Yakima County Divorce Decree Records

Yakima County divorce decree records are kept by the Superior Court Clerk at the courthouse in Yakima. You can search dissolution cases online using the statewide Washington Courts portal, visit the clerk's office in person, or submit a written request by mail. Yakima County is the largest county by land area in central Washington and serves a wide region including the city of Yakima and surrounding communities. The clerk holds dissolution records and can provide certified copies of decrees for legal and personal use. This page covers how to search, what records contain, how much copies cost, and what help is available locally.

Yakima County Superior Court Clerk

The Yakima County Superior Court Clerk handles all dissolution filings and record requests for the county. The office is on the third floor of the county courthouse at 128 North 2nd Street in Yakima. Staff process requests for certified copies, search records by name or case number, and can confirm case status for open or closed dissolution files.

One thing to know about Yakima County is its payment policy. The clerk's office does not accept personal checks for in-person requests. You need cash, a cashier's check, or a money order. This applies to both records requests and filing fees. Call ahead to confirm the exact amount before you visit so you can bring the right payment.

The Yakima County Law Library is in the same building, on the lower level at Room B14. It is a useful resource if you are handling your own dissolution and need access to legal materials or form instructions. The library can be reached at (509) 574-1660. It is open to the public and does not require you to be an attorney to use it.

The Yakima County Superior Court Clerk page provides contact details, office hours, and instructions for requesting divorce decree copies and other court records.

This is the official source for clerk contact information and the starting point for any in-person or mail records request in Yakima County.

The Yakima County government website connects you to all county departments, including the Superior Court Clerk and family court resources.

Use the county site to find the right department if you need to reach a specific office beyond the clerk, such as the Family Court Facilitator or the Law Library.

The Washington State Courts directory for Yakima County gives you an official statewide reference for court contacts and the public case search portal.

This statewide directory is a reliable backup source for court contact information and links to case search tools.

How to Search Yakima County Divorce Decree Records

The Washington Courts public case search is the main online tool for Yakima County dissolution records. You can search by party name or case number. The portal shows party names, docket entries, case status, and filing dates. It does not display the full text of documents, but it tells you whether a case exists and gives you the case number you need to request certified copies.

The Odyssey Portal is another statewide search tool that Yakima County uses. You can search by party name or case number and see electronic documents when they have been uploaded. Not all cases have electronic files, especially older ones. For older cases, a visit or mail request is your best option.

When searching Yakima County records, make sure you have the correct spelling of the party names. The clerk's search is sensitive to name spelling, and a slight error can miss results. If you are not sure of the exact name, try different spellings or use just the last name to see more results. The clerk can also help narrow things down if you visit in person.

The Washington State Digital Archives holds Yakima County records as well. This is useful for older finalized cases that may not be fully in the court portal. Filter by county when searching to narrow results to Yakima.

For in-person requests, go to Room 323 at 128 North 2nd Street in Yakima. The office is open Monday through Friday. Bring a valid photo ID, which may be requested. The clerk can search by name or case number and provide copies the same day in most cases.

Note: Most requests are filled within 48 hours. Standard project completion for more complex requests takes five to seven working days after payment is received.

Yakima County Divorce Decree Copy Fees

Yakima County has a clear fee structure for dissolution record requests. The filing fee for a new dissolution case is $314, which is subject to change. This is lower than the $364 used in some other Washington counties. When you request copies of an existing divorce decree, the fees are set by the clerk's office fee schedule.

Copy fees at the Yakima County clerk:

• Records search fee: $5 per name searched
• Standard photocopies: $0.50 per page
• Certified copies: $5 for the first page, $1 for each additional page
• Exemplified copies (for international use): approximately $50
• Court Docket Abstract: $5
• Family Court Facilitator: $20 per 30-minute session

Yakima County does not accept personal checks for in-person payments. Use cash, a cashier's check, or a money order. If you are submitting a mail request, send a cashier's check or money order made out to the Yakima County Clerk. Do not send cash by mail.

Fee waivers are available for low-income filers who cannot afford the dissolution filing fee. You file a motion and declaration showing your financial circumstances. The court reviews your income and expenses and determines whether to grant the waiver. Court forms for fee waivers are available at the courthouse and at courts.wa.gov/forms.

Note: Fees are subject to change. Confirm the current amounts with the clerk at (509) 574-1430 before submitting payment, especially for larger copy orders or certified documents.

Dissolution Filing in Yakima County

Filing for dissolution in Yakima County follows Washington State law under RCW Chapter 26.09. You file a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage and a Summons with the clerk's office. The filing fee of $314 is paid at that time. The clerk assigns a case number and the 90-day clock begins once the respondent is served with the documents.

Washington is a no-fault state. Under RCW 26.09.030, the only ground for dissolution is that the marriage is irretrievably broken. You do not need to prove that one spouse did something wrong. Either spouse can file. The other spouse can respond but cannot stop the dissolution from proceeding.

The 90-day waiting period is a firm rule in Washington. It runs from the date the respondent is served, not from the filing date. No court in the state can shorten this period. During this time, Automatic Temporary Orders are in effect. These restrict both parties from transferring property, running up debt, or relocating children outside normal routines without court permission.

Property division follows community property rules under RCW 26.09.080. The court divides community assets and debts in a just and equitable way. What counts as community property versus separate property depends on when and how the assets were acquired. The final divorce decree states exactly how everything is divided, and that document is filed permanently with the clerk.

If the couple has minor children, a parenting plan and child support calculation must be part of the final decree. The court reviews both. If the parties agree on a plan, it is usually approved. If they disagree, the judge decides based on the best interests of the children.

What Yakima County Divorce Decrees Contain

Dissolution records in Yakima County hold a set of documents that make up the full case file. The Petition for Dissolution is the first document. It names the petitioner and respondent, states the ground for dissolution, and lists what the petitioner wants the court to grant. The Summons is served on the other spouse. Financial declarations from both parties document income, assets, and debts. All of these are part of the case file stored at the clerk's office.

The Decree of Dissolution is the most important document. It is the signed court order that ends the marriage. The decree covers all the key terms: how property and debt are divided, the parenting plan for any children, child support amounts, spousal maintenance if ordered, and any name restoration. The judge's signature and court seal make it an official legal document.

Yakima County dissolution records also include the date of filing and service, the 90-day waiting period notation, and any modifications or amendments made after the original decree. Financial declarations filed in the case may be available as part of the public record unless they were sealed by court order.

A few things are restricted. Sealed or confidential pleadings cannot be released without a court order. Parties or their attorneys may access sealed items in paper format with a proper Notice of Appearance on file. Photo ID may be requested when picking up records. Some court proceedings have audio recordings and some have court reporters instead, so audio availability varies by case.

Legal Resources for Yakima County Divorce

The Northwest Justice Project provides free civil legal help to low-income residents of Yakima County. Their CLEAR line is 1-888-201-1014. They handle family law matters including dissolution, custody, child support, and domestic violence protection orders. More information is available at nwjustice.org. Yakima County is part of their service region and cases are accepted based on income guidelines.

The Family Court Facilitator at the Yakima County courthouse offers assistance to self-represented parties. This is a paid service at $20 per 30-minute session. The facilitator can help you understand the process, review your forms, and explain what documents you need. Call (509) 574-2695 to schedule time with the facilitator. This service does not provide legal advice but helps you navigate the paperwork and court procedures.

The Washington State Bar Association runs a statewide lawyer referral service. You can search their attorney directory at wsba.org. For self-help resources and plain-language guides, visit washingtonlawhelp.org. Court forms for dissolution, parenting plans, and child support worksheets are all available free at courts.wa.gov/forms.

If you need vital records such as birth or death certificates, those are handled by the Washington State Department of Health, not the court clerk. Divorce decrees are court records and are held at the clerk's office. The DOH handles marriage and divorce certificates separately for statistical tracking, but the legal document you need for most purposes is the certified decree from the clerk.

Cities in Yakima County

All dissolution cases in Yakima County are filed at the Superior Court Clerk in the city of Yakima, regardless of which community you live in.

Other communities in Yakima County include Selah, Union Gap, Sunnyside, Wapato, Grandview, Moxee, and many rural areas in the Yakima Valley. All dissolution filings for residents of these communities go through the Yakima County Superior Court.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Yakima County. File your dissolution in the county where you live. If you are unsure which county applies, check your current address.