CowlitzCourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases in Cowlitz County, Washington. You can also search records through the state's online court tools, visit the clerk's office in person, contact court staff by phone or mail, or use public-access terminals at the courthouse. The sections below explain which courts handle which cases, how to look up hearings, and how to request copies of court documents.
Cowlitz Court System & Jurisdictions
Cowlitz County operates two main court levels, each handling distinct case types. Knowing which court holds the docket you need saves time.
Superior Court
The Cowlitz County Superior Court is the county's general-jurisdiction trial court. It hears:
- Felony criminal cases
- Civil cases (including those exceeding the District Court's monetary limit)
- Family law matters — divorce, child custody, parenting plans, and protection orders
- Probate and guardianship proceedings
- Juvenile offender and juvenile dependency cases
- Appeals from District Court and municipal courts
Cowlitz County Superior Court
Juvenile Court operates from a separate location:
District Court
Cowlitz County District Court handles cases from Castle Rock, Kalama, Kelso, Longview, and Woodland. According to the Washington State Court Directory for Cowlitz County, it covers:
- Misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor criminal cases
- Civil disputes up to $100,000
- Small claims (up to $10,000)
- Traffic and non-traffic infractions
- Anti-harassment protection orders
- Name changes (uncontested)
Restricted records: Sealed cases, juvenile dependency files, certain mental health proceedings, and records subject to court orders are not available to the general public. Adoption records are also confidential under Washington law.
Cowlitz Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
To look up today's, tomorrow's, or this week's court schedule in Cowlitz County, use the state's Find My Court Date tool. This free resource lets you search by name or case number across Washington courts, including Cowlitz County Superior Court and District Court.
Steps to check a court calendar:
- Go to dw.courts.wa.gov.
- Select the court — either Cowlitz County Superior Court or Cowlitz County District Court.
- Enter the party's name or case number.
- Review the hearing date, time, courtroom, and case type.
You can also search case information through the Washington State Courts Name and Case Search. Keep in mind that results from these online tools are for reference only — the official record is maintained by the court of record.
For detailed docket sheets or to confirm a hearing, contact the clerk's office directly at 360-577-3085 (Superior Court) or visit the courthouse during business hours.
How to Get a Copy of a Cowlitz Court Document
Cowlitz County offers several ways to obtain court documents. The method you choose depends on whether you need a certified or uncertified copy and how quickly you need it.
Online
- Use the Washington Courts Case Search to look up basic case information and docket entries at no charge.
- The county's Court Records page provides fillable forms for requesting copies of court documents, pleadings, and recordings of courtroom proceedings.
- For guidance on ordering transcripts, the Office of Public Defense transcript contact list includes Cowlitz County's record request form link.
In Person
Visit the Clerk of Superior Court on the second floor of the Cowlitz County Courthouse. Public-access terminals are available for searching case records. Staff can help you locate specific filings and order certified copies on the spot.
By Mail
Send a written request specifying the case number, party names, and the documents you need to:
Include payment for applicable fees (see below). Checks or money orders should be made payable to the Cowlitz County Clerk.
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
- Certified copies bear the clerk's seal and signature, confirming the document is a true copy of the court record. These are typically required for legal proceedings, background checks, or filings in other jurisdictions.
- Uncertified copies are plain reproductions without the clerk's certification. They work for personal reference or informal review.
What you'll need to provide: Case number (if known), full names of parties, approximate date of filing, and the specific document or record type requested. The more detail you include, the faster the clerk can fulfill your request.
For criminal history background checks — as opposed to court case documents — the Washington State Patrol WATCH system is the appropriate resource. Conviction data is available to the public; non-conviction data is restricted under the Criminal Records Privacy Act.
Cowlitz Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court record services in Washington are established by statute (primarily RCW 36.18.016 for Superior Court clerk fees). The table below reflects standard fee amounts. Contact the clerk's office at 360-577-3016 to confirm current rates, as fees may be updated by legislative action.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copies of court documents (per page) | $0.50 |
| Certified copy — first page | $5.00 |
| Certified copy — each additional page | $1.00 |
| Certificate with seal (no document attached) | $2.00 |
| Filing a new civil action (Superior Court) | $200.00 |
| Appeal filing fee to Superior Court | $200.00 |
| Search of court records (per name/per year) | $2.00 |
| Audio recording of court proceedings (per disc/copy) | Varies — contact clerk |
Payment methods: The clerk's office generally accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Ask about credit or debit card acceptance when you contact the office. For mail requests, include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want documents returned by mail.
For public records requests outside the court system — such as sheriff's office records or jail booking data — Cowlitz County's public records coordinators can direct you to the correct department. The Cowlitz County Jail Roster is available online at no cost for current inmate and booking information.