Chelan County Court Records Search
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Chelan County, situated in north-central Washington along the Columbia River and the eastern slopes of the Cascades, operates a three-tier court system headquartered at the Chelan County Courthouse in Wenatchee. The Superior Court holds 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, an independently elected constitutional officer, 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.
For those searching court records in Washington, several official resources are available. 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 may also help users 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 methods for locating court records, whether online, by mail, or in person.
Online Search Options
The quickest remote method is the Washington Courts case and name search, which covers cases filed in municipal, district, superior, and appellate courts statewide. Data is updated every 24 hours. Users can search by party name or case number and filter results by county.
The Odyssey Portal provides access to Chelan County Superior Court case records and documents. The portal is free to use, though elevated access to certain documents 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. Documents can be searched and downloaded 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 for viewing documents at the courthouse.
Submitting a Records Request
To obtain 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 the 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 differs depending on the type of record. Judicial records — meaning case files maintained by the court clerk — are not governed by the Washington Public Records Act (RCW 42.56). Instead, access to judicial case records is 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 has access to all court records unless restricted by federal law, state law, court rule, court order, or case law. Administrative records of the court — those pertaining to management and administration — are separately governed and may fall under the Public Records Act.
The Chelan County Clerk’s Office identifies the following record categories and their accessibility:
| 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 restricting access include RCW 26.33.330 (adoption records sealed, inspection only by court order), RCW 13.50.100 (juvenile dependency records confidential), and RCW 71.05.390 (mental illness records confidential). Records may also be sealed or redacted by court order under GR 15, and sealed records may restrict information about domestic violence victims, confidential informants, and witnesses.
Chelan County Criminal Court Records
Criminal jurisdiction in Chelan County is split between the Superior Court and the District Court. The Superior Court handles felonies and serious criminal matters, while 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/fishing, and animal cruelty.
Searching Criminal Case Records
Criminal case information from both courts can be located 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.
Individuals can check their 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 applicable fees 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 processes incident reports, insurance reports, victim reports, and other law enforcement records. Contact the division at (509) 667-6875 or email sheriff.records@co.chelan.wa.us. Report copy fees include a per-page paper copy charge; contact the Records Division 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, the fee for certified copies is $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 requiring a written report costs $30.00 per hour (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 are handled by 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 contains specific provisions for protecting 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, 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 and can be obtained in person (cash, check, or credit card), by mail request form (check only, two working days 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 using 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 be inspected only by court order for good cause. Paternity records filed before entry of a final order are accessible only to parties or by court order; records filed after a final determination of parentage are 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 authorized or legal representative. A valid photo ID is required. Requests can be submitted in person or by mail using the appropriate order form (available from the Health District), with payment by check or money order for mail requests.
Chelan County Probate Court Records
Washington does not maintain separate probate courts. In Chelan County, the Superior Court exercises 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. However, a significant number of probate and guardianship proceedings contain confidential information — particularly cases involving incapacitated adults, minor guardianships, and trust disputes. Researchers should 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.