Are King County Divorce Records Public?

Yes, King County divorce records are considered public records. Access to these records is guided and provided for in the Washington Public Records Act (RCW 42.56). The Washington Rules of Court also form part of the procedural laws guiding the public’s access to divorce records. Requesters can use records requests submitted in person, online, or via the mail to access and obtain King County divorce records.

These records requests are filled with information like the nature of records, details about the records, and the reason for the request if required. As the law provides for access to public records, there are also provisions for exceptions, which include records redacted or sealed due to their sensitivity. These exceptions help restrict public access to personal details, and they encourage personal privacy and public safety. Requesters can expect redactions or restrictions on information like details about minors, medical information, financial account details,

Who Can Access King County Public Records?

King County divorce records are generally accessible to the following classes of persons through records requests:

• The general public can access public information from divorce records. They have broad access to these records, which are subject to redactions and exemptions. There is no need to verify eligibility when requesting public records such as divorce records. However, members of the public may be required to provide identification before receiving copies of divorce records.
• Attorneys can have full access to their clients' divorce records for the best court representation. They will be required to provide proof of eligibility by presenting their Bar Cards to confirm their names as attorneys on record.
• Government agencies - These bodies can include child protective services or law enforcement bodies. They have access to divorce records for public safety reasons or other official purposes. To verify eligibility, they may provide a valid professional ID or present a legitimate official purpose for the request.
• Researchers may access divorce records for verifiable research purposes subject to any exemptions or restrictions. Researchers can verify eligibility by providing details of their research or obtaining approval from the King County Superior Court. Depending on the nature of the records, researchers may also be required to sign a confidentiality agreement.
• Third parties are individuals who are not directly involved in the divorce case. They may be given limited access to specific divorce records with all the usual redactions and exemptions in place.

Do I Need to State My Purpose and Use When Requesting Divorce Records in King County?

No, King County generally does not require requesters to provide the reasons for their request. The Washington Public Records Act (RCW 42.56) does not require a provision for the purpose of the request. However, the King County Superior Court may request that divorce records be obtained as part of its internal procedures. Requesters may provide this in the request form or submit a brief explanation of the reason for the request. Here are some legitimate reasons for requesting King County divorce records:

• Legal reasons include investigating potential misconduct or fraud, conducting legal research, and representing clients in divorce cases or related court cases.
• Personal interest
• Journalism or reporting
• Genealogical research

How do you Request Divorce Records in King County?

You can request King County divorce records by following these steps:

• Select a mode of request: the mode of request is important as it can determine the processing time and fees for the request. You can choose between online access, mail-in, or in-person requests.
• Prepare your records request: you can obtain the request form, which you will complete with details like the nature of the records, names of parties, case number, and sometimes the purpose of the request. Gather any relevant documents to support the request before you prepare to file it.
• Pay the fees: You must pay the required access fees and submit proof of payment using the request form. Fees may also be applied to obtaining copies of these records. Ensure the payment is made using one of the payment options provided by the clerk’s office.
• Submit the request: You are to file the request according to the mode of the request you have selected. After this, wait for the request to be processed and concluded to get copies of the records.

What Information is Included in a King County Divorce Record?

King County divorce records are public documents containing details that are accessible to the public. This information is in line with the provisions of the Washington Public Records Act. This Act contains a guide to publicly accessible details and records that must be sealed or redacted. Here are some details that you will find in a King County divorce record:

• Case number
• Filing date
• Names of the parties
• Addresses
• Date of birth
• Divorce decree date
• Court details with information about the presiding judge
• Grounds of the divorce
• Child support and custody terms
• Spousal support agreement

The following are specific exemptions from public divorce records:

• Information sealed by court orders
• Financial details like bank account numbers and income information
• Minor children’s details
• Medical records related to one of the parties
• Personal information such as addresses

Fees for Accessing King County Divorce Records

Requesters must pay a fee to process records requests or obtain copies of records. This fee is charged by the records custodian’s office and should be paid using the payment options provided by the office, such as cash, credit cards, money order, or a cashier’s check. Non-certified copies of King County divorce records will cost $0.25 per page for download or online viewing, while clerk-assisted copies will cost $0.50 per page.

Certified copies cost $5 for the first page and $1 for subsequent pages. Exemplified copies of records will cost $9 for the initial page and $1 for subsequent pages. Electronic transmission of records will cost $0.10 per gigabyte. You can apply for a waiver or reduction of these fees if you meet the requirements. Such requirements include being a beneficiary of needs-based government aid or a demonstration of inability to pay the required fees.

How Long Does It Take to Obtain Divorce Records in King County?

King County divorce records requests have varying processing times depending on the mode of request. Requesters who use online resources can obtain copies of records within 3 to 7 business days, while mail-in requests are processed within 6 to 8 weeks from the request submission date. In-person submission may offer the fastest processing time as copies of records can be obtained on the same day as the request. The factors that affect this include the complicated nature of a request and the availability of the records. The volume of requests will also determine the request processing time. You can also apply for expedited Superior Court records requests, which will be satisfied within one business day.

Can I Request Divorce Records Online in King County?

Yes, requesters can use online resources such as the Online Records Search website to access King County divorce records online. The webpage has a Denton County Records link that allows requesters to search court records online. There are third-party websites like Washingtoncourtrecords.us that also offer online access to court records but with less accuracy than officially sourced records.

Are There Any Exceptions to Accessing King County Divorce Records?

Yes, there are some exceptions and exemptions to accessing King County divorce records. These exemptions are provided for in the Washington Public Records Act, and they are:

• Records exposing personal privacy, such as personnel records, personally identifiable details
• Records from law enforcement investigations
• Deliberative processes
• Trade secrets and other commercial information
• Information giving the identity of minors