Camas Civil Court Records Search

Civil court records for Camas, Washington are filed and maintained through the Clark County Superior Court in Vancouver. This page covers how to search those records, where to go in person, and what fees to expect.

Where Civil Cases Are Filed in Camas

Camas is located in Clark County. All civil cases originating in Camas go to the Clark County Superior Court, which sits in Vancouver. That court handles the full range of civil matters including personal injury suits, contract disputes, property cases, family law filings, and civil protection orders. The Superior Court Clerk manages all case files and accepts records requests from the public.

Clark County is in southwest Washington, just across the Columbia River from Portland, Oregon. The county seat is Vancouver. Camas sits on the east side of the county, about 15 miles from Vancouver. Despite being its own city with its own municipal court, Camas residents and businesses file their civil cases in Vancouver at the county courthouse.

When you go to the courthouse in Vancouver, you will pass through security at the entrance. Bring a photo ID. The Clerk's office is on the ground floor and staff can help you find a case, make copies, or file new documents. Paid parking is available near the courthouse, and public bus routes from C-Tran serve the area.

Camas Municipal Court

Camas has its own Municipal Court, but that court does not handle civil cases. The Camas Municipal Court at 23 NE 4th Avenue deals with misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors, traffic infractions, and municipal code violations. If you received a traffic ticket in Camas or were cited for a local code violation, the Municipal Court is the right place. Phone number is (360) 817-1566, and hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM.

For everything else, civil matters go to Clark County Superior Court in Vancouver. That split is worth knowing before you make a trip. If you are not sure which court handles your issue, call the Clark County Superior Court Clerk first.

How to Search Camas Civil Court Records

You can search civil court records for Camas cases using two main options: the statewide Odyssey Portal or an in-person visit to the Clark County courthouse in Vancouver. Both methods give you access to case information, but they differ in what detail you can see.

The Washington Courts Odyssey Portal at odysseyportal.courts.wa.gov lets you search by party name, case number, or case type. Clark County Superior Court cases appear here. You can find party names, docket entries, hearing dates, and case status. This tool is free to use. It does not show the actual documents, just the case summary and docket. For the full file you need to go in person or request copies by mail.

The statewide case search tool at dw.courts.wa.gov is another option. It covers cases from courts across Washington and can be useful if you are not sure which county a case was filed in.

To search for a specific case, it helps to have:

• Full name of at least one party
• Case number, if you have it
• Approximate year the case was filed
• Case type (civil, family law, small claims, etc.)

If you prefer to search in person, go to the Clark County Superior Court Clerk's office at 1200 Franklin Street in Vancouver. Staff can run a name search and pull up any civil case filed in the county. You can request copies there, and staff can certify copies on the spot if needed.

Types of Civil Cases at Clark County Superior Court

Civil cases cover a wide range of legal matters. At Clark County Superior Court, you will find case records for lawsuits, family law actions, probate proceedings, and more. Here are the main types of civil records you might be looking for:

• General civil suits (contract disputes, personal injury, property damage)
• Family law cases (dissolution, legal separation, child custody, child support)
• Probate and estate matters
• Small claims cases (handled at the district court level)
• Civil protection orders and restraining orders
• Unlawful detainer and eviction cases
• Name change petitions
• Guardianship and conservatorship

Washington civil procedure is governed by the Superior Court Civil Rules (CR). These rules cover how cases are filed, how service of process works, how discovery proceeds, and how hearings are scheduled. The rules apply in Clark County the same as every other county in the state.

Filing Fees for Civil Cases in Clark County

Civil filing fees at Clark County Superior Court depend on the type of case. A standard civil suit generally runs around $240, though the total can vary based on what you file and what surcharges apply. The Washington State Legislature sets the base fees, and counties add their own surcharges for court operations and technology.

Some common fees you might encounter:

• General civil filing: approximately $240
• Family law petition: approximately $240 to $280
• Probate petition: approximately $200
• Certified copy of a document: $5 for first page, $1 per additional page
• Plain copy: $0.25 to $0.50 per page
• Service of process by sheriff: $40 to $60

Fee waivers are available for people who cannot afford court costs. You need to fill out a declaration of financial status and file a motion asking the court to waive the fees. If your income falls below 200% of the federal poverty level or you receive public assistance, you likely qualify. Forms for fee waivers are at courts.wa.gov/forms.

Call the Clark County Superior Court Clerk at (564) 397-2150 to confirm current fees before you go. Fees do change, and verifying ahead of time saves you a wasted trip.

Legal Help for Camas Residents

If you need help with a civil court matter, several organizations serve the Clark County area. Northwest Justice Project provides free legal help to low-income residents across Washington. You can reach them at (888) 201-1014 or visit nwjustice.org. They handle many civil case types including family law, housing, and consumer issues.

Washington Law Help at washingtonlawhelp.org has self-help guides and form instructions in plain language. It is a good starting point if you are trying to file on your own. All official Washington court forms are free at courts.wa.gov/forms.

The Washington State Bar Association referral service can connect you with a licensed attorney. Call (206) 443-9722 or search their directory at wsba.org. Some attorneys in the Clark County area offer a reduced-cost first consultation. Clark County also has a courthouse facilitator who can answer basic procedural questions, though they cannot give legal advice.

Clark County Civil Court Records

Camas is part of Clark County, and all civil filings go through the Clark County Superior Court. For a full breakdown of the county court system, search tools, and local resources, visit the Clark County civil court records page.

View Clark County Civil Court Records

Nearby Cities

These cities are near Camas and file civil cases through their respective county courts.