Spokane Divorce Records Search
Spokane divorce records are filed and held at Spokane County Superior Court, which processes all dissolution matters for residents of Spokane and the surrounding county. As the largest city in eastern Washington, Spokane generates a large volume of family law filings each year. The Spokane County Clerk maintains those records in Room 300 of the County Courthouse at 1116 W Broadway Avenue. You can search for dissolution cases online through the county's Court Document Viewer, the statewide Odyssey Portal, or the Washington Courts name and case search. This page explains how the records system works in Spokane, how to request copies, and where to find help if you are handling a case on your own.
Spokane Overview
Where to File for Divorce in Spokane
Spokane residents file dissolution petitions at Spokane County Superior Court, located in downtown Spokane. The Clerk's Office handles all case filings and records for domestic relations matters, including divorce, legal separation, parenting plans, and child support. The office is in Room 300 of the County Courthouse at West 1116 Broadway Avenue, Spokane, WA 99260. Phone inquiries for public cases can be made at 509-477-2211.
The Spokane Municipal Court, at 1100 W Mallon Avenue, handles misdemeanors and city code matters for Spokane residents. That court has no jurisdiction over divorce or family law cases. Those must go to the Superior Court level. If you have ever been told to go to "municipal court" for a dissolution, that is not correct for Spokane. The Superior Court at West 1116 Broadway is the right location.
The Washington State Courts directory for Spokane County lists court contacts for all judges, clerks, and court administrators. That is a useful reference if you need to reach a specific person or office at the courthouse.
| Office | Spokane County Clerk of the Superior Court |
|---|---|
| Address | County Courthouse, Room 300 1116 W Broadway Avenue Spokane, WA 99260 |
| Phone | 509-477-2211 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM |
| Website | spokanecounty.org/Clerks-Records |
How to Search Spokane Dissolution Records
Spokane County provides its own online case access tool. The Spokane County Court Document Viewer lets you search public court records by name or case number. Many documents are available online through this system, which is specific to Spokane County and is separate from the statewide tools. It is a good first place to check for Spokane dissolution records.
The Washington Courts Odyssey Portal provides statewide access to superior court records. You can search by party name, case number, or attorney name. The portal shows case summaries, docket entries, and hearing dates. Spokane County uses the Odyssey system, so current cases will appear there. Full documents still require a request from the clerk.
The Washington Courts name and case search tool covers all court levels statewide. It is useful when you want to search broadly or are not certain which court holds a specific case. Results show case numbers, parties, and filing dates. The data updates each day around 3 a.m. and is for reference only, not official use.
Mail requests for records can be sent to the Spokane County Clerk's Office, County Courthouse, Room 300, 1116 W Broadway Avenue, Spokane, WA 99260. Include party names, filing dates, and any other case details you have. A $30.00 search fee applies when the clerk must search without a specific case number. Certified copies cost $5 for the first page and $1 per additional page. Non-certified copies are $0.25 per page.
The Spokane Municipal Court handles misdemeanor and city code matters. Divorce records are maintained by Spokane County Superior Court, not the Municipal Court.
Spokane County Divorce Fees and Copies
The Spokane County Clerk's Fee Schedule sets out all costs for filings and record requests. Domestic relations cases, which include divorce, legal separation, and invalidity of marriage, carry a filing fee of $364. That amount covers various court surcharges built into the base fee. Modification of a parenting plan or child support order also has a $364 filing fee. These figures are set by state law and updated periodically, so verify current amounts with the clerk before filing.
For certified copies, the fee is $5 for the first page and $1 for each additional page. Non-certified copies are $0.25 per page. The full fee schedule is posted at spokanecounty.org/Fee-Schedule. Fees for filing are payable by cash or card. Checks are accepted for photocopies only. If you are requesting records by mail, confirm current payment methods with the clerk before sending anything.
For a shorter certificate confirming that a divorce occurred, the Washington State Department of Health issues divorce certificates for cases from 1968 to present. The fee starts at $25. There can be a lag of up to five months from the time a divorce is finalized to when the county clerk submits the record to the state. If your divorce was recent, contact the Spokane County Clerk directly for the fastest service.
Spokane County Superior Court is the official repository for all Spokane dissolution filings, decrees, and family law case records.
Divorce Filing Process in Spokane
Filing for dissolution in Spokane follows Washington State law under RCW Chapter 26.09. Washington is a no-fault state. The only legal ground is that the marriage is "irretrievably broken." You do not need to prove wrongdoing or misconduct. Either spouse can make that declaration and the court will move forward.
To file in Spokane County, at least one spouse must be a Washington resident or a member of the armed forces stationed here under RCW 26.09.030. There is no minimum time you must have lived in the county. You file a Petition for Dissolution and Summons at the Superior Court clerk's office. The other spouse must be served or must sign a Joinder. After service, a mandatory 90-day waiting period begins before the dissolution can be finalized.
Spokane County requires both parents to complete a background check when finalizing a parenting plan. The "Share the Children" class is also required in divorce and custody cases that involve minor children. These are local court requirements on top of the statewide rules. The Spokane County Family Court Facilitator at spokanecounty.org/Family-Court-Facilitator can walk you through these steps. The Family Law Center is at West 1116 Broadway, Room 200, and appointments can be scheduled by calling 509-477-7612.
The Children's Waiting Room at 721 North Jefferson, Room 101, provides free staffed child care while parents conduct courthouse business. That is a practical resource if you need to appear in person and do not have childcare arrangements.
Note: The Spokane County Family Court Facilitator is a non-attorney who provides information only. Appointments are 20 minutes and require 24-hour advance notice for cancellations. The facilitator cannot give legal advice or predict court outcomes.
Legal Help for Spokane Divorce Cases
If you qualify based on income, the Volunteer Lawyers Program through CLEAR at 1-888-201-1014 may be able to connect you with free legal assistance. The Spokane County Bar Association also has a Volunteer Lawyers program for those who cannot afford an attorney. The Family Court Facilitator at spokanecounty.org/Family-Court-Facilitator can point you toward these resources.
The Washington State Bar Association's referral service is available at (206) 443-9722. You can find attorneys by practice area at wsba.org. If you plan to handle the case yourself, download all required forms from courts.wa.gov/forms and review the instructions at washingtonlawhelp.org before your facilitator appointment. The Spokane County website also has local family law instructions that the facilitator expects you to review in advance.
Child support in all Washington cases is calculated under RCW Chapter 26.19, which uses both parents' income and the residential schedule to arrive at the support amount. The clerk's office in Spokane does not provide legal advice, but staff can direct you to proper forms and the facilitator for process questions.
Spokane County Divorce Records
Spokane is the county seat of Spokane County. All dissolution filings for Spokane residents are processed at Spokane County Superior Court. For a full overview of the county court system, fees, and additional resources for family law matters, visit the Spokane County divorce records page.
Nearby Cities
Spokane Valley is the main neighboring community and also files dissolution cases through Spokane County Superior Court.