Clark County Court Records Search
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Clark County is situated in southwestern Washington State, with Vancouver serving as the county seat. It is the fifth-most populous county in Washington and falls within the jurisdiction of the Superior Court and District Court systems that handle everything from serious felonies to small claims disputes. The Clark County Clerk’s Office maintains the official records generated by the Superior Court, while the District Court clerk manages records for that court’s proceedings. Understanding which office holds the records you need—and how each court’s jurisdiction works—is the starting point for any successful search.
Washington State offers several pathways for locating court case information. Clerk offices in Clark County accept walk-in visits, telephone inquiries, and written requests. Public-access terminals inside the courthouse provide on-site search capability for many record types. Online tools maintained by the county and by the state judiciary extend access beyond business hours. WashingtonStateCourts.us can help users identify courts, review statewide rules, and locate publicly available case data. The sections below explain how to navigate each record category in Clark County, the fees involved, and which records are open to the public.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Clark County?
Clark County provides multiple methods for searching court records, and the right approach depends on whether you need basic docket information or certified copies of filed documents.
Online Case Search
The Clark County Superior Court case search is the primary online portal for Superior Court records. Users can query by party name, case number, or date range. Results display case type, filing date, party names, and scheduled hearings. Court documents that have been electronically filed may be viewable through the system, though sealed or confidential filings are excluded.
For District Court matters, the Washington Courts case search provides access to District and Municipal Court records statewide, including Clark County cases. Searches can be performed by name or case number.
In-Person Search
Visit either clerk office during regular business hours:
Clark County Clerk (Superior Court)
Public Service Center
1200 Franklin Street
Vancouver, WA 98660
Phone: (564) 397-2292
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m.
Clark County District Court
601 W. Evergreen Boulevard
Vancouver, WA 98660
Phone: (564) 397-2424
Staff at both locations can assist with locating case files and producing copies. Bring as much identifying information as possible—case number, full party names, and approximate filing dates.
Mail and Phone Requests
Written requests may be mailed to the Clark County Clerk’s Office at the address above. Include the case number or full party names, the type of record needed, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. Enclose payment for applicable fees. The clerk’s office also accepts phone inquiries for basic case status information.
Key Copy and Certification Fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copies of court documents (per page) | $0.50 |
| Certified copy (first page) | $5.00 |
| Certified copy (each additional page) | $1.00 |
| Filing a document in an existing case | Varies by document type |
Verify current fees directly with the Clark County Clerk before submitting payment, as fee schedules are subject to legislative updates.
Are Court Records Public in Clark County?
Washington State maintains one of the strongest public-access frameworks in the country. The Washington Public Records Act (RCW Chapter 42.56) presumes that records held by government agencies, including courts, are open for inspection and copying. Court records in Clark County follow this principle unless a specific statute, court rule, or judicial order restricts access.
The Washington Supreme Court has adopted General Rule 31 and General Rule 31.1, which govern public access to court records specifically. Under these rules, most filed documents in civil, criminal, and family law proceedings are available for review.
Records That Are Restricted or Sealed
Certain categories of court records are not freely accessible under Washington law and court rules:
- Sealed cases — A judge may seal all or part of a case file upon motion and a finding that the need for sealing outweighs the public interest in access, per GR 15.
- Juvenile offender records — Proceedings involving minors are confidential under RCW 13.50. Access is limited to parties, their attorneys, and authorized agencies.
- Adoption records — Finalized adoption files are sealed under RCW 26.33.340.
- Mental health and chemical dependency records — Protected under RCW 71.05 and federal regulations.
- Domestic violence victim information — Certain identifying details may be redacted from publicly available filings.
- Grand jury proceedings — Transcripts and records remain sealed unless otherwise ordered.
- Sealed name-change petitions — Available when a petitioner demonstrates a safety concern.
Individuals seeking access to restricted records must generally petition the court and demonstrate that their need for the information outweighs the statutory reasons for confidentiality.
Clark County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Clark County are prosecuted at two levels. The Superior Court handles all felony cases and serious matters bound over from lower courts. The District Court adjudicates misdemeanors and gross misdemeanors arising under state law. Municipal courts in Vancouver and other incorporated cities within the county handle city ordinance violations and certain misdemeanors occurring within their boundaries.
Where Criminal Records Are Maintained
The Clark County Clerk’s Office is the custodian of Superior Court criminal files, including charging documents, plea agreements, sentencing orders, judgments, and appellate records. District Court criminal records are maintained by the District Court clerk.
Clark County Clerk (Superior Court — Criminal Records)
1200 Franklin Street, Vancouver, WA 98660
Phone: (564) 397-2292
Clark County District Court
601 W. Evergreen Boulevard, Vancouver, WA 98660
Phone: (564) 397-2424
How to Search Criminal Case Records
- Navigate to the Clark County Superior Court case search.
- Enter the defendant’s last name and first name, or a specific case number.
- Select the criminal case type filter if available to narrow results.
- Review results for case numbers, charges, hearing dates, and disposition status.
For District Court criminal records, use the statewide courts search tool and select Clark County District Court.
Arrest Records and the Sheriff’s Office
Arrest and booking information is maintained by law enforcement agencies, not by the court clerk. The Clark County Sheriff’s Office handles arrests in unincorporated areas and contract cities, while the Vancouver Police Department covers incidents within city limits.
Clark County Sheriff’s Office
707 W. 13th Street
Vancouver, WA 98660
Phone: (564) 397-2211
The Sheriff’s Office provides jail roster information and processes public disclosure requests for incident and arrest reports under the Public Records Act.
Statewide Criminal History
For a comprehensive criminal background check beyond Clark County court records, the Washington State Patrol operates the WATCH system (Washington Access to Criminal History). Name-based searches cost $11.00 per individual and return conviction data from across the state.
Expungement and Sealing
Washington law permits the vacation of certain criminal convictions under RCW 9.94A.640 (felonies) and RCW 9.96.060 (misdemeanors). Vacated records are sealed and removed from public court databases. Petitions must be filed in the court where the conviction was entered.
Clark County Civil Court Records
Civil matters in Clark County span two courts based on the amount at issue and the nature of the claim. Superior Court has general jurisdiction over civil lawsuits without a monetary cap, including personal injury, contract disputes, real property actions, and appeals from lower tribunals. District Court handles small claims (up to $10,000) and civil cases with claims up to $100,000.
Searching for Civil Case Records
The Superior Court case search covers all civil case types filed in Superior Court. The statewide courts search includes District Court civil filings. In-person requests can be directed to the appropriate clerk’s office.
Superior Court Civil Filing Fees
Washington’s filing fee schedule is set by statute under RCW 36.18.020. Key fees include:
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Civil complaint or petition (initial filing) | $200.00 |
| Response or answer (first paper by defendant) | $200.00 |
| Counterclaim or cross-claim | $200.00 |
| Small claims filing (District Court, up to $10,000) | $35.00–$50.00 |
| Appeal from District Court to Superior Court | $200.00 |
| Certified copy (first page) | $5.00 |
| Certified copy (each additional page) | $1.00 |
Sheriff service fees for civil process apply separately. Fee waivers and deferrals are available to qualifying individuals through the courts’ fee waiver forms.
Forms and E-Filing
The Washington Courts website hosts a forms library that includes civil cover sheets, summons templates, motions, and small claims instructions. Electronic filing in Clark County Superior Court is available through the county’s e-filing system. Attorneys and self-represented litigants should consult the Clark County Clerk’s website for current e-filing instructions and accepted document formats.
Small Claims
Small claims cases in Clark County are filed in District Court. The monetary limit is $10,000. No attorney representation is required for small claims hearings, and the process is designed for individuals representing themselves. Filing forms and instructions are available from the District Court clerk and through the Washington Courts forms page.
Clark County Family Court Records
Family law cases in Clark County are adjudicated in Superior Court. The court handles dissolution of marriage, legal separation, child custody, child support, paternity, domestic violence protection orders, anti-harassment orders, and adoption proceedings. The Clark County Clerk maintains all family law case files.
Dissolution of Marriage (Divorce)
Divorce petitions are filed with the Clark County Clerk. Washington is a no-fault dissolution state, requiring only that the marriage be “irretrievably broken”. The initial filing fee for a dissolution action is $200.00, and the responding party also pays $200.00 when filing an answer. Mandatory forms for dissolution cases—including petitions, parenting plans, child support worksheets, and financial declarations—are available through the Washington Courts family law forms page.
Child Custody and Support
Parenting plans and child support orders are established as part of dissolution, paternity, or standalone custody proceedings. Washington uses standard child support guidelines set forth in RCW 26.19. The Division of Child Support within the Washington Department of Social and Health Services can establish, modify, and enforce support orders administratively.
Protection Orders
Clark County Superior Court issues domestic violence protection orders under RCW 7.105. There is no filing fee for a domestic violence protection order. Temporary orders may be granted ex parte, with a full hearing scheduled within 14 days. Anti-harassment protection orders are also available and follow a similar process. Forms are available through the courts’ protection order forms page and at the Clark County Clerk’s Office.
Adoption
Adoption petitions are filed in Superior Court. Finalized adoption records are sealed under RCW 26.33.340, and access requires a court order or a valid confidential intermediary appointment. Pre-finalization records may also be restricted.
Juvenile Matters
Dependency, termination of parental rights, and juvenile offender cases are heard in Superior Court’s juvenile division. Clark County Juvenile Court is located at:
Clark County Juvenile Court
700 W. Evergreen Boulevard
Vancouver, WA 98660
Phone: (564) 397-2060
Juvenile court records are confidential under RCW 13.50 and are not included in public online search results.
Marriage Licenses
Marriage licenses in Clark County are issued by the Clark County Auditor’s Office, not the court clerk. Both parties must appear in person with valid photo identification.
Clark County Auditor (Marriage Licenses)
1300 Franklin Street, Suite 460
Vancouver, WA 98660
Phone: (564) 397-2064
The license fee is $70.00. Washington has no waiting period and no blood test requirement. The license is valid for 60 days from the date of issuance.
Vital Records
Birth and death certificates are issued by the Clark County Public Health Department and the Washington State Department of Health. Certified copies of birth certificates cost $25.00, and death certificates cost $25.00 per copy from local health departments.
Clark County Public Health
1601 E. Fourth Plain Boulevard, Suite 200
Vancouver, WA 98661
Phone: (564) 397-8000
Clark County Probate Court Records
Probate and estate matters in Clark County are heard in Superior Court. There is no separate probate court in Washington; instead, the Superior Court exercises jurisdiction over decedent estates, wills, trusts, guardianships, and conservatorships under Title 11 of the Revised Code of Washington.
Clark County Clerk (Probate Records)
1200 Franklin Street
Vancouver, WA 98660
Phone: (564) 397-2292
Types of Probate Proceedings
The Clark County Superior Court handles several categories of estate and protective proceedings:
- Testate estates — Where the decedent left a valid will. The personal representative files the will and a petition for probate with the clerk.
- Intestate estates — Where no will exists. The court appoints an administrator to manage and distribute assets according to Washington’s intestacy statutes.
- Small estate affidavits — For estates valued at $100,000 or less in assets (excluding real property), a simplified affidavit process under RCW 11.62 may be used without formal probate.
- Guardianships and conservatorships — The court appoints guardians for incapacitated adults or minors and conservators to manage financial affairs when needed.
- Trust disputes — Litigation involving the interpretation or administration of trusts.
Probate Filing Fees
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Petition for probate / letters testamentary | $200.00 |
| Filing a will without petition for probate | $20.00 |
| Small estate affidavit | $0 (no filing fee) |
| Guardianship / conservatorship petition | $200.00 |
| Certified copies of letters (first page) | $5.00 |
| Certified copies (each additional page) | $1.00 |
How to Search Probate Records
Current and recent probate cases can be searched through the Clark County Superior Court case search by entering the decedent’s name or the case number. Select the probate case type filter to narrow results. Historical probate records that predate the online system may require an in-person search at the clerk’s office.
Required forms for probate filings—including petitions, notices to creditors, inventories, and final accountings—are available through the Washington Courts probate forms page. Clark County local court rules, which may impose additional procedural requirements for probate matters, can be reviewed on the Clark County Superior Court local rules page. The clerk’s office can also provide guidance on filing procedures, though staff cannot offer legal advice.