Jefferson County Court Records

In Jefferson County, Washington, court records are official documentation related to cases and legal proceedings processed through the county’s judicial system. They originate when individuals, businesses, or government agencies file civil or criminal actions before the courts. These records serve as the legal backbone of the judiciary, ensuring fair and transparent administration of justice. They often include pleadings, motions, judgments, transcripts, docket information, exhibits, and court orders, as well as calendars, indexes, and other procedural documents.

Are Court Records Public in Jefferson County?

Under Washington State law, most court records are presumed open to the public. General Rule (GR) 31 of the Washington State Courts establishes that the public has a broad right of access to court records unless otherwise restricted by federal statutes, state laws, court orders, or existing case law. Certain categories of records are exempt from disclosure. For example, pursuant to RCW 13.50, juvenile case files are typically confidential, and under RCW 70.02, records containing sensitive health information may be sealed. Similarly, adoption records (RCW 26.33.330), certain confidential identifying information, and financial account numbers may be shielded from public view.

Common types of restricted or sealed documents in Jefferson County include:

• Juvenile records, including dependency and offender proceedings (per RCW 13.50)
• Mental health commitment records and alcohol/drug treatment files
• Adoption records, protected under RCW 26.33.330
• Identifying information that could lead to identity theft, such as Social Security numbers
• Paternity records (except for final orders of parentage)
• Sensitive personal information about public agency employees, where release would violate privacy rights

Jefferson County Court Records Search

Interested parties have multiple avenues to locate and review Jefferson County court records:

Washington Courts Online Portal:

The Washington State Courts’ “Odyssey Portal” provides electronic access to certain Superior Court records statewide, including Jefferson County. Users may search by case number, party name, or keyword, although some documents may require in-person review at the courthouse.

Jefferson County Superior Court Clerk’s Office:

The Clerk’s Office maintains all records for the Jefferson County Superior Court. Requesters can visit in person or send written inquiries to access copies.

Jefferson County District Court:

District Court records, including infraction and limited civil matters, are available at the District Court Clerk’s Office.

Third-Party Aggregators:

Non-government websites may also compile and provide access to Jefferson County court records. While these can be convenient, users should verify the accuracy and currency of the information obtained, as these sites are not official government sources.

Jefferson County Courts

Jefferson County’s court system consists primarily of the Superior Court (a trial court of general jurisdiction) and the District Court (a court of limited jurisdiction). In some instances, municipal matters arising from local city ordinances are handled through the District Court, as Jefferson County does not operate separate municipal courts. The addresses and contact information of the county’s courthouses are as follows:

Jefferson County Superior Court
Jefferson County Courthouse
1820 Jefferson Street,
P.O. Box 1220,
Port Townsend, WA 98368
Phone: (360) 385-9125
Fax: (360) 385-5672

Jefferson County Superior Court - Juvenile and Family
Jefferson County Courthouse
1820 Jefferson Street,
P.O. Box 1220,
Port Townsend, WA 98368
Phone: (360) 385-9190
Fax: (360) 385-9191

Jefferson County District Court
Jefferson County Courthouse
1820 Jefferson Street,
P.O. Box 1220,
Port Townsend, WA 98368
Phone: (360) 385-9135
Fax: (360) 385-9367

Jefferson County Criminal and Civil Records

Non-confidential criminal history information in Washington can be accessed through the Washington State Patrol’s WATCH (Washington Access to Criminal History) system. Convictions, arrests less than one year old without disposition, and registered sex/kidnapping offender information are generally available. Interested persons may access these criminal records using the online portal or by sending a written request to the State Patrol at:

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

Fees vary based on the type of request (name-based or fingerprint-based), typically starting at $11 per name search. Civil matters in Jefferson County may be filed in Superior Court (complex civil cases, real property disputes, higher-value claims) or District Court (smaller claims and limited civil actions).

To obtain civil case files inquirers may query:

• Superior Court Civil Records:
• Records are maintained in the Superior Court Clerk’s Office. View them on-site and request photocopies at $0.50 per page. Certified copies cost $5 for the first page and $1 per additional page. Many civil records are also viewable online via the Odyssey Portal.
• District Court Civil Records:
• Records can be requested at the District Court Clerk’s Office. Copy fees and certified copy fees typically mirror those of the Superior Court. Some audio recordings of hearings can be requested for an additional fee.

Jefferson County Marriage Records

Marriage records are considered public in Washington. In Jefferson County, the Auditor’s Office maintains marriage licenses and certificates. Individuals may search online using the county’s document search tool or request copies in person or by mail.

Jefferson County Auditor
1820 Jefferson Street
Port Townsend, WA 98368
Phone: (360) 385-9115 or (360) 385-9116

Additionally, historical marriage records may be accessed through the Washington State Archives. Individuals can search online by selecting “Marriage Records” and filtering for Jefferson County.

Jefferson County Divorce Records

Divorce (dissolution of marriage) records are filed and retained by the Jefferson County Superior Court. Publicly available final divorce decrees can be requested from the Superior Court Clerk’s Office. The Washington State Department of Health (DOH) also provides certified divorce certificates for a fee. Applicants must submit a formal request with identifying details about the parties and date of divorce.

Jefferson County Birth and Death Records

Birth and death certificates are considered vital records, regulated under RCW 70.58A. Access to these records is restricted to individuals who have a qualifying relationship with the subject of the record. The Washington State Department of Health and Jefferson County Public Health both provide certified copies to eligible requesters.

Jefferson County Public Health
615 Sheridan Street
Port Townsend, WA 98368
Phone: (360) 385-9400

Washington State Department of Health
Vital Records Office
P.O. Box 47814
Olympia, WA 98504-7814

Jefferson County Probate Court Records

Probate matters, including estate administration, guardianships, and related family law proceedings, fall under the jurisdiction of the Superior Court. The Superior Court Clerk’s Office archives all probate filings. Copies may be viewed or obtained at the Clerk’s Office for standard copy and certification fees.

Jefferson County Property Records

The Jefferson County Assessor’s Office oversees property assessments and maintains related records. Property records, including ownership data and parcel maps, are generally public and can be accessed online or by contacting the Assessor’s Office.

Jefferson County Assessor’s Office:
1820 Jefferson Street
Port Townsend, WA 98368
Phone: (360) 385-9105

Jefferson County Court Records Online

While state and county resources are the most authoritative, third-party providers like Washingtoncourtrecords.us may offer online access to certain Jefferson County court records. Users should approach these platforms with discretion and confirm details through official sources. Fees or subscriptions may apply for more comprehensive searches.