Tacoma Divorce Records
Tacoma divorce records are filed and maintained by the Pierce County Superior Court Clerk's office. If you need to search for a dissolution case, get a copy of a decree, or look up the status of a family law filing for a Tacoma resident, the Pierce County Clerk is your source. Tacoma is the second-largest city in Washington and sits within Pierce County. Cases filed here go through the county superior court system. You can search online through state case search tools or visit the courthouse in person for the full file and certified copies of any document.
Tacoma Overview
Where Tacoma Divorce Cases Are Filed
All Tacoma residents file for dissolution at the Pierce County Superior Court. The court's family law division handles all divorce and separation cases in the county. The clerk maintains every case file, from the initial petition through the final decree. If you live anywhere in Pierce County, this is where your case goes.
The Pierce County Clerk's Office is located at the County-City Building, 930 Tacoma Avenue S., Room 110, Tacoma, WA 98402. Office hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. You can reach the clerk by phone at (253) 798-7455. The office handles in-person visits, mail requests, and electronic access to records through the LINX system. Certified copy fees are $5 for the first page and $1 for each page after that.
The Tacoma Municipal Court is a separate court entirely. It handles misdemeanor cases, traffic infractions, and city code violations only. It has no role in divorce or family law matters. If someone tells you to go to the municipal court for a dissolution record, that is incorrect. All of that goes through Pierce County Superior Court.
| Office | Pierce County Superior Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | County-City Building 930 Tacoma Avenue S., Room 110 Tacoma, WA 98402 |
| Phone | (253) 798-7455 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | piercecountywa.gov/95/Clerk-of-the-Superior-Court |
The Pierce County Superior Court serves all cities in Pierce County, including Tacoma, Lakewood, Puyallup, and surrounding communities. The court uses the Odyssey case management system, which supports online record searches for the public.
The Tacoma Municipal Court website provides information on city court operations, but note that divorce and dissolution matters are not handled there. All family law cases for Tacoma residents go to Pierce County Superior Court.
This distinction matters when you are looking for a divorce record. Start with the Pierce County Clerk, not the city court.
Searching Tacoma Dissolution Records
There are several ways to find divorce records for Tacoma cases. Online tools are the fastest starting point. In-person visits give you access to the full case file and certified copies. Both options work depending on what you need.
The statewide Washington State Courts Name and Case Search is a free tool anyone can use. You can search by party name or case number across Washington courts, including Pierce County Superior Court. Results show basic case details, party names, and hearing dates. The site updates every 24 hours. Keep in mind the information is for reference only; the official record is held by the court clerk.
The Washington State Odyssey Portal provides another way to search Pierce County case records. You can search by name, case number, or attorney name. The portal shows case summaries, docket entries, and scheduling information. For full document copies, you need to contact the clerk directly. Pierce County also offers the LINX system for electronic document access, which is useful for getting copies without a trip to the courthouse.
The Washington Courts Case Locator covers municipal, district, superior, and appellate courts statewide. For Tacoma dissolution records specifically, you want to filter to Pierce County Superior Court. The locator provides case numbers, party names, and filing dates, though not full document images.
For older records, the Washington State Digital Archives holds copies of divorce records that county clerks have submitted over time. You can search by county and keyword to find whether records for a particular case are archived there. This is especially useful for cases filed before electronic records systems were in place.
The Pierce County Superior Court is where all Tacoma divorce cases are processed and maintained. The court's online resources include case search access and information on the family law division.
Certified copies of Tacoma dissolution decrees are available from the Pierce County Clerk at 930 Tacoma Avenue S., Room 110, or through the LINX electronic document system.
Filing for Divorce in Tacoma
Washington uses the term "dissolution of marriage" instead of divorce. The process is governed by RCW Chapter 26.09. For Tacoma residents, that means filing at Pierce County Superior Court. The case starts when one spouse files a Petition for Dissolution and a Summons with the clerk's office.
Washington is a no-fault state. You do not need to prove wrongdoing by either spouse. The only legal ground for dissolution is that the marriage is irretrievably broken. Under RCW 26.09.030, at least one spouse must be a resident of Washington State at the time of filing. There is no minimum county residency period.
After filing, the other spouse must be served with the petition and summons, or must sign a Joinder agreeing to the case. Washington requires a 90-day waiting period after the petition is filed and served before a dissolution can be finalized. Cases where both spouses agree on all terms move faster than contested cases. Contested matters may involve discovery, mediation, and hearings before the court enters a Decree of Dissolution.
Pierce County offers self-help resources through the Pierce County Superior Court Divorce page. Court Facilitators are available by appointment at (253) 798-3627, with sessions from 8 to 9 a.m. A $20 fee applies. The Pierce County Law Library sells printed form packets for those who prefer a physical copy. Free mandatory forms are available at courts.wa.gov/forms and washingtonlawhelp.org.
Cases involving children require additional documents: a parenting plan, a child support order, and child support worksheets. Both parents are required to attend a parenting seminar. The parenting plan must address custody and visitation in enough detail to avoid future disputes.
Washington requires a 90-day waiting period from the date the petition is filed and served. Pierce County Facilitator appointments cost $20 and must be scheduled by calling (253) 798-3627 between 8 and 9 a.m.
Tacoma Divorce Record Fees
The filing fee for dissolution in Pierce County is approximately $350. This total includes state statutory surcharges for court operations, technology, and facilities. Fees are subject to change. New fee schedules took effect July 27, 2025, so verify the current amount with the clerk before you file.
Copy fees from the clerk are $5 for the first page and $1 for each additional page for certified copies. Plain (uncertified) copies cost less. If you are just checking the status of a case or need basic information, the online search tools are free to use. Mail requests are available; contact the clerk's office to confirm their current mail procedures and fee schedule before sending a request.
If you cannot afford the filing fee, you can ask the court to waive it. You will need to file a motion and financial declaration showing your income and household situation. Residents who receive public assistance or whose income falls below 200% of the federal poverty level generally qualify. Fee waiver forms are available at the courthouse and on the Washington Courts website.
The Washington State Department of Health can issue a divorce certificate, which is a shorter document than a full decree. The DOH vital records office charges starting at $25 per copy. A divorce certificate confirms that a dissolution occurred but does not contain the full terms. For property, custody, or legal matters where you need the decree itself, you must get that from the Pierce County Clerk.
Legal Help in Tacoma
Several organizations serve people in Tacoma who need help with dissolution cases. Some offer free services for low-income residents. Others can refer you to an attorney who handles family law.
The Northwest Justice Project handles family law cases for qualifying low-income residents. You can reach their CLEAR line at (888) 201-1014. Their website at nwjustice.org has details on eligibility and services. The Washington State Bar Association runs a statewide attorney referral service at (206) 443-9722. You can search their directory at wsba.org.
Self-represented parties can find step-by-step guides at washingtonlawhelp.org. All official court forms are available at courts.wa.gov/forms. The Pierce County Law Library at the courthouse sells printed family law packets for those who want a complete set in hand before filing.
Note: Court staff at the Pierce County Clerk's Office cannot provide legal advice. They can tell you what a form is and help you locate case information, but they cannot fill out your paperwork or tell you what to do. If you have questions about strategy, rights, or what to ask for in your case, talk to an attorney or use one of the legal aid resources listed above.
Pierce County Divorce Records
Tacoma is the county seat of Pierce County, and all dissolution filings for city residents go through the Pierce County Superior Court. For more information on the county court system, resources, and search options across all Pierce County communities, visit the Pierce County divorce records page.
Nearby Cities
These cities are near Tacoma. Most are also in Pierce County and use the same superior court for dissolution filings.