Search Graham Divorce Records
Graham divorce records are handled by Pierce County Superior Court in Tacoma. Graham is an unincorporated community in Pierce County, so there is no separate city court. If you need to find a dissolution case or obtain a copy of a Decree of Dissolution for a Graham-area resident, you'll work with the Pierce County Superior Court Clerk. The clerk maintains all family law and domestic relations case files for the county. You can search records online using the LINX system or the statewide Washington Courts tool, or visit the Tacoma courthouse to request certified copies in person.
Graham Overview
Where Graham Residents File for Divorce
Graham is an unincorporated area of Pierce County. That means there is no incorporated city government or city-level court. Dissolution of marriage cases for Graham residents are filed at Pierce County Superior Court, located in Tacoma. The court handles all felony, civil, family law, probate, and juvenile matters for the county, including unincorporated communities like Graham.
The Pierce County Clerk of the Superior Court is responsible for maintaining case files, processing filings, and issuing copies of court records. Residents seeking certified copies of a Decree of Dissolution should provide the case number and party names when making their request. The clerk's office is at 930 Tacoma Ave. S., Room 110, Tacoma. Phone is (253) 798-7455. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Records can be requested in person, by mail, or through the LINX system.
| Office | Pierce County Clerk of the Superior Court |
|---|---|
| Address | 930 Tacoma Ave. S., Room 110 Tacoma, WA 98402 |
| Phone | (253) 798-7455 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | piercecountywa.gov/Clerk |
Wait times at the clerk's office may be longer than usual right now due to ongoing building construction. The clerk recommends using online tools when possible before making an in-person visit.
Pierce County Superior Court and Family Law
Pierce County Superior Court has 23 judicial departments. Each one follows specific rules for hearings, appearances, and scheduling. Most hearings are held in person unless a Zoom appearance has been arranged ahead of time. Individual departments have their own email addresses for scheduling requests. Detailed local court rules and department-specific instructions are available on the court's website.
Family law cases are assigned to departments based on case type and calendar availability. Graham residents filing for dissolution should expect to be assigned to one of these departments once the petition is filed with the clerk. The court also handles juvenile matters at the Juvenile Court location at 5501 6th Avenue, Tacoma. For family law cases involving Graham residents, all proceedings take place in Tacoma at the main Superior Court facility.
Pierce County Superior Court in Tacoma is where Graham residents file and resolve dissolution of marriage cases. The court has 23 departments and manages all family law, civil, and criminal matters for Pierce County.
How to Look Up Graham Divorce Records
The primary online search tool for Pierce County Superior Court records is LINX. It lets the public search cases by name, cause number, or year. Graham residents can use LINX to find case information before requesting certified copies from the clerk. Civil case results include litigants, attorneys, docket entries, proceedings, and schedules. Documents filed in 2002 or later can be viewed and printed from the LINX system at the Clerk's Office.
Search at linxonline.co.pierce.wa.us. For help with technical issues, call the LINX Help Desk at 253-798-7757. The site needs a browser that supports cookies, tables, and JavaScript.
The Washington Courts Name and Case Search is another option. It covers Superior Courts statewide and updates daily. You can search by name or case number. Results are reference material only, not official records. Copies must come from the clerk.
Pierce County LINX Online Search
The Pierce County LINX system allows the public to search Superior Court cases by name or cause number. Graham residents can use LINX to locate dissolution records before requesting certified copies from the clerk's office.
The Washington State Odyssey Portal also supports case searches for Pierce County Superior Court. You can search by party name, case number, or attorney. The portal shows case summaries, hearing dates, and party information. For full documents, contact the clerk.
For older records that may predate the online systems, check the Washington State Digital Archives. Many county clerks have sent older records to the state archive. Search by collection and county to see what's available for Pierce County divorce cases.
Divorce Certificates for Graham Residents
The Washington State Department of Health holds marriage and divorce records from 1968 to the present. A divorce certificate, sometimes called a certificate of dissolution, is a short summary document. The state issues it after the county clerk sends the record. It is not the same as a divorce decree.
If you need a certificate, go to doh.wa.gov. Fees start at $25 per copy. Keep in mind that it can take up to five months from the date of the divorce for the Pierce County Clerk to transmit the record to the state. For recent cases, contact the Pierce County Clerk directly. The DOH does not have the full decree. That document only comes from the Superior Court where the case was filed.
Divorce Process for Graham Residents
Washington divorce law is found in RCW Chapter 26.09. Washington is a no-fault state. The sole ground for dissolution is that the marriage is irretrievably broken. You don't need to prove misconduct by either spouse. If one or both parties say the marriage cannot be repaired, that is enough for the court to proceed.
Filing starts when one spouse submits a Petition for Dissolution and a Summons to the Pierce County Clerk. The other spouse must be served with the papers or sign a Joinder. After service, Washington law requires a 90-day waiting period before the court can finalize the decree. Both agreed and contested cases are subject to this waiting period. Contested matters may also require mediation or a hearing before a judge.
Cases involving children require a parenting plan as part of the final order. Pierce County also requires both parents to attend an approved parenting seminar. Child support is calculated according to state guidelines under RCW Chapter 26.19, using both parents' incomes and the number of children as inputs.
Self-represented litigants can find all required forms at courts.wa.gov/forms. The clerk's office website also links to self-help resources and the Pierce County Law Library for additional help.
Transcripts from Pierce County Family Law Hearings
Pierce County Superior Court assigns an official court reporter to each judicial department. If you need a transcript from a family law hearing, contact the court reporter assigned to your department directly. Transcript fees vary by reporter and turnaround time. If you're unsure which reporter handled your hearing, email the Clerk's Office for that information.
Some courtrooms use electronic recording systems rather than live court reporters. Copies of electronic recordings are available through the Clerk of the Superior Court. Call (253) 798-7717 or go through the clerk's website. When requesting, include the case number, hearing date, and type of proceeding. Transcripts and recordings are commonly used in appeals or post-judgment motions in Graham family law cases.
Help for Graham Residents Filing Divorce
If you need legal assistance with your dissolution case, several organizations serve Pierce County residents. Northwest Justice Project handles family law matters for low-income individuals. Call (888) 201-1014 or visit nwjustice.org to check eligibility. The Washington State Bar Association lawyer referral service is at (206) 443-9722. Their searchable directory is at wsba.org.
WashingtonLawHelp.org offers step-by-step guides for people who are representing themselves. The Pierce County Clerk's website links to additional resources including the Crystal Judson Family Justice Center and the Pierce County Law Library. All official court forms are on the Washington Courts website.
Pierce County Divorce Records
Graham is part of unincorporated Pierce County. All dissolution filings for Graham residents go through Pierce County Superior Court in Tacoma. For more on the county court system, fees, and resources, visit the Pierce County divorce records page.
Nearby Cities
These cities are near Graham. Most file divorce cases through Pierce County Superior Court.