Whitman County Court Records Search
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Whitman County, Washington maintains a multi-tiered court system that produces records spanning criminal prosecutions, civil disputes, domestic relations, and probate matters. These records are created by the Superior Court, District Court, and several municipal courts operating within the county and are preserved by the Office of the Clerk of Superior Court. Whether you are verifying the outcome of a case, conducting due diligence, or researching legal history, court records in Whitman County are accessible through several official channels — online, in person, and by mail.
Locating court records in Washington State typically begins with identifying which court handled the case. Official court resources, the clerk’s office, and public access terminals at the courthouse are the primary channels for finding case information. WashingtonStateCourts.us can help orient researchers to publicly available court case information and statewide court resources before contacting a specific county office directly.
How to Look Up a Court Case in Whitman County?
All Whitman County Superior Court case records are maintained indefinitely by the Office of the Clerk of Superior Court, located at the Whitman County Courthouse in Colfax. The Clerk’s Office handles records inspection requests, copy orders, and access to previously recorded court proceedings.
Whitman County Clerk of Superior Court
Address: 400 N Main Street, Suite 235, P.O. Box 390, Colfax, WA 99111
Phone: (509) 397-6240 | Fax: (509) 397-3546
Email: clerk@whitmancounty.gov
Clerk: Jill Whelchel
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Online Search Options
Two primary online tools are available for searching Whitman County court cases:
- Washington State Courts Name and Case Search — A statewide search engine covering municipal, district, superior, and appellate courts. Updated every 24 hours at 3:00 a.m.
- Odyssey Portal — The county-specific public portal for Whitman County Superior Court case information. Searches require a case file number or party name entered in Last, First Middle Suffix format.
In-Person Access
Court case records are open to public viewing at no charge during business hours at the Clerk’s Office. Note that case files older than ten years are stored in a secured vaulted location — provide at least 24 hours’ notice if you need to review one of these older files. Individuals wishing to listen to previously recorded proceedings may also do so at the Clerk’s Office.
Email and Mail Requests
To request copies of filed documents or recordings of specific hearings, email the Clerk at clerk@whitmancounty.gov. Include as much detail as possible — party names, case numbers, and the type of document needed. The Clerk will respond with the cost and method of fulfillment. Mail requests follow the same process; written requests should be sent to the P.O. Box 390 address above.
District Court Records
For misdemeanor, traffic, and small claims records held by the District Court, contact:
Whitman County District Court – Colfax
Address: 400 N Main Street, Suite 130, Colfax, WA 99111
Phone: (509) 397-6260
Hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Closed for lunch 12:00–1:00 p.m.)
Whitman County District Court – Pullman
Address: 325 SE Paradise Street, Pullman, WA 99163
Phone: (509) 332-2065
Are Court Records Public in Whitman County?
Under RCW 2.32.050, court records in Washington are public records, meaning custodians must provide the public the right to copy, inspect, or reproduce them. The Whitman County Superior Court’s access procedures are published pursuant to this statute. As a general rule, case records are available for viewing at no charge during Clerk’s Office business hours.
However, Washington law and court rules restrict access to specific categories of records. Under Washington General Rule 22, which governs access to family law, protection order, guardianship, and therapeutic court records, certain documents within those case types are withheld from public view. Additional sealing and redaction procedures are governed by GR-15.
Categories of Records Restricted from Public Access
| Record Type | Restriction Basis |
|---|---|
| Adoption records | Sealed by statute |
| Juvenile non-offender records | Confidential under RCW |
| Mental illness commitment records | Privacy protections apply |
| Confidential name-change records | Sealed to protect petitioner |
| Sealed records (by court order) | GR-15 sealing process |
| Confidential financial source documents in family law cases | GR 22 applies |
| Domestic violence victim identifying information | GR 22 applies |
Washington law also provides a process for vacating certain criminal convictions. Felony convictions may be eligible for vacation under RCW 9.94A.640, while misdemeanor convictions may qualify under RCW 9.96.060. Once vacated, a conviction may not be disseminated by the State Patrol or local law enforcement to private parties.
County-level public records requests (for non-court documents) are governed separately by RCW 42.56, the Public Records Act. Requests under that chapter go to the Whitman County Public Records Officer, not the Clerk’s Office.
Whitman County Criminal Court Records
Criminal jurisdiction in Whitman County is divided between the Superior Court and the District Court based on the severity of the charge.
Whitman County Superior Court handles all felony criminal charges, including arraignments, trials, and sentencing. It also hears appeals from District and Municipal Courts.
Whitman County District Court handles criminal misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors, and traffic infractions. The District Court’s probation department monitors offenders convicted of misdemeanor crimes and assists them in completing court-ordered obligations.
Searching Criminal Case Records
- Use the Washington State Courts Name and Case Search to search by name or case number across all court levels.
- The Odyssey Portal provides county-specific case access for Superior Court matters.
- In-person terminal access is available at both the Superior Court Clerk’s Office and the District Court during business hours.
Arrest and Detention Records
The Whitman County Sheriff’s Office (400 N Main Street, Colfax, WA 99111) is the primary law enforcement agency for the county. The Sheriff’s Office publishes a daily log of arrests and incidents, archived and searchable through the county website. Current inmate information can be searched through the Whitman County Jail inmate listing.
Statewide Criminal History Background Checks
The Washington State Patrol (WSP) provides criminal history background checks through its WATCH (Washington Access to Criminal History) system:
- Online name-based check: $11.00 (immediate results)
- Mail-based conviction history (name and DOB): $32.00
- Fingerprint-based check: $58.00
These fees are payable to the Washington State Patrol. Mail requests require a completed Request for Criminal Conviction History form along with the applicable fee.
Whitman County Civil Court Records
Civil matters in Whitman County are split between the two trial courts by claim value and case type.
Whitman County Superior Court handles civil disputes generally, controversies pertaining to real property, unlawful detainer actions, and appeals from lower courts.
Whitman County District Court handles small claims and civil disputes where the amount claimed does not exceed $100,000. Small claims cases involving individuals can be brought for up to $10,000 (businesses are limited to $5,000 in most circumstances).
Filing Fees — Whitman County Superior Court Clerk
| Case Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Civil Filing | $290.00 |
| Civil Domestic (Adoption, Custody, Child Support) | $310.00 |
| Counter, Cross, or 3rd Party Claim | $290.00 |
| Counter or Cross Claim – Family Law Case | $310.00 |
| CLJ (Court of Limited Jurisdiction) Appeal Filing | $280.00 |
| Appellate Filing | $290.00 |
| Unlawful Detainer – Initial Filing | $135.00 |
| Unlawful Detainer – Upon Answer/Other than Default | $112.00 |
| Jury Demand – 6 person | $125.00 |
| Jury Demand – 12 person | $250.00 |
| Records Search | $30.00 or less per hour (flexible) |
Copy and Certification Fees
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copies of filed documents | $0.50 per page |
| Certified copies (per document) | $5.00 first page + $1.00 each additional page |
| Authenticated/Exemplified copies | $6.00 + $2.00/page + certified copy fee |
| Audio/Video of court hearing | $25.00 per hearing + $5.00 storage/transmittal |
Civil case information is searchable online through both the Odyssey Portal and the statewide Name and Case Search tool. For in-person access to civil case files, visit the Clerk’s Office at Suite 235.
Whitman County Family Court Records
The Whitman County Superior Court handles all family law matters, including dissolution of marriage, legal separation, child custody and parenting plans, child support, adoptions, termination of parental rights, and domestic violence protection orders. The Juvenile and Family Court division is located at:
Whitman County Superior Court – Juvenile and Family
Address: 400 N Main Street, P.O. Box 598, Colfax, WA 99111
Phone: (509) 397-5300
Filing Fees for Family Law Matters
| Case Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Dissolution of Marriage or Legal Separation | $364.00 |
| Modification of Parenting Plan or Child Support | $56.00 |
| Anti-Harassment Protection Order | $53.00 |
| Family Law Facilitator Service | $30.00 first hour + $20.00 each additional half hour |
| Ex-Parte Order Service | $30.00 |
| Juvenile Emancipation Filing | $50.00 |
Self-Represented Litigants
Whitman County Superior Court provides a Courthouse Facilitator program for pro se litigants handling family law matters. Facilitators can help explain legal procedures, assist with choosing and reviewing documents, and provide referrals. Washington-approved divorce and family law forms are available through the Washington Courts website at no charge.
Marriage Records
Marriage licenses are issued by the Whitman County Auditor. The marriage license fee in Whitman County is $144.00 (cash, check, or money order only — no cards accepted). Historical marriage records from 1872 to 2002 are indexed and imaged through the Washington State Digital Archives, searchable by bride and groom name and marriage year. Records from 1987 to present are also available through the State Archives digital collection. Certified copies of marriage licenses on file with the Clerk’s Office cost $3.00 per copy.
Divorce Records
Divorce decrees and related documents are maintained by the Clerk of Superior Court. Search active and recent cases through the Odyssey Portal or request copies by emailing clerk@whitmancounty.gov with party names, marriage date, divorce date, and case number if known.
Birth and Death Records
Certified copies of birth and death records are issued by Whitman County Public Health, not the courts. Birth certificates cost $25.00 per copy; death certificates are also available through the office and through VitalChek for online orders. Requests may be submitted online, by mail (310 N Main St, Suite 108, Colfax, WA 99111), or in person. Access to certified copies is restricted to qualified applicants including the subject of the record, immediate family members, legal representatives, and authorized government agencies. Acceptable identification requirements are outlined by the Washington State Department of Health.
Whitman County Probate Court Records
The Whitman County Superior Court holds original jurisdiction over all probate and guardianship matters in the county. Probate proceedings cover estate administration, will contests, intestate succession, trust administration, guardianships for incapacitated adults, conservatorships, and adoption proceedings.
Probate Filing Fees
| Filing Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| Probate/Guardianship/Creditor Claims Filing | $290.00 |
| Letters of Administration, Testamentary, or Guardianship (Certified) | $5.00 |
| Will Only (deposit, no estate opened) | $20.00 |
| Will Repository | $20.00 |
| Extension of Judgment | $200.00 |
How to Access Probate Records
Probate case records are part of the Superior Court’s permanent record and are maintained indefinitely by the Clerk’s Office. To request certified copies of letters testamentary, guardianship orders, or other probate documents:
- Email clerk@whitmancounty.gov with the decedent’s name, approximate filing date, and case number if available.
- The Clerk will confirm the record’s location and provide the cost and method of obtaining copies.
- If preferred, visit the Clerk’s Office in person at Suite 235, 400 N Main Street, Colfax, during business hours (Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.).
- For case files older than ten years, provide at least 24 hours’ advance notice, as these records are stored in a secure vaulted location.
Probate cases can also be located online through the Odyssey Portal by searching the decedent’s name or case number. Copy fees apply at the standard rate of $0.50 per page for regular copies and $5.00 for the first page plus $1.00 per additional page for certified documents.