution filings go through the King County Superior Court. For more details on the county court system, case search options, and full contact information, visit the King County dissolution records page.
Nearby Cities
These cities near Federal Way also handle dissolution cases through their county court systems.