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Kitsap County Divorce Records

What Are Kitsap County Divorce Records?

Kitsap County divorce records are official legal documents that provide comprehensive documentation of marriage dissolution proceedings conducted within the jurisdiction of Kitsap County, Washington. These records are maintained pursuant to Washington State Revised Code § 26.09, which governs dissolution of marriage proceedings throughout the state. The Kitsap County Clerk's Office serves as the official custodian of these records, processing and preserving all Superior Court documents in perpetuity.

Divorce records typically consist of multiple document types that collectively chronicle the legal termination of a marriage, including:

  • Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
  • Summons
  • Response to Petition
  • Financial declarations
  • Parenting plans (when minor children are involved)
  • Child support worksheets and orders
  • Property division agreements
  • Final Decree of Dissolution

These records serve numerous essential functions beyond documenting the legal end of a marriage. Members of the public may require access to divorce records for:

  • Establishing legal proof of marital status change
  • Facilitating remarriage processes
  • Documenting legal name changes
  • Applying for Social Security benefits
  • Supporting loan applications
  • Addressing immigration matters
  • Conducting genealogical research

The Washington State Department of Health maintains certified divorce certificates, while the detailed court files remain with the Kitsap County Superior Court system.

Are Kitsap County Divorce Records Public?

Kitsap County divorce records maintain a dual status regarding public accessibility. Court divorce case files are generally 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 public access is subject to important limitations and exceptions.

The public accessibility of divorce records is governed by several factors:

  • Court Files: Most divorce court proceedings and associated documents filed with the Kitsap County Superior Court are available for public inspection. These include petitions, responses, and final decrees.

  • Restricted Information: Certain sensitive information within divorce files may be redacted or restricted, including:

    • Social Security numbers
    • Financial account numbers
    • Names of minor children
    • Victim identification information
    • Sealed records pursuant to court order

  • Certified Divorce Certificates: Unlike court files, certified divorce certificates issued by the Washington State Department of Health have restricted access. Pursuant to RCW 70.58A.530, these certificates are available only to:

    • The individuals named on the record
    • Immediate family members
    • Legal representatives
    • Those with court orders
    • Government agencies for official purposes

Individuals seeking divorce records should note that while general case information may be publicly accessible, obtaining complete files or certified documents requires proper identification and, in some cases, demonstration of legal standing to access such records.

How To Find a Divorce Record In Kitsap County in 2026

Members of the public seeking divorce records in Kitsap County may utilize several established methods to locate and obtain these documents. The process varies depending on whether the requestor needs court case files or certified divorce certificates.

For Kitsap County Superior Court divorce case files:

  1. Contact the Kitsap County Clerk's Office directly:

Kitsap County Clerk's Office
614 Division Street, MS-34
Port Orchard, WA 98366
(360) 337-7164
Kitsap County Clerk

  1. Submit a records request form specifying the case number, names of parties involved, and approximate date of filing.

  2. Pay applicable fees for document reproduction. Currently, standard copy fees are $0.50 per page for regular copies and $5.00 for certified copies of court documents.

  3. For records dating back to 1973, consult the Washington State Digital Archives, which maintains digitized Kitsap County Superior Court records.

For certified divorce certificates:

  1. 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

  1. Complete the official vital records request form, providing full names of both parties, date of divorce, and place of divorce.

  2. Submit proper identification and documentation establishing legal right to access the record.

  3. Pay the current certificate fee ($25 per certified copy).

  4. Allow 2-3 weeks for processing for mail requests; expedited service is available for additional fees.

How To Look Up Divorce Records in Kitsap County Online?

Kitsap County provides several digital resources for accessing divorce record information online, though complete document access may require additional steps. The following online methods are currently available:

  1. Washington Courts Case Search Portal: The Washington State Courts Name and Case Search system allows users to search for case information by party name or case number. This system provides:

    • Basic case information
    • Docket entries
    • Hearing dates
    • Case status
    • Party information

    Note that actual document images are not available through this system; users must order copies separately.

  2. Washington State Digital Archives: For historical divorce records dating back to 1973, the Washington State Digital Archives maintains digitized Kitsap County Superior Court records. Users can search by:

    • Names of parties
    • Case numbers
    • Date ranges
    • Case types

  3. Kitsap County Clerk's Online Records Request: The Kitsap County Clerk's Office provides an online form for requesting court records. To use this system:

    • Select "Superior Court Records" from the Record Series dropdown
    • Choose "Kitsap County" from the County dropdown
    • Enter the case number or party names
    • Specify the documents needed
    • Provide contact information for delivery

  4. Washington Department of Health Vital Records: For certified divorce certificates, the Washington State Department of Health offers an online ordering system. Users must:

    • Create an account
    • Provide identification
    • Establish eligibility to receive the record
    • Pay applicable fees

Online access to divorce records is subject to the same privacy restrictions and redactions as in-person requests, with sensitive information protected according to Washington state law.

How To Find Divorce Records for Free In Kitsap County?

While obtaining certified copies of divorce records typically involves fees, several options exist for accessing basic divorce record information at no cost in Kitsap County:

  1. In-Person Court Record Inspection: Members of the public may visit the Kitsap County Clerk's Office to inspect non-confidential divorce case files at no charge:

Kitsap County Clerk's Office
614 Division Street, MS-34
Port Orchard, WA 98366
(360) 337-7164
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (excluding holidays)

  1. Washington Courts Public Case Search: The Washington State Courts public access portal allows free searches for basic case information, including:

    • Case numbers
    • Party names
    • Filing dates
    • Case status
    • Hearing dates

  2. Public Law Library Resources: The Kitsap County Law Library provides public access terminals for legal research and case information:

Kitsap County Law Library
614 Division Street
Port Orchard, WA 98366
(360) 337-7174
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

  1. Washington State Digital Archives: For historical records, the Washington State Digital Archives offers free online access to digitized court records, including divorce cases from 1973 forward.

It is important to note that while basic case information may be accessed without charge, fees will apply for:

  • Document copies ($0.50 per page)
  • Certified copies ($5.00 per document)
  • Certified divorce certificates from the Department of Health ($25.00)
  • Research assistance beyond basic lookup services

Additionally, access to free records is limited to non-confidential information, with sealed or restricted records remaining unavailable regardless of fee payment.

What's Included in a Divorce Records In Kitsap County

Divorce records in Kitsap County comprise a comprehensive collection of documents that chronicle the legal dissolution process from initiation to conclusion. These records typically contain the following components:

  1. Petition for Dissolution of Marriage: The initial filing that formally requests termination of the marriage, including:

    • Names and addresses of both parties
    • Date and place of marriage
    • Grounds for dissolution
    • Statement regarding jurisdiction
    • Preliminary proposals for property division and child custody

  2. Summons: Official notice to the respondent about the divorce action and response requirements.

  3. Response/Answer: The non-filing spouse's formal reply to the petition, indicating agreement or disagreement with the petitioner's requests.

  4. Financial Declarations: Sworn statements detailing:

    • Income sources and amounts
    • Assets and their values
    • Debts and liabilities
    • Monthly expenses

  5. Parenting Plan (when minor children are involved):

    • Residential schedule
    • Decision-making authority
    • Dispute resolution procedures
    • Transportation arrangements
    • Other parenting provisions

  6. Child Support Worksheets and Orders:

    • Income calculations
    • Support obligation determinations
    • Medical coverage provisions
    • Educational expense allocations

  7. Property and Debt Division Agreements:

    • Real estate allocations
    • Personal property distributions
    • Retirement account divisions
    • Debt responsibility assignments

  8. Final Decree of Dissolution:

    • Official court order terminating the marriage
    • Final determinations on all contested issues
    • Judge's signature and date of dissolution
    • Terms for implementation of the divorce settlement

  9. Name Change Orders (if applicable):

    • Authorization for legal name restoration or change
    • Instructions for updating identification documents

  10. Qualified Domestic Relations Orders (QDROs):

    • Instructions for dividing retirement accounts
    • Beneficiary designation changes

The comprehensiveness of divorce records varies based on case complexity, whether the divorce was contested or uncontested, and the presence of minor children or significant assets requiring division.

How To Get Proof of Divorce In Kitsap County?

Individuals requiring legal proof of divorce in Kitsap County have two primary options for obtaining official documentation, depending on their specific needs:

  1. Certified Copy of Divorce Decree from Kitsap County Superior Court:

    This document serves as the official court record of divorce and contains the judge's signature and court seal. To obtain this document:

    • Submit a request to the Kitsap County Clerk's Office:

    Kitsap County Clerk's Office
    614 Division Street, MS-34
    Port Orchard, WA 98366
    (360) 337-7164
    Kitsap County Clerk

    • Complete the court records request form
    • Provide the case number (if known) or names of both parties and approximate date of divorce
    • Pay the certification fee ($5.00 per document plus $0.50 per page)
    • Present valid photo identification when requesting records in person

  2. Certified Divorce Certificate from Washington State Department of Health:

    This abbreviated document confirms the fact of divorce, names of parties, and date of dissolution. To obtain this certificate:

    • Submit a request to the 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

    • Complete the vital records request form
    • Provide required identification
    • Establish eligibility to receive the record under RCW 70.58A.530
    • Pay the certificate fee ($25.00 per certified copy)

For most legal purposes requiring proof of divorce, including remarriage, name changes, and immigration matters, either document is generally acceptable. However, some situations may specifically require one form over the other:

  • Court decree copies are typically needed for detailed information about property division, child custody, or support terms
  • State-issued certificates are often preferred for international use, as they may require fewer authentication steps

Processing times vary from same-day service for in-person requests at the Clerk's Office to 2-3 weeks for mail requests to the Department of Health.

Can a Divorce Be Confidential In Kitsap County?

While divorce proceedings in Kitsap 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.

The primary methods for maintaining confidentiality in divorce proceedings include:

  1. Sealing Court Records: Pursuant to General Rule 15 of the Washington Court Rules, a judge may order divorce records sealed or redacted if compelling privacy or safety concerns exist. Grounds for sealing may include:

    • Protection of minor children
    • Prevention of risk to personal safety
    • Protection of legitimate trade secrets
    • Prevention of serious financial harm

  2. Confidential Name Change: In cases involving domestic violence or stalking concerns, name changes associated with divorce may be processed confidentially under RCW 4.24.130.

  3. Domestic Violence Protection: When domestic violence is involved, certain identifying information may be restricted from public access, including:

    • Residential addresses
    • Telephone numbers
    • Employment information
    • School locations

  4. Financial Information Protection: Sensitive financial documents may be filed under seal, with only summary information available in public records. This includes:

    • Tax returns
    • Bank account details
    • Social Security numbers
    • Detailed financial statements

  5. Alternative Dispute Resolution: Couples seeking maximum privacy may utilize:

    • Private mediation
    • Collaborative divorce processes
    • Binding arbitration

These methods keep negotiations and settlements outside the public court record, with only the final decree filed publicly.

It is important to note that obtaining confidentiality requires specific court action; confidentiality is not automatic. Parties seeking confidentiality must file appropriate motions demonstrating that their situation meets the legal standards for restricting public access to court records. The court balances privacy concerns against the presumption of open access to judicial proceedings established in the Washington State Constitution.

How Long Does a Divorce Take In Kitsap County?

The duration of divorce proceedings in Kitsap County varies significantly based on several key factors. Under Washington state law, specifically RCW 26.09.030, a mandatory 90-day waiting period exists between the filing of a divorce petition and the earliest date a divorce can be finalized. However, this minimum timeframe represents only the statutory baseline, with actual case durations often extending longer.

Factors influencing divorce timeframes in Kitsap County include:

  1. Case Complexity:

    • Simple cases with minimal assets and no children: 3-4 months
    • Moderate complexity with some property division: 6-9 months
    • High-asset cases requiring business valuation: 12-18+ months

  2. Level of Agreement Between Parties:

    • Uncontested divorces with complete agreement: 3-4 months
    • Partially contested matters requiring negotiation: 6-12 months
    • Fully contested divorces requiring trial: 12-24+ months

  3. Court Calendar Congestion:

    • According to Kitsap County Superior Court statistics, the current average time from filing to disposition for family law cases is approximately 8.5 months
    • Trial dates typically scheduled 6-9 months from request
    • Temporary orders hearings generally set within 2-4 weeks of filing

  4. Alternative Dispute Resolution Participation:

    • Successful mediation may reduce timeframes by 2-4 months
    • Collaborative divorce processes average 4-8 months
    • Failed mediation attempts may add 2-3 months to overall timeline

  5. Presence of Complex Issues:

    • Child custody evaluations add 3-6 months
    • Business valuations add 2-4 months
    • Retirement account divisions requiring QDROs add 1-3 months

The Kitsap County Superior Court currently reports that approximately 70% of divorce cases are resolved within 12 months of filing, with the median time to disposition being approximately 7 months. However, cases involving substantial assets, complex custody disputes, or high levels of conflict may extend significantly beyond these averages.

Parties seeking expedited processing should note that while the 90-day waiting period cannot be waived, advance preparation of agreements and financial disclosures can significantly streamline the process once the waiting period concludes.

How Long Does Kitsap County Keep Divorce Records?

Kitsap County maintains divorce records according to a structured retention schedule established under Washington state law and archival regulations. The preservation periods vary based on record type and historical significance.

The retention schedule for divorce records in Kitsap County includes:

  1. Superior Court Case Files: Pursuant to RCW 36.23.065, the Kitsap County Clerk's Office permanently retains all Superior Court case files, including divorce proceedings. These records are maintained in their original format or through digital preservation systems.

  2. Court Dockets and Indexes: These finding aids are permanently retained to facilitate location of case files and maintain chronological records of court proceedings.

  3. Exhibits and Evidence: Physical exhibits submitted in divorce proceedings are typically retained for:

    • 60 days after case conclusion for routine matters
    • 6 months for contested cases with appeal potential
    • Longer periods by special court order

  4. Administrative Records: Supporting documentation such as calendars, scheduling notes, and internal correspondence are generally retained for 6 years after case conclusion.

  5. Digital Records: The Washington State Digital Archives maintains permanent digital copies of Kitsap County Superior Court records dating back to 1973, including divorce proceedings.

The Washington State Archives Eastern Regional Branch serves as the repository for historical Kitsap County court records, preserving documents of enduring historical value. Records transfer protocols include:

  • Active records (0-6 years): Maintained at Kitsap County Courthouse
  • Semi-active records (7-10 years): May be transferred to county records center
  • Archival records (10+ years): Transferred to State Archives for permanent preservation

It is important to note that while the physical location of older records may change, legal custody remains with the Kitsap County Clerk's Office, which continues to provide certified copies upon request regardless of the record's age or storage location.

How To Get a Divorce In Kitsap County

Obtaining a divorce in Kitsap County requires adherence to specific legal procedures established under Washington state law. The process, formally known as "dissolution of marriage," involves several key steps:

  1. Residency Requirements:

    • Either spouse must be a Washington state resident at the time of filing
    • No minimum residency period is required
    • The petition must be filed in the county where either spouse resides

  2. Initiating the Divorce Process:

    • Obtain and complete the necessary forms from:

    • Required initial documents include:

      • Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
      • Summons
      • Confidential Information Form
      • Vital Statistics Form

  3. Filing the Petition:

    • Submit completed forms to:

    Kitsap County Superior Court Clerk
    614 Division Street, MS-34
    Port Orchard, WA 98366
    (360) 337-7164
    Kitsap County Clerk

    • Pay the current filing fee ($314 as of this writing)
    • Fee waivers are available for qualifying low-income individuals

  4. Serving the Other Spouse:

    • The non-filing spouse must receive copies of all filed documents
    • Service options include:
      • Personal service by a non-party adult
      • Acceptance of service (if spouse agrees to sign)
      • Alternative service by court order if spouse cannot be located

  5. Response Period:

    • The served spouse has 20 days to file a response if served in Washington
    • 60 days if served outside Washington but within the United States
    • 90 days if served outside the United States

  6. Temporary Orders (if needed):

    • Either party may request temporary orders regarding:
      • Child custody and support
      • Spousal maintenance
      • Use of property and payment of debts
      • Restraining orders

  7. Financial Disclosure:

    • Both parties must complete and exchange:
      • Financial declarations
      • Income verification
      • Asset and debt documentation

  8. Resolution Methods:

    • Uncontested agreement between parties
    • Mediation through Kitsap County Dispute Resolution Center
    • Settlement conference with court commissioner
    • Trial before a Superior Court judge

  9. Finalization:

    • After the 90-day waiting period from service date
    • Submit final orders for judge's signature:
      • Findings of Fact and Conclusions of Law
      • Decree of Dissolution of Marriage
      • Parenting Plan (if children involved)
      • Child Support Order (if children involved)
      • Order of Child Support (if children involved)

The Kitsap County Superior Court provides resources for self-represented litigants, including forms assistance and procedural guidance, though these services do not constitute legal advice.

How To Get Divorce Papers In Kitsap County

Individuals seeking to initiate divorce proceedings in Kitsap County have multiple options for obtaining the necessary legal forms, commonly referred to as "divorce papers." These documents constitute the foundation of the divorce process and must be properly completed to ensure legal validity.

The following resources are available for obtaining divorce papers in Kitsap County:

  1. Washington State Court Website:

    • The Washington Courts Dissolution Forms page provides comprehensive downloadable packets for various divorce situations
    • Forms are available in fillable PDF format
    • Instructions accompany each form set
    • Options include packets for cases with/without children and agreed/contested divorces

  2. Kitsap County Superior Court Clerk's Office:

    • Paper forms available for purchase at:

    Kitsap County Superior Court Clerk
    614 Division Street, MS-34
    Port Orchard, WA 98366
    (360) 337-7164
    Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
    Kitsap County Clerk

    • Nominal fee charged for printing costs
    • Staff cannot provide legal advice but can identify required forms

  3. Kitsap County Law Library:

    • Reference copies of all forms available
    • Computer access for downloading and printing forms
    • Legal reference materials to assist with completion

    Kitsap County Law Library
    614 Division Street
    Port Orchard, WA 98366
    (360) 337-7174
    Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

  4. Northwest Justice Project:

    • Free online guided interviews through Washington LawHelp
    • Step-by-step assistance with form completion
    • Available in multiple languages

  5. Kitsap Legal Services:

    • Periodic divorce workshops for self-represented litigants
    • One-on-one assistance for income-qualifying individuals

    Kitsap Legal Services
    920 Park Avenue
    Bremerton, WA 98337
    (360) 479-6125

The basic divorce packet typically includes:

  • Petition for Dissolution of Marriage
  • Summons
  • Confidential Information Form
  • Vital Statistics Form
  • Financial Declaration (if property/debts exist)
  • Parenting Plan (if children involved)
  • Child Support Worksheets (if children involved)

Additional specialized forms may be required depending on the specific circumstances of the divorce, including military service, domestic violence concerns, or complex property issues.

Lookup Divorce Records in Kitsap County

Kitsap County Clerk

Requesting Court Records

Washington State Archives, Digital Archives

Washington State Courts Name and Case Search

Ordering a Marriage or Divorce Record

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