Chelan County Court Records
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Chelan County sits in north-central Washington along the Columbia River and the eastern slopes of the Cascades. Its courts are based at the Chelan County Courthouse in Wenatchee and operate on a three-tier structure. The Superior Court has general jurisdiction over felonies, major civil disputes, family law, probate, and juvenile matters. The District Court handles misdemeanors, small claims, civil cases up to $100,000, traffic infractions, and municipal court functions for Wenatchee, Leavenworth, Cashmere, and Chelan. The County Clerk is an independently elected constitutional officer who serves as the administrative and financial officer of the Superior Court and is responsible for receiving, processing, and permanently preserving all documents filed in Superior Court proceedings.
Several official resources are available to anyone searching court records in Washington. Clerk's offices in each county maintain physical and electronic files that the public can inspect in person or request by mail, fax, or email. Online tools include the statewide case search maintained by the Administrative Office of the Courts and the Odyssey Portal. WashingtonStateCourts.us can also help you locate publicly available court case information across Washington's judicial system.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Chelan County?
Chelan County offers several free and low-cost ways to find court records, whether you prefer searching online, submitting a request by mail, or visiting in person.
Online Search Options
The fastest remote option is the Washington Courts case and name search, which covers cases filed in municipal, district, superior, and appellate courts statewide. Data is refreshed every 24 hours, and you can search by party name or case number and filter results by county.
The Odyssey Portal gives you access to Chelan County Superior Court case records and documents. The portal is free to use, though accessing certain documents at an elevated level requires authorization through the County Clerk.
The Washington State Digital Archives hosts document images from the Chelan County Superior Court Clerk's Office, which uploads files daily. You can search and download documents around the clock at no cost.
In-Person Access
Public-access computer terminals are available on a first-come, first-served basis at the Clerk's Office on the 5th floor of the Chelan County Courthouse, 350 Orondo Avenue, Wenatchee. Most public documents from 1900 to present are available electronically. Older files not yet digitized can be viewed on microfiche at the same location. There is no fee to view documents at the courthouse.
Submitting a Records Request
To get copies, complete a Court Records Request form and submit it by one of three methods:
- In person at the Chelan County Superior Court Clerk, 350 Orondo Ave., Suite 501, Wenatchee, WA 98801
- Email to superiorcourt.clerk@co.chelan.wa.us
- Fax to (509) 667-6611
A clerk will review your request, confirm access, and calculate copying costs. Payment must be received before copies are released.
Court Contact Information
| Court | Address | Phone | Fax | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Superior Court (Clerk's Office) | 350 Orondo Ave., Suite 501, Wenatchee, WA 98801 | (509) 667-6380 | (509) 667-6611 | Mon–Fri, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM & 1:00 PM–5:00 PM |
| Juvenile Court | 401 Washington Street, Wenatchee, WA 98801 | (509) 667-6350 | (509) 667-6583 | Contact for hours |
| District Court | 350 Orondo Ave., 4th Level, Wenatchee, WA 98801 | (509) 667-6600 | (509) 667-6456 | Mon–Fri, 8:30 AM–4:30 PM |
| Wenatchee Violations Bureau | 140 S. Mission St., P.O. Box 519, Wenatchee, WA 98801 | (509) 888-4210 | (509) 888-4219 | Contact for hours |
Are Court Records Public in Chelan County?
Washington has a strong tradition of public access to court records, but the legal framework varies depending on the type of record involved. Judicial records — meaning case files maintained by the court clerk — are not governed by the Washington Public Records Act (RCW 42.56). Access to judicial case records is instead controlled by court rules, primarily GR 31 (Access to Court Records), GR 15 (Destruction, Sealing, and Redaction of Court Records), and GR 22 (Access to Family Law and Guardianship Court Records).
Under GR 31, the public can access all court records unless restricted by federal law, state law, court rule, court order, or case law. Administrative records of the court — those relating to management and day-to-day operations — are separately governed and may fall under the Public Records Act.
The Chelan County Clerk's Office identifies the following record categories and their availability:
| Case Type | Availability |
|---|---|
| Criminal | 1900 to present, available online |
| Civil / Domestic Violence | 1900 to present, available online |
| Domestic (Family Law) | 1900 to present, available online |
| Probate / Guardianship | 1900 to present, available online |
| Juvenile Offenders | 1900 to present, available online |
| Judgments | Most cases available online |
| Adoptions / Paternity | Viewing restricted by statute |
| Mental Illness / Alcohol | Viewing restricted by statute |
| Juvenile Dependency | Viewing restricted by statute |
Specific statutes that restrict access include RCW 26.33.330 (adoption records are sealed and may only be inspected by court order), RCW 13.50.100 (juvenile dependency records are confidential), and RCW 71.05.390 (mental illness records are confidential). Records may also be sealed or redacted by court order under GR 15, which can protect information about domestic violence victims, confidential informants, and witnesses.
Chelan County Criminal Court Records
Criminal jurisdiction in Chelan County is divided between the Superior Court and the District Court. The Superior Court handles felonies and serious criminal matters. The District Court hears gross misdemeanors (up to 364 days in jail and a $5,000 fine), misdemeanors (up to 90 days and a $1,000 fine), and traffic infractions. Common District Court criminal cases include assault, DUI, reckless driving, driving while license suspended, theft, unlawful hunting or fishing, and animal cruelty.
Searching Criminal Case Records
Criminal case information from both courts can be found through the Washington Courts case search, the Odyssey Portal, or the Washington State Digital Archives. In-person searches are available at the Clerk's Office and at the District Court clerk's window. District Court record requests should be directed to DistrictCourt.Clerk@co.chelan.wa.us or faxed to (509) 667-6456.
Statewide Criminal History Through the Washington State Patrol
The Washington State Patrol (WSP) maintains official criminal history records. Dissemination is regulated by RCW 10.97.050, which limits who may receive nonconviction data. Conviction records are more broadly accessible.
You can check your own criminal history or run a conviction-record search online through the WATCH (Washington Access to Criminal History) system. The fee is $11 per name searched, payable by debit or credit card.
For mail-based requests, download and complete the WSP Request for Criminal History Record form and mail it with the applicable fee to:
Washington State Patrol
Identification and Background Check Section
P.O. Box 42633
Olympia, WA 98504-2633
Name-based requests cost between $10 and $32; fingerprint-based requests range from $16 to $58, depending on the type of check.
Chelan County Sheriff's Office Records
The Sheriff's Office Records Division handles incident reports, insurance reports, victim reports, and other law enforcement records. Reach the division at (509) 667-6875 or email sheriff.records@co.chelan.wa.us. Copy fees include a per-page paper charge; contact the Records Division directly for current rates and required forms.
Chelan County Civil Court Records
The Superior Court hears civil disputes with no upper dollar limit, including equity actions, property disputes, personal injury claims, and appeals from the District Court. The District Court has civil jurisdiction for claims up to $100,000 (exclusive of interest, costs, and attorney fees), but does not hear cases involving title to real property, false imprisonment, libel, slander, or malicious prosecution. The District Court's small claims department handles money-only claims up to $5,000.
Filing Fees (Effective July 28, 2025)
The Chelan County Clerk's Office publishes a detailed civil fee schedule. Key fees include:
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Civil Action | $290.00 |
| Civil Counterclaim, Cross-Claim, or Third-Party Claim | $290.00 |
| Civil Arbitration Fee (in addition to filing fee) | $150.00 |
| Anti-Harassment Action | $53.00 |
| Extension of Judgment | $200.00 |
| Jury Demand — 12 jurors | $250.00 |
| Jury Demand — 6 jurors | $125.00 |
| Residential Unlawful Detainer | $135.00 |
| Transcript / Abstract of Judgment | $20.00 |
Fees must be paid in advance. The Clerk does not issue refunds.
Copy and Search Fees
Under RCW 36.18, certified copies cost $5.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page per document. Uncertified electronic copies prepared by staff cost $0.25 per page plus a $4.00 access fee. Uncertified paper copies are $0.50 per page. A record search that requires a written report costs $30.00 per hour with a one-hour minimum. Compact disc copies carry a $20.00 surcharge, and audio recording copies cost $25.00 per disc. An expedited service fee of $30.00 may also apply.
Requesting Records
Civil case records from the Superior Court can be requested using the Court Records Request form, submitted in person, by email, or by fax to the Clerk's Office. District Court civil records should be requested through the District Court clerk at (509) 667-6600 or DistrictCourt.Clerk@co.chelan.wa.us. Documents may also be purchased through the Washington State Digital Archives at $0.25 per page plus a $1.00 service fee for noncertified copies.
Chelan County Family Court Records
Family law matters in Chelan County go through the Superior Court. This includes dissolutions of marriage, legal separations, child custody and visitation, child support, modifications of existing decrees, paternity actions, adoption proceedings, and guardianship of minors.
Filing Fees (Effective July 28, 2025)
The family law fee schedule sets the following rates:
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Dissolution of Marriage, Domestic Partnership, Legal Separation, or Invalidity | $364.00 |
| Adoption Filing | $310.00 |
| Counter Petition in a Domestic Relations Action | $310.00 |
| Uniform Parentage Act Filings | $310.00 |
| Modification of Chelan County Decree | $56.00 |
| Modification of Out-of-County Decree | $310.00 |
| Registration of Out-of-State Decree/Order | $310.00 |
| Family Court Facilitator User Fee | $30.00 |
| Domestic Violence Protection Order | No Fee |
| Vulnerable Adults Protection Order | No Fee |
| Sexual Assault Protection Order | No Fee |
| Extreme Risk Protection Order | No Fee |
Access to family law case records is governed by GR 22, which includes specific provisions to protect sensitive information in domestic and guardianship proceedings. Certain financial documents, parenting evaluations, and sealed filings within family cases may be restricted.
Marriage Licenses and Records
Marriage licenses in Chelan County are issued by the Chelan County Auditor's Office, not the courts. The application fee is $157.00 (non-refundable), and a prepaid certified copy of the marriage certificate costs an additional $3.00. Both applicants must appear in person, be at least 18 years old, and present valid identification. A three-day waiting period applies after the application is processed.
Certified copies of recorded marriage certificates cost $3.00 each. You can get them in person (cash, check, or credit card), by mail request form (check only; allow two working days for processing), or online through the Washington State Digital Archives. Phone orders for statewide marriage records from 1968 forward can be placed with the Department of Health at (360) 236-4313.
Divorce Records
Divorce decrees are filed with the Superior Court Clerk and can be requested through the standard records request process. The Washington Department of Health also maintains statewide divorce records from 1968 to present. The DOH fee is $25.00 per document. Allow up to five months after a divorce for the record to appear in the DOH system, and six to eight weeks for mail request processing.
Adoption and Paternity Records
Adoption records are sealed under RCW 26.33.330 and can only be inspected by court order for good cause. Paternity records filed before entry of a final order are accessible only to the parties or by court order; records filed after a final determination of parentage are generally publicly accessible.
Birth and Death Records
Birth and death certificates for Chelan County are maintained by the Chelan-Douglas Health District, not the courts. Certificates and informational copies cost $25.00 each. Same-day expedited service adds $10.00. Mailing fees are $3.00 (regular) or $9.00 (priority). Office hours are Monday–Thursday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM, and Friday, 9:00 AM–12:00 PM (no same-day expedited service on Fridays). The office is located at 200 Valley Mall Parkway, East Wenatchee, WA 98802.
Eligible applicants include the record subject, parent, child, sibling, grandparent, legal guardian, and an authorized or legal representative. A valid photo ID is required. You can submit a request in person or by mail using the appropriate order form available from the Health District; mail payments must be by check or money order.
Chelan County Probate Court Records
Washington does not have separate probate courts. In Chelan County, the Superior Court handles probate jurisdiction over estates, wills, trusts, guardianships, and conservatorships. The County Clerk issues letters testamentary, letters of administration, and letters of guardianship as part of these proceedings.
Filing Fees (Effective July 28, 2025)
The Clerk publishes a probate and guardianship fee schedule with the following key items:
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Probate Filing | $290.00 |
| Adult Guardianship, Conservatorship, or Protective Arrangement | $290.00 (no fee if assets under $3,000) |
| Minor Guardianship / Minor Conservatorship | $290.00 (no fee if guardian is a relative) |
| Will Only Filing (no probate) | $20.00 |
| Will Repository | $20.00 |
| Letters of Administration, Testamentary, or Guardianship | $5.00 |
| Certificate of Registration of Trust | $5.00 |
| Certification of Trust | $20.00 |
| Registration of Trust (new case) | $290.00 |
| Notice to Creditors (Non-Probate) | $290.00 |
| Petition Contesting or Admitting Rejected Will | $290.00 |
| Counter Petition or Cross-Claim (Probate/Guardianship) | $290.00 |
Accessing Probate Records
Probate and guardianship case records from 1900 to present are generally available online and through the public-access terminals at the Clerk's Office. That said, many probate and guardianship proceedings contain confidential information — particularly cases involving incapacitated adults, minor guardianships, and trust disputes. Confirm access with the Clerk's Office before making a trip.
Records can be requested through the standard Court Records Request form, submitted in person, by email, or by fax. The Clerk's Office applies the same copy fee schedule: $5.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page of a certified copy; $0.25 per page plus $4.00 for uncertified electronic copies prepared by staff. Document images may also be viewed and downloaded through the Washington State Digital Archives. There is no charge for viewing records at the courthouse on the public-access terminals.