Adams County Court Records Search
WashingtonStateCourts.us is not a consumer reporting agency as defined by the FCRA and does not provide consumer reports. All searches conducted on WashingtonStateCourts.us are subject to the Terms of Service and Privacy Notice.
Adams County, Washington encompasses two main population centers — Ritzville, the county seat, and Othello — each with its own court facilities. Records generated through the county's courts document the full arc of legal proceedings, from initial filings and motions through hearings, judgments, and final orders. Depending on the type of case, these records are kept by different court divisions, and getting them typically means using an online search tool, contacting the right clerk, or visiting a courthouse in person.
If you're looking for case information in Washington, WashingtonStateCourts.us can help you identify where to find publicly available court information, locate clerk offices, and connect with official search systems and records portals. Online tools cover both superior and lower court cases, so you can often begin a search without leaving home.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Adams County?
Adams County runs four primary court facilities — two Superior Courts and two District Courts — along with municipal courts in Othello and Ritzville. Most criminal misdemeanors, traffic infractions, small civil claims, and protection orders go through the District Courts. Felonies, larger civil disputes, family law, and probate matters are heard in Superior Court.
Adams County Superior Court — Ritzville (County Seat)
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 210 W Broadway Avenue, Suite 303, Ritzville, WA 99169 |
| Mailing | P.O. Box 187, Ritzville, WA 99169 |
| Phone | (509) 659-3257 |
| Clerk Hours | Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM |
Adams County Superior Court — Othello (Juvenile)
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 425 E Main Street, Suite 100, Othello, WA 99344 |
| Phone | (509) 488-5646 |
| Fax | (509) 488-3425 |
Adams County District Court — Othello
Presiding Judge: Carolyn J. Benzel
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 425 E Main Street, Suite 400, Othello, WA 99344 |
| Phone | (509) 488-3935 |
| Fax | (509) 488-3480 |
Adams County District Court — Ritzville
District Court Judge: Andrea K. Russell
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Address | 210 W Broadway Avenue, Ritzville, WA 99169 |
| Phone | (509) 659-1002 |
| Fax | (509) 659-3245 |
| Jury Line | (509) 659-3234 |
Online Search Tools
As of June 1, 2026, court case records for Adams County courts are searchable through re:Search WA, the statewide court records search platform. This system supports searches by party name, case number, attorney name, and business entity. The Washington Courts Case Search also covers Adams County Superior Court and both District Courts, giving the public access to case history, hearing dates, and docket information.
E-Filing
Adams County Superior Court accepts electronic filings through the Adams County E-Filing portal. Filing hours run Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Pacific), excluding court holidays. There are no extra fees for using the e-filing system, though standard filing fees still apply. Judicial working copies must be emailed to court administration at kimb@co.adams.wa.gov.
Requesting Certified Copies from District Court
If you need certified document copies from either District Court, complete the District Court Record Request Form, sign it, and mail or deliver it directly to the Ritzville District Court. Do not submit district court record requests through the county's general records portal.
District Court Certified Copy Fee Schedule
| Document Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Citation / Complaint | $0.50 per page |
| Court Docket | $5.00 per docket |
| Judgment & Sentence / Resolution | $0.50 per page |
| Conditions of Release | $0.50 per page |
| AH/DV Petition or Order | $0.50 per page |
| CD of Proceeding | $10.00 per CD |
| Certified ADR | $10.00 per ADR |
| Certified Documents | $5.00 per document |
| Certified Additional Pages | $1.00 per page |
Are Court Records Public in Adams County?
Washington's Public Records Act (RCW Chapter 42.56) gives both residents and non-residents the right to inspect and copy public records held by government agencies, including courts and county offices. The law starts with a presumption of openness — any record not specifically exempted is considered available to the public.
That said, a substantial number of exemptions exist. In Adams County, records that may be restricted or sealed include:
- Juvenile court records — confidential under Washington State law to protect minors
- Adoption proceedings — sealed from public access
- Mental health records — withheld to protect personal privacy
- Medical and health information — exempt under privacy provisions of RCW 42.56
- Ongoing investigative or law enforcement records — withheld to protect active investigations
- Attorney-client privileged communications — protected from disclosure
- Trade secrets and proprietary financial data — exempt from release
- Personal financial records such as tax returns — not subject to public inspection
- Records where disclosure would create a safety or security risk — subject to redaction
The Superior Court Clerk's office can confirm whether a specific case or document is publicly accessible or sealed. Clerk staff can provide case status updates and general guidance on court rules, but they are not permitted to give legal advice, interpret documents, or help fill out forms.
Adams County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Adams County are divided between the two courts based on how the offense is classified.
Felony Cases — Superior Court
Felonies are prosecuted in Adams County Superior Court in Ritzville. The Superior Court has general jurisdiction over serious criminal matters, including violent crimes, drug trafficking, and major property crimes. Case records from Superior Court proceedings — charges, motions, verdicts, and sentencing orders — are searchable through re:Search WA or by contacting the Superior Court Clerk at (509) 659-3257.
Misdemeanors and Traffic Infractions — District Court
Both District Courts in Othello and Ritzville handle misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors, traffic infractions, arrest warrants, and search warrants. The volume is notable: excluding parking infractions, roughly 7 out of every 8 cases in Adams County are filed at the District Court level, driven primarily by traffic matters and lower-level criminal offenses.
Additional criminal case types handled by the District Courts include:
- Domestic violence and anti-harassment protection orders
- Vehicle impound hearings
- Garnishments
- Replevin of personal property
Arrest Records and Jail Roster
The Adams County Sheriff's Office maintains a real-time jail roster through the Adams County Sheriff mobile application, available on Google Play and the Apple App Store at no cost. For questions about current inmate status or release information, contact the Adams County Corrections Center at (509) 659-3331. Jail Commander Kelly Watkins oversees the detention facility.
Blake Decision — Record Vacating
In 2021, the Washington State Supreme Court's ruling in State v. Blake found Washington's drug possession law unconstitutional. Blake-related convictions can be vacated, and legal financial obligations paid as a result may qualify for reimbursement. The Washington Courts Blake Refund Bureau provides current information and resources for affected individuals.
Adams County Civil Court Records
Civil jurisdiction in Adams County is split between the District Courts and Superior Court based on the dollar amount in dispute.
| Claim Amount | Court |
|---|---|
| Up to $10,000 | District Court (small claims) |
| Up to $100,000 | District Court (civil claims — breach of contract, property damage) |
| Over $100,000 / complex matters | Superior Court |
Small Claims
Both District Courts maintain a small claims division for monetary disputes up to $10,000. The process is designed to be accessible without an attorney. Small claims handles only civil money disputes — it does not cover criminal matters, family law issues, or injunctive relief. The Washington Courts Small Claims information page walks through filing procedures, fees, and what to expect at a hearing.
Civil Records Access
Civil case records from both District Courts are searchable through the Washington Courts Case Search system. For Superior Court civil filings, use re:Search WA.
To request copies of civil filings from the District Court, submit the completed Record Request Form by mail or in person to the Ritzville District Court. Standard copy fees apply as outlined in the fee schedule above.
Property and Land Records
Property deeds, mortgages, tax liens, and other recorded instruments are maintained by the Adams County Auditor's Recording Division — not the court clerk. The Adams County Auditor Recorded Land Records collection includes indexes and images of documents recorded from 1988 to the present. The standard recording fee for a first-page document is $303.50, with each additional page at $1.00. Copies of recorded documents are available through the Adams County Auditor's office.
Adams County Family Court Records
Family law matters in Adams County — including divorce, child custody, child support, domestic violence protection orders, and adoption — are handled primarily by Adams County Superior Court. Protection orders related to domestic violence and anti-harassment also fall within District Court jurisdiction and may be filed at either the Othello or Ritzville location.
Divorce Records
Divorce proceedings are filed in Superior Court. Divorce decrees and related case files are maintained by the Superior Court Clerk in Ritzville. Search case records through re:Search WA, or contact the clerk directly at (509) 659-3257 to request copies. Standard copy fees apply.
Divorce records dating back to 1968 are also available from the Washington State Department of Health, which maintains statewide vital records. Certified copies start at $25.00 per certificate and may be ordered online, by mail, or in person.
Marriage Records
Marriage licenses in Adams County are issued by the Adams County Auditor's Office. The current fee is $156.00, payable by check, money order, or cash only — credit cards are not accepted. The Auditor's office is at 210 West Broadway Avenue, Suite 200, Ritzville, WA 99169.
Historical marriage records from 1884 to the present are indexed in the Adams County Auditor Marriage Records collection through the Washington State Digital Archives. These records include marriage returns, applications, and certificates. Certified copies are also available through the Washington State Department of Health Vital Records portal at $25.00 per copy.
Birth and Death Records
Birth certificates for Adams County residents are issued by the Washington State Department of Health. Certified copies cost $25.00 per certificate, with additional fees depending on the order method — online, phone, or mail. Death records are similarly available through the Department of Health starting at $25.00, though older death records from 1891 to 1907 are held by the Adams County Auditor's Office.
Domestic Violence and Protection Orders
Anti-harassment and domestic violence protection orders fall within the jurisdiction of both District Courts. Petitions may be filed at the Othello or Ritzville District Court location. Washington Law Help (washingtonlawhelp.org) offers plain-language guidance on protective order procedures for people who are not represented by an attorney.
Juvenile Matters
Juvenile cases go through the Adams County Superior Court — Juvenile division in Othello at 425 E Main Street, Suite 100. Beginning in 2024, juvenile case dockets were scheduled for the first Thursday of every month in the Othello District Court courtroom. Juvenile court records are confidential under Washington law and are not open to general public access.
Adams County Probate Court Records
Probate matters in Adams County — including estate administration, proving wills, name changes, conservatorships, and guardianships — are filed in Adams County Superior Court in Ritzville.
Filing Location
All probate filings go through the Superior Court Clerk:
Adams County Superior Court Clerk
210 W Broadway Avenue, Suite 303
Ritzville, WA 99169
Phone: (509) 659-3257
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM – 4:30 PM
E-Filing for Probate
Probate petitions and related documents may be submitted electronically through the Adams County E-Filing portal. E-filing is available Monday through Friday during clerk's office hours, excluding court holidays.
Probate Case Searches
Probate case information is searchable through re:Search WA by party name or case number. The Washington Courts Case Search also provides online access to court documents and allows searches by case number, party name, or attorney.
What Probate Covers in Adams County
- Presenting a decedent's will to the Superior Court for validation
- Appointing an executor (when a will exists) or administrator (when no will exists)
- Inventorying estate assets and determining their value
- Satisfying outstanding debts and tax obligations
- Distributing remaining assets to heirs and beneficiaries
- Establishing guardianships and conservatorships for incapacitated adults or minors with inherited assets
- Petitions for legal name changes (also heard in Superior Court)
Probate records are generally public once filed, unless sealed by court order. The Superior Court Clerk's office can confirm whether a specific probate file is open for inspection. For Washington-specific probate procedures and guidance on opening an estate, the Washington Probate resource at wa-probate.com offers detailed procedural information, though this is an informational resource and not a government site.
Interpreter Services
Adams County Superior Court provides interpreter services at no cost to parties who need language assistance. To arrange an interpreter before a hearing, use the Language Access request page on the county website.