Kent Family Court Records Search
Kent family court records are filed and maintained by King County Superior Court, which processes all dissolution, custody, child support, legal separation, and protection order cases for Kent residents. The Norm Maleng Regional Justice Center, located in Kent itself at 401 4th Avenue N, serves as the primary south King County Superior Court courthouse. You can search Kent family court records online through the KC Script Portal or the statewide Washington Courts search. This page covers how to find records, how to file a case, what fees to expect, and where to get legal help.
Kent Overview
Where Kent Family Court Cases Are Filed
Kent is in King County. All family law matters go to King County Superior Court. Kent is unusual among King County cities because the Norm Maleng Regional Justice Center is located right in Kent. This is a full-service courthouse that handles south King County cases, including family law. For most Kent residents, this is where they file and pick up records.
| South Location | Norm Maleng Regional Justice Center 401 4th Avenue N Kent, WA 98032 |
|---|---|
| Main Courthouse | King County Courthouse 516 Third Avenue Seattle, WA 98104 |
| Phone | (206) 296-9300 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | kingcounty.gov/courts/Clerk |
The Maleng Regional Justice Center is a major advantage for Kent residents. You don't have to drive to Seattle for most family court filings. The MRJC handles felony criminal cases, family law, civil matters, probate, and appeals from lower courts. King County District Court South Division also shares the same building at 401 4th Avenue N, phone (206) 205-9200. The District Court handles misdemeanors, civil cases up to $100,000, traffic infractions, protection orders, small claims, and name change petitions. Appeals from District Court go up to Superior Court.
Kent Municipal Court
Kent has its own municipal court for local ordinance violations and misdemeanor matters. The Kent Municipal Court is a court of limited jurisdiction. It does not hear felony cases, juvenile matters, or family law. Felony cases, divorce, child support, and probate all go to King County Superior Court.
The screenshot below shows the King County Municipal Courts directory that lists Kent Municipal Court and other local courts for Kent area residents.
The Kent Municipal Court is located at 1220 Central Avenue S, Kent, WA 98032, phone (253) 856-5730. It handles violations of city ordinances, misdemeanors, traffic infractions, and parking violations within Kent city limits. Court hours are Monday through Friday during regular business hours. Fine and fee payments may be made at the courthouse or online. Appeals from Kent Municipal Court go to King County Superior Court. For the broader county court directory, visit kingcountycourt.us.
Searching Kent Family Court Records Online
King County Superior Court uses the KC Script Portal for online records access. The portal covers cases filed from November 1, 2004 forward. Searches are free. You can look up cases by party name or case number. The system shows docket entries, hearing dates, case type, and party names. Family law cases are included. Under Washington State Court Rule GR 31, most court documents are publicly accessible unless sealed or exempt by statute.
The screenshot below shows the King County Superior Court KC Script Portal that Kent residents use to search family court cases.
Access the KC Script Portal at dja-prd-ecexap1.kingcounty.gov. Non-certified copies cost $0.25 per page when ordered online. Certified copies are $5.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page. Research time costs $30.00 per hour. The court does not process records requests or payments by phone or email. For portal support, email eservices@kingcounty.gov or call (206) 296-9300.
Sealed case files, adoption proceedings, juvenile dependency records, and expunged matters are not open to public inspection. Portions of family law files may be confidential, and Social Security numbers are excluded by rule from publicly accessible records. If you need a sealed record, a formal motion is required.
The Washington Courts statewide search is a second option. Use it when you need to search across counties or are unsure which court handled a case.
The statewide search at dw.courts.wa.gov indexes courts across Washington. For Kent cases, the King County portal is more thorough. Historical records can sometimes be found at the Washington State Digital Archives. Professionals needing high-volume access can use JIS-Link at courts.wa.gov/jislink, which costs $0.145 per transaction with a $13 monthly minimum. District Court records for misdemeanor cases are also searchable through the Washington Courts statewide portal.
Filing Family Law Cases in Kent
Kent residents file dissolution and family law cases under RCW Chapter 26.09. Washington is a no-fault divorce state. The sole ground for dissolution is that the marriage is irretrievably broken. One spouse must be a Washington resident or a member of the armed forces stationed here.
You file a Petition for Dissolution and a Summons at the King County Clerk's office at the Maleng Regional Justice Center in Kent or at the Seattle courthouse. The other party must be served. If both sides agree on everything, an agreed decree can be submitted without a trial. Contested matters go to mediation, and if unresolved, to a judge. Washington requires a 90-day waiting period from the date of service before a dissolution can be finalized.
Cases involving children require a parenting plan under RCW Chapter 26.12. King County requires both parents to attend an approved parenting seminar before the case closes. Child support is set using state guidelines under RCW Chapter 26.19. The guidelines factor in both parents' incomes and the time each parent spends with the child. Child abuse cases and dependency matters fall under RCW Chapter 26.44, which includes mandatory reporting duties and guardian ad litem appointments in protective proceedings.
Forms are free at courts.wa.gov/forms. Find dissolution packets, parenting plan templates, child support worksheets, and protection order forms. The Guide and File interactive tool helps filers complete forms step by step without needing an attorney. Attorneys must e-file in King County Superior Court under LGR 30. Self-represented parties may file in paper at the Clerk's window.
If you cannot pay the filing fee, ask the Clerk at the Maleng Regional Justice Center for a fee waiver form. You may qualify if you receive public assistance or if your household income is below 200% of the federal poverty level.
Certified Copies and Vital Records
The King County Superior Court Clerk issues certified copies of orders, decrees, and other filed documents. Certified copies are stamped and used for legal purposes like name changes, estate administration, and property transfers. Non-certified copies cost $0.25 per page through the portal. Certified copies are $5.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page. The court does not take payments by phone or email.
Washington State Department of Health maintains statewide divorce and marriage records going back to 1968. These records are separate from the court case files. Order them at doh.wa.gov. Each copy costs $25. The record shows party names, date of the decree, and the county where it was issued. No ID is required. VitalChek expedited service is available for an extra fee.
Vital records for King County are also handled by Public Health Seattle and King County Vital Statistics Office for post-1907 birth and death records. Marriage records are kept by the King County Recorder's Office. Older records predating the electronic system may be found at the Washington State Digital Archives. Microfilm records before July 1979 require an in-person visit to the Seattle Clerk's Office.
Legal Help for Kent Residents
Northwest Justice Project provides free family law help to low-income King County residents. Call (888) 201-1014 or visit washingtonlawhelp.org for guides on dissolution, custody, support, and protection orders. The site has resources in multiple languages.
The King County Bar Association's Pro Bono Services runs free neighborhood legal clinics and volunteer legal services across King County, including south King County and Kent. The program covers family law matters such as divorce, custody, and child support. The lawyer referral service is available by phone, email, or online at kingcountybar.org. The King County Protection Order Advocacy Program provides information about domestic violence protection orders and assists with safety plans.
For attorney referrals, call the Washington State Bar Association at (206) 443-9722 or the King County Bar Association at (206) 267-7010. The Dispute Resolution Center of King County at (206) 443-9603 or (888) 803-4696 offers low-cost mediation for custody and property disputes. The family law facilitator at the King County Courthouse can help self-represented filers understand procedures and forms without giving legal advice. Since the Maleng Regional Justice Center is in Kent, access to court staff and facilitator services may be more convenient than for residents of other south King County cities.
King County Family Court Records
Kent is in King County. All family law cases go through King County Superior Court. For full clerk info, hours, and resources for King County filers, see the King County page.
Nearby Cities
These nearby cities also file family court cases through King County Superior Court.