Find Divorce Decree Records in Mason County

Mason County Divorce Decree records are held by the Superior Court Clerk at the courthouse in Shelton, Washington. Whether you need a certified copy of a final decree or want to search for a past dissolution case, the clerk's office can help. Mason County has been keeping court records since 1858. This page walks you through how to search for Mason County divorce decree records, what to expect when requesting copies, and where to get help if you have questions about the process.

Mason County Superior Court Clerk

The Mason County Superior Court Clerk holds all dissolution filings for the county. The office is at the Mason County Courthouse in Shelton. Staff can search by name or case number, pull case files, and make copies of the divorce decree and related documents. They process both in-person and mail requests.

Mason County was formed in 1854 and was originally called Sawamish County. The name changed to Mason in 1864. Dissolution records go back to 1858, making Mason County one of the counties with a long historical record. If you're searching for an older case, there is a good chance the clerk's office has it or can direct you to state archives.

The Mason County government website at masoncountywa.gov provides department contact information and can help you find the clerk's office page. The Washington State Courts directory for Mason County also lists current court contacts and online tools.

The Mason County government website lists all county departments including the Superior Court Clerk, where divorce decree records are filed and maintained.

Check the Mason County website to confirm office hours and find direct contact information for the clerk's office before submitting a records request.

How to Search Mason County Divorce Decree Records

Mason County dissolution records can be searched online, in person, by mail, or by email. Each method works. The right one depends on what you need and how fast you need it.

The statewide Washington Courts Case Search covers Mason County cases. Enter a party name or case number to find dissolution filings. The portal shows case status, filing dates, and docket entries. It works best for cases filed in recent decades. Older records may only exist in paper form at the courthouse.

In person at 419 N. 4th Street is the fastest way to get certified copies. Same-day service is typical. Bring photo ID and any details you have about the case. Mail requests take roughly 1 to 2 weeks. Send your request with a written description of what you need, the names of the parties, and the approximate year of filing. Include a return envelope if sending by mail.

You can also email superiorcourtclerk@masoncountywa.gov to start a request. Give the clerk as much detail as you can. They will confirm the fee and let you know how to pay before sending documents. The Odyssey Portal gives online access to some case information as well.

Note: For historical dissolution cases from the mid-1800s through early 1900s, try the Washington State Digital Archives as a first step.

The Washington State Courts directory for Mason County provides links to case search tools and current court contact information.

Use this directory page to verify court phone numbers or navigate directly to the online case search portal for Mason County dissolution records.

Mason County Divorce Decree Copy Fees

Mason County uses the standard Washington State fee schedule for certified copies of court records. Certified copies of the divorce decree cost $5.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page. Standard (uncertified) copies run about $0.25 to $0.50 per page depending on format.

For the divorce certificate from the Washington Department of Health, the fee is $25. That is a separate document from the full decree and is issued by DOH rather than the clerk. Visit DOH vital records to request it. In-person requests can be made at the Tumwater office.

If you cannot afford to pay the court filing or copy fees, you may qualify for a fee waiver. Washington courts allow you to file a motion and declaration describing your financial situation. Forms are available at the courthouse or through the Washington Courts forms page. The court reviews your request and decides if you qualify.

Note: Call (360) 427-9670 ext. 346 to confirm current fees before mailing payment. Fee schedules are subject to change.

Divorce Decree Filing Process in Mason County

Dissolution cases in Mason County follow Washington State law under RCW Chapter 26.09. The process starts at the clerk's office. One spouse files a Petition for Dissolution, a Summons, and other required forms. All of these documents become part of the case file held by the clerk.

Washington is a no-fault state. Under RCW 26.09.030, the only ground for dissolution is that the marriage is irretrievably broken. The court does not look at fault or blame. You don't need to prove wrongdoing by either party. Either spouse can file, and the other cannot prevent the dissolution from happening.

There is a 90-day waiting period required by state law. The court cannot enter a final Divorce Decree until 90 days after the petition is filed and served. This applies to all cases. After the wait, if both parties agree on everything, the judge can sign an agreed decree. Contested cases may require mediation or a hearing before the decree is signed.

Property is divided under community property rules per RCW 26.09.080. The court divides community property in a just and equitable way. Assets earned or acquired during the marriage are generally community property. What each spouse owned before the marriage or received as a personal gift or inheritance is usually separate property.

The Washington Law Help website has guides that walk you through every step of the process. All official forms are free at courts.wa.gov/forms.

What Mason County Divorce Records Contain

A dissolution case file at the Mason County clerk's office holds multiple documents. The Petition for Dissolution starts the file. The summons, financial declarations, property settlement agreement, and any parenting plan documents are all part of the record. The final document is the Divorce Decree signed by the judge.

The Divorce Decree is the document most people request. It is the court's official order ending the marriage. It states what each party gets in terms of property and debts, whether spousal support is ordered, and if children are involved, the parenting plan and child support amounts. A certified copy of the decree is often needed for legal purposes like changing your name or updating benefits.

Most dissolution records in Mason County are public. You do not have to be a party to the case to get copies. Financial exhibits that were filed under seal, like tax returns, may not be available. Records related to minor children can also have restricted sections. Check with the clerk's office if you're unsure what portions of a file are public.

Legal Help for Mason County Residents

If you need help with a dissolution case, several resources are available to Mason County residents. The Northwest Justice Project CLEAR line at 1-888-201-1014 connects low-income residents with free legal help. Family law cases including dissolution are covered. Visit nwjustice.org for more on services and eligibility.

The Washington Law Help website has plain-language guides and self-help packets for people filing without an attorney. All official dissolution forms are free at the Washington Courts forms page. If you want to hire a private attorney, the Washington State Bar Association directory helps you find attorneys near Shelton and Mason County.

The Mason County District Court at 419 N. 4th Street handles other civil and traffic matters. The phone for district court is (360) 427-9670 ext. 339. For dissolution cases, you need the Superior Court Clerk at ext. 346.

Cities in Mason County

Mason County is on the Kitsap Peninsula in western Washington. Shelton is the county seat and the location of the Superior Court Clerk. All dissolution cases are filed there regardless of where in the county you live.

Communities in Mason County include Shelton, Belfair, Allyn, and Union. None currently meet the population threshold for a dedicated city page on this site. All residents file Mason County divorce decree cases at the Superior Court Clerk in Shelton.

Nearby Counties

Mason County borders several counties in western Washington. If you are uncertain which court handles your case, file in the county where you or your spouse lives.