Vancouver Divorce Decree Records
Vancouver divorce decree records are filed and maintained at the Clark County Superior Court Clerk's office at 1200 Franklin Street in downtown Vancouver. Vancouver is the fourth-largest city in Washington and sits on the Columbia River just north of Portland, Oregon. If you need to search for a dissolution case or get a certified copy of a Divorce Decree, this is where you start. The Clark County Clerk maintains all Superior Court case files, and the county's own online portal makes it easy to look up basic case details before heading to the courthouse.
Vancouver Overview
Where Vancouver Residents File Divorce Cases
All dissolution cases for Vancouver residents go to the Clark County Superior Court. Vancouver does not have its own municipal court for family law matters. The Clark County District Court handles misdemeanors and traffic cases only. Divorce and family law filings belong at the Superior Court level, and the county courthouse on Franklin Street is where those records are created and kept.
Clark County Superior Court Clerk Scott G. Weber oversees the records office. The clerk's office is your contact point for filing new cases, getting copies of existing decrees, and making public records requests. Staff handle copy requests by mail or in person. You can also email copy requests to copyrequests@clark.wa.gov.
| Office | Clark County Superior Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 1200 Franklin Street Vancouver, WA 98660 Mailing: PO Box 5000, Vancouver, WA 98666-5000 |
| Phone | (564) 397-2292 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | clark.wa.gov/superior-court/clerk |
The courthouse is in downtown Vancouver, accessible by public transit and with paid parking in nearby lots. Bring a photo ID. All visitors go through a security screening at the entrance. The clerk's office is open through the lunch hour, but lines can get long in the afternoon, so plan to arrive before 3:30 PM if possible.
Note: If you have a public records request beyond a simple copy, contact the Public Records Officer directly at (564) 397-2150.
The Vancouver City Website provides general city services and contact information, though divorce records are handled by the county court, not the city.
Vancouver city offices and Clark County Superior Court are both located in downtown Vancouver, making it convenient to access multiple services in a single visit.
How to Search Vancouver Divorce Records Online
Clark County operates two separate online search tools. Most counties in Washington use the statewide Odyssey portal, but Clark County runs its own system. The primary portal is clarkcountycourt.org, which lets you search for cases by party name or case number. There is also a second portal at publicportal.clark.wa.gov for additional access. Both show basic case information like party names, case status, and docket entries.
For dissolution cases specifically, search under the family law or domestic relations category. You can search by either spouse's last name. Results show the case number, filing date, current status, and scheduled hearings. They do not show the full text of the decree or other documents. For that, you need certified copies from the clerk's office.
The statewide Washington Courts case search at dw.courts.wa.gov covers many counties but may not include all Clark County records. Use the Clark County portals first for Vancouver cases. The Washington State Digital Archives has older historical records that predate the current electronic systems.
To search records, you typically need the full name of at least one party and a general idea of when the case was filed. A case number speeds up the search. Older records may only appear in physical files at the courthouse.
The Clark County Court Public Records portal gives Vancouver residents direct online access to Superior Court case information and public record request forms.
Clark County's own court portal is the most reliable tool for searching Vancouver dissolution case records, since Clark County manages its own system separate from the statewide Odyssey database.
Vancouver Divorce Decree Filing Process
Vancouver residents file for dissolution under Washington State law, specifically RCW Chapter 26.09. Washington is a no-fault state. The only ground needed is that the marriage is irretrievably broken. You do not need to prove fault or assign blame to either party.
To file, one spouse submits a Petition for Dissolution along with a Summons to the Clark County Superior Court Clerk. The other spouse is then served with copies. If both spouses agree on all issues, an agreed decree can move through the system faster. Disputed cases involving property division, custody, or support may require mediation or a hearing before a judge enters the final Decree of Dissolution.
Under RCW 26.09.030, at least one spouse must be a Washington State resident or a member of the armed forces stationed here at the time of filing. There is no minimum period of county residency required. Vancouver residents living near the Oregon border sometimes wonder about jurisdiction. All Washington residents file in Washington courts, regardless of proximity to Portland or Oregon.
Washington requires a 90-day waiting period after the petition is filed and served before the court can finalize the dissolution. Cases with children require a parenting plan. Child support is calculated using the state guidelines found in RCW Chapter 26.19. Both parents in Clark County must complete an approved parenting seminar when children are part of the case.
Clark County has a Family Court Facilitator office at 1200 Franklin Street that provides procedural guidance and form review for those filing without an attorney. Appointments are made in person.
Fees for Vancouver Divorce Records
The filing fee for a dissolution petition in Clark County is approximately $364. This figure includes state-mandated surcharges for court operations, legal aid, and technology. Fees can change, so confirm the current amount with the clerk before you file.
Costs for obtaining copies of records:
- Certified copy: $5 for the first page, $1 for each additional page
- Non-certified copy by mail: $0.50 per page
- Non-certified copy by email: $0.25 per page
- Process server or sheriff service: varies, roughly $40 to $100
- Parenting seminar (if children involved): typically $35 to $75
If the filing fee creates a financial hardship, you can file a motion to waive it. You will need to show your income and expenses. People receiving public assistance or with income under 200% of the federal poverty level generally qualify. All required forms are available at courts.wa.gov/forms.
Marriage records are a separate matter from divorce records. If you need a marriage certificate or record, contact the Clark County Auditor at PO Box 5000, Vancouver WA 98666. The Auditor maintains marriage records, not the Superior Court Clerk. Divorce certificates from the state are available through the Washington State Department of Health at doh.wa.gov for cases from 1968 forward at $25 per certificate.
Legal Aid and Attorney Resources in Vancouver
Vancouver has several organizations that provide legal help for people going through dissolution. Some offer free services based on income. Others connect you with private attorneys at reduced cost. Knowing where to look can save time and money.
The Clark County Volunteer Lawyers Program (CCVLP) offers free legal clinics for family law matters in Vancouver. Call (360) 693-2421 to find out about clinic schedules and eligibility. Their clinics provide brief consultations and can help with form review and procedural questions. Northwest Justice Project serves the Clark County area through their statewide intake line at (888) 201-1014. Their website at nwjustice.org explains how to apply for help.
The Washington State Bar Association maintains a directory of licensed attorneys at wsba.org. You can search for family law attorneys in the Vancouver or Clark County area. WashingtonLawHelp at washingtonlawhelp.org has guides for self-represented filers covering dissolution procedures, forms, and what to expect at court. All official court forms are free at courts.wa.gov/forms.
The Clark County Law Library is located inside the courthouse and provides access to legal research materials and reference assistance for people who want to do their own research before or during a case.
Filing on Your Own in Vancouver
Many Vancouver residents handle their own dissolution, particularly when both parties agree and there are no complicated property or custody issues. The Clark County Superior Court has a Family Court Facilitator who can review your paperwork for completeness, though they cannot give legal advice or fill out forms for you.
All mandatory forms are available for free at courts.wa.gov. You need a Petition for Dissolution, a Summons, financial declarations, and depending on your situation, a parenting plan and child support worksheets. The facilitator can walk you through which forms apply to your case and flag anything missing before you file.
WashingtonLawHelp has step-by-step instructions for unrepresented filers at washingtonlawhelp.org. The site covers both agreed and contested dissolutions and has a section specifically on parenting plans and child support under RCW 26.19. If you get stuck, the facilitator's office is your best in-person resource. Visit the courthouse to make an appointment.
Clark County Divorce Decree Records
Vancouver is the county seat of Clark County, and all dissolution filings for the city go through the Clark County Superior Court. The county page has more detail on the court system, additional resources, and how to access records from other Clark County communities. Visit the Clark County dissolution records page for the full picture.
Nearby Cities
These qualifying cities are near Vancouver. Each files dissolution cases through the court in its respective county.