Federal Way Divorce Records
Federal Way divorce records are filed and maintained at the King County Superior Court. If you need to find a dissolution case or get a copy of a Decree of Dissolution tied to a Federal Way address, the King County Superior Court Clerk is where to start. Federal Way sits in the southern part of King County and has a population of close to 99,000 people. The clerk's office holds the official case files, certified copies, and docket records for all dissolution matters. You can search online or go to the courthouse in Seattle or the Kent location to request records in person.
Federal Way Overview
Where Federal Way Residents File for Divorce
Federal Way is part of King County, so all dissolution cases for residents here go to the King County Superior Court. The family law division handles every divorce, legal separation, and parenting plan case filed in the county. The main courthouse is in downtown Seattle. There is also a second location in Kent at the Maleng Regional Justice Center, which is more convenient for many Federal Way residents given the shorter drive.
The King County Superior Court Clerk is the office that holds the actual case files. They process new filings, maintain the official record, and issue certified and non-certified copies of decrees and other documents. Federal Way residents can request records in person, by mail, or through the online portal. Certified copies cost $5.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page. Non-certified copies run $0.25 per page. If you don't know the case number, a $30 research fee applies.
| Office | King County Superior Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Main Address | 516 Third Avenue, Room E609 Seattle, WA 98104 |
| Kent Location | Maleng Regional Justice Center 620 W James St, Kent, WA 98032 |
| Phone | (206) 296-9300 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | kingcounty.gov/courts/clerk |
Note: Mail requests for records require a $10 deposit and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Sealed records require a court order before the clerk can release them.
Federal Way Municipal Court and Divorce
The Federal Way Municipal Court is located at 33325 8th Ave. S., Suite 102, Federal Way, WA 98003. That court handles traffic infractions, criminal misdemeanors, and vehicle impound hearings. It does not hear divorce or family law cases. The same is true of the King County District Court South Division, which serves Federal Way from 1200 S 336th Street. District courts handle civil cases up to $100,000 and protection orders, but divorce and custody matters must go to Superior Court.
The image below shows the Federal Way Municipal Court, which is a court of limited jurisdiction. Dissolution of marriage cases for Federal Way residents are not handled here but at King County Superior Court.
The municipal court serves Federal Way residents for traffic and criminal matters. Divorce filings go to the King County Superior Court Clerk, not this office.
Searching Federal Way Divorce Records
There are a few ways to look up Federal Way dissolution records. Online tools let you find basic case info without leaving home. Going in person gives you access to the full file and lets you get certified copies the same day.
The statewide Washington Courts Name and Case Search tool lets you look up cases across all Washington Superior Courts, including King County. You can search by party name or case number. The site updates every 24 hours. Results show case numbers, filing dates, and party names, but you can't download actual documents from this tool. For copies, you still need to contact the clerk.
King County Superior Court also participates in the Washington State Odyssey Portal. That system lets you search by name, case number, or attorney. It shows case summaries, docket entries, and hearing dates. Most Washington counties use the Odyssey platform, so it's a good starting point when you're not sure which court holds the record.
For older divorce records, the Washington State Digital Archives may have what you need. Many county clerks have transferred older dissolution records to the state archive. You can search by collection and filter by county name. Not every case is there, but it's worth checking for records from past decades.
The King County Superior Court maintains its own records portal as well. Registered users can access additional case details through the county's online system.
King County Superior Court holds all dissolution case files for Federal Way residents. Records can be searched online or requested in person at the Seattle or Kent courthouse locations.
Divorce Certificates vs. Divorce Decrees
These are two different documents. People often mix them up. A divorce decree is the multi-page court order that lays out the terms of the dissolution. The county clerk holds this. A divorce certificate is a shorter summary document issued by the state after the county clerk sends the record to the Washington State Department of Health.
The Washington State Department of Health has marriage and divorce records from 1968 forward. Certified and non-certified informational copies start at $25 per copy. Keep in mind that it can take up to five months after a divorce is finalized for the county clerk to send the record to the state. If your case was recent, contact the King County clerk directly rather than DOH.
Note: The Department of Health does not have divorce decrees. If you need the full decree with all the terms and conditions, that only comes from the Superior Court Clerk where the case was filed.
How to File for Divorce in Federal Way
Federal Way residents file for dissolution under Washington State law, specifically RCW Chapter 26.09. Since Federal Way is in King County, you file at King County Superior Court. Washington is a no-fault divorce state. The only ground for dissolution is that the marriage is irretrievably broken. You don't have to prove fault or wrongdoing by either spouse.
To start, one spouse files a Petition for Dissolution and a Summons with the clerk. The other spouse must be served with these documents or sign a Joinder to the petition. Washington law requires a 90-day waiting period after the petition is filed and served before the court can enter a final Decree of Dissolution. This waiting period applies even when both spouses agree on all terms.
The filing fee is approximately $350. This amount includes state surcharges for court operations and technology. If you cannot pay, you may file a motion for a fee waiver. Households at or below 200% of the federal poverty level or those receiving public assistance generally qualify. Forms are available at the courthouse or on the Washington Courts website.
If your case involves children, Washington requires a parenting plan as part of the final order. Both parents must attend a parenting seminar. Child support is calculated under RCW Chapter 26.19 using both parents' incomes and the number of children.
Family Law Facilitators for Federal Way Residents
King County Superior Court runs a Family Law Facilitator program that helps people who are filing without a lawyer. Facilitators can review completed forms, explain court procedures, identify required documents, and help calculate child support. They work at walk-up desks at the Seattle and Kent courthouses. Walk-in hours are 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. For Federal Way residents, the Kent location at the Maleng Regional Justice Center is the closer option.
Facilitators can't give legal advice, fill out forms for you, or represent you in court. You need to have completed or mostly completed paperwork before you see them. Virtual appointments are available if you submit your documents at least seven days in advance. Before scheduling, you must attend a Family Law Orientation. Final orders can be emailed to facilitators@kingcounty.gov. More info is at kingcounty.gov/courts/superior-court/family/facilitator.
Legal Help in Federal Way
Several organizations serve King County residents who need help with divorce cases. If you qualify based on income, some offer free assistance. Others provide a low-cost initial consultation.
Northwest Justice Project handles family law cases for low-income residents across King County. Call (888) 201-1014 or visit nwjustice.org for eligibility info. The King County Bar Association runs a lawyer referral line at (206) 267-7010. The Washington State Bar Association offers a statewide referral service at (206) 443-9722 and maintains a directory at wsba.org.
WashingtonLawHelp.org has step-by-step guides for self-represented filers. All official court forms are on the Washington Courts website. The Dispute Resolution Center of King County also provides mediation services. Call (206) 443-9603 for information on mediation options for family law matters.
King County Divorce Records
Federal Way is in King County, and all dissolution filings go through King County Superior Court. For more detail on the county court system, fee schedules, and additional resources, visit the King County divorce records page.
Nearby Cities
These cities are close to Federal Way. Each files dissolution cases through its own county's Superior Court.