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Vital Records in Washington State

Where to Look for Divorce Records

The divorce records prior to 1968, are kept at the county level. You can obtain the divorce record from the county superior court clerk where the divorce was finalized. From 1968 onwards divorce records are kept at the Washington State Department of Health.

Divorce decrees are kept at the county superior court clerk where the divorce was finalized.

Divorce Certificate vs Divorce Decree

A divorce certificate is an official one-page document that gives the date when two people were divorced. It can also be called a certificate of dissolution.

A divorce decree is a several pages long document that gives the terms of the divorce.

Washington State Digital Archives

Department of Health, Divorce Certificates, 1868-1999

These records are for individuals who were divorced in the State of Washington from 1968-1996. These records can also be called a certificate of dissolution, declaration of invalidity of marriage, or legal separation.

 

Department of Health, Divorce Index, 1969-2017

These records consist of an index to divorce certificates held by the Washington State Department of Health from 1969-2017. Some of the longer names have been shortened in the index.

Other Online Resources

King County Superior Court Case Ledgers, 1935-1979

The King County Superior Court Clerk originally kept large ledger books tat served as indexes to case files. These books were microfilmed and are now available online. To search, you must browse through images (PDF files) of the original index books, which are organized semi-alphabetically. The case file number can be used to request records from the King County Superior Court Clerk. The ledgers will only provide the filing date of the case, not the final date of divorce.

  • For divorces between 1935 and 1967, you must search under the "General Plaintiff" index.
  • For divorces between 1968 and 1979, you must search under the "Domestic" index.

 

Odyssey Portal - Washington Courts Online Case Search

The Odyssey Portal does not include cases from King and Pierce County. Use the Smart Search to search by name.

Resources Available in the Library

Divorces in Clatsop County, Oregon: From the 1850s to 1913

GEN 979.546 DIVORCE 1996

 

Index to Divorce Records by Name of Husband (2001-2004) [microfiche]

NW MICRO 929.3797 INDEX T DH 2004

Soundex name index to divorces occurring in Washington State from 2001-2004, arranged by name of husband. Includes husband's name, wife's name, date of divorce, city, county, and certificate number.

 

Index to Divorce Records by Name of Wife (2001-2004) [microfiche]

NW MICRO 929.3797 INDEX T DW 2005

Soundex name index to divorces occurring in Washington State from 2001-2004, arranged by name of wife. Includes husband's name, wife's name, date of divorce, city, county, and certificate number.

 

Index to Divorce Records by Name of Wife (1968-2000) [microfiche]

NW MICRO 929.3797 INDEX T DW 2004

Soundex name index to divorces occurring in Washington State from 1968-2000, arranged by name of wife. Includes husband's name, wife's name, date of divorce, city, county, and certificate number.

 

Index to Divorce Records by Name of Husband (1968-2000) [microfiche]

NW MICRO 929.3797 INDEX T DH 2004

Soundex name index to divorces occurring in Washington State from 1968-2000, arranged by name of husband. Includes husband's name, wife's name, date of divorce, city, county, and certificate number.