Yakima County Divorce Records
What Are Yakima County Divorce Records?
Yakima County divorce records are official legal documents maintained by the county court system that document the dissolution of marriage between two individuals. In Washington State, these records are formally referred to as "dissolution of marriage" documents in accordance with Revised Code of Washington (RCW) § 26.09.030, which governs the legal process of ending a marriage. The Yakima County Superior Court serves as the primary custodian of these records within the county jurisdiction.
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
These documents serve multiple important purposes for individuals and society, including:
- Providing legal proof of marital status change
- Establishing eligibility for remarriage
- Documenting legal name changes resulting from divorce
- Supporting applications for Social Security benefits
- Verifying marital status for loan applications
- Establishing status for immigration matters
- Providing evidence in subsequent legal proceedings
The Washington State Department of Health also maintains a separate system of divorce certificates, which serve as official verification that a divorce was granted on a specific date to specific individuals.
Are Yakima County Divorce Records Public?
Yakima County divorce records have a complex public access status that varies by document type and content. Generally, court case files related to divorce proceedings are considered public records under the Washington Public Records Act, RCW § 42.56, which establishes the presumption that government records should be accessible to citizens. However, this access is subject to important limitations.
Court divorce case files maintained by the Yakima County Clerk's Office are generally available for public inspection, with certain exceptions:
- Financial declarations and sealed financial source documents
- Sealed psychological evaluations
- Confidential reports filed by guardians ad litem
- Records containing the identities of victims of domestic violence
- Documents sealed by judicial order for compelling privacy concerns
Certified divorce certificates, which are maintained by the Washington State Department of Health, have more restricted access. Pursuant to RCW § 70.58A.530, these certificates are available only to:
- The individuals named in the record
- Immediate family members
- Legal representatives of the parties
- Government agencies for official purposes
- Persons with court orders authorizing access
Members of the public seeking divorce records must understand these distinctions when determining which records they can access and through which agency they should direct their inquiries.
How To Find a Divorce Record In Yakima County in 2026
Members of the public seeking divorce records in Yakima County may utilize several methods to locate these documents. The appropriate approach depends on the specific type of record needed and its intended use.
For court case files related to divorce proceedings:
- Contact the Yakima County Clerk's Office directly:
Yakima County Clerk's Office
128 North 2nd Street, Room 323
Yakima, WA 98901
(509) 574-1430
Yakima County Clerk
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 4:00 pm (except holidays)
-
Submit a written request form specifying:
- Names of both parties to the divorce
- Approximate date of filing or finalization
- Case number (if known)
- Specific documents requested
- Requestor's contact information
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Pay applicable fees:
- Search fee: $5.00 per name searched
- Copy fees: $0.50 per page for standard copies
- Certified copies: $5.00 for first page, $1.00 each additional page
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
Washington State Department of Health Vital Records
- Complete the Marriage or Divorce Certificate Request Form
- Provide required identification
- Submit the current fee of $25.00 per certificate
Requestors should note that processing times vary based on method of request and current departmental workload. Expedited service options may be available for an additional fee.
How To Look Up Divorce Records in Yakima County Online?
Yakima County provides several digital resources for accessing divorce records online, though the availability of complete records varies by platform. Members of the public may utilize the following online search methods:
-
Washington Courts Case Search System:
- Visit the Washington Courts Case Search portal
- Select "Yakima County Superior Court" from the jurisdiction menu
- Choose "Domestic" as the case type
- Enter search criteria (names of parties, case number, or filing date range)
- Review basic case information including filing date, case type, and party names
- Note that this system provides only index information, not document images
-
Washington State Courts Name and Case Search:
- Access the Washington State Courts Name and Case Search
- Enter the required search parameters
- Review case summaries and docket information
- Be aware that information found through this portal is provided for reference and is not the official court record
-
Washington State Digital Archives:
- Visit the Washington State Digital Archives
- Select "Marriage Records" or "Court Records" from the collections menu
- Enter search criteria including names and date ranges
- Access digitized historical records that have been processed into the system
For certified divorce certificates, the Washington State Department of Health offers an online ordering system:
- Visit the Department of Health Vital Records portal
- Create an account or log in
- Complete the online application
- Pay the required fee
- Provide necessary identification documentation
Users should be aware that online systems may not contain all records, particularly those from earlier time periods or those subject to confidentiality restrictions. Additionally, while index information may be available online, obtaining complete document copies often requires direct contact with the Yakima County Clerk's Office.
How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Yakima County?
While obtaining certified copies of divorce records typically involves payment of statutory fees, Yakima County residents may access certain divorce record information at no cost through several methods:
-
In-person inspection at the Yakima County Clerk's Office:
- Visit the Yakima County Clerk's Office during regular business hours
- Request to view publicly available divorce case files
- Provide basic case information to assist staff in locating records
- Review documents on-site without obtaining copies
- Note that while viewing is free, any copies requested will incur standard fees
-
Public access terminals at the courthouse:
- Use computer terminals located in the Yakima County Courthouse
- Access the court's electronic case management system
- Search for cases by party name, case number, or filing date
- View basic case information and docket entries
- Be aware that document images may not be available through these terminals
-
Yakima County Law Library:
- Visit the law library located within the Yakima County Courthouse
- Access legal research databases that may contain published divorce cases
- Utilize reference materials related to family law proceedings
- Receive assistance from law library staff in locating relevant resources
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Online case index information:
- Access the Washington Courts Case Search website
- Search for basic case information at no charge
- Note that this provides only limited information, not document images
Members of the public should be aware that while basic record information may be available at no cost, obtaining official copies, certified documents, or comprehensive case files will require payment of established fees. Additionally, access to free resources may be limited by staff availability, operating hours, and the technological infrastructure of the county offices.
What's Included in a Divorce Records In Yakima County
Divorce records in Yakima County comprise a comprehensive collection of documents that chronicle the legal dissolution process from initiation to final judgment. Pursuant to Washington State Court Rules, General Rule 31, these records typically contain the following components:
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Initial Filings:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage - The formal request to end the marriage, filed by the petitioner
- Summons - Official notice to the respondent about the divorce action
- Confidential Information Form - Contains sensitive personal information not available to the public
- Vital Statistics Form - Demographic information required by the state
-
Response Documents:
- Response to Petition - The non-filing spouse's formal answer to the petition
- Counter-Petition (if applicable) - The respondent's own petition for dissolution
- Joinder (if applicable) - Document indicating both parties agree to the divorce
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Financial Disclosures:
- Financial Declarations - Sworn statements of income, assets, and liabilities
- Tax Returns and Pay Stubs - Supporting documentation of financial status
- Property and Debt Lists - Inventories of marital and separate property
- Real Estate Appraisals - Valuations of real property owned by the parties
-
Child-Related Documents (if applicable):
- Parenting Plan - Detailed arrangement for custody, visitation, and decision-making
- Child Support Worksheets - Calculations of support obligations
- Child Support Orders - Court-ordered financial support requirements
- Residential Schedule - Specific timesharing arrangements for the children
-
Procedural Documents:
- Temporary Orders - Court directives governing conduct during the pendency of the case
- Motions and Responses - Formal requests for court action and opposing arguments
- Court Minutes - Records of hearings and proceedings
- Continuance Orders - Documents rescheduling court dates
-
Final Documents:
- Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law - Court's determinations of relevant facts and legal conclusions
- Final Decree of Dissolution - The official judgment ending the marriage
- Property Division Order - Court's allocation of assets and debts
- Name Change Order (if applicable) - Authorization for legal name restoration
-
Post-Judgment Filings (if applicable):
- Modifications - Changes to the original orders
- Enforcement Actions - Proceedings to compel compliance with orders
- Appeals - Challenges to the court's decisions
The Washington State Department of Health maintains a separate divorce certificate that contains limited information, including names of parties, date of divorce, county where granted, and case number. This certificate serves as official verification of the divorce but does not contain the detailed information found in court files.
How To Get Proof of Divorce In Yakima County?
Individuals seeking official proof of divorce in Yakima County have several options depending on the level of documentation required and the intended use of the proof. The following methods are available to obtain verification of divorce status:
-
Certified Copy of Divorce Decree from Yakima County Superior Court:
- Submit a written request to the Yakima County Clerk's Office
- Provide the case number, names of parties, and approximate date of divorce
- Pay the certification fee ($5.00 for the first page, $1.00 for each additional page)
- This document serves as the most comprehensive proof of divorce and includes all terms of the dissolution
-
Certificate of Divorce from Washington State Department of Health:
- Complete the Marriage or Divorce Certificate Request Form
- Submit the form with required identification and $25.00 fee
- This certificate verifies the fact and date of divorce but does not contain detailed terms
-
Exemplified Copy for International Use:
- Request an exemplified copy from the Yakima County Clerk's Office
- Pay the exemplification fee (approximately $50.00)
- This format includes additional certifications and seals for use in foreign countries
- May require additional authentication through the Secretary of State for international recognition
-
Court Docket Abstract:
- Request a docket abstract from the Clerk's Office
- Provide case identifying information
- Pay the applicable fee ($5.00)
- Receive a summary of case events and final disposition
For divorces finalized before computerized record-keeping (generally pre-1980s), requestors may need to provide additional information to assist in locating records in archived storage. Processing times vary based on the age of the record and method of request, with in-person requests typically processed more quickly than mail requests.
Individuals should specify their intended use when requesting proof of divorce, as different agencies and purposes may require specific forms of documentation. For example, name changes on federal identification may require the full decree, while remarriage licenses may only require the certificate of divorce.
Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Yakima County?
While divorce proceedings in Yakima 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 RCW § 26.12.080, which establish procedures for sealing or redacting sensitive information.
The following elements of divorce cases may be subject to confidentiality protections:
-
Automatically Confidential Documents:
- Financial source documents (tax returns, bank statements, pay stubs)
- Personal health care records
- Confidential reports filed by guardians ad litem
- Sealed juvenile court records referenced in divorce proceedings
- Personal identifying information such as Social Security numbers
-
Documents That May Be Sealed Upon Motion:
- Records containing allegations of domestic violence or child abuse
- Psychological evaluations and mental health assessments
- Substance abuse treatment records
- Information that would compromise the safety of a party or child
- Trade secrets or proprietary business information
-
Complete Case Sealing:
- In exceptional circumstances, a party may petition the court to seal the entire case file
- The court must find compelling privacy or safety concerns that outweigh the public interest
- A written finding detailing the reasons for sealing must be entered into the record
- Even when sealed, certain government agencies may still access the records
-
Alternative Confidentiality Measures:
- Use of initials or pseudonyms in public documents
- Redaction of sensitive information from publicly accessible records
- In-camera (private) review of sensitive evidence by the judge
- Closed courtroom proceedings for testimony involving sensitive matters
Parties seeking confidentiality must file specific motions with the Yakima County Superior Court and demonstrate that their privacy interests substantially outweigh the presumption of public access. The court applies a balancing test considering factors such as personal safety, privacy rights, and the public's right to information about judicial proceedings.
It should be noted that even when records are sealed at the court level, the fact that a divorce occurred remains part of the public vital records maintained by the Washington State Department of Health, though access to these records is restricted to eligible parties.
How Long Does a Divorce Take In Yakima County?
The duration of divorce proceedings in Yakima County varies significantly based on several factors, including case complexity, level of agreement between parties, court caseload, and statutory waiting periods. Under RCW § 26.09.030, Washington State imposes a mandatory 90-day waiting period from the date of filing and service before a divorce can be finalized, regardless of circumstances.
Typical timeframes for different types of divorce cases in Yakima County include:
-
Uncontested Divorces:
- Minimum time: 90 days (statutory waiting period)
- Average time: 3-4 months
- Factors affecting timeline: completeness of paperwork, court scheduling availability, efficiency of service process
-
Contested Divorces with Eventual Settlement:
- Average time: 6-12 months
- Timeline influenced by: complexity of assets, presence of children, negotiation process, attorney availability, mediation success
-
Fully Contested Divorces Requiring Trial:
- Average time: 12-18 months
- Extended by: discovery disputes, expert witness involvement, complex property division, custody evaluations, court congestion
-
High-Conflict Cases with Multiple Issues:
- Average time: 18-24+ months
- Prolonged by: multiple motions, appeals of temporary orders, allegations requiring investigation, business valuations, international assets
According to the Washington Courts Caseloads and Statistical Reports, the median time from filing to disposition for dissolution cases in Yakima County Superior Court is approximately 213 days, though this figure encompasses all case types from simple to complex.
Procedural milestones that affect timing include:
- Service of process (typically 1-4 weeks after filing)
- Temporary orders hearing (usually 2-6 weeks after filing)
- Discovery completion (3-6 months in typical cases)
- Settlement conference or mediation (4-8 months after filing)
- Trial date assignment (dependent on court calendar, often 6-12 months from filing)
Parties seeking to expedite their divorce should consider:
- Filing all required forms completely and accurately
- Promptly responding to discovery requests
- Utilizing alternative dispute resolution methods
- Reaching agreements on as many issues as possible
- Avoiding unnecessary motions and continuances
The Yakima County Superior Court family law facilitator can provide guidance on procedural requirements that may help avoid delays in the process.
How Long Does Yakima County Keep Divorce Records?
Yakima County maintains divorce records according to a structured retention schedule established under the Washington State Archives Records Retention Schedule and RCW § 40.14.070, which governs the preservation of court records. The retention period varies based on the type of record and its historical significance.
The standard retention periods for divorce-related records in Yakima County are:
-
Case Files and Judgments:
- Permanent retention for the final decree of dissolution and judgment
- These records are never destroyed and are eventually transferred to the Washington State Archives for historical preservation
- After approximately 10 years, physical records may be transferred to archival storage while remaining legally accessible
-
Supporting Documentation:
- Minimum retention of 10 years after case closure for financial declarations, parenting evaluations, and other supporting documents
- After the retention period, non-essential supporting documents may be destroyed according to the records disposition schedule
-
Exhibits:
- Retained for 6 months after the final disposition of the case
- May be retained longer if post-judgment motions or appeals are filed
- Parties must retrieve exhibits within the designated timeframe or they may be destroyed
-
Digital Records:
- Electronic case management records are maintained permanently
- Digital images of scanned documents follow the same retention schedule as their physical counterparts
- Backup systems ensure preservation of electronic records
-
Indexes and Dockets:
- Permanent retention for case indexes, judgment dockets, and case registers
- These finding aids remain available even after physical files are transferred to archives
The Yakima County Clerk's Office maintains an active records management program to ensure compliance with state retention requirements. For records that have been transferred to archival storage, retrieval requests may take additional time and may require coordination with the Washington State Archives.
Divorce certificates maintained by the Washington State Department of Health are retained permanently as vital records under RCW § 70.58A.530, ensuring that proof of divorce remains available regardless of the age of the record.
How To Get a Divorce In Yakima County
Individuals seeking to dissolve a marriage in Yakima County must follow specific procedures established under Washington State law. The process involves several steps that must be completed in sequence:
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Establish Eligibility:
- Either spouse must be a resident of Washington State
- No minimum residency period is required under RCW § 26.09.030
- The petition must be filed in the county where either spouse resides
-
Obtain and Complete Required Forms:
- Forms are available from the Yakima County Superior Court or online through the Washington Courts website
- Basic forms include:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
- Summons
- Confidential Information Form
- Vital Statistics Form
- Additional forms for cases involving children or property
-
File the Petition:
- Submit completed forms to the Yakima County Clerk's Office:
Yakima County Clerk's Office
128 North 2nd Street, Room 323
Yakima, WA 98901
(509) 574-1430
Yakima County Clerk- Pay the filing fee (currently $314.00)
- Fee waivers available for qualifying low-income individuals
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Serve the Other Spouse:
- Provide copies of all filed documents to the other spouse
- Service must be performed by someone over 18 who is not a party to the case
- Alternative service methods available if the spouse cannot be located
- File proof of service with the court
-
Wait for Response or Default:
- The served spouse has 20 days to file a response if served in Washington
- 60 days to respond if served outside Washington
- If no response is filed, request a default judgment
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Complete Financial Disclosures:
- Both parties must exchange financial information
- Disclose all assets, debts, income, and expenses
- File required financial declarations with the court
-
Negotiate Settlement or Prepare for Trial:
- Attempt to reach agreement on all issues
- Consider mediation or collaborative law approaches
- If agreement is reached, prepare settlement documents
- If no agreement, prepare for trial presentation
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Finalize the Divorce:
- Wait the mandatory 90-day cooling-off period from date of filing and service
- Submit final orders for judge's signature
- For uncontested cases, this may be done by mail
- For contested issues, attend the scheduled trial date
-
Post-Judgment Procedures:
- Obtain certified copies of the final decree
- Implement property division as ordered
- Establish child support payment mechanisms if applicable
- Update personal records (name, beneficiaries, etc.)
The Yakima County Family Court Facilitator provides assistance to self-represented litigants navigating the divorce process, including form review and procedural guidance. Legal aid services may also be available to qualifying low-income individuals through the Northwest Justice Project.
How To Get Divorce Papers In Yakima County
Individuals initiating or responding to divorce proceedings in Yakima County have several options for obtaining the necessary legal forms. The following resources are available to access divorce papers:
-
Yakima County Superior Court Clerk's Office:
- Visit in person to obtain paper copies of standard forms:
Yakima County Clerk's Office
128 North 2nd Street, Room 323
Yakima, WA 98901
(509) 574-1430
Yakima County Clerk
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:30 am - 4:00 pm (except holidays)- Nominal fee may apply for printed forms
- Staff cannot provide legal advice but can identify required forms
-
Yakima County Law Library:
- Access form books and legal resources:
Yakima County Law Library
128 North 2nd Street, Room B14
Yakima, WA 98901
(509) 574-1660
Hours: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm (except holidays)- Photocopiers available for a per-page fee
- Reference librarians can direct users to appropriate resources
-
Washington Courts Website:
- Download forms from the Washington Courts Divorce Forms page
- Forms available in fillable PDF format
- Instructions included for each form
- Available in multiple languages
-
Washington Law Help:
- Access guided interviews and form preparation through WashingtonLawHelp.org
- Step-by-step instructions for completing forms
- Educational materials explaining legal concepts
- Available in multiple languages
-
Yakima County Family Court Facilitator:
- Schedule an appointment for assistance:
Family Court Facilitator
Yakima County Courthouse
128 North 2nd Street
Yakima, WA 98901
(509) 574-2695- Fee of $20 per 30-minute session
- Form review and procedural guidance
- Cannot provide legal advice
-
Legal Document Preparers:
- Private businesses offering form preparation services
- Fees vary by provider
- Cannot provide legal advice
- Verify credentials before engaging services
The basic divorce packet for Yakima County typically includes:
- Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
- Summons
- Confidential Information Form
- Vital Statistics Form
- Financial Declaration
- Notice of Hearing
- Proof of Service forms
Additional forms are required for cases involving children, including:
- Parenting Plan
- Child Support Worksheets
- Order of Child Support
Individuals should determine whether they need forms for a contested or uncontested divorce, as different documents may be required depending on the circumstances of the case.
Lookup Divorce Records in Yakima County
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