Benton County Court Records Search
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Benton County is located in southeastern Washington State, with its primary government offices and court facilities based in Kennewick and a secondary courthouse in the city of Prosser, the county seat. The county’s judicial system includes the Benton & Franklin Counties Superior Court (which shares jurisdiction with neighboring Franklin County for certain functions), the Benton County District Court, and several Municipal Courts operating within city limits. Different county offices maintain custody of different types of records: the County Clerk manages Superior Court filings, the District Court maintains its own case files, and the County Auditor handles recorded documents such as marriage licenses and property instruments.
For anyone trying to locate court records in Washington, a practical starting point is to identify whether the matter was filed in Superior Court or District Court, then contact the corresponding clerk’s office or use one of the electronic search tools available. The Washington Courts website provides a statewide court directory, downloadable forms, and fee information. WashingtonStateCourts.us can also help users locate publicly accessible court case data across Washington counties. At the local level, the Benton County Clerk’s Office and the District Court each offer online request portals, and the statewide Odyssey system provides free case-index searching.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Benton County?
The quickest way to search for a Benton County court case is through the Washington Courts Odyssey Portal, a free statewide tool. Users can search by party name (first, last, and middle), case number, or date range, and filter results to Benton County specifically. The portal returns case index data including case type, parties, filing dates, and hearing schedules.
Steps for an Odyssey Portal search:
- Navigate to the Odyssey Portal and select “Case Search” or “Smart Search”.
- Enter the party name, case number, or other available identifiers.
- Restrict results to Benton County using the location filter.
- Review the returned case summary for docket entries, scheduled events, and disposition information.
When certified or physical copies of documents are needed, the request must go to the office that maintains the file:
Benton County Clerk’s Office (Superior Court records)
Kennewick Office: 7122 West Okanogan Place, Suite A210, Kennewick, WA 99336
Phone: (509) 735-8388
Fax: (509) 736-3892
Email: clerk@co.benton.wa.us
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (closed 12:00–1:00 p.m.)
Prosser Office: 620 Market Street, Prosser, WA 99350
Phone: (509) 786-5624
The Clerk’s Office accepts document requests through its online request portal, where requesters fill out a form specifying the document, case number, and personal information, then pay electronically. Allow five business days for processing.
Superior Court Clerk copy fees:
| Copy Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Plain copies (printed) | $0.50 per page |
| Digital copies | $0.25 per page |
| Microfilm copies | $1.00 per page |
| Certified copies | $5.00 first page, $1.00 each additional |
| Exemplified copies | $9.00 first page, $1.00 each additional |
| Shipping surcharge | $5.00 (if applicable) |
Benton County District Court (misdemeanors, traffic, small claims)
Kennewick: 7122 West Okanogan Place, Suite A110, Kennewick, WA 99336
Phone: (509) 735-8476
Fax: (509) 736-3069
Email: District.Court@co.benton.wa.us
Prosser: 620 Market Street, Prosser, WA 99350
Phone: (509) 786-5480
Fax: (509) 786-5484
District Court record requests can be submitted through a separate request form available on the county website, or paid online through nCourt. The District Court charges a $20-per-hour historical search fee (per person searched), $5.00 for certified copies ($1.00 each additional page), and $10.00 per CD for court recordings. Personal checks are not accepted at either the Clerk’s Office or the District Court.
Are Court Records Public in Benton County?
Washington follows a strong presumption of openness for court records. Under General Rule 31, adopted by the Washington Supreme Court, the public has the right to access all court records regardless of physical form or storage method, except where access is restricted by federal law, state law, court rule, court order, or case law. This rule applies to both Superior Court and District Court filings in Benton County.
Records generally available for public inspection include:
- Case filings, pleadings, and motions
- Court orders, judgments, and decrees
- Docket sheets and hearing calendars
- Sentencing records in criminal matters
- Civil judgments and liens
- Probate filings, wills, and estate inventories
- Marriage license records (through the Auditor)
Records restricted from public access under GR 31 include:
- Adoption records
- Mental illness commitment records
- Alcohol and drug treatment commitment records
- Paternity records (except final orders)
- Confidential name change records
- Juvenile non-offender records (dependency, truancy, at-risk youth, child in need of services, termination of parental rights, and developmental disability placements)
- Records sealed by judicial order
Washington court records are distinct from general public records governed by the Washington Public Records Act (RCW 42.56). While both frameworks favor transparency, court records follow the rules established by the judiciary rather than the executive-branch public records statutes. Requests for sealed court records require a motion to the court demonstrating a legal basis for access under GR 15.
Benton County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Benton County are divided by severity. The Superior Court handles felonies and serious matters, while the District Court adjudicates misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors, and traffic offenses committed in violation of state or county law.
Superior Court – Criminal Division
Benton County Justice Center
7122 West Okanogan Place, Building A, Kennewick, WA 99336
Phone: (509) 735-8388
Criminal docket information from Superior Court is searchable through the Odyssey Portal. To obtain certified copies of criminal case documents, submit a request through the Clerk’s online portal or visit the office in person during business hours. Fees follow the standard copy schedule described above.
District Court criminal and traffic dockets can be accessed through the District Court’s online payment and records portal. For telephone inquiries about criminal fines or case status, contact the District Court directly or call (855) 873-9709 (nCourt phone payments).
Arrest records and incident reports are maintained by the Benton County Sheriff’s Office, not the courts. The Sheriff’s Office operates from the Justice Center at 7122 West Okanogan Place, Building A120, Kennewick, WA 99336 (Phone: (509) 786-5615; non-emergency: (509) 735-6555). Public records requests can be submitted through the Sheriff’s Office public records portal.
Statewide criminal history checks are administered by the Washington State Patrol (WSP). The process requires:
- Obtaining a set of fingerprints at a WSP office or approved fingerprinting location with valid government ID and a $16 fee.
- Submitting the fingerprint card along with a $58 processing fee (by check, money order, or Bankcard Authorization form) to:
Washington State Patrol
Identification and Background Check Section
P.O. Box 42633
Olympia, WA 98504-2633
The WSP also offers a name-based criminal history search through its WATCH system for an $11 fee, though this search covers only Washington State records and is less comprehensive than a fingerprint-based check.
Benton County Civil Court Records
Civil litigation in Benton County is split between two courts based on the amount in controversy and the nature of the claim. Superior Court has general jurisdiction over civil disputes exceeding $100,000, actions involving real property, foreclosures, and equitable claims. The District Court holds concurrent jurisdiction over civil matters up to $100,000, small claims (up to $10,000 for individuals, $5,000 for businesses), anti-harassment protection orders, vehicle impound hearings, and name changes.
Superior Court civil filings are maintained by the Benton County Clerk’s Office. Under RCW 36.18.020, the filing fee for a new civil action in Superior Court is $290 (comprising a base fee plus judicial surcharges). Copies of civil case documents follow the standard Clerk’s Office fee schedule.
District Court civil filing fees (from the District Court fee schedule):
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Civil action / counterclaim / cross-claim | $83.00 |
| Small claims (including counterclaim) | $50.00 |
| Anti-harassment filing | $83.00 |
| Civil jury demand | $125.00 |
| Name change | $291.50 ($88.00 + $203.50 Auditor recording fee) |
| Writ of garnishment | $12.00 |
| Supplemental proceeding | $20.00 |
| Extension of civil judgment | $53.00 |
| Appellate filing fee | $280.00 |
| Appeal preparation/processing | $40.00 |
| Ex parte fee (default/agreed judgments) | $10.00 |
All District Court civil filing fees include a $10 dispute resolution charge; small claims fees include a $15 dispute resolution charge. Payment is accepted by cash, money order, cashier’s check, or through nCourt. Pursuant to GR 34, fee waivers are available for qualifying individuals.
Individuals who wish to file a small claims action should email District.Court@co.benton.wa.us with their name and mailing address to receive a small claims packet. A small claims brochure is available online in English and Spanish. Statewide court forms for civil cases are published on the Washington Courts forms page.
Benton County Family Court Records
Family law matters in Benton County are heard by the family division of the Benton & Franklin Counties Superior Court. This division handles divorce and legal separation, child custody and parenting plan establishment or modification, child support and spousal maintenance, restraining orders, parentage actions, domestic violence protection orders, and annulment/invalidity proceedings.
Benton & Franklin Counties Superior Court – Family Division
Benton County Justice Center
7122 West Okanogan Place, Building A, Kennewick, WA 99336
Phone: (509) 735-8388
Juvenile matters are heard at a separate facility:
Benton-Franklin Counties Juvenile Justice Center
5606 West Canal Drive, Suite 106, Kennewick, WA 99336
Phone: (509) 783-2151
Fax: (509) 736-2728
Family court records are accessible through the Benton County Clerk’s Office using the same request procedures and fee schedule that apply to other Superior Court records. The Odyssey Portal also indexes family law cases. However, certain categories are restricted from public view, including adoption files, paternity records (other than final orders), juvenile non-offender records, and mental health or substance abuse treatment records.
Marriage records are maintained by the Benton County Auditor’s Office, which issues and records marriage licenses. Key details:
- Marriage license fee: $172.00 (cash or card; no checks; 2.5% card convenience fee)
- Three-day waiting period between license issuance and ceremony; license valid for 60 days
- Both applicants must be at least 18 and present valid photo ID
- Applications can be completed in person at the Kennewick office (7122 W. Okanogan Place, Bldg. E120; Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.), by mail with a notarized paper application, or by appointment at the Prosser office (call (509) 786-5620)
- Certified copies of recorded marriage certificates: $3.00 each; photocopies $1.00 each
The Auditor also maintains the county’s online marriage records index.
Divorce/dissolution records are part of the Superior Court case file and available through the Clerk’s Office. The Washington State Department of Health also issues dissolution certificates for all dissolutions since 1968. Requests can be made using the Department of Health marriage/divorce certificate order form and mailed to P.O. Box 9709, Olympia, WA 98507-9709. The fee is $25 per certificate, with an optional $15 apostille.
Birth and death records are maintained by the Benton-Franklin Health District (BFHD). Under Washington law, these are private records accessible only to eligible individuals—the person named, a spouse or domestic partner, close relatives, legal representatives, government agencies, or (for death records) the funeral director for 12 months from the date of death.
BFHD Vital Records Office
Address: 7102 West Okanogan Place, Kennewick, WA 99336
Phone: (509) 460-4204
Fax: (509) 460-4587
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00–11:30 a.m. and 1:00–4:00 p.m.
Certificates cost $25 each (non-refundable), payable by credit card or money order to “BFHD”. Application forms are available in English (birth), English (death), and Spanish. Same-day service is available for requests submitted before 2:00 p.m.
Benton County Probate Court Records
Probate matters in Benton County fall under the Superior Court’s Probate/Guardianship division. There is no separate probate court; designated Superior Court judges hear probate calendars involving estate administration, will contests, intestacy proceedings, guardianships, conservatorships, and trust administration.
Benton County Superior Court – Probate Division
Benton County Justice Center
7122 West Okanogan Place, Building A, Kennewick, WA 99336
Phone: (509) 735-8388
Prosser Courthouse
620 Market Street, Prosser, WA 99350
Phone: (509) 786-5624
Under RCW 36.18.020, the filing fee for initiating a probate proceeding in Superior Court is $290. Guardianship petitions where the ward’s assets are less than $3,000 may be exempt from filing fees. Certified copies of probate documents follow the standard Clerk’s Office rates ($5.00 first page, $1.00 each additional).
Probate case records can be searched through the Odyssey Portal and copies requested through the Clerk’s online request portal or in person at either courthouse. The Clerk’s Office website provides links to probate forms and information, including links to the statewide Washington Courts forms repository for guardianship and probate petitions.
Washington’s probate process generally involves filing a petition with the court, providing notice to heirs and beneficiaries, inventorying and appraising estate assets, settling debts and taxes, and distributing the remaining estate according to the will or, in the absence of a will, under the state’s intestacy statutes. Non-intervention powers may be granted by the court under RCW 11.68, allowing the personal representative to administer the estate without further court supervision after appointment. Guardianship proceedings require the appointment of a guardian ad litem, notice to the alleged incapacitated person, and a court hearing before a guardian or conservator is appointed.
Property records that may be relevant to probate—including recorded deeds, mortgages, and lien documents—are maintained by the Benton County Auditor’s recording division. The Auditor provides a recorded document search portal covering instruments from the county’s earliest recordings to the present. The County Assessor’s portal and the County Treasurer’s property tax search offer additional parcel, valuation, and tax payment data.