Search University Place Family Court Records
University Place family court records are filed and maintained at Pierce County Superior Court in Tacoma, which handles all dissolution, custody, child support, and protection order cases for University Place residents. Although University Place is an incorporated city in Pierce County, it has no superior court of its own, so all family law matters go to Pierce County Superior Court. You can search records online through the LINX portal or go in person to the Tacoma courthouse to review files and get copies.
University Place Overview
Where University Place Family Court Cases Are Filed
University Place is an incorporated city on the Puget Sound side of Pierce County, west of Tacoma. The city has its own municipal government, but it does not have a superior court. Family law cases, including dissolution, legal separation, child custody, and protection orders, are all filed with Pierce County Superior Court in Tacoma. The courthouse is about 5 to 10 miles east of University Place depending on the route.
The Pierce County Superior Court Clerk manages all case files for the county. The Clerk's office handles new filings, copy requests, and counter access for case review. Staff will help you find the right form and point you to the right department, though they are not permitted to give legal advice on your case.
| Office | Pierce County Superior Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | 930 Tacoma Avenue South Tacoma, WA 98402 |
| Phone | (253) 798-7455 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | piercecountywa.gov/Clerk |
The courthouse is accessible by car with paid parking nearby, and public transit connects University Place to downtown Tacoma. Bring a photo ID when visiting. Security screening is at the main entrance. Arriving earlier in the morning often means shorter waits at the Clerk's counter.
University Place does not have its own court facility for family law. All superior court filings from University Place go to the main courthouse in Tacoma. Some documents may be submitted by mail; call the Clerk's office to confirm which forms can be mailed and which must be submitted in person.
Search University Place Family Court Records with LINX
Pierce County uses the LINX case management system for public online record access. This is different from the Odyssey portal used by other Washington counties. LINX is free for basic use and does not require an account. You can search by party name or cause number to find Pierce County Superior Court cases, including family law matters.
LINX covers civil and family law cases going back to 2002. For each case, you can see the docket, party names, attorneys, scheduled hearings, and judgment details. A list of filed documents is in the docket, and you can request to view or print them at the Clerk's counter. Attorneys with subscriptions can download documents and e-file through LINX directly.
The screenshot below shows the Pierce County LINX portal that University Place residents use to search superior court case records online.
Pierce County LINX portal for University Place residents to access superior court case records. Go to linxonline.co.pierce.wa.us to search by name or cause number for family law and civil cases filed in Pierce County Superior Court.
Search tips: use the full legal name as it appears on court documents. Common names return more results; adding an approximate filing year helps narrow them. Pierce County family law cause numbers include "3" as the case type in the middle of the number. The docket view shows the full timeline of filings and hearings once you locate the case.
Sealed cases and records that predate LINX coverage do not appear in public searches. If you cannot find a case you believe was filed, call the Clerk's office at (253) 798-7455. Staff can check the internal system and advise on how to request older or restricted records.
Statewide Search and Supplemental Resources
The Washington Courts central data warehouse at dw.courts.wa.gov covers courts across the state. It is a good starting point when you are unsure which county holds a case or want to check multiple jurisdictions at once. It indexes Pierce County Superior Court cases along with courts from all other Washington counties.
The screenshot below shows the statewide Washington Courts search portal that University Place residents can use to look up cases across Washington.
Central search engine for University Place residents to find case records across Washington courts. Visit dw.courts.wa.gov for a statewide case search. For current Pierce County family law records, the LINX portal provides more complete and current case detail.
JIS-Link at courts.wa.gov/jislink is a subscription-based service at $0.145 per transaction with a $13 monthly minimum. It is mainly used by law offices and researchers. For most individual searches, the free LINX portal is the right tool.
The Washington State Digital Archives holds historical superior court and vital records. If you need information about a case filed before LINX began tracking records, the digital archives can point you toward the right physical file at the courthouse.
Certified Copies and Vital Records
Certified copies of dissolution decrees, custody orders, and other family court documents are available from the Pierce County Clerk. A certified copy carries the court's official seal and is required for many legal and financial purposes. Plain copies cost less but may not meet the requirements of government agencies, lenders, or title companies.
Washington State DOH keeps divorce records from 1968 forward. These records cost $25 per copy and require no identification. They show the name, date, and county of the decree but do not include the full court file. The screenshot below shows the state vital records portal where University Place residents can order certified marriage and divorce records.
State portal for University Place residents to order certified marriage and divorce certificates. Use the Washington Department of Health vital records page to order records online. Expedited service through VitalChek is available for an additional fee.
For the complete court file, which includes financial declarations, parenting plans, and signed orders, request those from the Pierce County Clerk. Bring the cause number if you have it. The Clerk will pull the file and provide copies at the applicable per-page rate.
Filing a Family Law Case as a University Place Resident
Washington dissolution cases follow RCW Chapter 26.09, which covers dissolution, legal separation, mediation, temporary orders, and parenting plans. Cases with children also involve RCW Chapter 26.12, the family court statute that governs jurisdiction in Pierce County, guardian ad litem appointments, and parenting seminar requirements.
Washington is a no-fault state. You do not need grounds beyond an irretrievably broken marriage. Either spouse can file. One party must be a Washington resident or an armed forces member stationed here. The filing fee at Pierce County Superior Court is roughly $314. Income-based fee waivers are available.
After filing, the other party is served with the summons and petition. The mandatory 90-day waiting period starts from the date of service. After 90 days, the court can enter a final decree if all issues are settled. Contested cases go to hearings. Pierce County requires parents to complete a parenting seminar before the court can enter custody orders or a parenting plan.
All court forms are free at courts.wa.gov/forms. The dissolution packet, financial declaration, and parenting plan forms are all there. The Guide and File tool walks you through each form step by step, which is useful for first-time filers.
Cases involving allegations of domestic violence or child abuse may involve additional court steps. The court can appoint a guardian ad litem under RCW 26.12 and may issue emergency protective orders at the outset of a case when safety is at issue.
Legal Help for University Place Residents
Northwest Justice Project provides free civil legal aid in Pierce County. University Place residents who meet income guidelines can apply for help with dissolution, custody, support, and protection order cases. Call the CLEAR line at (888) 201-1014 for intake and eligibility. The program serves both simple and complex family law matters for qualifying clients.
Washington Law Help at washingtonlawhelp.org offers free guides on all major family law topics, including dissolution, parenting plans, child support, and protection orders. The guides explain both the law and the practical steps you need to take. Multiple languages are available on the site.
Pierce County has a family law facilitator at the courthouse who helps self-represented parties understand forms and the filing process. The facilitator does not give legal advice but can help you avoid procedural mistakes. Court staff at the Clerk's counter can also answer basic questions about where to file and which forms are required.
For paid legal help, the Washington State Bar Association lawyer referral service is at (206) 443-9722. Many Pierce County family law attorneys serve University Place clients and offer initial consultations at a flat rate. Free official court forms are always at courts.wa.gov/forms.
Pierce County Family Court Records
University Place is in Pierce County. All family law cases go through Pierce County Superior Court in Tacoma. For full clerk info and resources, see the Pierce County page.
Nearby Cities
These nearby cities in the Pierce County area use Pierce County Superior Court or other county courts for family law matters.