Walla Walla County Court Records Search
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Walla Walla County sits in the southeastern corner of Washington State, with the city of Walla Walla as its county seat. The county’s court system consists of two trial courts — the Superior Court and the District Court — each with distinct jurisdictional responsibilities. The Superior Court handles felonies, major civil disputes, family law, probate, guardianship, and juvenile matters, while the District Court addresses misdemeanors, traffic infractions, small claims, and civil cases up to $100,000. The County Clerk’s Office serves as custodian of all Superior Court records, and the District Court maintains its own case files separately. Knowing which court handled a particular matter is the key to locating the right records quickly.
Washington State offers several avenues for locating court case information, including clerk offices, public access terminals at courthouses, and online search tools. WashingtonStateCourts.us may assist users in finding publicly available case data and connecting to relevant court resources statewide. The Washington Courts system also maintains online search portals covering municipal, district, and superior court filings across the state, including those in Walla Walla County.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Walla Walla County?
Walla Walla County court records can be accessed online, in person, or through written requests depending on the court where the case was filed.
Online Case Search Options
Washington Courts maintains two primary online search tools:
- The Washington Courts Case Search allows users to search for cases filed in municipal, district, and superior courts statewide by name or case number. Results are updated every 24 hours.
- The Odyssey Portal provides access to court documents for registered users. Document-level access is authorized through the County Clerk’s office. Registration details are available on the Odyssey Portal access page.
Additionally, historical court documents dating back decades may be available through the Washington State Archives, Digital Archives.
In-Person Access
Both courts allow walk-in record requests during business hours:
Walla Walla County Clerk (Superior Court Records)
Address: 315 West Main, P.O. Box 836, Walla Walla, WA 99362
Phone: (509) 524-2780
Fax: (509) 524-2779
Email: clerk1@wwcowa.gov
Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (open during lunch)
Ex Parte Hours: Monday – Friday, 1:00 p.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Walla Walla County District Court
Address: 317 W. Rose Street, Walla Walla, WA 99362
Phone: (509) 524-2760
Fax: (509) 524-2775
Email: District.Court@wwcowa.gov
Hours: Monday – Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. (closed during lunch)
Under GR 31, no fee may be charged simply to view court records at the courthouse.
Requesting District Court Records by Mail, Fax, or Email
All District Court record requests must be made in writing. Requesters can either submit a request online or complete and print the public records request form and deliver it by mail, fax, or email to the District Court. A $20.00 records fee is required per request. Requests exceeding 100 pages are subject to additional fees. The District Court’s records request policy outlines the full procedure.
Requesting Superior Court Records
To request Superior Court documents, email clerk1@wwcowa.gov or visit the Clerk’s Office in person. The Superior Court does not currently accept fax filings or e-filings. All new case filings must include a cover sheet.
Copy Fees — Superior Court (County Clerk)
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copies | $5.00 first page, $1.00 each additional page |
Copy Fees — District Court
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Certified copies | $5.00 |
| Records request | $20.00 per request |
Are Court Records Public in Walla Walla County?
Washington law establishes broad public access to court records. The Washington Public Records Act (RCW 42.56) declares that all records of public entities are generally open for inspection and copying. Court-specific access is governed by General Rule 31, which provides that the public shall have access to all court records unless restricted by federal law, state law, court rule, court order, or case law. Administrative records fall under General Rule 31.1.
Records Restricted from Public Access
Despite this presumption of openness, certain categories are exempt from public disclosure per GR 31, the Access to Court Records brochure, and various statutes:
- Juvenile court records (information from official juvenile offender court records shall not be displayed on a publicly accessible website, though they remain accessible at the clerk’s office)
- Adoption records
- Mental health and medical records
- Sealed court records
- Paternity records
- Alcohol and drug treatment commitment records
- Records protected by attorney-client privilege
- Information that could reveal the identity of confidential informants in criminal cases
- Domestic violence protection order filings that identify victims
- Information identifying sexual assault victims
- Trade secrets or proprietary business information
- Records that are part of an active criminal investigation
- Personal identifiers including Social Security numbers and financial account details
Redaction Requirements
Under GR 31(e), parties filing documents with any Washington court must omit or redact Social Security numbers (except the last four digits), financial account numbers (except the last four digits), and driver’s license numbers. The responsibility for redaction rests with the parties and their counsel, not the court or clerk.
The Walla Walla County Public Records Office coordinates general county public records requests and can direct inquiries to the appropriate department. The office is at 315 W Main, Room 102, Walla Walla, WA 99362, Phone: (509) 524-2593, email publicrecords@wwcowa.gov. General public records requests can also be submitted through the county’s NextRequest portal.
Walla Walla County Criminal Court Records
Criminal cases in Walla Walla County are split between the Superior Court (felonies) and the District Court (misdemeanors and gross misdemeanors). Criminal records contain arrest information, charges, plea proceedings, trial documentation, sentencing orders, and post-conviction activity.
Searching Criminal Court Records
The Washington Courts Case Search provides free online access to criminal case information from both courts. Users can search by name or case number. The Odyssey Portal offers document-level access for registered users.
District Court criminal records are also available through in-person requests or the written request process described above. The District Court’s records page notes that the WATCH system should be used for a full statewide background check.
Walla Walla County Sheriff’s Office
The Walla Walla County Sheriff’s Office maintains local criminal records and processes public requests for incident reports, collision reports, and background clearance letters.
Walla Walla County Sheriff’s Office
Address: 240 W. Alder Street, Suite 101, Walla Walla, WA 99362
Phone: (509) 524-5400
Email: SORecords@wwcowa.gov
Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Public records requests to the Sheriff’s Office should be submitted through the county’s NextRequest portal. Copying charges of $5.00 or less are waived. The full copying charges schedule is posted on the Sheriff’s website.
Incident reports are considered open records only after a case has cleared the court process or been closed. Reports from active investigations remain confidential. Juvenile information and domestic violence victim identification are redacted from released records.
Background Clearance Letters
The Sheriff’s Office issues background clearance letters covering Walla Walla County only. The fee is $15.00 per letter plus a $15.00 notary/certification fee. Requesters must provide their full name, any previous names, date of birth, current address, phone number, and a copy of valid ID. Payments can be made by cash, credit/debit card (with convenience fee), personal check, or money order.
Washington State Patrol — Statewide Criminal History
For a complete Washington State criminal history check, use the WATCH system at $11.00 per name searched online. Mail requests require a completed Request for Conviction Criminal History Form sent to:
Washington State Patrol
Identification and Background Check Section
P.O. Box 42633, Olympia, WA 98504-2633
In-person requests may be made at the WSP Helen Sommers Building, 106 11th Avenue Southwest, Olympia, WA 98501.
Vacating Convictions and Sealing Records
Individuals seeking to seal or vacate criminal records in Walla Walla County can access sealing and vacating forms through the Washington Courts website. The Washington Conviction Vacation Eligibility Calculator can help determine whether a particular conviction qualifies. A guide to sealing, destroying, and vacating records is also available from Washington Courts.
Walla Walla County Civil Court Records
Civil disputes in Walla Walla County are divided between the two courts based on the amount in controversy. The District Court handles general civil actions up to $100,000 and does not hear cases involving title to or possession of real property. The Superior Court has unlimited civil jurisdiction.
District Court Civil Fees
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Civil case filing | $83.00 |
| Small claims filing | $50.00 |
| Cross-complaint (civil) | $83.00 |
| Cross-complaint (small claims) | $50.00 |
| Certified copies | $5.00 |
| Garnishment | $12.00 |
| Supplemental proceedings (debtor’s exams, transcripts, subpoenas) | $20.00 |
| Name change | $298.50 ($93.00 to District Court, $205.50 to Auditor) |
| Civil appeal to Superior Court | $270.00 ($230.00 to Superior Court, $40.00 to District Court) |
New District Court civil filings (excluding protection orders and small claims) must include a civil filing cover sheet.
Small Claims
The District Court’s Small Claims Department handles monetary disputes up to $10,000 for natural persons and up to $5,000 for business entities. The $50.00 filing fee is paid at the time of filing. Attorneys are generally not permitted to represent parties at small claims trials without the judge’s advance permission. Applicable statutes and rules include RCW Chapters 3.66, 4.28, and 12.40, as well as CRLJ 5.
Searching Civil Records
Civil case records from both courts can be searched through the Washington Courts Case Search. In-person requests to the Clerk’s Office (for Superior Court civil cases) or the District Court office (for limited jurisdiction civil cases) are also available during business hours.
Court Forms
Washington Courts maintains a comprehensive library of court forms for civil proceedings. The Clerk’s office also offers resources through the Self-Help Washington program and provides information for self-represented persons in Superior Court civil proceedings.
Walla Walla County Family Court Records
Family law matters — including divorce, child custody, child support, paternity, domestic violence protection orders, and adoption — are heard in the Walla Walla County Superior Court. The County Clerk’s Office maintains all records from these proceedings.
Divorce Records
Divorce (dissolution of marriage) cases are filed in Superior Court. The Clerk’s Office is the custodian of dissolution decrees and related filings. To obtain copies, visit the office Monday through Friday between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m., or send a written request by mail or email to clerk1@wwcowa.gov. Certified copies cost $5.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page.
Divorce certificates (as distinct from the full court decree) can also be ordered from the Washington State Department of Health for marriages and divorces recorded from January 1, 1968 onward. The fee is $25.00 per certified or non-certified informational copy. Requests require a completed Marriage/Divorce Certificate Order Form mailed with payment (check or money order) to:
Department of Health, Center for Health Statistics
P.O. Box 9709, Olympia, WA 98507
Child Custody, Support, and Parenting Plans
Custody orders, parenting plans, and child support records are part of the domestic relations case file maintained by the Clerk. These records are generally public, though specific financial disclosures or sensitive evaluations may be sealed by court order.
Domestic Violence Protection Orders
Petitions for protection orders can be filed in either the Superior Court or the District Court. The District Court provides a downloadable Protection Order Packet. Records related to domestic violence protection orders are restricted from public disclosure to protect the identity and personal information of victims.
Adoption Records
Adoption proceedings are confidential under Washington law. Adoption records are sealed and not available for public inspection. The Superior Court handles all adoption matters in Walla Walla County.
Marriage Records
Marriage licenses and certificates in Walla Walla County are filed with the Walla Walla County Auditor’s Office, which also maintains deeds, real estate documents, maps, and military discharge papers. The Auditor’s Office can be reached at (509) 524-2549, and recorded documents can be searched through the online records search portal.
Birth and Death Records
Birth and death certificates in Walla Walla County are maintained by the Walla Walla County Department of Community Health.
Address: 314 West Main Street, P.O. Box 1753, Walla Walla, WA 99362
Phone: (509) 524-2650
Fax: (509) 524-2678
Eligible requesters (the record subject, immediate family, legal guardians, or authorized representatives) can submit a birth certificate order form or death certificate order form in person or by mail. Each certified copy costs $25.00. In-person payments can be made by cash or Visa card; mail-in payments require a money order. Proof of identification and relationship is required. Birth and death records can also be ordered online through the Washington State Department of Health Vital Records office.
Walla Walla County Probate Court Records
Probate matters in Walla Walla County — including estate settlements, will administration, guardianships, conservatorships, and trust proceedings — fall under the jurisdiction of the Superior Court. The County Clerk’s Office stores and manages all probate case records.
Searching Probate Records
Probate case information can be located through the Washington Courts Case Search by entering the decedent’s name or the case number. The Odyssey Portal may provide document-level access for registered users.
In-person requests can be made at the Clerk’s Office during regular business hours (Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.). Written requests may also be sent by email to clerk1@wwcowa.gov or by mail to the County Clerk at 315 West Main, P.O. Box 836, Walla Walla, WA 99362. Certified copies of probate documents cost $5.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page.
Guardianships and Conservatorships
The Superior Court appoints guardians in cases involving incapacitated adults or minors who require protection. Walla Walla County maintains a Title 11 Guardians ad Litem Registry of qualified individuals who may be appointed by the court in probate and guardianship proceedings to represent the interests of persons lacking legal capacity.
Guardianship case records are generally part of the public file, though certain medical evaluations, psychological reports, and sensitive personal information may be sealed or restricted by court order. Conservatorship records documenting the financial affairs of a protected person follow similar access rules.
Restitution Payments
For probate-related restitution or financial obligations ordered by the Superior Court, online restitution payments can be made through the Clerk’s Office payment portal for both adult and juvenile Superior Court cases.
Legal Assistance
Court staff can provide general information about procedures but cannot offer legal advice. Individuals needing legal guidance on probate matters can contact an attorney or visit WashingtonLawHelp.org for free legal resources. The Washington Courts Self-Help center also offers forms and instructions for common court proceedings.