Lincoln County Divorce Decree Records

Lincoln County Divorce Decree records are filed and maintained by the Superior Court Clerk in Davenport, Washington. If you need to search for a dissolution case or request a certified copy of a decree, the clerk's office handles all requests. Cases go back to the late 1800s. You can look up cases online through the statewide courts portal, reach the office by phone or email, or visit in person. The process is straightforward for most requests. This page covers what you need to know to find Lincoln County divorce decree records quickly.

Lincoln County Superior Court Clerk

The Lincoln County Clerk of Superior Court is the official keeper of all dissolution records in the county. The office is on the 2nd floor of the courthouse at 450 Logan Street in Davenport. Staff can search for cases by name or case number. They process requests for certified and plain copies of divorce decree documents. The office email is eclerk@co.lincoln.wa.us for written requests.

Lincoln County is a small, rural county in eastern Washington. It was formed in 1883. The courthouse sits in Davenport, which is about 35 miles southwest of Spokane. Given the county's size, the clerk's office tends to offer personal service. If you call ahead or email, staff can often prepare records before you arrive.

The Lincoln County government website has general information about county offices and services. The Washington State Courts directory for Lincoln County lists court contact details and links to online search tools.

The Lincoln County government website at co.lincoln.wa.us is where you can find contact information for the clerk's office and other county departments.

The county site links to court information and can help you confirm hours or office locations before you make the trip to Davenport.

Search Lincoln County Divorce Decree Records

You have a few ways to look up a divorce decree in Lincoln County. Online is the fastest for basic case info. In person gives you access to the full file and same-day copies. Mail requests take longer but work if you can't make the trip.

The statewide Washington Courts Case Search lets you look up dissolution cases across all counties including Lincoln. You can search by party name or case number. Results show filing dates, case status, and docket entries. For older records not yet in the digital system, you may need to call or write the clerk directly.

The clerk also accepts email requests at eclerk@co.lincoln.wa.us. Describe what you need and include as much identifying information as you can. The more detail you give, the faster they can find the record. After they confirm the fee, you can send payment and receive your copies.

For in-person visits, go to the 2nd floor of the courthouse at 450 Logan Street. Hours are 9 AM to 4 PM on weekdays. Bring a photo ID and any details about the case such as the names of the parties or the year it was filed. The Odyssey Portal also allows some online access. After filing, you can verify status through that system or call the office directly.

Note: Records go back to the late 1800s. Older cases may only be available in paper form and might require more lead time to locate.

The Washington State Courts directory for Lincoln County lists court locations, contact numbers, and links to case search tools.

Use this directory to confirm current court contact information and find links to online case search for Lincoln County dissolution cases.

Lincoln County Divorce Decree Fees

Lincoln County follows the statewide fee structure for dissolution filings. As of July 2025, the total filing fee for a divorce or domestic relations case is $364. That breaks down to a $200 filing fee, a $54 victim assessment fee, a $20 facilitator fee, and two judicial surcharges totaling $90.

There is also an ex-parte presentment fee of $30. This fee must be paid by a separate money order. That money order must not expire within 90 days of the date you submit it. Credit or debit card is accepted in person for most fees but not for the ex-parte amount.

Copy fees at Lincoln County are:

• Electronic copies: $0.25 per page
• Paper copies: $0.50 per page
• Certified copies: $5.00 for the first page, $1.00 for each additional page

The clerk does not accept personal checks. Bring cash, a cashier's check, a money order, or a credit/debit card for in-person payments. Fee waivers are available if you can't afford to pay. Forms are available at the courthouse or through the Washington Courts forms page.

Note: Fee amounts can change. Call (509) 725-1401 or email eclerk@co.lincoln.wa.us to confirm current fees before you send payment.

How Divorce Decree Filings Work in Lincoln County

Dissolution cases in Lincoln County follow Washington State law under RCW Chapter 26.09. The process begins when one spouse files a Petition for Dissolution and a Summons at the clerk's office. Each filing adds documents to the case file that becomes the permanent record.

Washington does not require fault. The only legal ground for dissolution is that the marriage is irretrievably broken under RCW 26.09.030. Either spouse can file. The other spouse cannot block it. You just need to be a resident of Washington or a service member stationed here. There is no county-level residency time requirement.

After filing, there is a mandatory 90-day waiting period before the court can enter the final decree. This is set by state law. No exceptions. Both parties must be served or sign a joinder. If both agree on all terms, an agreed decree can move quickly after the wait period ends. If there are disputes, the case may go to mediation or trial before the judge signs the final Divorce Decree.

Lincoln County requires all documents to be printed single-sided under GR 14. A notarized Verification Form is also required. This form is not available online. You need to sign it in front of a notary. The clerk's office can help direct you to where you can get it notarized locally.

If children are involved, the filing packet is larger and more expensive. The uncontested divorce packet with children costs $35 plus Priority Mail postage. The version without children costs $20 plus postage or $10 by email. The Washington Law Help website has free guides for each type of dissolution filing.

What Is in a Lincoln County Divorce Decree

The Divorce Decree is the court order that ends the marriage. It is the most requested document from the clerk's office. The decree sets out all the terms both parties must follow. It covers property and debt division, any spousal maintenance, and child-related orders if applicable.

A typical dissolution case file in Lincoln County includes the original petition, the summons, financial declarations, the settlement agreement, and any parenting plan documents. The decree itself is signed by the judge and becomes part of the permanent court record. All of it is filed with the Superior Court Clerk and stored permanently.

Most divorce records in Lincoln County are public. You do not need to be a party to the case to request copies. Some financial exhibits like tax returns may be sealed. Records involving minor children can have restricted portions. The clerk can tell you what is available before you pay for copies.

The Washington State Digital Archives holds older Lincoln County records. If you are looking for historical dissolution cases from the late 1800s or early 1900s, check there first. More recent cases are typically found through the clerk's office or the statewide case search portal.

Legal Help for Lincoln County Residents

If you need help with a dissolution case and can't afford an attorney, several free and low-cost resources serve Lincoln County. The Northwest Justice Project runs the CLEAR line at 1-888-201-1014. They help low-income residents with family law matters including dissolution. You can also apply online through nwjustice.org.

WashingtonLawHelp at washingtonlawhelp.org has step-by-step guides, court forms, and plain-language explanations of the dissolution process. All official Washington dissolution forms are free at the Washington Courts forms page. If you need to find a private attorney, the Washington State Bar Association directory can help you locate one in eastern Washington.

The Washington State Department of Health handles vital record certificates for dissolution. You can request a Certificate of Dissolution (not the full decree) from DOH vital records for $25. These are useful for legal name changes or updating benefit records.

Note: The clerk's office cannot give legal advice. For questions about your rights or how to fill out forms, contact one of the legal aid resources listed above.

Cities in Lincoln County

Lincoln County is a rural county in eastern Washington. Davenport is the county seat and the location of the Superior Court. All dissolution cases in the county are filed there, regardless of which town residents live in.

Communities in Lincoln County include Davenport, Sprague, Harrington, Reardan, Creston, and Wilbur. None currently exceed the population threshold for a dedicated city page. All residents file dissolution cases at the Lincoln County Superior Court Clerk in Davenport.

Nearby Counties

Lincoln County borders several other eastern Washington counties. If you are unsure which court handles your dissolution case, check the county where you reside.