Clallam County Public Records /Clallam County Divorce Records

Clallam County Divorce Records

What Are Clallam County Divorce Records?

Divorce records in Clallam County are official legal documents that provide evidence of the dissolution of a marriage within the county's jurisdiction. These records are maintained pursuant to Washington State's Revised Code § 26.09.030, which governs the dissolution of marriage proceedings. The records document the legal termination of a marital relationship and are processed through the Clallam County Superior Court.

Divorce records typically consist of several components:

Petition for dissolution of marriage
Summons
Response from the respondent spouse
Parenting plans (if children are involved)
Child support worksheets and orders
Property division agreements
Final decree of dissolution

The Superior Court Clerk's Office serves as the official custodian of these records in Clallam County. Divorce records serve multiple important purposes, including:

Providing legal proof of marital status change
Enabling individuals to legally remarry
Supporting name change processes
Documenting eligibility for Social Security benefits
Verifying status for loan applications
Establishing status for immigration matters
Serving as evidence in property disputes

Under Washington State law, divorce records are categorized as both court records and vital records, with different agencies responsible for maintaining different aspects of the documentation.

Are Clallam County Divorce Records Public?

Divorce records in Clallam County have a dual status regarding public accessibility. Court divorce case files are generally considered public records under the Washington Public Records Act § 42.56, but with significant exceptions and limitations.

The public accessibility of divorce records is governed by the following framework:

Court Case Files: The basic case information, including party names, case numbers, and filing dates, is publicly accessible through the Clallam County Superior Court. However, certain sensitive documents within these files may be sealed or redacted.
Restricted Information: Pursuant to Washington Court General Rule 22, certain information is protected from public disclosure, including:
- Social Security numbers
- Financial account numbers
- Names of minor children
- Sensitive personal information
- Sealed records by court order
Certified Divorce Certificates: These official documents verifying the divorce are maintained by the Washington State Department of Health and have restricted access. Only the following individuals may obtain certified copies:
- The parties to the divorce
- Legal representatives with proper authorization
- Individuals with a court order
- Those with a direct and tangible interest as determined by statute

Members of the public seeking divorce record information must follow established procedures through either the Clallam County Superior Court Clerk's Office for court records or the Washington State Department of Health for certified divorce certificates.

How To Find a Divorce Record In Clallam County in 2026

Members of the public may locate divorce records in Clallam County through several established channels. The process varies depending on whether the requestor seeks court case files or certified divorce certificates.

For Court Case Files:

Contact the Clallam County Superior Court Clerk's Office:

Clallam County Superior Court Clerk's Office
223 E. 4th Street, Suite 9
Port Angeles, WA 98362
(360) 417-2250
County Clerk of Superior Court

Provide the following information:
- Full names of both parties
- Approximate date of divorce filing or finalization
- Case number (if known)
Submit a records request form in person, by mail, or electronically.
Pay applicable fees:
- Search fee: $5-10 per name
- Copy fees: $0.25-0.50 per page
- Certification fee (if needed): $5 per document

For Certified Divorce Certificates:

Contact the Washington State Department of Health:

Washington State Department of Health
Center for Health Statistics
P.O. Box 47814
Olympia, WA 98504-7814
(360) 236-4300
Vital Records

Complete the marriage or divorce certificate request form.
Provide required identification and proof of eligibility.
Submit the application with the current fee ($25-35 per certificate).
Allow 2-4 weeks for processing for mail requests; expedited service is available for an additional fee.

Requestors should note that divorce records from 1968 to the present are maintained by the state, while earlier records may only be available through the county clerk's office where the divorce was granted.

How To Look Up Divorce Records in Clallam County Online?

Clallam County provides several digital resources for accessing divorce record information online. These electronic systems offer varying levels of detail and accessibility.

The primary online resources include:

Clallam County Superior Court Case Search
- Visit the Case or Name Search portal
- Enter the party name or case number
- Select case type "Dissolution/Divorce" if that option is available
- Review basic case information including:
  - Filing date
  - Case status
  - Party names
  - Scheduled hearings
  - Document index
Washington State Digital Archives
- Access the Washington State Digital Archives
- Navigate to "Marriage Records" section
- Search by name, date range, and county
- Records typically include basic divorce information but not full documents
Washington Courts Search Portal
- Visit the Washington State Courts Name and Case Search
- Enter party name information
- Filter results by county and case type
- Review case summary information

Important limitations to be aware of:

Full divorce decree documents are generally not available for download online
Sensitive or sealed information is excluded from online systems
Older records (typically pre-1990s) may not be digitized
Online records provide case summaries rather than complete files
Official certified copies must still be requested through official channels

For comprehensive divorce record information, individuals may need to supplement online searches with in-person or written requests to the Clallam County Superior Court Clerk's Office.

How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Clallam County?

Members of the public have several options for accessing basic divorce record information in Clallam County without payment, though comprehensive records typically involve fees.

Free access options include:

Public Access Terminals at the Courthouse
- Visit the Clallam County Superior Court Clerk's Office during regular business hours:
Clallam County Superior Court Clerk's Office
223 E. 4th Street, Suite 9
Port Angeles, WA 98362
Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
(360) 417-2250
- Use the public access computer terminals to search case information
- Basic case information can be viewed without charge
- Printing or obtaining copies will incur standard fees
Online Case Index Search
- Access the Washington Courts Public Case Search
- Enter party name information
- Filter by Clallam County and case type
- View basic case status information at no cost
County Law Library Resources
- Visit the Clallam County Law Library:
Clallam County Law Library
223 E. 4th Street
Port Angeles, WA 98362
(360) 417-2287
- Access legal research materials and case indexes
- Obtain assistance from law library staff for locating records
- Review publicly available court documents
Washington State Archives - Northwest Regional Branch
- For historical divorce records (typically over 10 years old):
Washington State Archives - Northwest Regional Branch
Western Washington University
Bellingham, WA 98225
(360) 650-3125
- Research historical court records by appointment
- View microfilmed or archived court documents

While basic information may be accessed without cost, requestors should note that:

Certified copies always require payment of statutory fees
Extensive searches may require staff assistance and associated fees
Copies of documents, even when located through free resources, typically incur per-page charges
Records requiring special handling or extensive research may involve additional costs

What's Included in a Divorce Records In Clallam County

Divorce records in Clallam County comprise a comprehensive collection of legal documents that chronicle the dissolution process from initiation to finalization. The content of these records is governed by Washington State Court Rules for Dissolution Proceedings and typically includes multiple components.

A complete divorce file generally contains:

Initiating Documents
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
- Summons
- Proof of service
- Confidential Information Form (not publicly accessible)
Financial Disclosures
- Financial declarations
- Asset and liability statements
- Income verification documents
- Tax returns (typically sealed from public view)
Child-Related Documents (if applicable)
- Parenting Plan
- Child Support Worksheets
- Child Support Order
- Residential provisions
Property Settlement Information
- Property division agreements
- Real estate transfers
- Retirement account divisions
- Debt allocation agreements
Court Orders and Judgments
- Temporary orders during proceedings
- Final Decree of Dissolution
- Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law
- Name change orders (if applicable)
Procedural Documents
- Court hearing notices
- Continuance requests
- Certificates of completion for required parenting classes
- Mediation reports
Post-Judgment Modifications (if applicable)
- Petitions for modification
- Orders modifying original decree
- Enforcement actions

The certified divorce certificate issued by the Washington State Department of Health contains more limited information, typically including:

Names of both parties
Date of divorce finalization
County where divorce was granted
Case number
Official state certification

Certain sensitive information within divorce files may be redacted or sealed pursuant to Washington Court General Rule 22, including Social Security numbers, financial account details, and certain information regarding minor children.

How To Get Proof of Divorce In Clallam County?

Individuals seeking official proof of divorce in Clallam County have two primary options for obtaining legally recognized documentation. The appropriate method depends on the specific purpose and level of detail required.

Option 1: Certified Copy of Divorce Decree from Clallam County Superior Court

For comprehensive proof containing all divorce terms and conditions:

Submit a request to the Clallam County Superior Court Clerk:

Clallam County Superior Court Clerk's Office
223 E. 4th Street, Suite 9
Port Angeles, WA 98362
(360) 417-2250
Requesting Superior Court Records

Provide the following information:
- Full names of both parties
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number (if known)
- Your relationship to the case
Complete the records request form available at the clerk's office or online.
Pay the required fees:
- Search fee: $5-10
- Copy fee: $0.25-0.50 per page
- Certification fee: $5 per document
Allow 1-3 business days for processing if requested in person; longer for mail requests.

Option 2: Certified Divorce Certificate from Washington State Department of Health

For concise proof of divorce status (without detailed terms):

Submit a request to the Washington State Department of Health:

Washington State Department of Health
Center for Health Statistics
P.O. Box 47814
Olympia, WA 98504-7814
(360) 236-4300
Marriage or Divorce Record

Complete the official certificate request form.
Provide acceptable identification and proof of eligibility.
Submit the current fee ($25-35 per certificate).
Allow 2-4 weeks for processing for mail requests; expedited service is available.

Acceptable forms of proof of divorce vary by purpose:

Legal name changes: Certified copy of divorce decree
Remarriage: Certified divorce certificate
Immigration: Certified copy of divorce decree
Property transactions: Certified copy of divorce decree
General verification: Either document may suffice

Requestors should specify their intended use when ordering to ensure they receive the appropriate documentation.

Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Clallam County?

While divorce proceedings in Clallam County are generally matters of public record, Washington State law provides several mechanisms through which certain aspects of divorce cases may be kept confidential. The confidentiality of divorce records is governed by Washington Court General Rule 22 and related statutes.

Circumstances under which divorce records may be confidential include:

Sealing of Specific Documents
- The court may seal particular documents within a divorce file upon motion by either party
- The judge must find compelling privacy interests that outweigh the public interest in disclosure
- Common documents sealed include:
  - Financial declarations
  - Tax returns
  - Medical records
  - Psychological evaluations
  - Detailed information about minor children
Redaction of Sensitive Information
- Certain information is automatically redacted from publicly accessible records:
  - Social Security numbers
  - Financial account numbers
  - Names of minor children (in some contexts)
  - Birth dates
  - Driver's license numbers
Complete Sealing of Case Files
- In exceptional circumstances, an entire divorce case may be sealed
- This requires demonstration of compelling reasons that substantially outweigh public interest
- Grounds may include:
  - Documented risk of physical harm
  - Extraordinary privacy concerns
  - Protection of business trade secrets
  - Prevention of serious economic harm
Confidential Name Change
- Name changes within divorce proceedings may be confidential under RCW 4.24.130 if:
  - The person is a victim of domestic violence
  - The change is necessary to protect personal safety
Alternative Dispute Resolution
- Mediation communications are confidential by statute
- Settlement negotiations may remain private until incorporated into final orders

Parties seeking confidentiality must follow specific procedures:

File a motion to seal with the court
Demonstrate specific grounds for confidentiality
Obtain a court order specifying which documents are sealed
Comply with the least restrictive means necessary to protect privacy

The court balances privacy interests against the presumption of openness in judicial proceedings when determining whether to grant confidentiality requests.

How Long Does a Divorce Take In Clallam County?

The duration of divorce proceedings in Clallam County varies significantly based on multiple factors, including case complexity, level of agreement between parties, and court scheduling. Washington State law establishes certain minimum timeframes, but the actual process often extends beyond these statutory minimums.

Statutory Minimum Timeframe:

Washington State imposes a mandatory 90-day waiting period from the date of filing and service before a divorce can be finalized, pursuant to RCW 26.09.030
This "cooling-off period" applies to all dissolution cases, regardless of complexity or agreement level

Typical Timeframes by Case Type:

Uncontested Divorces (Full Agreement)
- Minimum: 90 days from filing/service
- Typical range: 3-4 months
- Factors affecting timeline:
  - Completeness of paperwork
  - Court review backlog
  - Availability of judicial officers for final approval
Contested Divorces with Partial Agreements
- Typical range: 6-12 months
- Timeline influenced by:
  - Number of disputed issues
  - Complexity of assets/debts
  - Parenting plan negotiations
  - Court calendar congestion
Highly Contested Divorces
- Typical range: 12-24+ months
- Extended by:
  - Discovery disputes
  - Multiple motion hearings
  - Expert witness involvement
  - Trial scheduling
  - Post-trial motions

Current Processing Statistics: According to the Washington Courts Caseload Reports, the median time from filing to disposition for dissolution cases in Clallam County Superior Court is approximately:

Uncontested cases: 4-5 months
Contested cases resolved without trial: 9-11 months
Cases requiring trial: 14-18 months

Factors That May Extend Timeframes:

High-value or complex asset division
Business valuation requirements
Custody evaluations
Guardian ad litem investigations
Court congestion and scheduling delays
Attorney availability
Settlement negotiation periods
Temporary order proceedings

Parties seeking expedited processing should consider mediation, collaboration, or settlement conferences to resolve disputes without extended litigation.

How Long Does Clallam County Keep Divorce Records?

Divorce records in Clallam County are subject to retention schedules established by the Washington State Archives under the authority of RCW 40.14, which governs the preservation and destruction of public records. Different components of divorce records are retained for varying periods depending on their classification and historical significance.

Court Case Files Retention:

The Clallam County Superior Court Clerk maintains divorce case files according to the following schedule:

Complete Case Files
- Permanent retention for cases filed in 1889-1979
- 75 years retention for cases filed in 1980 and later
- After the retention period, files are transferred to Washington State Archives
Judgment and Decree Documents
- Permanent retention regardless of filing date
- These key documents are never destroyed
- Eventually transferred to Washington State Archives for historical preservation
Exhibits and Supporting Documentation
- Retained until case closure plus 60 days
- May be returned to parties or destroyed after this period
- Exceptions made for historically significant materials
Financial Declarations and Sealed Documents
- Retained for the duration of the case file retention period
- Remain under seal throughout the retention period

Vital Records Retention:

The Washington State Department of Health maintains divorce certificates as vital records with the following retention schedule:

Original Certificates
- Permanent retention
- Never destroyed or purged
- Maintained in secure state repositories
Index Information
- Permanent retention
- Digitized and preserved in multiple formats
- Available for authorized searches indefinitely

Electronic Records:

As Clallam County has transitioned to digital record-keeping:

Electronic case management records are retained permanently
Digital images of paper documents follow the same retention schedule as their physical counterparts
Backup systems ensure preservation even if primary systems fail

Individuals seeking historical divorce records should note that older records may be:

Stored in the Washington State Archives Northwest Regional Branch
Available on microfilm rather than original paper
Accessible through special request procedures
Subject to different access protocols than current records

How To Get a Divorce In Clallam County

Individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage in Clallam County must follow procedures established under Washington State law. The process involves multiple steps and varies depending on whether the divorce is contested or uncontested.

Residency Requirements:

Either spouse must be a resident of Washington State
No specific county residency duration required
Filing typically occurs in the county where either spouse resides

Step 1: Prepare and File Initial Documents

The following documents must be filed with the Clallam County Superior Court:

Clallam County Superior Court
223 E. 4th Street
Port Angeles, WA 98362
(360) 417-2225
Superior Court

Required documents include:

Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
Summons
Confidential Information Form
Vital Statistics Form
If children are involved: Parenting Plan, Child Support Worksheets

Step 2: Serve the Other Spouse

The non-filing spouse must receive copies of all filed documents
Service must be performed by someone over 18 who is not a party to the case
A Proof of Service must be filed with the court
Alternative service methods may be available if the spouse cannot be located

Step 3: Wait for Response

The served spouse has 20-30 days to file a Response
If no Response is filed, the case may proceed by default
If a Response is filed contesting issues, the case proceeds as contested

Step 4: Financial Disclosure

Both parties must exchange financial information
Required disclosures include income, assets, debts, and expenses
Financial Declaration forms must be completed

Step 5: Temporary Orders (if needed)

Either party may request temporary orders for:
- Child custody and support
- Spousal maintenance
- Use of property
- Payment of debts
- Restraining orders

Step 6: Resolution Process For contested issues:

Mandatory mediation for parenting issues
Settlement conferences
Trial if issues remain unresolved

For uncontested divorces:

Prepare final documents
Both parties sign agreements
Submit for court approval

Step 7: Finalization

Final documents are presented to the court
Judge reviews and signs Final Decree of Dissolution
Additional orders signed (Parenting Plan, Child Support, etc.)
Divorce becomes final when judge signs decree

Mandatory Waiting Period:

90 days must elapse between filing/service and finalization
This period cannot be waived regardless of agreement level

Legal assistance is available through:

How To Get Divorce Papers In Clallam County

Individuals initiating or responding to divorce proceedings in Clallam County have several options for obtaining the necessary legal forms. These documents must comply with Washington State court rules and local county requirements.

Option 1: Clallam County Superior Court Clerk's Office

Visit in person to obtain paper forms:

Clallam County Superior Court Clerk's Office
223 E. 4th Street, Suite 9
Port Angeles, WA 98362
Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM
(360) 417-2250
County Clerk of Superior Court

Available forms include: