Kitsap County Court Records

Kitsap County Court records refer to papers, briefs, and documents created, submitted, or maintained by the courts during civil, criminal, or administrative legal matters. Such records typically include various information, such as case filings containing complaints, petitions, or indictments and pleadings that hold information on motions, responses, and replies filed by the parties to the case. Court records also carry the case's transcripts, orders, judgment, evidence, and parties' personal information.

Washington Court records are fundamental to the functioning of the legal system. They provide an accurate account of the court proceedings. Court records also help ensure the legal process goes smoothly without impartiality to any party involved. Furthermore, court records can serve as reference points for future court cases.

Are Court Records Public in Kitsap County?

Yes, court records are public records in Kitsap County. The Washington Public Records Act provides that documents or writings containing information relevant to the conduct of governmental functions are open to the public. Per the Act, records, including most court records maintained by the various courthouses, are available for public viewing and inspection.

Although Washington State permits a public view of court records, the Act requires that certain court records be exempted from public access. Court records sealed by a court order or federal statute are not publicly available. In addition, court records containing personally identifiable information that can lead to an invasion of privacy do not constitute public records. Furthermore, records relating to an ongoing investigation, medical records, and trade secrets in a court record are generally not publicly available.

Similarly, juvenile, mental health, adoption, child custody, child visitation, paternity, guardianship, and domestic violence records are not open for inspection or copying. In addition, the Act requires that personal information such as driver's license numbers, financial information, tax returns, insurance information, or social security numbers included in court records be redacted.

Kitsap County Court Records Search

There are various ways to conduct Kitsap County court records searches. They include:

• Kitsap County offers an online repository for electronic access to court records heard in the District and Superior Courts.
• Infrequent users can search Kitsap court records from the state digital archives.
• Visiting the Court Clerk’s Office in person
• Requesting the court records from the Court Clerk’s Office by mail

Kitsap County Court Records Search by Name

Persons seeking a name-based search for Kitsap County court records can utilize the Odyssey Portal or the Washington State Archives. Both platforms provide access to court records filed and heard in the state, including Kitsap County court records, and permit a name-based search. To commence a Kitsap County Court search by name, record seekers must have the case record's first and last name or business name. It costs $5.00 for the first page of a certified court record and $1.00 for additional pages. Additional pages of uncertified court records cost $0.25. In addition, there is an extra cost of $5.00 for mail requests for court records.

Kitsap County Courts

The trial court system of Kitsap County consists of a District Court, 2 Superior Courts, and 4 Municipal Courts. The courthouse locations are as follows:

Superior Courts in Kitsap County

Kitsap County Superior Court
614 Division Street, Room 202, Port Orchard, WA 98366
Phone: (360) 337-7164
Fax: (360) 337-4927

Kitsap County Superior Court - Juvenile
1338 SW Old Clifton Road, Port Orchard, WA 98367
Phone: (360) 337-5401
Fax: (360) 337-5404

District Courts in Kitsap County

Kitsap County District Court
614 Division Street, Room 106, Port Orchard, WA 98366
Phone: (360) 337-7109
Fax: (360) 337-4865

Municipal Courts in Kitsap County

Bainbridge Island Municipal Court
10255 NE Valley Road, P.O. Box 151
Bainbridge Island, WA 98061
Phone: (206) 842-5641
Fax: (206) 842-0316

Bremerton Municipal Court
550 Park Avenue
Bremerton, WA 98337
Phone: (360) 473-5260
Fax: (360) 473-5262

Port Orchard Municipal Court
216 Prospect Street
Port Orchard, WA 98366
Phone: (360) 876-1701
Fax: (360) 895-3071

Poulsbo Municipal Court
200 NE Moe Street
Poulsbo, WA 98370
Phone: (360) 779-9846
Fax: (360) 779-1584

Kitsap County District Court Records

District Courts are courts of limited jurisdiction that handle certain legal cases within the county. District Courts preside over specific criminal, civil, and traffic lawsuits. Kitsap County District Courts adjudicate over misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor criminal cases.

They also handle preliminary hearings for criminal and traffic infractions. The civil cases heard at the district court included disputes that amounted to less than $75,000. They also preside over contract cases seeking monetary recovery or damages to a person or personal property.

Kitsap County District Court records are available online through the ePortal Search Guide. Record seekers must log in to access the Kitsap District Court records. Record seekers may conduct a Case Search, Calendar Search by Name, Attorney Search, or Courtroom Search. Case Search requires the searcher to input the case number of the court record, while Calendar Search by Name requires the user to input the case name and hearing date or case number. Attorney searches require the attorney's name and bar number, while the Courtroom Search requires the user to input the hearing date range and courtroom location.

Kitsap County Criminal Records

Criminal records maintained by law enforcement agencies provide details of arrests and convictions. Per state law, Kitsap County criminal records are public records available for viewing and copying. Washington State Patrol maintains a state-wide database - Washington Access to Criminal History (WATCH), for criminal history reports across the state. The web tool grants access to criminal history records, fingerprint-based records, and background checks for counties, including Kitsap County. Record seekers may also order Kitsap County arrest records by mail or in person. Requesters may fill out the Request for Conviction Criminal History Form. It costs $11 for an online search and $32 for criminal records via mail.

There is also a $10 charge per Notary seal. The fees are payable by check or money order for mail requests and cash, check, or credit/debit cards for walk-in requests. The physical and mailing address is at:

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

Kitsap County Criminal Court Case Lookup

Criminal Court records are the documents generated during a criminal court proceeding. Kitsap criminal records are open to the public per state law. The Kitsap County District and Superior Courts handle criminal cases in the county. The Clerks of the Courts provides access to criminal court information filed in the County.

The Clerk’s Office provides two options to access Kitsap County criminal court records.

• Infrequent Users: Infrequent users are persons who occasionally request court records for personal use, usually the public. Persons in this category may purchase certified or uncertified copies of Kitsap County criminal records through the Washington State Digital Archives. Record seekers must select Superior Court Records and Kitsap County from the drop-down menu to access criminal records. In addition, record seekers must also have the case number to search the database for criminal court records. Record seekers under this category may also order Kitsap arrest records by mail. Mail requests must include a written document providing the name or case record. The Clerk of Court accepts money orders or cashier’s checks for the fees.
• Frequent Users: Frequent users are persons who require access to electronic court records to perform their employment duties. Access to Kitsap County criminal court records is available through the Odyssey Portal. Persons under this category must complete the Odyssey Registration Form to subscribe and gain access to criminal records. Registration on the portal attracts various fees depending on the number of users.

Get Kitsap County Civil Court Records

Civil court records are the official papers of the court documenting civil disputes between individuals, organizations, or entities. In civil court cases, one party seeks compensation or legal remedies from another. The Kitsap County Superior Courts have jurisdiction over civil court cases filed in the county. They adjudicate civil cases such as foreclosures and liens, landlord/tenant disputes, administrative agency appeals, real estate title and boundaries, and complex commercial cases.

Record seekers may purchase certified or uncertified copies of Kitsap County civil court records through the Washington State Digital Archives or the Odyssey Portal. The former best suits public users, while the latter resource for obtaining civil court records is best for persons requiring electronic access to conduct duties of their employment. Record seekers may also submit written requests for the records to the Clerk of the Superior Courts in person or by mail. Requests for civil court records attract a fee payable with checks or money orders. The courthouse location and mailing address are at:

Office Location
614 Division Street, Room 202
Port Orchard, WA 98366

Office Mailing
614 Division Street, MS 34
Port Orchard, WA 98366

Kitsap County Family Court Records

Family Court records contain information relating to cases heard by the family courts. Kitsap County does not have a dedicated family court that handles family lawsuits. The Kitsap County Superior Court has a Family Division that presides over family law matters. The Division adjudicates family disputes such as divorce, spousal support, legal separation, child custody, child support, child visitation, paternity cases, and domestic violence restraining orders. The Family Division of the Superior Court also has a Juvenile Court that handles cases relating to juvenile offenders, at-risk youth, and child welfare.

Per state law, family court records are subject to public view and copying records unless they are deemed confidential by law. For instance, juvenile court records, domestic violence protection orders, and adoption records are closed to the public.

Persons seeking Kitsap County Family Court records may use the Washington State Digital Archives to access and purchase the record. Record seekers must select Superior Court and Kitsap County from the drop-down menu. In addition, the platform requires record seekers to use the case number to locate the record. Family Court records are also available at the Superior Court. The Clerk of Court grants copies of family records upon a written request. Requests for the records may be done in person or by mail. Record seekers must include valid government-issued identification cards and cash or money orders to pay the required fees to obtain the records.

Kitsap Dissolution of Marriage Records

Dissolution of marriage is the legal process that ends a marital union, allowing both parties to revert to single status and be eligible for remarriage. The Kitsap County Clerk of the Superior Courts is the record custodian for records relating to the dissolution of marriage in the county. Record seekers may order the record in person or by mail by providing the names of the parties involved and the date the marriage was dissolved. The Clerk charges a fee to purchase dissolution of marriage records.

Kitsap County Marriage and Divorce Records

Marriage records issued by the government certify the legal union between a couple. On the contrary, divorce records issued by the courts contain information about the process of bringing an end to a marriage union. Per state law, Kitsap County marriage records and divorce records are open to anyone.

Kitsap County marriage certificates and Kitsap County divorce certificates issued from January 1, 1968, to two months before the present date are available online through the Washington Department of Health. Record seekers may order the record by mail. The request must include the first and last names of the persons named on the marriage record, the approximate date of the marriage or divorce, and the county where the marriage or divorce license was filed.

The Kitsap County Auditor’s Office maintains marriage records filed within the last two months. The Office provides access to an online search tool to order marriage certificates within the specified time frame. Record seekers can conduct a basic or advanced search using the document number, marriage date, and name on the marriage record. Marriage certificates issued before January 1, 1968, are available at the Washington State Archives or at the Kitsap County Auditor’s Office. Divorce records from the last two months to date and divorce certificates issued before 1968 are available at the Kitsap County Superior Clerk’s Office.

There is a non-refundable fee of $25 per certified or non-certified copy of a marriage or divorce record. Additional fees apply depending on the requester's ordering and shipping methods.

Kitsap Birth and Death Records

Birth and death records serve as legal proof of an individual's birth or death and are required for legal purposes such as enrolling in school, applying for government benefits, or claiming inheritance. Per state law, Kitsap County birth records and Kitsap County death records constitute part of the Kitsap County vital records and are open to the public. However, only the individual named on the records or persons with a specific relationship to the person named on the record, may request certified copies of Kitsap County birth and death records. Non-certified copies of the records are available to anyone. Therefore, persons qualified to order certified birth and death records in Kitsap County include:

• The person named on the record -not applicable to death records
• Spouse of domestic partner
• Parents, step-parents, or legal guardian
• Grandparents or great-grandparents
• Legal representative
• Sibling, child, or step-child
• Authorized representatives
• Next of kin -for death records only

The Kitsap Public Health District issues certified copies of birth and death records in the county. Record seekers may order both records by phone call or mail. Eligible persons may call (866) 687-1464 to order birth and death records by phone.

Mail requests for Kitsap County birth certificates may be completed using the Birth Certificate Mail Order Form. Persons ordering the death record must fill out the Death Certificate Mail Order Form. Record seekers must include the full name of the birth record, the parent's name listed on the birth records, date of birth, and county or city of birth to purchase birth records. Likewise, eligible requesters of death records must include the full name of the decedent, date of death, and county or city of death on the application to access death certificates.

All requests for certified birth and death certificates must include the requester's proof of eligibility documentation, acceptable identity documentation, cashier's check, money order, Visa or MasterCard for the fees. It costs $25 to order certified copies of Kitsap County birth and death records. Record seekers can mail the completed form and supporting documentation to:

Kitsap Public Health District
Vital Records
345 6th Street, Suite 300
Bremerton WA 98337

Kitsap County Probate Court Records

Probate is the process through which the assets of a descendant pass to their beneficiaries after their death. Probate allows the representative of the descendent to receive the assets, transfer the assets to the beneficiaries, and pay taxes and debts. Probate documents in Kitsap County include wills, petitions for probate, inventory and appraisal, witness statements, final accounts, and petitions for distribution.

Interested parties can obtain the Kitsap County Probate Court Records online through the Washington State Digital Archives. Alternatively, they can obtain it in person at the Kitsap County Clerk’s office:

614 Division Street
Port Orchard, WA 98366
Phone: (360) 337-7164
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Kitsap County Property Records

Kitsap County property records provide details on a property such as property information, sales history, value history, ownership information, tax descriptions, transfer history, and the encumbrances on the property. The Kitsap County Auditor’s Office keeps an index of property records in the county. The index allows property search via name, date, tax parcel number, property description, and type of record sought. Parties can access the index through the Kitsap County Auditor’s website. Alternatively, they can carry out a deed search at the Kitsap County Auditor’s office:

Kitsap County Auditor’s office
614 Division St, MS-31
Port Orchard, WA 98366
Phone: (360) 337-4935
Office Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Interested persons with the property's address or parcel number can also find the taxpayer of record through the Kitsap County Assessor's Parcel Search, where most of the records are available online. These records are also available through the Office of the Kitsap County Assessor:

Kitsap County Assessor's Office
614 Division Street MS-22
Port Orchard, WA 98366
Office Hours: Monday to Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Kitsap County Court Records Online

Persons who may need to access Kitsap County Court records online can use services such as the Kitsap County District Court ePortal. This service allows users to search and view court files, documents, and court actions electronically. The Washington Courts Odyssey Portal is another means of accessing Kitsap County Court records online. Apart from these government-affiliated options for checking court records online, interested parties can also access Kitsap County court records online using third-party platforms like Washingtoncourtrecords.us. These third-party sources provide convenience to users as users can use them to view records irrespective of their location. Third-party online resources strive for accuracy, but because the records are sourced from government sources, there may be a delay in how updated they are and, in some cases, errors in data entry.