Whitman County, Washington Court Records
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Whitman County, Washington operates a multi-tiered court system producing records across criminal prosecutions, civil disputes, domestic relations, and probate matters. These records originate in the Superior Court, District Court, and several municipal courts throughout the county, and are preserved by the Office of the Clerk of Superior Court. Whether you're verifying a case outcome, doing due diligence, or researching legal history, Whitman County court records are accessible online, in person, and by mail.
Start by identifying which court handled the case — that determines where the records live and how to request them. WashingtonStateCourts.us can help orient you to publicly available case information and statewide court resources before you contact a specific county office.
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 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 main online tools let you search Whitman County court cases from home:
- 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 a party name entered in Last, First Middle Suffix format.
In-Person Access
Case records are open to public viewing at no charge during business hours at the Clerk's Office. If you need to review a case file older than ten years, give at least 24 hours notice — those records are stored in a secured vaulted location. You can also listen to previously recorded proceedings 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 you need. The Clerk will respond with the cost and method of fulfillment. Mail requests follow the same process; send written requests to P.O. Box 390, Colfax, WA 99111.
District Court Records
For misdemeanor, traffic, and small claims records held by the District Court, contact either location directly:
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, Washington court records are public records, meaning custodians must allow the public to copy, inspect, or reproduce them. As a general rule, you can view case records at no charge during Clerk's Office business hours.
Washington law and court rules do restrict access to certain categories. Washington General Rule 22 governs access to family law, protection order, guardianship, and therapeutic court records, and withholds specific documents within those case types from public view. Additional sealing and redaction procedures fall under 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 allows qualifying individuals to have certain criminal convictions vacated. Felony convictions may be eligible under RCW 9.94A.640, while misdemeanor convictions may qualify under RCW 9.96.060. Once vacated, a conviction may not be shared by the State Patrol or local law enforcement with private parties.
County-level public records requests for non-court documents are handled separately under RCW 42.56, the Public Records Act. Those requests go to the Whitman County Public Records Officer — not the Clerk's Office.
Whitman County Criminal Court Records
Criminal jurisdiction in Whitman County splits 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, and also hears appeals from District and Municipal Courts.
Whitman County District Court covers 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 gives county-specific access to Superior Court case information.
- 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 county's primary law enforcement agency. The Sheriff's Office publishes a daily log of arrests and incidents, archived and searchable through the county website. Current inmate information is searchable through the Whitman County Jail inmate listing.
Statewide Criminal History Background Checks
The Washington State Patrol (WSP) processes 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
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 divided between the two trial courts by claim value and case type.
Whitman County Superior Court handles general civil disputes, controversies over 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 brought by individuals can reach up to $10,000 (businesses are generally limited to $5,000).
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 in the county, 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 offers a Courthouse Facilitator program for pro se litigants handling family law matters. Facilitators can explain legal procedures, help you choose and review 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 that office and through VitalChek for online orders. You can submit requests 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. 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. 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 for obtaining copies.
- If you prefer to visit in person, go to 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, give at least 24 hours advance notice — 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.