Maple Valley Divorce Records Search
Divorce records for Maple Valley residents are handled through the King County Superior Court. Maple Valley is in King County, so all dissolution filings go to the superior court -- either the main courthouse in downtown Seattle or the Maleng Regional Justice Center in Kent, which is much closer to Maple Valley. If you need to find a dissolution case, get a certified copy of a decree, or check the status of a pending divorce, the King County Superior Court Clerk is where you go. Maple Valley has around 33,000 residents and is a growing community in southeast King County. Online case searches are available through the county's eCourt system and the statewide Odyssey Portal.
Maple Valley Overview
Where Maple Valley Divorce Cases Are Filed
Maple Valley residents file dissolution cases at the King County Superior Court. There are two clerk's office locations you can use. The Maleng Regional Justice Center in Kent is the more convenient option for Maple Valley residents -- it's at 401 Fourth Avenue North, Room 2C, Kent, WA 98032. The main Seattle clerk's office is at 516 Third Avenue, Room E609, Seattle, WA 98104. Both are open Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with limited service between 12:15 and 1:15 p.m.
The King County Superior Court filing fee for a Dissolution of Marriage is $364.00, effective July 27, 2025. A Counter Petition in a domestic relations case is $310.00. All civil filing fees must be paid in advance under RCW 36.18.060. The county clerk is Catherine Cornwall, and the general clerk number is 206-296-9300.
Maple Valley does not have its own superior court or family law court. All dissolution matters, child support cases, and parenting plan proceedings go to King County Superior Court. The municipal court serving Maple Valley -- which operates through Kent Municipal Court at 1220 Central Avenue South, Kent, WA 98032 -- handles only misdemeanors and traffic matters. Divorce and family law cases are not heard there.
| Closest Office | Maleng Regional Justice Center |
|---|---|
| Address | 401 Fourth Avenue North, Room 2C Kent, WA 98032 |
| Phone | (206) 296-9300 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | kingcounty.gov/courts/clerk |
How to Search Maple Valley Dissolution Records
King County Superior Court has its own online case search through the eCourt system. You can search by party name, case number, or case type. The system shows party names, docket entries, hearing dates, and current case status. You can also use the Odyssey Portal for statewide access, which shows case summaries and hearing information for participating courts including King County.
The Washington State Courts Name and Case Search lets you look up cases across all county superior courts. It updates every 24 hours and shows party names, case numbers, and status. This is a reference tool, not the official record. The official case file is at King County Superior Court.
For older dissolution records, check the Washington State Digital Archives. Many county clerks have contributed divorce records to the archives. Search by county name and the keyword "divorce" to see what King County records are available. Some historical filings going back decades are accessible there.
In-person searches at either King County clerk's office provide full access to the case file. Certified copies cost $5.00 for the first page and $1.00 per additional page. Uncertified copies prepared by staff are $0.50 per page, and self-service photocopies are $0.15 per page. Electronic working copies are available for $40.00 per request.
King County Family Law Facilitator
The King County Family Law Facilitator Program provides help to people who are not represented by attorneys. Walk-in help desk hours are available at the Maleng Regional Justice Center in Kent (Room 1D) and at the King County Courthouse in Seattle (Room W-280), both Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. For Maple Valley residents, the Kent location is much more convenient.
The King County Family Law Facilitator Program has offices at both the Kent courthouse and the Seattle courthouse. For Maple Valley residents, the Kent location at the Maleng Regional Justice Center is closer.
You can book appointments online for help with finalizing divorces by agreement, parenting plan cases, and minor guardianship proceedings. If you don't have internet access, email facilitators@kingcounty.gov. The Kent facilitator number is 206-477-2781. Facilitators can review paperwork for completeness, explain court procedures, help with scheduling, and calculate child support worksheets when you bring income information. They cannot give legal advice or represent you in court. People who already have attorneys are not eligible for the service.
The King County Bar Association Neighborhood Legal Clinic offers free 30 to 60-minute consultations with attorneys across the county. The appointment line is 206-267-7070, open Tuesday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. The King County Law Library in Seattle also runs a walk-in family law forms drafting lab on Tuesday afternoons.
Divorce Filing Process for Maple Valley Residents
Maple Valley residents follow Washington State law when filing for dissolution under RCW Chapter 26.09. Washington is a no-fault state. The only ground for dissolution is that the marriage is irretrievably broken. You simply state that the marriage cannot be repaired. No one needs to prove fault or wrongdoing.
The residency requirement under RCW 26.09.030 says at least one spouse must be a Washington resident or a member of the armed forces stationed in the state. There's no minimum time in King County before you can file. Once the petition is filed and the other spouse is served, Washington requires a 90-day waiting period before the dissolution can be finalized.
If both spouses agree on all terms, they can file an agreed decree after the 90-day wait. Contested cases may go to mediation and, if still unresolved, to a trial. The Decree of Dissolution is the final document, and a certified copy of that decree is what most people need for legal name changes, updating records, or other purposes.
Maple Valley's city government maintains its own public records system through the City Clerk's office at 22017 SE Wax Road, Suite 101, Maple Valley, WA 98038. The city uses a downloadable request form and accepts requests by fax, mail, or in person. But the city does not hold court records or police records. For police records, contact the King County Sheriff's Office at 206-296-4190. Court records for dissolution cases come from King County Superior Court, not the city.
If your case involves children, a parenting plan is required and must be approved by the court. Child support is calculated under RCW Chapter 26.19 using both parents' incomes and other factors. King County may require both parents to attend a parenting seminar.
Maple Valley City Clerk and Public Records
The City of Maple Valley City Clerk processes public records requests for city government documents. These include permits, council minutes, ordinances, and administrative records. City business hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Requests can be submitted by fax to 425-413-4282, by mail to P.O. Box 320, Maple Valley, WA 98038, or in person at City Hall.
The City of Maple Valley City Clerk handles municipal public records requests. For court records related to dissolution cases, contact the King County Superior Court Clerk instead.
The city responds to records requests within five business days as required by state law. Exemptions and redactions are applied under Chapter 42.56 RCW. The city may charge for copies, scanning, and staff time for large requests. The city does not hold court records or dissolution case files -- those are at King County Superior Court. The city also does not hold police records -- those are with the King County Sheriff's Office.
For dissolution certificates (as opposed to full decrees), the Washington Department of Health has records from 1968 to present. The fee starts at $25 per copy. The DOH does not have the full decree -- just the certificate confirming the divorce occurred. If you need the terms of the divorce (property division, parenting plan, support amounts), you need the decree from King County Superior Court.
Legal Resources for Maple Valley Residents
Several organizations help Maple Valley residents with dissolution cases. Northwest Justice Project at nwjustice.org provides free legal help to low-income residents. Call 888-201-1014 to ask about eligibility. The King County Family Law Facilitator Program is another free resource for people who are not using an attorney. The facilitator has offices at the Kent courthouse, which is close to Maple Valley.
WashingtonLawHelp at washingtonlawhelp.org has guides for people filing without a lawyer. All official court forms are at courts.wa.gov/forms. The Washington State Bar Association referral service is at 206-443-9722. The King County Bar Association Neighborhood Legal Clinic also offers free consultations at 206-267-7070.
If you need help with a fee waiver, you can file a Motion and Order to Waive Civil Fees and Surcharges. This can be submitted online through the KC Script Portal, in person at either clerk's office, or by mail. People who receive public assistance or whose household income falls below 200% of the federal poverty level generally qualify for a fee waiver.
King County Divorce Records
Maple Valley is in King County. All dissolution filings for Maple Valley residents go through King County Superior Court. For full details on the court system, fee schedule, clerk contact information, and self-help resources, visit the King County divorce records page.
Nearby Cities
These cities are near Maple Valley. Each files dissolution cases through its county's superior court.