Pierce County Public Records /Pierce County Divorce Records

Pierce County Divorce Records

How To Find a Divorce Record In Pierce County in 2026

PierceRecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Pierce County, Washington. Members of the public may locate dissolution of marriage case files, final decrees, and related court documents through official channels. Available record categories include:

Final judgments of dissolution
Divorce case docket entries
Parenting plans and custody orders
Property settlement agreements
Post-judgment modification orders

Records can be searched through official resources, clerk offices, public access terminals, and online tools.

Online Searches

1. Clerk of Court Case Search

The Pierce County Superior Court provides online case access through the Washington Courts Case Search. This is the most common method for locating divorce case information. Basic case information is available at no charge; fees apply for document copies.

2. State Court System Portal

The Washington Courts portal allows members of the public to search across jurisdictions statewide. This consolidated database is useful when the county of filing is uncertain.

3. Washington State Vital Records

Washington State does not issue divorce certificates through the Department of Health in the same manner as birth or death certificates. The Washington State Department of Health vital records office maintains limited divorce record indexes for statistical purposes; complete legal records remain with the Superior Court Clerk.

In-Person Searches

Clerk of Court Family Division:

Pierce County Superior Court Clerk
930 Tacoma Avenue South, Room 110
Tacoma, WA 98402
Phone: (253) 798-7455
Pierce County Clerk

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

Services available in person include:

Searching case files by party name or case number
Viewing filed documents at public access terminals
Requesting certified copies of final decrees and orders
Staff assistance for locating archived records

Records Department:

Older and archived dissolution cases may be stored separately. Members of the public requesting records from cases filed prior to the court's electronic filing period should contact the Clerk's office directly to confirm retrieval timelines and any additional fees for archived file retrieval.

By Mail

Written Request:

Mail requests to:

Pierce County Superior Court Clerk – Records Division
930 Tacoma Avenue South, Room 110
Tacoma, WA 98402
Phone: (253) 798-7455
Pierce County Clerk

Include the following with any written request:

Full legal names of both parties
Approximate date of divorce
Case number, if known
Requestor's name and contact information
Purpose of request, if required
Payment for applicable copy fees
Self-addressed stamped envelope for return of documents

Processing time is typically one to two weeks, depending on record volume and whether the file requires retrieval from archive storage.

By Phone

Limited Information:

Pierce County Superior Court Clerk: (253) 798-7455

By phone, staff may confirm:

Whether a case exists in the system
The assigned case number
Current case status
The original filing date

Staff cannot provide detailed document contents, copies of filed documents, or any confidential case information by phone.

Through Attorneys

An attorney licensed in Washington State may access dissolution case records on behalf of a client, including requesting documents from sealed or restricted portions of a file upon proper showing to the court. The Washington State Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service for members of the public seeking legal representation in complex records matters.

Information Needed for Search

Essential Information:

Full legal names of both spouses at the time of filing
Maiden names, if applicable
Approximate date of divorce or filing
Case number, if previously obtained

Helpful Information:

Date and location of marriage
Prior addresses in Pierce County
Names of children, if applicable
Names of attorneys of record, if known

Search in Correct County

Dissolution of marriage proceedings in Washington State are filed in the Superior Court of the county where either spouse resided at the time of filing. Members of the public who are uncertain of the filing county may need to search multiple counties. The county where the marriage ceremony occurred is not necessarily the county of filing unless one or both spouses also resided there.

Residency Requirement:

Under Washington law, at least one spouse must be a resident of the state at the time of filing. Washington does not impose a minimum residency period beyond general state residency; however, the petition must be filed in the county of the petitioner's or respondent's residence.

Time Considerations

Recent Divorces:

Cases finalized within the past several weeks may not yet appear in online search systems. Members of the public should allow processing time following the final hearing before expecting a case to appear in the electronic index.

Older Divorces:

Cases filed prior to the court's electronic records period may be archived in paper format. Retrieval of archived files may require additional time and, in some instances, a special request to the Clerk's office.

What If You Cannot Find a Record

Common reasons a record may not appear in a search include:

Searching in the wrong county
Name variations between married and maiden names
Spelling differences in party names
The case is still pending and not yet finalized
Very old records stored in off-site archives
The case has been sealed by court order

If a record cannot be located, members of the public may contact the Clerk's office at (253) 798-7455, attempt alternate name spellings, search under both spouses' names, or consult the Washington State Courts case search for statewide results.

What Are Pierce County Divorce Records?

Pierce County divorce records are official court documents generated during dissolution of marriage proceedings filed in Pierce County Superior Court. These records are maintained by the Pierce County Superior Court Clerk as part of the family law case file and constitute public records subject to Washington's public disclosure laws.

Types of Divorce Records:

Court Case Files include the full range of documents filed during the proceeding:

Petition for dissolution of marriage
Response or answer to the petition
Financial affidavits from both parties
Parenting plans (when minor children are involved)
Settlement agreements
Motions, responses, and court orders
Transcripts of court hearings
Final judgment of dissolution

Final Decree: The final judgment of dissolution is the official court order legally ending the marriage. It establishes the date of dissolution, division of marital property and debts, any spousal support obligations, child custody and timesharing arrangements, child support orders, and any court-approved name changes. Certified copies of the final decree are available through the Clerk's office.

Supporting Documents may include the original marriage certificate, financial disclosure statements, property inventories, parenting plan details, and any post-judgment modification orders entered after the original decree.

Purpose of Divorce Records:

Dissolution records serve numerous legal and personal purposes, including:

Providing proof of marital status for remarriage
Supporting name change documentation
Facilitating property transfers and estate planning
Documenting legal status for immigration proceedings
Supporting Social Security benefit claims
Enabling genealogical and family history research

Who Maintains Divorce Records:

The Pierce County Superior Court Clerk is the primary custodian of all dissolution case files and provides certified copies upon request. The Washington State Department of Health maintains limited statistical records of divorces but does not serve as the primary repository for legal dissolution documents.

Legal Framework:

Dissolution of marriage proceedings in Washington State are governed by RCW Chapter 26.09, which establishes the grounds, procedures, and requirements for legal dissolution. Public access to court records is governed by GR 31, the Washington Court General Rule addressing privacy and court records.

Are Pierce County Divorce Records Public?

Divorce records filed in Pierce County Superior Court are public court records under Washington law. Members of the public may access basic case information, docket entries, and most filed documents. However, certain categories of information within dissolution files are restricted or redacted pursuant to court rules and state statute.

What Is Public:

Case number and original filing date
Names of the parties (petitioner and respondent)
Names of attorneys of record
Scheduled court hearing dates
Court orders and judgments
Final divorce decree
Property division orders
General case status and docket entries

What May Be Restricted:

Financial Information:

Social Security numbers are redacted from all public-facing documents
Bank account and credit card numbers are redacted
Detailed tax returns may be filed under seal or with restricted access
Certain income and asset details may carry limited access designations

Children's Information:

Names and addresses of minor children may be redacted in some filings
Schools children attend and medical information are protected
Child custody evaluations and guardian ad litem reports may be sealed by court order
Psychological evaluations of children are restricted

Sensitive Personal Information:

Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence may be sealed
Mental health and substance abuse treatment records are restricted
Personal addresses of domestic violence victims are protected
Sexual abuse allegations may be subject to sealing orders

Sealed Records:

A court may seal specific documents or an entire case file upon a showing of good cause. Cases involving domestic violence, abuse, or high-profile parties may be subject to sealing orders. Mediation communications are confidential by statute and are not part of the public record.

Legal Basis for Public Access:

Washington's Public Records Act, RCW Chapter 42.56, establishes the presumption of public access to government records. Court records are additionally governed by General Rule 31, which balances transparency against privacy interests in family law proceedings.

Who Can Access Records:

Requestor Type	Level of Access
General public	Public documents; redacted sensitive information
Parties to the case	Full access to own case file
Attorneys of record	Full case file access; may petition for sealed records
Researchers and media	Public portions; court permission required for sealed records
Law enforcement	Statutory access to restricted information

Restrictions on Use:

Members of the public who obtain divorce records may not use them for stalking, harassment, identity theft, fraudulent purposes, or violation of any protective order. News reporting, academic research, genealogical research, legal purposes, and personal verification are among the recognized permitted uses.

Obtaining Confidential Records:

A party seeking access to sealed or restricted records must file a motion with the court demonstrating a legitimate legal need. The court applies a balancing test weighing the requestor's interest against the privacy interests of the affected parties. Certain entities, including child protection investigators and court-appointed evaluators, have statutory authority to access restricted records without a separate court order.

How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Pierce County?

The Pierce County Superior Court Clerk charges standard fees for copies and certified documents. Current fees are established pursuant to RCW 36.18.016, which governs clerk filing and copy fees in Washington Superior Courts.

Standard Copy and Certification Fees:

Service	Current Fee
Standard copies (per page)	$0.50 per page
Certified copy of final decree	$5.00 per document plus $0.50 per page
Certification seal	Included in certification fee
Electronic copies (where available)	Varies; contact Clerk's office
Search fee	No separate search fee for in-person requests

Accepted Payment Methods:

The Clerk's office accepts cash, check, money order, and credit or debit card for in-person transactions. Mail requests must include a check or money order made payable to the Pierce County Clerk. Electronic payment options may be available for online document requests through the court's case management system.

Fee Waivers:

Members of the public who demonstrate financial hardship may petition the court for a waiver of copy fees. Fee waiver requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis. Parties to the original dissolution case who are indigent may qualify for reduced or waived fees under Washington court rules.

What Is Available at No Charge:

Viewing case docket entries through the online Washington Courts Case Search is free
Reviewing documents at public access terminals in the Clerk's office does not require a copy fee unless copies are requested
Basic case status information provided by phone is available at no charge

What's Included in Divorce Records in Pierce County

A complete dissolution of marriage case file maintained by the Pierce County Superior Court Clerk contains a comprehensive set of documents generated throughout the proceeding. The contents vary depending on whether the case was contested or uncontested, whether minor children were involved, and the complexity of the marital estate.

Basic Case Information:

The case caption identifies the case number, court name and division, names of the petitioner and respondent, the assigned judge, and attorneys of record. Filing information includes the original filing date, fees paid, and the jurisdictional basis for the proceeding.

Initial Pleadings:

The petition for dissolution of marriage sets forth the petitioner's identifying information, the respondent's information, the date and location of the marriage, the date of separation if applicable, the grounds for divorce (Washington is a no-fault state, recognizing irretrievable breakdown of the marriage under RCW § 26.09.030), information about minor children, property claims, and the relief requested. The respondent's answer or response sets forth the respondent's position, any admissions or denials, and any counterpetition for relief.

Financial affidavits filed by both parties disclose income from all sources, monthly expenses, assets including real property, vehicles, bank and investment accounts, and personal property, as well as all liabilities.

Discovery Documents:

Discovery materials may include financial disclosure documents such as tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements, investment and retirement account statements, and business financial records. Interrogatories (written questions answered under oath) and requests for production of documents may also be part of the file.

Property-Related Documents:

The marital asset inventory describes and values all real property, vehicles, financial accounts, retirement accounts, business interests, and personal property. A corresponding debt inventory lists mortgages, vehicle loans, credit card balances, personal loans, and other obligations. Appraisals and expert valuations of real property, businesses, or personal property may be included.

Children-Related Documents:

When minor children are involved, the file includes a parenting plan establishing legal custody (decision-making authority) and physical custody (primary residence), a detailed timesharing schedule covering regular, holiday, summer, and vacation periods, transportation arrangements, and provisions for communication between parents and children. A child support calculation worksheet documents income information, the number of overnights with each parent, health insurance costs, and childcare costs, resulting in the support amount ordered.

If the court ordered a custody evaluation, the evaluator's report and recommendations are part of the file, though these documents may be sealed. Guardian ad litem reports, when a guardian was appointed to represent the children's interests, are similarly included but may carry restricted access.

Settlement Documents:

A marital settlement agreement, when the parties resolved issues by agreement, is a comprehensive document addressing property division, debt allocation, spousal support terms, child-related provisions, tax treatment of transfers, and attorney fee allocation. Mediation agreements, if the parties participated in mediation, may be incorporated into the settlement agreement, though the mediation communications themselves are confidential.

Court Orders and Judgments:

Temporary orders entered during the pendency of the case may address temporary custody, temporary support, temporary use of marital property, and any restraining orders or injunctions. The final judgment of dissolution is the court's definitive order ending the marriage, containing findings of fact, conclusions of law, all property and debt division determinations, spousal support orders, child custody and timesharing provisions, child support orders, and any approved name restoration. If retirement accounts were divided, a separate Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) instructs the plan administrator on the division of benefits.

Post-Judgment Documents:

After entry of the final decree, the file may be supplemented with petitions to modify custody or support, court orders on those modifications, contempt motions alleging non-compliance, income deduction orders for support enforcement, and any liens filed in connection with property division.

What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed:

Social Security numbers and financial account numbers (redacted from all public documents)
Children's residential addresses and school information
Domestic violence details (may be sealed by court order)
Mental health evaluations and substance abuse records
Mediation communications (confidential by statute)
Settlement negotiations not formally filed with the court

How to Get Proof of Divorce in Pierce County

Proof of divorce in Pierce County is obtained through a certified copy of the final judgment of dissolution issued by the Pierce County Superior Court Clerk. A certified copy bears the court's official seal and the Clerk's certification, making it legally recognized for purposes such as remarriage, name changes, immigration proceedings, and benefit claims.

Steps to Obtain a Certified Copy:

Gather the case number, names of both parties, and the approximate date of the final decree. If the case number is unknown, use the Washington Courts Case Search to locate it.
Submit a request in person, by mail, or through the Clerk's online portal.
Pay the applicable certification fee (currently $5.00 per document plus $0.50 per page).
Receive the certified copy at the counter for in-person requests, or by mail for written requests.

In-Person Requests:

Pierce County Superior Court Clerk
930 Tacoma Avenue South, Room 110
Tacoma, WA 98402
Phone: (253) 798-7455
Pierce County Clerk

Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.

By Mail:

Written requests should be directed to the same address. Include the names of both parties, the case number if known, the approximate date of the decree, a check or money order for the applicable fees, and a self-addressed stamped envelope.

Online:

Members of the public may initiate document requests through the Pierce County Superior Court Clerk's online services. Electronic access to case documents may be available for cases filed within the electronic filing period.

Washington State Department of Health:

For statistical verification purposes, the Washington State Department of Health vital records office maintains a divorce index. However, this office does not issue certified copies of dissolution decrees; those are available exclusively through the Superior Court Clerk of the county where the case was filed.

Pierce County Auditor (Recording Division):

If a property transfer was recorded in connection with the dissolution, the Pierce County Auditor's office maintains recorded deed and transfer records that may serve as supplementary proof of property-related dissolution terms.

Pierce County Auditor
2401 South 35th Street, Room 200
Tacoma, WA 98409
Phone: (253) 798-7430
Pierce County Auditor

Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Pierce County?

Dissolution of marriage records in Pierce County are presumptively public under Washington law; however, specific documents or entire case files may be made confidential under defined circumstances.

Circumstances under which records may be sealed or restricted include:

Domestic violence cases: When a party has obtained a protection order or when disclosure of an address or personal information could endanger a party, the court may seal identifying information pursuant to Washington's domestic violence statutes.
Sealed financial documents: Tax returns, detailed financial statements, and account numbers are routinely redacted from public-facing documents. A party may petition the court to seal entire financial exhibits upon a showing of good cause.
Child-related records: Custody evaluations, guardian ad litem reports, and psychological assessments of minor children may be sealed to protect the children's privacy and best interests.
Mediation records: Communications made during court-ordered mediation are confidential by statute and are not filed with the court or accessible to the public.
Court-ordered sealing: Any party may file a motion to seal specific documents or the entire case file. The court applies a balancing test under GR 15, weighing the public interest in access against the privacy interests at stake.

Even in sealed cases, the existence of the case and basic identifying information may remain accessible in the public index.

How Long Does Pierce County Keep Divorce Records?

Pierce County Superior Court maintains dissolution of marriage records in accordance with Washington State's court records retention schedule established by the Washington State Archives.

Retention periods for dissolution records include:

Final judgments and decrees: Retained permanently. The final judgment of dissolution is a permanent court record and is never destroyed.
Complete case files (contested cases): Retained for a minimum of 75 years from the date of filing under Washington's Superior Court records retention schedule.
Complete case files (uncontested cases): Retained for a minimum of 75 years from the date of filing.
Financial affidavits and discovery documents: Retained as part of the case file for the applicable retention period; some financial exhibits may be returned to parties or destroyed after a shorter period if not incorporated into the final order.
Temporary orders: Retained as part of the case file for the full retention period.
Post-judgment modification records: Retained as part of the original case file or as a separate supplemental file, subject to the same retention schedule.

Older paper records may be transferred to the Washington State Archives for long-term storage. Members of the public requesting archived records should contact the Pierce County Superior Court Clerk to confirm the location of the file and any additional retrieval time required.