Whatcom County Court Records

Whatcom County court records are official documents or files created, prepared, or maintained by a court concerning a judicial proceeding in any Whatcom County court (per Washington Courts). These records typically include court orders, case filings, evidence, indexes, calendars, dockets, decrees, litigant information, minute entries, subpoenas, and judgments on cases adjudicated in Whatcom County. Court records can exist in various formats, including paper, audio, and video.

Access to Washington County court records promotes transparency, facilitates accountability, and is a reference point in the state justice system. Individuals who access Whatcom County court records will find information on the parties involved, case descriptions, and a record of actions taken during the proceedings.

Are Court Records Public in Whatcom County?

Yes. Under the Washington Public Records Act, Whatcom County court records are considered public files, open and accessible to the public. Thus, individuals can submit requests for these records to the custodian court or court clerk in Whatcom County to either lookup or obtain copies of case files, including criminal, civil, and probate cases adjudicated in the county.

However, while Whatcom County court records are generally accessible, some restrictions exist. Federal or state laws, court orders, court rules, or case law may restrict access to certain court records. Per the Washington Courts' Access to Court Records Brochure and General Rule 31.1 of the Washington State Court Rules, the following are examples of court records that may be redacted, restricted, or exempt from public access:

• Adoption records
• Mental illness commitment records
• Alcohol and drug treatment commitment records
• Paternity records (except final orders)
• Juvenile non-offender records
• Case records sealed by court orders
• Information protected by attorney-client privilege
• Personal identifying information (such as a person's home address, Social Security numbers, and driver’s license numbers).

Whatcom County Court Records Search

Individuals seeking Whatcom County court records have these options:

• Online search on databases maintained by courts
• In-person search at a court location
• Mail requests to the official custodian
• Searches on third-party aggregate websites

Whatcom County Court Records Search by Name

Individuals interested in searching Whatcom County court records by name can do so in-person or online. To successfully find a court record by name, searchers must supply the names of the parties involved in the case, such as the defendant or plaintiff in civil cases or the defendant in criminal cases.

For in-person searches, name-based queries can be made at the Whatcom County Superior Court Clerk's office or the Whatcom County District Court Clerk's office, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Superior Court Clerk
311 Grand Avenue
Suite 301
Bellingham, WA 98225
Phone: (360) 778-5560

Whatcom County District Court Clerk
311 Grand Avenue, Suite 401
Bellingham, WA 98225
Phone: (360) 778-5000

For online searches, individuals should use the Washington Courts' Odyssey Portal to find Whatcom County court records by the first and last names of the parties involved in the case. The Odyssey Portal only allows individuals to view or look up case files or documents online. Individuals seeking to obtain copies of these records must visit the respective clerk's offices. Regular copies cost 50 cents per page, while certified copies cost $5 for the first page and $1 for each additional page (at the Superior Court Clerk's Office).

Whatcom County Courts

The Whatcom County court system includes a Superior Court, a District Court, and six Municipal Courts. The Superior Court adjudicates adult felony cases, civil cases exceeding $35,000, divorces and child custody cases, probate and guardianship matters, adoptions, and juvenile cases. The District Court handles misdemeanors, general civil actions, small claims cases, traffic infractions, and other miscellaneous cases. The Municipal Courts adjudicate less serious matters, such as traffic and parking violations, DUI, disorderly conduct, and other minor offenses.

The contact information for Whatcom County courts is listed below.

Whatcom County Superior Court
Whatcom County Courthouse
311 Grand Avenue, Suite 301
Bellingham, WA 98225
Phone: (360) 778-5560
Fax: (360) 778-5561

Whatcom County Superior Court - Juvenile
Whatcom County Courthouse
311 Grand Avenue, Suite 501
Bellingham, WA 98225
Phone: (360) 778-5490
Fax: (360) 778-5491

Whatcom County District Court
Whatcom County Courthouse
311 Grand Avenue, Suite 401
Bellingham, WA 98225
Phone: (360) 778-5400
Fax: (360) 778-5401

Bellingham Municipal Court
2014 C Street
Bellingham, WA 98225
Phone: (360) 778-8150
Fax: (360) 778-8151

Blaine Municipal Court
Blaine City Hall
435 Martin Street, Suite 4000
Blaine, WA 98230
Phone: (360) 332-8310
Fax: (360) 543-9835

Everson-Nooksack Municipal Court
111 West Main Street
P.O. Box 315
Everson, WA 98247
Phone: (360) 966-3411, extension 1200
Fax: (360) 966-3466

Ferndale Municipal Court
2220 Main Street
P.O. Box 291
Ferndale, WA 98248
Phone: (360) 384-2827
Fax: (360) 312-0106

Lynden Municipal Court
Lynden City Hall
300 4th Street
Lynden, WA 98264
Phone: (360) 354-4270
Fax: (360) 318-0301

Sumas Municipal Court
433 Cherry Street
P.O. Box 9
Sumas, WA 98295
Phone: (360) 988-5711
Fax: (360) 988-8855

Whatcom County Superior Court Case Search

The Superior Court Clerk is the custodian of case records for all matters adjudicated in the Whatcom County Superior Court. These include felony cases (adult), civil cases (those involving real property and/or claims exceeding $35,000), divorce/child custody/child support cases, probate/guardianship cases, paternity-related cases, adoption matters, and mental illness cases. To search or obtain copies of these records, interested parties should visit the Superior Court Clerk's Office in-person, Monday through Friday, between 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Superior Court Clerk
311 Grand Avenue, Suite 301
Bellingham, WA 98225
Phone: (360) 778-5560

Alternatively, interested individuals may e-mail their request to the Superior Court Clerk's Office at sccustomer_service@co.whatcom.wa.us or request copies of the Superior Court case records by phone at (360) 778-5618. Otherwise, use the Odyssey Portal's 'smart search service' to find case files. Users can search the portal using the full names of parties involved in a superior court case, along with advanced filtering criteria such as court location by county, case type, status, filing date, judicial officer, case number, etc.

Whatcom County District Court Records

Whatcom County District Court records are official documents and files related to cases adjudicated in the Whatcom County District Court. These typically include files or documents on criminal misdemeanors, traffic and code violations, small claims not exceeding $10,000, name change petitions, and general civil action cases with damage claims not exceeding $100,000.

To obtain case files of matters handled in the district court, fill out the Court Records Request Form and submit the completed form by email, fax, in-person, or by mail to the address below. The Whatcom County District Court will charge requesters $.15 per page for plain copies of its court records and $5 for certified copies.

Whatcom County District Court
311 Grand Avenue, Suite 401
Bellingham, WA 98225.
Email: districtcourtservices@co.whatcom.wa.us
Fax: (360) 778-5401

Whatcom County Criminal Records

The Washington State Patrol (WSP) is the custodian of the criminal history records for Washington residents, including those in Whatcom County. Under the Washington Public Records Act, these records—which include information on arrests, prosecutions, and incarcerations from law enforcement agencies and courts in Whatcom County—are open and accessible to the public upon request. Individuals who wish to access Whatcom County arrest and criminal records should direct their requests to the Washington State Patrol (WSP). Requests to the WSP may be submitted online, by mail, or in person.

To access a criminal background record online, individuals should use WATCH (Washington Access to Criminal History). WATCH provides instant background checks for $11, payable by credit or debit card. Pre-established billed or non-profit accounts are also accepted.

To obtain Whatcom County criminal records by mail from the WSP, submit a completed Request for Conviction Criminal History Form, along with the applicable processing fee, to the Identification and Background Check Section at the following address:

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

For in-person Whatcom County criminal history records, submit a completed Conviction Criminal History Form in person at:

Washington State Patrol
Helen Sommers Building
106 11th Avenue Southwest
Olympia, WA 98501.

For the applicable processing fees for in-person, online, and mail criminal records requests to the WSP and further information, please see the "Request a Criminal History Report" webpage of the WSP.

Whatcom County Criminal Court Case Lookup

The Whatcom County Superior Court Clerk is the custodian of case records for criminal cases adjudicated in the Superior Court. To look up or obtain copies of these records, individuals should submit their requests to the clerk's office by email, phone, or in person at:

Whatcom County Superior Court Clerk
311 Grand Avenue, Suite 301
Bellingham, WA 98225
Phone: (360) 778-5618
Fax: (360) 778-5560
Email: sccustomer_service@co.whatcom.wa.us.

Similarly, to obtain or look up case files for criminal misdemeanor cases handled in the Whatcom County District Court, complete the District Court Records Request Form and submit it by email, fax, in person, or by mail. Alternatively, use the Odyssey Portal to look up criminal case records.

Whatcom County District Court
311 Grand Avenue, Suite 401
Bellingham, WA 98225
Fax: (360) 778-5401
Email: districtcourtservices@co.whatcom.wa.us.

Get Whatcom County Civil Court Records

Whatcom County civil court records are official files or documents for non-criminal cases such as contract disputes, property disagreements, personal injury claims, divorce, family law matters, and small claims cases adjudicated in Whatcom County Superior Court and District Court. These records typically contain court orders and judgments, pleadings, motions, names of parties involved, evidence, and transcripts.

The Whatcom County Superior Court Clerk is responsible for records of civil cases adjudicated in the Superior Court. In contrast, the clerk of the Whatcom County District Court is the custodian of records of civil matters handled in the District Court. Interested persons can access and obtain copies of these records by requesting them from the appropriate custodians.

To access or obtain files or records of civil cases heard in the Whatcom County Superior Court, interested individuals should direct their request by email, Phone: (360) 778-5618, or in-person to the superior court clerk's office.

Whatcom County Superior Court Clerk
311 Grand Avenue, Suite 301
Bellingham, WA 98225
Phone: (360) 778-5560
Email: sccustomer_service@co.whatcom.wa.us

Alternatively, they may use the Washington Courts' Odyssey Portal to find and view case files or documents of civil matters adjudicated in the county superior court. Conversely, to access or obtain copies of civil case records from the county district court, fill out the district court records request form. Submit the completed form via email, fax, in person, or by mail to the county district court.

Whatcom County District Court
311 Grand Avenue, Suite 401
Bellingham, WA 98225
Email: districtcourtservices@co.whatcom.wa.us
Fax: (360) 778-5401).

As previously stated, individuals are charged fees to obtain plain or certified copies of these records.

Whatcom County Family Court Records

Whatcom County family court records include official documents and files related to divorce, child custody and support, paternity, and adoption cases. Family law cases are adjudicated in the Whatcom County Superior Court. The clerk of the superior court is the custodian of these records, which, upon request, may be made available to requesting parties if not restricted. Generally, adoption case records, domestic violence case records, and any family case record involving a juvenile are sequestered from public disclosure.

To obtain or look up these records, interested individuals should contact the superior court clerk with their requests. This can be done by email, phone, or in person. In-person requests should be made at the address below:

Whatcom County Superior Court Clerk
311 Grand Avenue, Suite 301
Bellingham, WA 98225
Phone: (360) 778-5618
Email: sccustomer_service@co.whatcom.wa.us

Alternatively, individuals may use the Washington Courts' Odyssey Portal to search online for county superior court family law case records. This free service offers convenient access to search for and view court records online.

Persons who search or review family court records in Whatcom County can expect to find information about the individuals involved, filings, court orders, and judgments in the case.

Whatcom Dissolution of Marriage Records

To find marriage dissolution (divorce) information in Whatcom County, interested persons should:

• Direct their queries in-person, by mail, e-mail, or phone to the Whatcom County Superior Court Clerk's office
• Conduct a divorce record search with the names of the individuals involved on the Odyssey Portal

Whatcom County Marriage and Divorce Records

Marriage records in Whatcom County are official documents that certify legal unions within the county. In contrast, divorce records certify the legal end of marriages. The Whatcom County Auditor's Office maintains and issues marriage licenses and certificates for local marriages. Meanwhile, the Superior Court manages divorce cases, with the court clerk's office responsible for preserving and dispensing these records.

Interested persons may thus obtain copies of Whatcom County marriage records by directing their requests to the Whatcom County Auditor’s Office. Written requests containing the names of the spouses and the date of marriage should be submitted in-person or by mail in a stamped, self-addressed envelope to the Auditor's Office. Copies of marriage certificates issued after 1980 incur a $3 charge, while those issued before 1980 will attract a $11 fee.

Whatcom County Auditor
Attention: Marriages
311 Grand Avenue, Suite 103
Bellingham, WA 98225.

Alternatively, interested parties can use the 'Marriage License Digital Research Room' to search for and look up a Whatcom County marriage record from 1980 to the present.

On the other hand, to obtain copies of Whatcom County divorce records, interested individuals should request them in-person, via e-mail, or by phone from the Whatcom County Superior Court Clerk’s Office. Requests should specify the names of the divorcees, the date, and the place of divorce.

Whatcom County Superior Court Clerk
311 Grand Avenue, Suite 301
Bellingham, WA 98225
Email: sccustomer_service@co.whatcom.wa.us
Phone: (360) 778-5618

Additionally, individuals may obtain Whatcom County divorce records from January 1, 1968, to the present from the Washington State Department of Health. To request these records, complete the Marriage/Divorce Certificate Order Form, include a valid ID and payment (certified copies cost $20 each, payable by check or money order), and mail it to:

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

Alternatively, submit the request in person at:

Washington State Department of Health
Center for Health Statistics
Town Center 1
101 Israel Road SE
Tumwater, WA 98501
Phone: (360) 236-4300

Whatcom Birth and Death Records

Whatcom County birth records document local births and are essential for establishing identity, citizenship, and eligibility for social services. Death records, on the other hand, certify deaths and are used for settling estates and processing claims and survivor benefits. The Whatcom County Health Department is the custodian of these records, and they can be requested online or by mail.

To obtain birth and death records online in Whatcom County, interested individuals should visit the ordering webpage, choose the desired record, enter the necessary information, and pay the applicable fee of $25.

Meanwhile, to obtain these records by mail, interested individuals should fill out either the Birth Certificate Order Form, the Death Certificate Order Form, or the Order a Non-Certified Birth or Death Record Form. The completed form, along with the processing fee of $25 (payable by check or money order), a copy of a government-issued photo ID, and proof of eligibility documents (e.g., driver’s license, state-issued ID, or photo page of a passport), should be mailed to:

509 Girard Street
Bellingham, WA 98225
Phone: (360) 778-6000
Fax: (360) 778-6001

Note: Non-certified birth and death records are publicly accessible in Whatcom County. Certified copies, however, are restricted to those with specific relationships (immediate family, guardian, or legal representative) with the named individual.

Whatcom County Probate Court Records

Whatcom County probate court records include files of wills, estates, guardianships, and trusts handled by the superior court. The superior court clerk maintains and dispenses these records.

Interested persons who wish to access or obtain Whatcom County probate case files should contact the superior court clerk's office with their queries in person, by e-mail, or by phone.

Whatcom County Superior Court Clerk
311 Grand Avenue, Suite 301
Bellingham, WA 98225
Email: sccustomer_service@co.whatcom.wa.us
Phone: (360) 778-5618

Alternatively, they may use the Odyssey Portal to search for and look up these records.

Whatcom County Property Records

Whatcom County property records are official files containing information on properties within Whatcom County. These records typically include property ownership details, legal descriptions, mortgages, assessment data, and liens.

The County Assessor’s Office is the custodian of property records in Whatcom County. This office is responsible for recording, maintaining, and dispensing copies of property records to interested persons upon request in Whatcom County.

Interested individuals may access or obtain Whatcom County property records online via the Real Property Search portal or through in-person requests to the Whatcom County Assessor’s Office during business hours, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Whatcom County Assessor's Office
311 Grand Ave Suite 106
Bellingham, WA 98225
Phone: (360) 778-5050
Fax: (360) 778-5051
Email: assessor@co.whatcom.wa.us

Whatcom County Court Records Online

Generally, in addition to official government databases, individuals can access Whatcom County court records through third-party aggregate websites. These third-party websites, like Washingtoncourtrecords.us, collect information from various sources, including courthouses, and compile it for easy access by interested parties. They provide a convenient way for members of the public to search and access court records across different jurisdictions online.

However, individuals who use these sites typically incur fees (one-time or recurring) to access detailed court records. Records obtained from third-party websites may be incomplete or not up-to-date, so users of these sites are advised always to verify information with official sources.