Klickitat County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Klickitat County in 2026
KlickitatRecords.us provides access to publicly available data and information related to divorce records in Klickitat County. Members of the public may find case filings, final decrees, dissolution judgments, parenting plans, property division orders, and related court documents through official channels. Access to specific records may vary depending on the nature of the case, the date of filing, and any court-ordered restrictions.
Records can be searched through official resources including the Klickitat County Superior Court Clerk's office, public access terminals at the courthouse, the Washington Courts case search portal, and the Washington State Department of Health's vital records system. The following methods are available to members of the public seeking divorce records.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Washington Courts public case search portal allows members of the public to search Superior Court case records statewide, including dissolution of marriage cases filed in Klickitat County. Basic case information is available at no charge; fees apply for certified copies or document retrieval.
- Access the Washington Courts case search portal
- Search by party name or case number
- Free basic case information including filing date, case status, and docket entries
- Fees apply for document copies
2. State Vital Records
The Washington State Department of Health maintains divorce certificates for dissolutions finalized in Washington. These certificates provide summary information and serve as official proof of divorce status.
- Access Washington State vital records through the Department of Health
- Divorce certificates available for dissolutions recorded statewide
- Fees apply per certificate
In-Person Searches
Klickitat County Superior Court Clerk
205 S Columbus Ave, MS CH 12
Goldendale, WA 98620
Phone: (509) 773-4010
Klickitat County Superior Court
- Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Services available in person:
- Search case files by party name or case number
- View documents at public access terminals
- Request certified copies of final decrees and orders
- Staff assistance for locating archived records
By Mail
Written Request:
- Mail to: Klickitat County Superior Court Clerk, 205 S Columbus Ave MS CH 12, Goldendale, WA 98620
- Include the following with each request:
- Full names of both parties (including maiden names if applicable)
- Approximate date of divorce
- Case number, if known
- Requester's name and contact information
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return of documents
- Processing time: Requests are processed within 1–2 weeks, subject to staff availability and record location
By Phone
Limited Information Available:
- Klickitat County Superior Court Clerk: (509) 773-4010
- Staff can confirm:
- Whether a case exists in the system
- Case number and filing date
- Current case status
- Staff cannot provide:
- Detailed document contents by phone
- Copies of filed documents
- Confidential or restricted information
Through Attorneys
An attorney licensed in Washington State may access court records on behalf of a client, request sealed documents through proper motion practice, and obtain certified copies through professional channels. Members of the public seeking legal representation may use the Washington State Bar Association lawyer referral service to locate qualified family law counsel.
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 year
- Case number, if previously obtained
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Prior addresses in Klickitat County
- Names of attorneys of record, if known
Search in Correct County
Pursuant to RCW 26.09.010, a petition for dissolution of marriage in Washington must be filed in the Superior Court of the county where either spouse resides 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 where the dissolution was filed.
Residency Requirement:
- At least one spouse must be a resident of Washington State at the time of filing
- Washington does not impose a minimum residency duration for divorce filing, but the petitioning party must be domiciled in the state
Time Considerations
Recent Divorces:
- Newly finalized cases may require several days to weeks before appearing in online search systems
- Members of the public should allow processing time following the final hearing before searching
Older Divorces:
- Cases predating electronic filing may be stored in paper archives
- Archived records may require additional retrieval time
- Not all historical records are digitized; in-person or mail requests are recommended for older cases
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common Issues:
- Incorrect county of filing
- Name variations between married and maiden names
- Spelling differences in party names
- Case still pending and not yet finalized
- Very old records held in off-site storage
- Case sealed by court order
Next Steps:
- Contact the Clerk's office at (509) 773-4010 to request staff assistance
- Attempt alternate name spellings or both spouses' names
- Search the Washington State Archives Digital Archives for historical records
- Check Washington State vital records for a divorce certificate
- Consult a licensed Washington attorney for complex searches
What Are Klickitat County Divorce Records?
Klickitat County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after dissolution of marriage proceedings filed in Klickitat County Superior Court. These records are maintained by the Superior Court Clerk and constitute part of the permanent public court record, subject to applicable privacy protections under Washington law.
Types of Divorce Records:
Court Case Files
The complete case file for a dissolution proceeding includes all documents filed with the court from initiation through final judgment:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage
- Summons and proof of service
- Response or answer filed by the respondent
- Financial declarations from both parties
- Proposed and final parenting plans (if children are involved)
- Marital settlement agreements
- Motions, responses, and supporting declarations
- Court hearing transcripts (if ordered)
- Temporary orders
- Final judgment and decree of dissolution
Final Decree
The final decree of dissolution is the court order that legally ends the marriage. It is the document most frequently requested as proof of divorce and includes:
- Date the marriage is dissolved
- Division of marital property and debts
- Spousal maintenance provisions, if any
- Child custody and parenting plan, if applicable
- Child support orders, if applicable
- Restoration of a former name, if requested
- Judge's signature and court seal
Certified copies of the final decree are available through the Superior Court Clerk for a fee.
Supporting Documents
Additional documents that may be part of the case file include financial disclosure statements, property appraisals, business valuations, Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for retirement account division, and post-judgment modification orders.
Who Maintains Divorce Records:
Clerk of Court
The Klickitat County Superior Court Clerk is the primary custodian of all dissolution case files. The Clerk indexes records by party names and case number, provides certified copies, and maintains both active and archived case files.
State Vital Records Office
The Washington State Department of Health vital records office maintains divorce certificates for dissolutions finalized in Washington. These certificates contain summary information and are distinct from the full court case file maintained by the Superior Court Clerk.
Legal Framework:
Dissolution of marriage proceedings in Washington are governed by RCW Chapter 26.09, which establishes the grounds, procedures, and requirements for dissolution. Washington is a no-fault dissolution state; under RCW 26.09.030, the sole ground for dissolution is that the marriage is irretrievably broken. Public access to court records is governed by the Washington Court Rules and the state's public records framework.
Are Klickitat County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Klickitat County Superior Court are public court records under Washington law, and members of the public may access basic case information and most filed documents. However, certain categories of information within those records are subject to restriction or redaction to protect sensitive personal and financial data.
What Is Public:
- Case number and filing date
- Names of the parties (petitioner and respondent)
- Names of attorneys of record
- Court hearing dates and docket entries
- Final judgment and decree of dissolution
- Property division orders
- General case status and disposition
What May Be Restricted:
Financial Information:
- Social Security numbers are redacted from all public filings pursuant to Washington court rules
- Bank account and credit card numbers are redacted
- Detailed tax returns may be filed under seal or with restricted access
Children's Information:
- Names and addresses of minor children may be partially redacted
- Child custody evaluations and guardian ad litem reports may be sealed by court order
- Schools and medical information pertaining to children are protected
Sensitive Personal Information:
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence may be sealed
- Mental health and substance abuse records incorporated into filings are restricted
- Personal addresses of domestic violence victims are protected under Washington law
Sealed Records:
A court may seal all or part of a dissolution case file upon a showing of good cause. Sealed records are not accessible to the general public. Parties seeking access to sealed records must file a motion with the court and demonstrate a legitimate legal basis for access.
Who Can Access Records:
- General public: May access most case information, view docket summaries, and obtain copies of public documents upon payment of applicable fees
- Parties to the case: Have full access to their own case file, including documents that may be restricted from general public view
- Attorneys of record: Have professional access to case files and may seek access to sealed materials through proper motion practice
- Researchers and media: May access public portions of case files; sealed records require court authorization
Prohibited Uses:
Members of the public who obtain divorce records may not use that information for stalking, harassment, identity theft, or any purpose that violates a court-issued protective order. Washington law prohibits the use of personal information obtained from court records for commercial solicitation purposes in certain circumstances.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Klickitat County?
The Klickitat County Superior Court Clerk charges standard fees for copies and certified copies of court records. Current fees are established pursuant to RCW 36.18.016, which governs fees charged by county clerks in Washington State.
Standard Copy Fees:
| Service | Current Fee |
|---|---|
| Standard paper copies | $0.50 per page |
| Certified copy of final decree or order | $5.00 per document (plus per-page copy fee) |
| Certification seal | Included in certification fee |
| Electronic copies (where available) | Varies; contact Clerk's office |
Washington State Department of Health Divorce Certificate Fees:
| Service | Current Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified divorce certificate (first copy) | $25.00 |
| Each additional copy ordered at the same time | $20.00 |
Fees for state vital records certificates are established by the Department of Health and are subject to change. Members of the public may verify current fees through the ordering a marriage or divorce record page on the Department of Health website.
Accepted Payment Methods:
- Klickitat County Superior Court Clerk accepts cash, check, and money order for in-person and mail requests
- Credit and debit card acceptance should be confirmed directly with the Clerk's office at (509) 773-4010
- The Department of Health accepts credit cards, checks, and money orders for vital records orders
Fee Waivers:
Members of the public who are parties to the case and 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. Inspection of public records at the courthouse, without requesting copies, does not incur a fee.
What Is Available at No Charge:
- Viewing case docket entries through the Washington Courts online case search portal
- In-person inspection of public case documents at the courthouse public access terminal (no copy fee for viewing only)
What's Included in Divorce Records in Klickitat County
A complete dissolution case file maintained by the Klickitat County Superior Court Clerk contains all documents filed from the initiation of proceedings through final judgment and any post-judgment actions.
Basic Case Information:
- Case caption including case number, court name, and names of petitioner and respondent
- Judge assigned to the case
- Attorneys of record for each party
- Filing date and case type designation
Initial Pleadings:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage, including marriage date and location, date of separation if applicable, identification of children, property claims, and relief requested
- Summons issued to the respondent
- Response or answer filed by the respondent, including any counterpetition
- Financial declarations from both parties detailing income, expenses, assets, and liabilities
Property-Related Documents:
- Marital asset inventory listing real property, vehicles, bank accounts, investment and retirement accounts, business interests, and personal property
- Debt inventory covering mortgages, loans, and credit obligations
- Appraisals and expert valuations for real property, businesses, and personal property
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders if retirement accounts are divided
Children-Related Documents (if applicable):
- Proposed and final parenting plan establishing legal and physical custody, timesharing schedule, holiday provisions, and decision-making responsibilities
- Child support calculation worksheets and final support order
- Custody evaluations ordered by the court (may be sealed)
- Guardian ad litem reports (may be restricted)
Settlement and Judgment Documents:
- Marital settlement agreement resolving all issues by consent of the parties
- Temporary orders entered during the pendency of the case
- Final judgment and decree of dissolution containing the court's findings, property division, support orders, parenting plan, and date of dissolution
- Post-judgment modification orders, contempt motions, and enforcement actions, if any
What Is Typically Confidential or Redacted:
- Social Security numbers and financial account numbers
- Children's residential addresses and school information
- Domestic violence-related evidence that has been sealed
- Mental health and substance abuse evaluation records
- Mediation communications, which are confidential under Washington law
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Klickitat County
Proof of divorce in Klickitat County is obtained either through a certified copy of the final decree of dissolution from the Superior Court Clerk or through a divorce certificate issued by the Washington State Department of Health.
Certified Copy of Final Decree (Superior Court Clerk):
A certified copy of the final decree bears the court's official seal and the Clerk's certification, making it legally recognized proof of divorce for purposes of remarriage, name change, immigration proceedings, and other legal matters.
- Submit a request in person, by mail, or by phone to the Klickitat County Superior Court Clerk at 205 S Columbus Ave MS CH 12, Goldendale, WA 98620, (509) 773-4010
- Provide the case number, names of both parties, and approximate date of dissolution
- Pay the applicable certification and per-page copy fees
- Requests are processed within 1–2 weeks for mail submissions; in-person requests may be fulfilled same day if the file is available
Washington State Divorce Certificate (Department of Health):
The Department of Health issues certified divorce certificates for dissolutions finalized in Washington. These certificates are available to the parties to the divorce, their legal representatives, and members of the public who demonstrate a direct and tangible interest.
Washington State Department of Health, Center for Health Statistics
PO Box 47814
Olympia, WA 98504-7814
Phone: (360) 236-4300
Washington State Department of Health
- Orders may be submitted online, by mail, or in person at the Department of Health
- Current fee: $25.00 for the first certified copy; $20.00 for each additional copy ordered simultaneously
- Processing times vary; expedited service may be available for an additional fee
Washington State Archives:
For older dissolution records that may not be available through the court or the Department of Health, the Washington State Archives Digital Archives provides online access to digitized historical court and government records, including some older Superior Court case files.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Klickitat County?
A dissolution of marriage case filed in Klickitat County Superior Court may be made confidential, in whole or in part, through a court order sealing the record. Washington courts apply a balancing test weighing the public's right of access against the privacy interests of the parties and any children involved.
Circumstances Under Which Records May Be Sealed or Restricted:
- Domestic violence cases where disclosure of a party's address or identifying information could endanger a victim
- Cases involving allegations of child abuse or sexual abuse, where sensitive evaluations or reports are incorporated into the record
- Cases where financial records containing trade secrets or proprietary business information are filed
- High-profile cases where a court finds that sealing is necessary to protect a compelling privacy interest
- Mediation communications, which are confidential by statute and are not part of the public court record
Process for Sealing Records:
- A party must file a motion with the Superior Court requesting that specific documents or the entire case file be sealed
- The court provides notice to all parties and conducts a hearing if necessary
- The court issues a written order specifying which records are sealed and the basis for sealing
- Sealed records are not accessible to the general public; access requires a subsequent court order
Automatic Redactions:
Certain information is automatically redacted from public filings under Washington court rules without requiring a separate sealing order, including Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and, in some cases, the names and identifying information of minor children.
Washington court rules governing access to court records and the sealing of case files are set forth in the Washington Court General Rules.
How Long Does Klickitat County Keep Divorce Records?
Klickitat County Superior Court maintains dissolution of marriage records in accordance with Washington State retention schedules established by the Washington State Archives and applicable court rules. Divorce records are among the most permanently retained categories of court records in Washington.
Retention Periods:
- Final judgments and decrees of dissolution: Retained permanently
- Complete case files for contested dissolutions: Retained for a minimum of 75 years from the date of filing
- Case files for uncontested dissolutions: Retained pursuant to the applicable Washington State Archives retention schedule, which provides for long-term retention of family law records
- Post-judgment modification orders and enforcement actions: Retained as part of the original case file for the same period
Archived Records:
- Cases older than a certain threshold may be transferred to off-site storage or to the Washington State Archives
- The Washington State Archives Digital Archives maintains digitized versions of some historical Superior Court records
- Members of the public seeking records from archived cases should contact the Klickitat County Superior Court Clerk directly to determine the location and retrieval process for specific files
State Vital Records Retention:
The Washington State Department of Health retains divorce certificates in its vital records system permanently, providing an alternative source for proof of dissolution when court records are archived or difficult to access.
Washington State Archives retention schedules for court records are established pursuant to RCW 40.14, which governs the preservation and destruction of public records throughout Washington State.