Thurston County Divorce Records
What Are Thurston County Divorce Records?
Thurston County divorce records are official legal documents maintained by the county court system that document the dissolution of marriage between two individuals. These records are created and maintained pursuant to the Washington State Revised Code § 26.09.030, which governs divorce proceedings in the state. Divorce records in Thurston County are processed through the Thurston County Superior Court, which has jurisdiction over family law matters including divorce, legal separation, and annulment.
Divorce records typically consist of several components:
- The initial petition for dissolution of marriage
- Temporary orders issued during the divorce process
- Financial declarations and property settlements
- Parenting plans (if children are involved)
- The final decree of dissolution
These records serve multiple important purposes for individuals and society:
- Legal proof of marital status change
- Documentation required for remarriage
- Evidence for name change processes
- Verification for Social Security benefits
- Supporting documentation for loan applications
- Required evidence for immigration matters
- Historical and genealogical research
The Thurston County Clerk's Office maintains these records as part of its official duties to preserve court documents for public and legal reference.
Are Thurston County Divorce Records Public?
Thurston County divorce records have a nuanced public access status that varies by document type and information sensitivity. Generally, court divorce case files are considered public records under the Washington Public Records Act § 42.56, but with significant exceptions and limitations.
Court files related to divorce proceedings are typically accessible to the public with certain restrictions:
- Basic case information (parties' names, case numbers, filing dates) is publicly available
- Financial declarations may be sealed or redacted to protect sensitive information
- Records containing Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and certain personal identifiers are redacted before public access
- Documents related to domestic violence allegations may be restricted
- Information regarding minor children is often protected from public disclosure
Certified divorce certificates, which provide official verification of a divorce, have more restricted access. According to Washington Administrative Code § 246-491-029, these certificates are available only to:
- The parties named in the divorce
- Legal representatives of the parties
- Immediate family members
- Government agencies for official purposes
- Individuals who can demonstrate a direct and tangible interest
The Washington State Department of Health maintains certified divorce records from 1968 to the present, while earlier records may be available through the Thurston County Clerk's Office.
Thurston County Clerk's Office
2000 Lakeridge Drive SW, Building 2
Olympia, WA 98502
360-786-5430
Thurston County Clerk
How To Find a Divorce Record In Thurston County in 2026
Members of the public seeking divorce records in Thurston County may utilize several methods to locate these documents. The appropriate approach depends on the type of record needed and its intended use.
For court case files related to divorce proceedings:
- Visit the Thurston County Clerk's Office in person during regular business hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM)
- Provide the case number if known, or the names of the parties and approximate date of filing
- Complete a records request form available at the clerk's counter
- Pay applicable search and copy fees (currently $0.50 per page for copies)
- For certified copies, additional fees apply (approximately $5.00 per document)
For certified divorce certificates (official proof of divorce):
- Submit a request to the Washington State Department of Health, Center for Health Statistics
- Complete the official vital records request form
- Provide proper identification proving eligibility to receive the record
- Include the required fee (currently $25.00 per certificate)
- Submit the request online, by mail, or in person at a Department of Health office
For historical divorce records (pre-1968):
- Contact the Thurston County Clerk's Office directly
- Provide as much information as possible about the divorce (names, approximate date)
- Request an archival search (additional fees may apply)
- Allow extended processing time for historical record retrieval
Washington State Department of Health
Center for Health Statistics
P.O. Box 9709
Olympia, WA 98507
360-236-4300
Washington State Department of Health
How To Look Up Divorce Records in Thurston County Online?
Thurston County provides limited online access to divorce records through several digital platforms. These online resources offer varying levels of information and accessibility.
The primary online resource is the Washington Courts Public Case Search portal:
- Navigate to the Washington Courts Public Records Portal
- Select "Search Case Records" from the available options
- Choose "Thurston County Superior Court" from the jurisdiction dropdown
- Enter search criteria (party names, case number if known)
- Select "Domestic - Dissolution/Divorce" as the case type
- Review the search results for basic case information
- Note that only limited information is available online (case numbers, party names, filing dates, hearing dates)
For more comprehensive online access:
- Register for a subscription to the Washington State Digital Archives
- Use the marriage and divorce records collection search function
- Enter known information about the parties and approximate divorce date
- Review available index information for matches
- Note that full document images are not typically available online
For certified copies or complete case files:
- Locate the case information using the online search tools
- Note the case number and relevant details
- Contact the Thurston County Clerk's Office directly to request complete documents
- Follow their procedures for obtaining official copies (in-person, mail, or limited electronic delivery)
Thurston County Superior Court
2000 Lakeridge Drive SW, Building 2
Olympia, WA 98502
360-786-5560
Thurston County Superior Court
How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Thurston County?
Members of the public seeking no-cost access to divorce records in Thurston County have several options available, though these methods typically provide limited information compared to paid services.
For free in-person access:
- Visit the Thurston County Law Library located in the County Courthouse
- Use the public access terminals to search court records
- Review basic case information at no charge
- Note that printing or copying documents will incur fees ($0.25-$0.50 per page)
- Access is available during regular library hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM)
For free online basic information:
- Use the Washington Courts JIS-Link public access portal
- Search by party name or case number
- View limited case information including filing dates and case status
- Note that document images are not available through this free service
For historical research:
- Visit the Washington State Archives, Southwest Regional Branch
- Access historical divorce indexes and limited records
- Research is free, though document reproduction fees apply
- Appointments are recommended for extensive research
For legal assistance with record access:
- Contact the Thurston County Volunteer Legal Services
- Inquire about free legal clinics that may assist with record retrieval
- Visit the courthouse facilitator program for guidance on accessing family law records
Thurston County Law Library
2000 Lakeridge Drive SW, Building 2
Olympia, WA 98502
360-786-5146
Thurston County Law Library
What's Included in a Divorce Records In Thurston County
Divorce records in Thurston County comprise a comprehensive collection of documents that chronicle the legal dissolution process from initiation to conclusion. These records contain specific information as required by Washington State Revised Code § 26.09.
The typical divorce case file includes:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage - The initial filing that states the grounds for divorce and requested relief
- Summons - The formal notice to the respondent about the divorce action
- Response to Petition - The non-filing spouse's formal answer to the petition
- Financial Declarations - Sworn statements detailing each party's assets, debts, income, and expenses
- Property and Debt List - Inventory of marital and separate property with proposed division
- Parenting Plan (if applicable) - Detailed arrangements for child custody, visitation, and decision-making authority
- Child Support Worksheets (if applicable) - Calculations for child support obligations based on state guidelines
- Temporary Orders - Court directives governing conduct and support during the pendency of the case
- Settlement Agreements - Negotiated resolutions between parties on property, support, and parenting issues
- Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law - The court's determinations on relevant factual and legal issues
- Final Decree of Dissolution - The official court order terminating the marriage and resolving all issues
The certified divorce certificate, available through the Washington State Department of Health, contains more limited information:
- Full names of both parties
- Date of marriage
- Date of divorce
- County where divorce was granted
- Case number
- Date the divorce was filed
- Type of decree issued
Certain sensitive information is typically redacted from public versions of these records, including:
- Social Security numbers
- Financial account numbers
- Children's birth dates
- Detailed information about domestic violence or abuse
- Certain medical or mental health information
How To Get Proof of Divorce In Thurston County?
Individuals requiring official proof of divorce in Thurston County have several options for obtaining this documentation, depending on when the divorce occurred and the level of certification needed.
For certified divorce certificates (divorces from 1968 to present):
- Submit a request to the Washington State Department of Health, Center for Health Statistics
- Complete the official vital records request form
- Provide identification proving eligibility to receive the record
- Include the required fee ($25.00 per certificate)
- Submit the request online, by mail, or in person
- Allow 2-3 weeks for processing for mail requests (expedited service available for additional fees)
For certified copies of divorce decrees (any time period):
- Contact the Thurston County Clerk's Office
- Provide the case number or names of parties and approximate divorce date
- Complete a records request form
- Pay the certification fee ($5.00 per document plus copy fees)
- Request can be made in person, by mail, or through an authorized representative
For apostille certification (for international use):
- First obtain a certified copy from the county clerk
- Submit the certified copy to the Washington Secretary of State for apostille
- Include required forms and fees
- Allow additional processing time
For historical divorce records (pre-1968):
- Contact the Thurston County Clerk's Office directly
- Provide as much information as possible about the divorce
- Request a search of archived records
- Pay applicable search and certification fees
- Allow extended processing time for historical record retrieval
Washington Secretary of State
Corporations & Charities Division
801 Capitol Way S
Olympia, WA 98504
360-725-0377
Washington Secretary of State
Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Thurston County?
While divorce proceedings in Thurston County are generally matters of public record, Washington state law provides several mechanisms through which certain aspects of divorce cases may be kept confidential under specific circumstances.
Sealing or restricting access to divorce records may occur through:
- Protective Orders - Under Washington Court General Rule 15, a court may seal specific documents or entire files upon demonstration of compelling privacy or safety concerns
- Confidential Name Change - Victims of domestic violence may have name change proceedings sealed pursuant to RCW § 4.24.130
- Redaction of Personal Identifiers - Information such as Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and children's birth dates are automatically redacted from public versions of court documents
- Domestic Violence Protection - Records containing information about domestic violence allegations may receive heightened protection
- Guardian ad Litem Reports - Evaluations regarding children's welfare are often restricted from general public access
- Financial Declarations - Detailed financial information may be filed under seal to protect privacy
To request confidentiality for divorce records:
- File a motion to seal with the Thurston County Superior Court
- Demonstrate compelling reasons that outweigh the public interest in disclosure
- Request the least restrictive means of protecting sensitive information
- Obtain a court order specifically directing which records are to be sealed
The court applies a balancing test weighing:
- The right of public access to court records
- The right to privacy in personal matters
- Safety concerns for vulnerable parties
- The public interest in transparent judicial proceedings
Even when records are sealed from public view, they remain accessible to:
- The parties to the divorce
- Their legal representatives
- Court personnel
- Law enforcement agencies with proper authorization
- Other individuals specifically authorized by court order
How Long Does a Divorce Take In Thurston County?
The duration of divorce proceedings in Thurston County varies significantly based on multiple factors related to case complexity, cooperation between parties, and court scheduling. Washington state law establishes certain minimum timeframes, but the actual process often extends beyond these statutory minimums.
Minimum waiting period:
- Washington state imposes a mandatory 90-day waiting period from the date of filing and service before a divorce can be finalized, per RCW § 26.09.030
- This cooling-off period applies to all divorces, even those with complete agreement
For uncontested divorces (full agreement between parties):
- Typically completed within 3-4 months from filing
- Requires submission of all required documents including:
- Petition for dissolution
- Summons
- Acceptance of service
- Property settlement agreement
- Parenting plan (if applicable)
- Child support worksheets (if applicable)
- Final decree of dissolution
- May be finalized without a court appearance if all paperwork is in order
For contested divorces (disagreement on one or more issues):
- Duration ranges from 6-18 months depending on complexity
- Factors affecting timeline include:
- Property valuation disputes
- Business ownership interests
- Child custody disagreements
- Complex financial assets
- Pension and retirement division
- High-conflict relationship dynamics
According to Thurston County Superior Court statistics, the average time to disposition for contested family law cases is approximately 10 months from filing to final decree.
Procedural timeline elements:
- Initial filing and service: 1-30 days
- Temporary orders hearing: 2-6 weeks after filing
- Discovery phase: 2-6 months
- Mediation or settlement conferences: 3-8 months after filing
- Trial (if necessary): 9-12 months after filing
- Post-trial motions and appeals: Additional 1-12 months
Expedited processes are available for:
- Cases involving domestic violence
- Military deployments
- Certain financial hardships
- Other extraordinary circumstances
How Long Does Thurston County Keep Divorce Records?
Thurston County maintains divorce records according to Washington State's records retention schedules, which establish different preservation periods based on the type of record and its historical or legal significance.
Court case files for divorces are retained according to the following schedule:
- Complete case files are maintained by the Thurston County Clerk's Office for a minimum of 6 years after case closure
- After this initial period, files undergo a review process for historical significance
- Cases determined to have historical or precedential value are transferred to the Washington State Archives for permanent preservation
- Routine cases may be destroyed after the minimum retention period
For divorce certificates and vital records:
- The Washington State Department of Health maintains certified divorce records permanently from 1968 to present
- These records are never destroyed and remain available for authorized requesters indefinitely
- Records are eventually transferred to the Washington State Archives for historical preservation
Digital court records retention:
- Electronic court records are maintained according to the same retention schedules as paper records
- The Washington Courts Case Management System preserves digital case information according to General Records Retention Schedule for Washington Courts
- Basic case index information is typically maintained permanently in electronic format
Historical divorce records (pre-1968):
- These records are maintained by either the Thurston County Clerk's Office or the Washington State Archives
- Historical records of significant public interest are preserved permanently
- Access to these older records may require specialized archival research assistance
Washington State Archives
1129 Washington Street SE
Olympia, WA 98504
360-586-1492
Washington State Archives
How To Get a Divorce In Thurston County
Individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage in Thurston County must follow specific procedures established by Washington state law. Washington is a "no-fault" divorce state, meaning that the only legal ground required is that the marriage is "irretrievably broken."
To initiate a divorce in Thurston County:
- Establish eligibility - Either spouse must be a resident of Washington state, or a member of the armed forces stationed in Washington
- Obtain the required forms:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
- Summons
- Confidential Information Form
- Vital Statistics Form
- Additional forms for children, property, or support issues
- Complete the forms accurately and thoroughly
- File the documents with the Thurston County Superior Court Clerk
- Pay the filing fee (currently $314)
- Fee waivers available for qualifying low-income individuals
- Serve the non-filing spouse properly:
- Personal service by a third party
- Acceptance of service signed by the respondent
- Alternative service methods with court approval if necessary
- Wait for the respondent's timeframe to respond:
- 20 days if served in Washington state
- 60 days if served outside Washington
- Proceed based on whether the divorce is contested:
For uncontested divorces (agreement on all issues):
- Prepare a settlement agreement covering all property, debt, and parenting issues
- Draft the final divorce decree and related orders
- Submit all documents to the court after the 90-day waiting period
- Attend the final hearing if required by the court
For contested divorces (disagreement on issues):
- Attend temporary orders hearings as scheduled
- Participate in mandatory mediation for parenting issues
- Complete the discovery process to exchange information
- Attend settlement conferences as ordered by the court
- Prepare for and attend trial if settlement is not reached
- Implement the court's final orders after judgment
Thurston County Family & Juvenile Court
2801 32nd Avenue SW
Tumwater, WA 98512
360-709-3000
Thurston County Family Court
How To Get Divorce Papers In Thurston County
Individuals seeking to initiate divorce proceedings in Thurston County have several options for obtaining the necessary legal forms and documents. These resources ensure access to proper documentation regardless of whether parties have legal representation.
For self-represented litigants:
- Visit the Thurston County Law Library
- Access free form packets for dissolution of marriage
- Receive guidance on which forms are needed for specific situations
- Use reference materials to understand filing requirements
- Access the Washington Courts website
- Download standardized Washington State Court Forms for family law matters
- Use the interactive forms selection tool to identify required documents
- Print completed forms for filing
- Visit the Family Court Resource Center
- Obtain paper copies of divorce packets
- Receive limited procedural assistance from court facilitators
- Schedule appointments for form review (fees may apply)
For specific form assistance:
- Schedule an appointment with the Thurston County Court Facilitator
- Receive guidance on form completion (not legal advice)
- Have forms reviewed for completeness
- Pay a modest fee for facilitator services ($20-50)
- Attend a legal clinic sponsored by the Thurston County Volunteer Legal Services
- Receive brief legal advice on divorce procedures
- Get assistance with basic form completion
- Obtain referrals for additional resources
For comprehensive document preparation:
- Consult with a private attorney
- Receive customized legal documents tailored to specific circumstances
- Obtain legal advice along with document preparation
- Ensure all required forms are properly completed
- Use limited legal services
- Contract with an attorney for document preparation only
- Pay reduced fees for unbundled legal services
- Retain responsibility for filing and case management
Thurston County Family Court Resource Center
2801 32nd Avenue SW
Tumwater, WA 98512
360-709-3269
Thurston County Family Court Resources