Franklin County Divorce Records
How To Find a Divorce Record In Franklin County in 2026
FranklinWARecords.org provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Franklin County, Washington. Members of the public may find case numbers, filing dates, party names, final decrees, and related court documents through official channels. Available record categories include dissolution of marriage filings, final judgments, parenting plans, property settlement agreements, and post-judgment modification orders. Access and completeness of records may vary depending on the age of the case and applicable confidentiality provisions.
Records may be searched through official resources including the Franklin County Superior Court Clerk's office, public access terminals at the courthouse, the Washington Courts statewide case search system, and the Washington State Department of Health's vital records office.
Online Searches
1. Clerk of Court Case Search
The Washington Courts Case Search portal provides free access to basic case information for Franklin County Superior Court dissolution proceedings. Members of the public may search by party name or case number. Basic case information is available at no charge; fees apply for obtaining copies of actual documents.
2. State Court System Portal
The Odyssey Portal, administered by the Washington Courts, allows registered users to search court records across participating jurisdictions. Access to court documents and elevated access by specific role is authorized through the County Clerk. Registration is required for document-level access.
3. State Vital Records
The Washington State Department of Health Vital Records office issues certified copies of divorce certificates for dissolutions recorded in Washington State. Fees apply. The Department of Health issues certified copies of vital records for births, deaths, stillbirths, fetal deaths, marriages, and divorces.
In-Person Searches
Clerk of Court — Franklin County Superior Court:
Franklin County Superior Court Clerk
1016 N 4th Ave
Pasco, WA 99301
Phone: (509) 545-3525
Franklin 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 records
By Mail
Written Request:
- Mail to: Franklin County Superior Court Clerk, 1016 N 4th Ave, Pasco, WA 99301
- Include the following with each request:
- Full names of both parties (including maiden names if applicable)
- Approximate date of divorce or filing year
- Case number, if known
- Requestor's full name and contact information
- Payment for applicable copy fees
- Self-addressed stamped envelope for return of documents
- Processing time: Requests are processed within approximately 1–2 weeks, subject to volume and record availability.
By Phone
Limited Information Available:
- Clerk of Court: (509) 545-3525
- Staff may 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 documents
- Confidential or sealed case information
Through Attorneys
Members of the public involved in complex dissolution matters may retain legal counsel to access court records on their behalf. Attorneys licensed in Washington State may request sealed documents upon a proper showing to the court. The Washington State Bar Association provides a lawyer referral service for members of the public seeking legal representation.
Information Needed for Search
Essential Information:
- Full legal names of both spouses
- Maiden names, if applicable
- Approximate date of divorce or year of filing
- Case number, if known
Helpful Information:
- Date and location of marriage
- Previous addresses in Franklin County
- 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. Under RCW 26.09.010, Washington is a no-fault dissolution state, and at least one party must be a resident of the state at the time of filing. There is no minimum county residency period specified, but state residency is required.
Time Considerations
Recent Dissolutions:
- Records may not appear in online systems immediately following a final hearing.
- Allow several business days to weeks for processing after the final order is entered.
Older Dissolutions:
- Cases predating electronic filing may be archived in paper format.
- Archived records may require additional retrieval time and a special request to the Clerk's office.
- Not all historical records have been digitized.
What If You Cannot Find a Record
Common Issues:
- Incorrect county — the divorce may have been filed in a different county
- Name variations, including married versus maiden name
- Spelling differences in party names
- Case still pending and not yet finalized
- Very old records held in off-site storage
- Case sealed or subject to confidentiality order
Next Steps:
- Contact the Franklin County Superior Court Clerk at (509) 545-3525
- Attempt alternate name spellings in the search system
- Search under both spouses' names
- Check the Washington State Department of Health vital records office for a divorce certificate
- Consult a licensed Washington State attorney for assistance with sealed or difficult-to-locate records
What Are Franklin County Divorce Records?
Franklin County divorce records are official court documents generated during dissolution of marriage proceedings filed in Franklin County Superior Court. These records are maintained by the Franklin County Superior Court Clerk and constitute part of the permanent family law court file.
Types of Divorce Records:
Court Case Files
The complete case file for a dissolution proceeding contains all documents filed by the parties and the court throughout the proceeding, including:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage
- Response or answer to the petition
- Financial affidavits submitted by both parties
- Proposed and final parenting plans (where children are involved)
- Marital settlement agreements
- Motions, declarations, and court orders entered during the proceeding
- Transcripts of court hearings (if ordered)
- Final judgment of dissolution
Final Decree
The final decree of dissolution is the official court order terminating the marriage. It constitutes legal proof of divorce and establishes:
- The date the marriage was legally dissolved
- Division of marital property and allocation of debts
- Spousal maintenance provisions, if any
- Child custody and residential schedule, if applicable
- Child support orders, if applicable
- Restoration of a former name, if requested
Certified copies of the final decree are available through the Franklin County Superior Court Clerk upon payment of applicable fees.
Supporting Documents
Supporting documents filed in a dissolution case may include marriage certificates, financial disclosure statements, property appraisals, parenting plan worksheets, and post-judgment modification orders entered after the original decree.
Who Maintains Divorce Records:
Clerk of Court
The Franklin County Superior Court Clerk serves as the primary custodian of all dissolution case files. The Clerk's office indexes records by party name and case number, issues certified copies, and maintains the official docket for each proceeding.
State Vital Records Office
The Washington State Department of Health maintains divorce certificates as part of the state's vital records system. Pursuant to RCW 70.58A.110, the Department of Health is responsible for the registration and issuance of certified copies of vital records, including dissolution certificates. The Washington State vital records office provides a more limited record than the full court file but serves as an official certificate of the dissolution event.
Legal Framework:
Dissolution of marriage proceedings in Washington State are governed by RCW Chapter 26.09, which establishes the grounds, procedures, and requirements for dissolution, legal separation, and declaration of invalidity of marriage. Public access to court records is governed by the Washington Court Rules and the state's public records framework.
Are Franklin County Divorce Records Public?
Divorce records filed in Franklin County Superior Court are public court records, subject to the presumption of openness under Washington law. Members of the public may access basic case information and most filed documents without demonstrating a specific need. However, certain categories of information within dissolution case files are restricted or subject to 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
- Court orders and judgments, including the final decree
- Property division orders
- General case status
What May Be Restricted:
Financial Information:
- Social Security numbers (redacted from public filings)
- Bank account and credit card numbers (redacted)
- Detailed tax returns (may be filed under seal or with restricted access)
- Specific account balances (subject to redaction rules)
Children's Information:
- Residential addresses of minor children
- Names of schools children attend
- Medical and psychological information concerning children
- Child custody evaluations (may be sealed by court order)
- Guardian ad litem reports (access restricted)
Sensitive Personal Information:
- Domestic violence allegations and supporting evidence
- Mental health and substance abuse treatment records
- Personal addresses in cases involving protective orders
- Mediation communications (confidential by statute)
Sealed Records:
A court may seal specific documents or an entire case file upon a showing of good cause. Cases involving allegations of abuse, high-profile parties, or confidential settlement terms may be subject to sealing orders. Members of the public seeking access to sealed records must file a motion with the court and demonstrate a legitimate basis for access.
Who Can Access Records:
| Requestor | Level of Access |
|---|---|
| General public | Public documents; redacted financial and personal data |
| Parties to the case | Full access to their own case file |
| Attorneys of record | Full access; may petition for sealed documents |
| Law enforcement | Statutory access to restricted information |
| Researchers and media | Public portions; court permission required for sealed records |
Restrictions on Use:
Members of the public who obtain divorce records may not use them for stalking, harassment, identity theft, or any purpose that violates a protective order. Permitted uses include legal proceedings, background verification, genealogical research, news reporting protected by the First Amendment, and academic research.
How Much Does It Cost to Get Divorce Records in Franklin County?
The Franklin County Superior Court Clerk charges standard fees for copies and certified copies of dissolution 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 copies (per page) | $0.50 per page |
| Certified copy of final decree or order | $5.00 for the first page; $1.00 per additional page |
| Certification fee (per document) | $5.00 |
| Electronic copies (where available) | Fees vary; contact Clerk's office |
| Search fee | No separate search fee for in-person requests |
Vital Records Fees (Washington State Department of Health):
- Certified copy of a divorce certificate: $25.00 per copy (current standard fee)
- Additional copies ordered at the same time: $25.00 each
Accepted Payment Methods:
- Cash (in-person only)
- Check or money order payable to Franklin County Superior Court Clerk
- Credit or debit card (in-person; contact Clerk's office to confirm availability)
- Money order (for mail requests)
What Is Available at No Charge:
- Viewing case information through the Washington Courts Case Search online portal
- Reviewing public documents at courthouse public access terminals (no copy fee for viewing only)
- Confirming case existence and status by phone
Fee Waiver Provisions:
Members of the public who are parties to a dissolution proceeding and who demonstrate financial hardship may petition the court for a waiver of filing and copy fees. Fee waiver requests are evaluated on a case-by-case basis under Washington Court Rules.
What's Included in Divorce Records in Franklin County
A complete dissolution case file maintained by the Franklin County Superior Court Clerk contains all documents filed from the initiation of the proceeding through post-judgment actions. The scope of documents varies depending on whether the dissolution was uncontested or contested and whether children or significant assets were involved.
Basic Case Information:
- Case caption, case number, court division, and assigned judge
- Names of petitioner, respondent, and attorneys of record
- Filing date, case type, and jurisdictional basis
Initial Pleadings:
- Petition for dissolution of marriage, including marriage date and location, date of separation, identification of children, property claims, and relief requested
- Summons and proof of service
- Response or answer filed by the respondent, including any counterpetition
Financial Affidavits:
- Both parties' income from all sources
- Monthly expenses
- Assets including real property, vehicles, bank accounts, investments, and retirement accounts
- Liabilities including mortgages, loans, and credit card debt
Discovery Documents:
- Financial disclosure statements
- Interrogatories and answers under oath
- Requests for production and responsive documents
- Deposition notices and transcripts (if filed with the court)
Property-Related Documents:
- Marital asset inventory with descriptions and values
- Debt inventory
- Real property appraisals
- Business valuations and expert reports
Children-Related Documents (if applicable):
- Proposed and final parenting plan establishing legal custody, physical custody, and residential schedule
- Child support calculation worksheets
- Income information for both parties
- Health insurance and childcare cost documentation
- Child support order specifying amount, payment method, and schedule
- Custody evaluations, if ordered by the court
- Guardian ad litem reports, if a guardian was appointed
Support Documents:
- Spousal maintenance orders specifying type, amount, duration, and termination conditions
- Income analysis and standard of living documentation
Settlement Documents:
- Marital settlement agreement resolving all issues, including property division, debt allocation, spousal maintenance, and child-related provisions
- Mediation agreement, if the parties participated in mediation (note: mediation communications themselves are confidential)
Court Orders and Judgments:
- Temporary orders entered during the pendency of the proceeding
- Final judgment of dissolution, including findings of fact, conclusions of law, property division, support orders, custody provisions, and name restoration if requested
- Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) if retirement accounts were divided
Post-Judgment Documents (if applicable):
- Petitions to modify custody or support
- Court orders on modification requests
- Contempt motions and enforcement actions
- Income deduction orders
What Is Typically Confidential or Redacted:
- Social Security numbers and financial account numbers
- Children's residential addresses and school information
- Domestic violence-related evidence (may be sealed)
- Mental health and substance abuse records
- Mediation communications
- Trade secrets in business valuations
How to Get Proof of Divorce in Franklin County
Proof of divorce in Franklin County is obtained through either the Franklin County Superior Court Clerk or the Washington State Department of Health, depending on the level of detail required.
Step 1 — Determine the Appropriate Source:
- A certified copy of the final decree of dissolution, issued by the Franklin County Superior Court Clerk, serves as the most comprehensive proof of divorce and includes all terms of the dissolution.
- A certified divorce certificate issued by the Washington State Department of Health provides official confirmation that a dissolution was recorded with the state and is accepted for most legal and administrative purposes, including remarriage and name change proceedings.
Step 2 — Request from the Court Clerk:
Franklin County Superior Court Clerk
1016 N 4th Ave
Pasco, WA 99301
Phone: (509) 545-3525
Franklin County Superior Court
- Provide the case number, names of both parties, and approximate date of dissolution.
- Pay the applicable certified copy fee.
- Requests may be submitted in person, by mail, or through the Odyssey Portal where document-level access is available.
Step 3 — Request from the State Department of Health:
Washington State Department of Health — Vital Records
PO Box 9709
Olympia, WA 98507-9709
Phone: (360) 236-4300
Washington State Department of Health
- Complete the applicable vital records request form.
- Submit payment of $25.00 per certified copy.
- Processing times vary; expedited options may be available.
Step 4 — Use Official Court Forms:
Washington Courts provides standardized divorce dissolution court forms, including the Certificate of Dissolution (DOH 422-027), which is the form used to register a dissolution with the Department of Health. This certificate is the basis for the vital record issued by the state.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Franklin County?
Dissolution of marriage proceedings in Franklin County are presumptively public, but Washington law and court rules permit certain records or portions of records to be sealed or restricted under defined circumstances.
Circumstances Under Which Records May Be Confidential:
- Domestic violence cases: Documents containing the address or identifying information of a domestic violence victim may be withheld from public access to protect the safety of the individual.
- Children's information: Residential addresses, school information, and medical or psychological records pertaining to minor children are subject to restriction and are not disclosed to the general public.
- Sealed case files: A party may petition the court to seal specific documents or the entire case file upon a showing of good cause. The court applies a balancing test weighing the public interest in transparency against the privacy interests of the parties.
- Mental health and substance abuse records: Records reflecting mental health treatment or substance abuse evaluation are restricted under applicable state and federal privacy laws.
- Mediation communications: Under RCW 7.07.030, mediation communications are confidential and are not subject to disclosure or admissible in court proceedings.
- Confidential settlement terms: Parties may agree to keep specific settlement terms confidential, subject to court approval.
Members of the public seeking access to sealed or restricted dissolution records must file a motion with the Franklin County Superior Court and demonstrate a legitimate legal basis for access. The court retains discretion to grant or deny such requests.
How Long Does Franklin County Keep Divorce Records?
Franklin County Superior Court maintains dissolution of marriage records in accordance with the Washington State Archives retention schedules applicable to superior court case files.
Retention Periods:
- Final decrees and judgments: Retained permanently. The final judgment of dissolution is a permanent court record and is not subject to destruction.
- Complete case files (contested dissolutions): Retained for a minimum of 75 years from the date of filing under Washington State Archives standards for superior court civil case files.
- Complete case files (uncontested dissolutions): Retained for a minimum of 10 years, though many counties retain these records for longer periods.
- Post-judgment modification orders: Retained as part of the original case file for the duration of the case file's retention period.
- Archived paper records: Cases predating electronic filing are maintained in paper or microfilm format and may be held at the Washington State Archives regional facility serving Franklin County.
Access to Older Records:
- Records more than several decades old may be held at the Washington State Archives rather than at the courthouse.
- Members of the public seeking very old dissolution records should contact the Franklin County Superior Court Clerk to determine the current location of the file.
- Digitization of historical records is ongoing; not all older records are available through online search systems.
Washington State Department of Health:
The Department of Health retains divorce certificates as part of the permanent vital records of the state. These records are maintained indefinitely and are available for certified copy requests regardless of the age of the dissolution.