Divorce records in Cowlitz County, Washington, can be accessed through several channels. CowlitzCourt.us can help you find publicly available divorce record information for Cowlitz County. You can also obtain records directly from the Cowlitz County Superior Court, which handles all divorce cases, or from the Clerk of Superior Court, who maintains the official case files. The Washington State Department of Health, Center for Health Statistics, issues divorce certificates as the state vital records office.
Cowlitz County Divorce Records Search
In Washington, divorce cases are filed and adjudicated in Superior Court. The Cowlitz County Clerk of Superior Court is the custodian of all divorce case records, including:
- Divorce decrees (Decrees of Dissolution of Marriage)
- Settlement agreements and property division orders
- Parenting plans and custody orders
- Motions, responses, and other case filings
The Washington State Department of Health maintains divorce certificates — a summary document confirming that a divorce occurred — for dissolutions finalized statewide since 1968. To search Cowlitz County Superior Court case records online, use the Washington Courts Case Search tool, which provides case index information for reference purposes. The official court record is maintained by the Clerk's office.
Cowlitz County Clerk of Superior Court
Where Divorce Records Are Filed in Cowlitz County
Washington uses the term "dissolution of marriage" rather than divorce. All dissolution cases in Cowlitz County are handled by the Cowlitz County Superior Court. After a judge signs the final decree, the Clerk of Superior Court files and maintains the complete case record.
Which office you contact depends on what you need:
- Full case file or decree copies: Contact the Cowlitz County Clerk of Superior Court.
- Divorce certificate (vital record): Contact the Washington State Department of Health, Center for Health Statistics.
Cowlitz County Superior Court
Washington State Department of Health — Center for Health Statistics
Cowlitz County provides fillable forms for requesting copies of court documents, including divorce pleadings and courtroom recordings. You can also submit a public records request through the county's process if needed. For older or archived records, the Washington State Digital Archives may have indexed records from Cowlitz County, though divorce records availability varies by time period.
Divorce Record Search Fees, Copy Costs, and Processing Times in Cowlitz County
| Service | Fee | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|---|
| Court record copies (non-certified), per page | $0.50 | Varies; typically 1–5 business days |
| Certified copy of court document | $5.00 first page, $1.00 each additional page | Varies; typically 1–5 business days |
| Divorce certificate (DOH) — standard request | $25.00 | Approximately 4–6 weeks |
| Divorce certificate (DOH) — expedited | $25.00 + expedite fee | Approximately 1–2 weeks |