Access Shoreline Family Court Records
Shoreline family court records are filed at King County Superior Court, which handles all family law matters for Shoreline residents including dissolution, child custody, parenting plans, child support, and protection orders. The King County Clerk's office in Seattle maintains all case files, and you can search Shoreline family court records online through the KC Script Portal or the statewide courts search tool. This page explains how to find records, how the filing process works, and what help is available for Shoreline residents.
Shoreline Overview
Where Shoreline Family Court Cases Are Filed
Shoreline is in King County, just north of Seattle. All family court matters go to King County Superior Court in downtown Seattle, about 10 miles south of Shoreline. The King County Clerk manages all records for the Superior Court, covering dissolution, custody, legal separation, adoption, and protection order cases.
Shoreline does not have its own Superior Court. All filings go to the King County Courthouse at 516 Third Avenue in Seattle. Shoreline shares the court system with Seattle, Bothell, Kirkland, Redmond, and all other King County communities.
| Office | King County Superior Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 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 |
| eservices@kingcounty.gov |
Getting from Shoreline to the King County Courthouse takes about 20 to 30 minutes depending on traffic. Aurora Avenue (SR-99) runs directly between Shoreline and downtown Seattle. Light rail options are also available through the Northgate Link extension. Bring photo ID and expect security screening at the courthouse entrance.
How to Search Shoreline Family Court Records
King County Superior Court uses the KC Script Portal for public case access. It covers cases filed from November 1, 2004 forward. You can search by party name, case number, or case type. Family Law cases are included. The portal shows docket entries, hearing dates, current case status, and party information. No account is required.
The portal shown here is where Shoreline residents search family court records, view case information, and request document copies online.
The KC Script Portal at dja-prd-ecexap1.kingcounty.gov is the main search tool for Shoreline family court records. Non-certified copies cost $0.25 per page for online orders. Certified copies are $5 for the first page. A $30 per hour research fee applies for complex requests. For help with specific cases, contact the Clerk at eservices@kingcounty.gov or (206) 296-9300.
For older cases filed before November 2004, or when you need to search across multiple Washington counties, use the statewide case search at dw.courts.wa.gov. The King County portal is more current for recent Shoreline filings. Historical records from before digital systems are available through the Washington State Digital Archives.
The statewide courts search shown below serves as a secondary tool for Shoreline residents when the King County portal does not return results.
The Washington Courts case search at dw.courts.wa.gov covers courts statewide. For current Shoreline family law cases, start with the King County portal. JIS-Link at courts.wa.gov/jislink offers subscription access at $0.145 per transaction with a $13 monthly minimum and is used mainly by legal professionals.
Certified Copies and Vital Records for Shoreline Residents
For a certified copy of a dissolution decree or final family court order, contact the King County Clerk. Certified copies carry an official court seal and are accepted for name changes, property transfers, benefit applications, and similar legal needs. You can order online through the KC Script Portal or in person at the courthouse.
Washington also maintains statewide marriage and divorce records through the Department of Health. These are summary records rather than the full court file but are accepted as official proof for most everyday purposes.
The state portal shown below is where Shoreline residents order certified marriage and divorce records from the Washington Department of Health.
The Washington DOH vital records portal covers divorces and marriages from 1968 to present. Each certified copy costs $25. No ID is required to order. Records show the party names, date, and county where the event was recorded. VitalChek expedited service is available if you need faster delivery. For the full court file, contact the King County Clerk directly.
Filing Family Court Cases from Shoreline
Shoreline residents file family law cases at King County Superior Court. Washington is a no-fault state. Under RCW Chapter 26.09, the only ground needed for dissolution is that the marriage is irretrievably broken. You do not need to show fault or wrongdoing by either party.
To start a case, file a Petition for Dissolution and a Summons at the King County Courthouse. The other party must be served following court rules. If both parties agree on all terms, an agreed final decree can be submitted without a trial. Washington requires a 90-day waiting period after service before the court can finalize the case. Property is divided under community property rules unless the parties agree to a different split.
Cases involving children need extra steps. King County requires both parents to complete an approved parenting seminar before the court enters a parenting plan order. RCW Chapter 26.12 governs family court jurisdiction in Washington, setting rules for guardian ad litem appointments, parenting seminars, and how judges handle cases with children. King County's family law facilitator at the courthouse can help self-represented filers understand forms and procedures without providing legal advice.
All official court forms are free at courts.wa.gov/forms. Complete packets cover dissolution, child support, parenting plans, and protection orders. The Guide and File tool on that site walks through each form one question at a time.
Shoreline contracts with King County District Court for district court services. District court handles civil matters under $100,000 and small claims but has no jurisdiction over family law cases. All dissolution, custody, and support filings go to King County Superior Court.
Legal Help for Shoreline Residents
Northwest Justice Project serves King County and takes family law cases for low-income residents. Call (888) 201-1014 to ask about eligibility. Free guides on dissolution, custody, child support, and protection orders are at washingtonlawhelp.org. Multilingual resources are available on the site.
The King County Bar Association has a lawyer referral line at (206) 267-7010. The Washington State Bar Association runs a referral service at (206) 443-9722. Both can connect you with a family law attorney. Free court forms are available at courts.wa.gov/forms for anyone who wants to handle their own case without an attorney.
King County Family Court Records
Shoreline residents file family law cases at King County Superior Court. For full details on the county court, clerk hours, and resources, see the King County page.
Nearby Cities
These nearby cities also file family court cases through King County Superior Court.