Adams County Public Records /Adams County Divorce Records

Adams County Divorce Records

How To Find a Divorce Record In Adams County in 2026

AdamsWARecords.us provides access to publicly available information related to divorce records in Adams County, Washington. Members of the public may find dissolution of marriage filings, final decrees, case numbers, and related court documents through this resource. Record availability may vary depending on the age of the case, the court of jurisdiction, and any applicable confidentiality orders. Relevant record categories include final divorce decrees, parenting plans, property settlement agreements, support orders, and post-judgment modifications.

Divorce records in Adams County may be searched through official resources including the Adams County Superior Court Clerk's office, the Washington State Courts name and case search portal, the Washington State Department of Health Vital Records office, and the Washington State Archives Digital Archives. Members of the public are encouraged to use multiple search methods when a record is not immediately located through a single source.

Online Searches

1. Clerk of Court Case Search

The Adams County Superior Court Clerk maintains the official index of dissolution of marriage cases filed within the county. Members of the public may contact the Clerk's office directly to inquire about online access to case records. Basic case information, including case number, filing date, and party names, is available at no charge. Copies of filed documents may require payment of applicable per-page fees.

2. State Court System Portal

The Washington State Courts Name and Case Search provides a consolidated statewide database allowing members of the public to search court records across multiple jurisdictions. This portal is the most efficient method for locating a dissolution case when the county of filing is uncertain. The official court record remains maintained by the court of record, and copies must be obtained directly from that court.

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. The Department of Health can provide certified copies or verification letters confirming the existence of a divorce record. Fees apply to all certified copy requests submitted to the Vital Records office.

In-Person Searches

Clerk of Court — Adams County Superior Court:

Adams County Superior Court Clerk
210 W Broadway Ave
Ritzville, WA 99169
Phone: (509) 659-3257
Adams County Superior Court

Search case files by party name or case number
View filed documents at public access terminals
Request certified copies of final decrees and orders
Obtain staff assistance for locating archived records

Records Department:

The Adams County Superior Court Clerk maintains both active and archived dissolution case files. Historical records predating electronic filing may be stored in physical archives and may require additional retrieval time. Certified copy requests for archived cases are accepted at the Clerk's counter during regular business hours.

By Mail

Written Request:

Mail to: Adams County Superior Court Clerk, 210 W Broadway Ave, Ritzville, WA 99169
Include the full names of both parties
Include the approximate date of the dissolution
Include the case number, if known
Include the requestor's full name and contact information
Include payment for applicable copy and certification fees
Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return of documents
Processing time: Requests are processed within approximately one to two weeks, subject to staff availability and record retrieval requirements

By Phone

Limited Information:

Adams County Superior Court Clerk: (509) 659-3257
Staff may confirm whether a case exists in the system
Staff may provide the case number, filing date, and general case status
Staff are not able to provide detailed document contents by telephone
Staff are not able to release confidential or restricted information by telephone

Through Attorneys

Members of the public who require access to sealed documents or who are involved in complex dissolution proceedings may retain a licensed Washington State attorney. Attorneys of record have professional access to complete case files and may petition the court for access to restricted materials upon a showing of good cause. The Washington State Bar Association maintains a lawyer referral service for members of the public seeking legal representation.

Information Needed for Search

Essential Information:

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

Helpful Information:

Date and location of the marriage
Previous residential addresses in Washington State
Names of minor 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, pursuant to RCW § 26.09.010. Members of the public who are uncertain of the county of filing may use the Washington State Courts Name and Case Search to search across multiple jurisdictions. A dissolution may not be searched in the county where the marriage ceremony occurred unless one of the parties also resided in that county at the time of filing.

Residency Requirement:

Washington State requires that at least one spouse be a resident of the state at the time the petition for dissolution is filed. There is no minimum durational residency requirement specified by statute beyond the requirement of current Washington State residency at the time of filing.

Time Considerations

Recent Divorces:

Dissolution records may not appear in online search systems immediately following the final hearing. Members of the public should allow several business days to several weeks for newly finalized cases to be indexed and made available through public search tools.

Older Divorces:

Dissolution records predating electronic filing systems may be maintained in physical archives and may not be fully digitized. Retrieval of older records may require additional processing time and may necessitate an in-person or written request to the Clerk's office.

What If You Cannot Find a Record

Common Issues:

The dissolution was filed in a different county
Name variations exist between the search query and the filed record
Spelling differences in party names
The case remains pending and has not been finalized
The record is stored in physical archives and has not been digitized
The case has been sealed by court order

Next Steps:

Contact the Adams County Superior Court Clerk at (509) 659-3257
Attempt alternate name spellings and maiden name variations
Search both spouses' names independently
Search the Washington State Department of Health divorce and marriage records database
Consult a licensed Washington State attorney for assistance with sealed or difficult-to-locate records

What Are Adams County Divorce Records?

Adams County divorce records are official court documents generated during and after dissolution of marriage proceedings filed in the Adams County Superior Court. These records constitute part of the permanent public court file and are maintained by the Adams County Superior Court Clerk as the official custodian of record.

Types of Divorce Records:

Court Case Files:

Petition for dissolution of marriage
Response or answer to the petition
Financial affidavits submitted by both parties
Proposed and final parenting plans
Marital 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 terminating the marriage. It constitutes legal proof of divorce and establishes the date of dissolution, the division of marital property and debts, any spousal support obligations, child custody and parenting arrangements, child support orders, and any court-ordered name restorations. Certified copies of the final decree are available through the Adams County Superior Court Clerk.

Supporting Documents:

Original marriage certificate submitted as an exhibit
Financial disclosure documents
Property inventories and appraisals
Detailed parenting plan provisions
Post-judgment modification orders

Purpose of Divorce Records:

Legal Purposes:

Proof of marital status for remarriage
Documentation for legal name change
Property transfer and title documentation
Estate planning and beneficiary designations
Immigration and naturalization proceedings
Social Security and federal benefits administration

Personal Purposes:

Genealogical and family history research
Personal record-keeping
Verification of dissolution terms

Who Maintains Divorce Records:

The Adams County Superior Court Clerk serves as the primary custodian of all dissolution case files. The Washington State Archives Digital Archives preserves electronic records of both state and local government agencies, including court records transferred from county courts. The Washington State Department of Health Vital Records office maintains a separate registry of divorce certificates and issues certified copies upon request.

Legal Framework:

Dissolution of marriage proceedings in Washington State are governed by RCW § 26.09, the Dissolution of Marriage Act. Public access to court records is governed by the Washington State Public Records Act, codified at RCW § 42.56, which establishes a presumption of public access to government records subject to specific statutory exemptions.

Are Adams County Divorce Records Public?

Divorce records filed in Adams County Superior Court are public court records subject to the Washington State Public Records Act. Members of the public may access basic case information, court orders, and final decrees without demonstrating a specific need or interest. Certain categories of information within dissolution case files are subject to restriction or redaction under state and federal law.

What Is Public:

Case number and filing date
Full names of the parties to the proceeding
Names of attorneys of record
Scheduled court hearing dates
Court orders and judgments
Final judgment of dissolution
Property division orders
General case status and docket entries

What May Be Restricted:

Financial Information:

Social Security numbers are redacted from all publicly accessible documents
Bank account and financial institution account numbers are redacted
Credit card and loan account numbers are redacted
Detailed tax returns may be subject to limited access

Children's Information:

Residential addresses of minor children may be withheld
Names of schools attended by minor children may be restricted
Medical and psychological evaluation records pertaining to children may be sealed
Guardian ad litem reports are subject to restricted access
Child custody evaluation reports may be sealed by court order

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
Medical records submitted as exhibits are subject to HIPAA protections

Sealed Records:

A court may seal all or part of a dissolution case file upon a showing of good cause. Cases involving allegations of domestic violence, child abuse, or other sensitive circumstances may be subject to partial or complete sealing. Mediation communications are confidential under Washington State law and do not become part of the public court record.

Who Can Access Records:

Members of the general public may access all non-restricted portions of dissolution case files
Parties to the proceeding have full access to their own case files, including confidential materials
Attorneys of record have professional access to complete case files
Researchers and members of the media may access public portions of case files; access to sealed records requires a court order
Law enforcement agencies and child protective services may access restricted records pursuant to statutory authority

Prohibited Uses:

Use of court records for stalking, harassment, or intimidation
Identity theft or fraudulent purposes
Violation of existing protective orders
Any use prohibited by applicable state or federal law

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

The Adams County Superior Court Clerk charges standard fees for copies and certified copies of dissolution records. Under Washington State law, fees for copies of public records are governed by RCW § 42.56.120, which permits agencies to charge for the actual cost of reproduction.

Current Fee Structure:

Service	Fee
Standard paper copies	$0.15 per page
Certified copy of final decree	$5.00 per document (plus per-page copy fee)
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

Washington State Department of Health Vital Records Fees:

The Washington State Department of Health charges separate fees for certified divorce certificates ordered through the state vital records system. Members of the public ordering marriage or divorce records through the Department of Health should consult the current fee schedule posted on the Department's website, as fees are subject to periodic revision.

Accepted Payment Methods:

Cash (in-person requests at the Clerk's counter)
Check or money order payable to Adams County Superior Court Clerk (mail requests)
Credit and debit cards may be accepted; members of the public should confirm accepted payment methods with the Clerk's office prior to submitting a request

Fee Waivers:

Washington State law does not provide a general fee waiver for copies of court records. Parties who are proceeding in forma pauperis in an active case may petition the court for waiver of certain fees. Members of the public seeking fee waivers should consult with a licensed attorney or contact the Clerk's office directly.

What Is Available at No Charge:

In-person inspection of public court records at the Clerk's office
Basic case status information provided verbally by Clerk's staff
Online case index searches through the Washington State Courts portal

What's Included in Divorce Records in Adams County

A complete dissolution of marriage case file maintained by the Adams County Superior Court Clerk contains all documents filed by the parties and issued by the court throughout the proceeding.

Basic Case Information:

Case number, court name, and division
Full names of the petitioner and respondent
Name of the assigned judge
Names and contact information of attorneys of record
Filing date, case type, and jurisdictional basis

Initial Pleadings:

The petition for dissolution of marriage sets forth the petitioner's identifying information, the respondent's identifying information, the date and location of the marriage, the date of separation if applicable, the grounds for dissolution (Washington State is a no-fault dissolution state), information regarding minor children, claims regarding marital property, and the relief requested. The respondent's answer or response sets forth the respondent's position, admissions or denials of the petition's allegations, and any counterpetition for relief.

Financial Affidavits:

Both parties are required to submit financial affidavits disclosing all sources of income, monthly expenses, marital assets including real property, vehicles, bank accounts, investment accounts, and retirement accounts, and all marital liabilities including mortgages, vehicle loans, credit card debt, and other obligations.

Discovery Documents:

Dissolution case files may contain interrogatories and responses, requests for production of documents and the documents produced in response, deposition transcripts, and expert reports including property appraisals and business valuations.

Property-Related Documents:

Marital asset inventory with descriptions and estimated values
Debt inventory with creditor names and balances
Real property appraisals
Business valuations
Retirement account statements and QDRO documents

Children-Related Documents (if applicable):

Proposed and final parenting plans specifying legal and physical custody, timesharing schedules, holiday and vacation provisions, and decision-making responsibilities
Child support calculation worksheets
Income information for both parties
Health insurance and childcare cost documentation
Child support orders specifying amount, payment schedule, and modification provisions
Custody evaluation reports (which may be sealed)
Guardian ad litem reports (subject to restricted access)

Support Documents:

Spousal support or alimony orders specifying type, amount, duration, and termination conditions
Income and standard of living analysis worksheets

Settlement Documents:

Marital settlement agreement resolving all contested issues
Mediation agreement, if the case was resolved through mediation (note: mediation communications themselves are confidential)

Court Orders and Judgments:

Temporary orders regarding custody, support, and use of property
Temporary restraining orders and injunctions
Final judgment of dissolution containing the court's findings of fact, conclusions of law, property division, support orders, parenting provisions, and name restoration orders
Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs) for division of retirement accounts

Post-Judgment Documents (if applicable):

Petitions to modify custody or support
Court orders on modification petitions
Contempt motions and orders
Income deduction orders and enforcement actions

What Is Typically Confidential or Sealed:

Social Security numbers (redacted from all public documents)
Financial account numbers (redacted)
Residential addresses and schools of minor children
Domestic violence allegations and evidence (may be sealed)
Mental health and substance abuse evaluation records
Mediation communications (confidential by statute)
Settlement negotiation communications (not part of the filed record)

How to Get Proof of Divorce in Adams County?

Proof of divorce in Adams County may be obtained in the form of a certified copy of the final judgment of dissolution or a certified divorce certificate issued by the Washington State Department of Health.

Certified Copy of Final Decree from the Court:

Members of the public may obtain a certified copy of the final judgment of dissolution directly from the Adams County Superior Court Clerk. A certified copy bears the official court seal and the Clerk's certification and is accepted as legal proof of divorce for remarriage, name change, and other legal purposes.

Adams County Superior Court Clerk
210 W Broadway Ave
Ritzville, WA 99169
Phone: (509) 659-3257
Adams County Superior Court

Steps to obtain a certified copy:

Provide the full names of both parties and the approximate year of the dissolution
Provide the case number if known
Pay the applicable certification and per-page copy fees
Requests may be submitted in person, by mail, or by telephone inquiry to confirm availability

Certified Divorce Certificate from the State:

The Washington State Department of Health issues certified divorce certificates for dissolutions recorded in Washington State. Members of the public may order a certified copy or a verification letter through the Department's vital records ordering system.

Washington State Department of Health — Vital Records
PO Box 9709
Olympia, WA 98507
Phone: (360) 236-4300
Washington State Department of Health Vital Records

Online Case Verification:

Members of the public may verify the existence of a dissolution case and obtain the case number through the Washington State Courts Name and Case Search portal. This tool does not provide certified copies but confirms case existence and basic filing information.

Can a Divorce Be Confidential in Adams County?

Dissolution of marriage proceedings in Adams County are presumptively public under the Washington State Public Records Act; however, specific portions of a case file or, in limited circumstances, an entire case may be made confidential by court order.

A party may petition the Adams County Superior Court to seal specific documents or the entire case file upon a demonstrated showing of good cause, such as the presence of domestic violence, child safety concerns, or other compelling circumstances.
Certain categories of information are automatically protected from public disclosure, including Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and the residential addresses of domestic violence victims, pursuant to Washington court rules.
Mediation communications are confidential by statute and do not become part of the public court record.
Mental health evaluations, substance abuse treatment records, and child custody evaluation reports may be sealed by court order to protect the privacy of the individuals involved.
Cases involving minor children may have specific documents restricted from public access to protect the children's welfare and privacy.
Members of the public who believe a case has been improperly sealed or who seek access to sealed records must file a motion with the court and demonstrate a legitimate legal basis for access.
Washington court rules governing confidentiality in family law proceedings are set forth under the Washington State General Rules and the Washington State Superior Court Civil Rules.

How Long Does Adams County Keep Divorce Records?

Adams County Superior Court dissolution records are subject to the Washington State records retention schedule, which establishes minimum retention periods for court case files.

Final judgments of dissolution and the complete case files for contested dissolution proceedings are retained permanently under Washington State court records retention schedules.
Uncontested dissolution case files are also retained for extended periods consistent with the permanent nature of the legal status change they document.
Records transferred to the Washington State Archives Digital Archives are preserved electronically and remain accessible to the public through the Archives' online portal.
Physical case files for older proceedings that predate electronic filing may be stored in off-site archival facilities; retrieval of these records may require additional processing time.
Post-judgment modification orders, contempt proceedings, and enforcement actions are maintained as part of the original case file and are subject to the same retention schedule as the underlying dissolution record.
The Washington State Department of Health retains divorce certificate records in its vital records registry on a permanent basis.
Members of the public seeking records of very old dissolutions should contact both the Adams County Superior Court Clerk and the Washington State Archives to determine the current location of the physical or electronic record.
Washington State court records retention requirements are established pursuant to the authority of the Washington State Archives and Records Management division under RCW § 40.14.