Benton County Court Records

According to the Washington General Rule 31(c)(4), court records in Benton County include but are not limited to, any material maintained by a court in connection with a judicial proceeding. Benton County court records are significant in legal matters as they accurately record what transpired during a legal proceeding. They also help to ensure that legal proceedings are conducted impartially and can serve as evidence in future legal proceedings. Researchers may also find Washington court records significant as they can be studied to know the type of cases heard, the outcome, and the factors that shape the court decision.

Are Court Records Public in Benton County?

Yes. Court records are accessible to the public under the Washington General Rule GR31(d)(1) regardless of the physical form of the court record, the method of recording the court record, or the method of storage of the court record. This rule states that the public can view or obtain a copy of all court records except as restricted by federal law, state law, court rule, court order, or case law.

The court records that fall into the restricted category include the following:

• Adoption records
• Mental illness commitment records
• Alcohol and drug treatment commitment records
• Paternity records (except final orders)
• Confidential name change records
• Juvenile non-offender records (Juvenile Dependency, Truancy, At-Risk Youth, Child In Need of Services, Termination of Parental Rights, and Developmental Disability Placement)
• Court records are sealed by judicial order.

Benton County Court Records Search

Individuals may search for court records in Benton County using any of the following options:

• Contacting the Benton County Clerk
• Visiting the Benton County District Court
• Using the Washington Courts Case Search Portal.

Benton County Court Records Search by Name

Washington Courts provides an online case search Odyssey Portal for name-based court record searches at no cost. Requesters are required to provide first, last, and middle names associated with the case to search. They are also able to filter the search to restrict the results to Benton County only.

Benton County Courts

The Benton County court system comprises Superior, District, and Municipal Courts. Superior courts have wide jurisdiction over all civil and criminal issues except when authority is restricted by statute or delegated only to another court. District Courts, on the other hand, have limited jurisdiction over civil, criminal, and traffic cases. Municipal Courts operating within the District Courts deal with violations of city ordinances and enforcement of license penalties and forfeitures under those ordinances.

Below are the contact details of the Benton Courthouse locations in Benton County:

Benton & Franklin Counties Superior Court - Juvenile
Benton-Franklin Counties Juvenile Justice Center
5606 West Canal Drive
Suite 106
Kennewick, WA 99336
Phone: (509) 783-2151
Fax: (509) 736-2728

Benton County Superior Court
Benton County Justice Center
7122 West Okanogan Place
Building A
Kennewick, WA 99336
Phone: (509) 735-8388
Fax: (509) 736-3892

Benton County Superior Court
Prosser Courthouse
620 Market Street
Prosser, WA 99350
Phone: (509) 786-5624

Benton County District Court
7122 West Okanogan Place
Building A
Kennewick, WA 99336
Phone: (509) 735-8476
Fax: (509) 736-3069

Benton County District Court — Prosser Courthouse
620 Market Street
Prosser, WA 99350
Phone: (509) 786-5480
Fax: (509) 786-5484

Benton County Superior Court Case Search

Benton County Superior Court case search can be done through the Benton County Clerk. The Clerk’s website allows requesters to access copies of court documents, record searches, and CD copies of court proceedings by following the steps below:

• Fill out a request form for the services available by providing your personal information, stating the exact document you want copies of and the case number, and allow five days for processing.
• Submit payment via Visa/Mastercard/American Express/Discover cards. Printed copies cost 50 cents per page, digital copies cost 25 cents per page, copies of microfilm cost $1.00 per page, certified copies cost $5.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page and exemplified copies cost $9.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page. An additional shipping charge of $5 may apply.

Benton County Superior Court usually handles the following criminal and civil cases:

• Actions for forcible entry and detainer
• Insolvency proceedings
• Abatement or prevention of a nuisance
• Probate matters
• Divorce and annulment
• Dispute over the title or possession of real property
• Question of the legality of any tax, impost, assessment, toll, or municipal fine
• Cases involving debts, damages, or property valued in an amount beyond the limits of District Court jurisdiction.
• Naturalization cases
• Habeas corpus
• Mandamus
• Quo warranto cases.

Benton County District Court Records

Benton County District Court has limited jurisdiction over certain types of civil, criminal, and traffic cases, including but not limited to the following:

• Traffic infractions
• City ordinance violation
• Dispute of less than $75,000, exclusive of interest, costs and fees
• Personal property fraud cases
• Small claims
• Civil protection orders
• Domestic violence protection orders
• Name changes
• Vehicle impound cases.

Benton County District Court records may be accessed through the Benton County District Court by following the steps below:

• Fill out a request form by providing your personal information, the case type, and case number, and specify the record you need, and what the record will be used for.
• Submit payment in person or via NCOURT at (855) 873-9709. The research fee costs $10.00 per person searched, paid when a record request is submitted, certified copies cost $5.00 per document paid after the search is completed and totaled, and CD copies of court recordings cost $10.00 per CD in addition to the search fee.

Benton County Criminal Records

Benton County arrest and criminal records are handled by the Washington State Patrol (WSP) and are not directly available through the county. The subject of the records and eligible third parties who have been granted permission by the subject may request this record through the following steps:

Obtain fingerprints: Eligible persons are to visit an Olympia WSP office located at 106 11th Ave SW Suite 1300, Olympia WA 98501, or a WSP-approved fingerprinting location with a valid government ID and a $16 fee (cash, check, credit/debit card) to secure a set of fingerprints.

Submit fingerprints and payment: After making an additional processing fee of $58 to the WSP by check, money order, or Bankcard Authorization form, eligible persons are to submit the full set of fingerprints by mail or in-person to:

Washington State Patrol
Identification and Background Check Section
P.O. Box 42633
Olympia, WA 98504–2633.

Benton County Criminal Court Case Lookup

The Benton County Clerk's Office offers public access to criminal court records. Interested persons may visit the office in person or submit a request by mail including charge details, names of involved individuals, dates associated with the case, and the court's final judgment (if known) at the contact below:

Benton County Justice Center
7122 West Okanogan Place
Building A
Kennewick, WA 99336
Phone: (509) 735-8388
Fax: (509) 736-3892

Plain page copies cost $0.50 per page, certified copies cost $5.00 for the first page, and $1.00 for each additional page. While exemplified copies cost $9.00 for the first page, and $1.00 for each additional page.

Get Benton County Civil Court Records

The Benton County Clerk's Office holds copies of civil court records. These records may be accessed by in-person visit or a written request containing names of parties involved (if known), case number, dates associated with the case (filing date, judgments, etc.), and any other relevant details.

Plain Copies of record cost $0.50 per page, certified copies cost $5.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page. Exemplified copies cost $9.00 for the first page, and $1.00 for each additional page. Requesters are to submit their request by mail or in person to either of these location:

Benton County Justice Center
7122 West Okanogan Place
Building A
Kennewick, WA 99336
Phone: (509) 735-8388
Fax: (509) 736-3892

Benton County Family Court Records

The family division of the Benton County Superior Court handles family law cases. Requesters, therefore, may access family court records of the family related cases such as:

• Divorce/Legal Separation
• Family Law Motions
• Child Support Modifications
• Restraining Orders
• Child Relocation
• Establishing a Parenting Plan
• Parenting Plan Modification
• Invalidity/Annulment
• Parentage.

Requesters may access Benton County family court records, like all other court records, through the Benton County Clerk by following the steps highlighted in the “Benton County Superior Court Case Search” section. However, requesters must be aware that certain Benton County family court records are restricted from public access, and they include:

• Juvenile records excluding those involving felonies
• Adoption records
• Paternity records
• Name change records classified as confidential
• Mental health records
• Alcohol and drug treatment records.

Benton Dissolution of Marriage Records

The Benton County Clerk's Office and the Washington State Department of Health offer access to Benton County dissolution of marriage records. Requesters may access these records by using any of the avenues listed below.

Benton County Clerk's Office:

Residents of Benton County seeking dissolution of marriage records can visit the Benton County Clerk's Office in person at the Prosser Courthouse or Benton County Justice Center during business hours, they can mail or email a completed copy request form or a letter containing details like the divorced parties' names, dates of birth, and the divorce date (if known) to any of the contact details below.

Prosser Courthouse
620 Market Street
Prosser, WA 99350.

Benton County Justice Center
7122 West Okanogan Place
Building A
Kennewick, WA 99336
Email: clerk@co.benton.wa.us
Phone: (509) 786-5624
Phone: (509) 735-8388

Fees vary depending on the copy type, ranging from $0.25 per page for an email copy to $9 for the first page of an exemplified copy, with subsequent pages costing $1 each.

Washington State Department of Health:

The Washington State Department of Health also offers Benton County marriage dissolution certificates for all dissolutions since 1968. Requesters may visit a Department of Health location in person and receive their certificate the same day or request via mail by filling out a marriage certificate mail order form (even though they are requesting a marriage dissolution certificate) and include any known details about the parties involved. Requesters are to use the following contact details for both the in-person visit and the mail request:

Washington Department of Health
P.O. Box 9709
Olympia, WA 98507-9709.

Regardless of the method chosen, fees include $25 for the marriage dissolution certificate and an optional $15 for an apostilled copy. Requesters must provide all available information accurately to expedite processing, as applications with inaccuracies may be rejected by the Department of Health without a refund.

Benton County Marriage and Divorce Records

Marriage Records:

Benton County marriage records are available from two sources depending on the date the marriage occurred. Requesters may access marriage records from 1968 till date by sending a request to The Washington State Department of Health. They can obtain a marriage certificate in person or via mail by filling out a marriage certificate mail order form and including any known details about the parties involved. Requesters are to use the following contact details for both the in-person visit and the mail request:

Washington Department of Health
P.O. Box 9709
Olympia, WA 98507-9709.

Regardless of the method chosen, fees include $25 for the marriage certificate and an optional $15 for an apostilled copy.

The Washington Department of Health does not maintain records of marriages that occurred before 1968. The Benton County Auditor's Office holds marriage licenses for marriages that took place before 1968. They offer certified copies for $3 and photocopies for $1 per page. Requesters can submit their request by mail or visit one of their offices in person:

Boston County Auditor's Office
Prosser Main Office
620 Market Street
Prosser, WA 99350
Phone: (509) 786-5620
Fax: (509) 786-5528
Email: auditor@co.benton.wa.us

Kennewick Sub-Office
5600 West Canal Drive
Kennewick, WA 99336
Phone: (509) 736-2727
Fax: (509) 736-2738
Email: auditor@co.benton.wa.us

Benton County Divorce Records

The Benton County Clerk's Office and the Washington State Department of Health offer access to Benton County divorce records. Requesters may access these records by following the highlighted avenues in the “Benton Dissolution of Marriage Records” section.

Benton Birth and Death Records

Benton County birth and death records are maintained by the Benton-Franklin Health District (BFHD). However, under Washington law, these records are considered private. Only eligible individuals can obtain copies, and they include the following:

• The person named on the birth certificate (subject)
• The subject's spouse or domestic partner
• A close relative of the subject (sibling, child, grandchild, stepchild)
• A parent, stepparent, grandparent, or great-grandparent of the subject
• The subject's legal guardian, legal representative, or authorized representative
• A funeral director or funeral organization listed on the record for 12 months from the death date
• Government agencies or courts for official business.

The BFHD issues certified and non-certified copies of these records. Both contain the same information, but certified copies are printed on special paper and can be used for legal purposes. Eligible individuals can request birth or death records by mail, fax, or in person. They will need to complete the appropriate form, either certified in English (Birth record or Death record) or certified in Spanish (either birth or death) or an informational copy in English (either birth or death) or an informational copy in Spanish (either birth or death) and provide proof of eligibility, which includes, government-issued ID or alternative documents as listed on the form.

Benton County birth and death certificates cost $25 each, payable by credit card on the form or money order made out to "BFHD". The fee is non-refundable. There is a same-day service option for an additional cost, but requests must be submitted before 2:00 PM using the address below.

Benton-Franklin Health District
7102 West Okanogan Place
Kennewick, WA 99336
Phone: (509) 460-4204
Fax: (509) 460-4587

Benton County Probate Court Records

Benton County Superior Court oversees probate cases under one of its division named Probate/Guardianship, which deal with the legal process of administering a deceased person's estate. These cases typically involve:

• Will administration: Distributing assets according to a valid will.
• Intestacy proceedings: Determining the distribution of assets if no will exists.
• Guardianship and conservatorship: Appointing guardians to manage the affairs of minors or incapacitated adults.
• Estate administration: Settling debts, collecting assets, and distributing them to beneficiaries.
• Trust administration: Overseeing the management of assets held in a trust.

Requesters may access these records by following the steps highlighted in the “Benton County Superior Court Case Search”.

Benton County Property Records

Benton County property records are public information, accessible under the Washington Public Records Act. These records contain various details about a property, including:

• Owner information (name and address)
• Property address and legal description
• Property characteristics (size, building type, number of bedrooms/bathrooms)
• Assessed value and tax information
• Recording history (past sales and transfers)
• Liens and encumbrances (mortgages, easements).

Online Search:

The Benton County Auditor, County Treasurer, and County Assessor all maintain online property search portals. These portals allow requesters to search for property records by owner name, address, or other criteria. Note: Foreclosure property records are not available online.

Physical Copies:

The Benton County Auditor's office holds physical copies of all property records. Requesters can visit one of their offices in Prosser or Kennewick to retrieve copies. Certified copies cost $3 for the first page and $1 for each additional page.

Benton County Auditor's Office — Prosser Courthouse
620 Market Street
Prosser, WA 99350
Phone: (509) 786-5616 or (509) 736-3088 (toll-free)
Fax: (509) 786-5657
Email: auditor@co.benton.wa.us.

Benton County Auditor's Office — Kennewick Annex
5600 West Canal Drive
Kennewick, WA 99336
Phone: (509) 736-2727 ext.2431 or (509) 736-3088 (toll-free)
Fax: (509) 786-5657
Email: auditor@co.benton.wa.us.

Benton County Court Records Online

While Benton County provides access to court records online, requesters usually have to search through many official platforms to get different types of court records. Third-party websites like washingtoncourtrecords.us offer a one-stop search portal for all court records. These third-party websites are potentially practical and frequently serve as aggregators, giving requesters access to search court records from a single platform across multiple counties or states. Furthermore, compared to individual court websites, some may be simpler to use due to their user-friendly interfaces. Requesters may come across features like docket-specific warnings or case summaries.

However, third-party websites can suffer from limitations. The completeness and correctness of their content rely on the information supplied by the courts themselves, which can lead to delayed updates or inaccuracies. Cost can also be a factor. While some websites offer basic search features for free, others require payment for full access to case information or documents. Finally, privacy is a concern. Court records often contain sensitive information, so it's crucial to understand how any third-party website handles data privacy.