Federal Way Civil Court Records

Civil court records for Federal Way, Washington are filed primarily through the King County Superior Court in Seattle, as most of Federal Way lies within King County. This page explains how to search those records, what courts serve the city, and where to get help.

Where Civil Cases Are Filed for Federal Way

Federal Way is a large city located south of Seattle between Auburn and Des Moines. Most of the city is in King County, with a small portion crossing into Pierce County. For the vast majority of Federal Way residents and businesses, civil cases go to the King County Superior Court in Seattle. If your address falls within the Pierce County portion of Federal Way, civil cases would be filed at Pierce County Superior Court in Tacoma instead. Check your county by searching the county assessor's records if you are unsure.

King County Superior Court is the general trial court for all of King County. It handles civil lawsuits, family law matters, probate, protection orders, evictions, and more. The courthouse is in downtown Seattle at 516 Third Avenue. Staff at the Clerk's office process all civil filings and public records requests.

Federal Way is about 25 to 30 miles south of downtown Seattle. The King County Courthouse is accessible by light rail from Federal Way (the Federal Way Link Extension opened in 2024) and by bus. Paid parking is available near the courthouse in downtown Seattle. Security screening at the entrance is required. Bring a photo ID.

Federal Way Municipal Court

Federal Way has its own Municipal Court. It is located at 33325 8th Avenue S, Federal Way, WA 98003. Phone is (253) 835-7450. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

The Federal Way Municipal Court handles misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors, traffic infractions, parking violations, and municipal code violations. It does not handle civil lawsuits, family law cases, or other general civil matters. Those go to King County Superior Court in Seattle. If you got a traffic ticket or code citation in Federal Way, the Municipal Court is where you deal with it. For civil cases, go to Seattle.

The Municipal Court accepts online fine payments. Court records requests can be made in person. Court forms and public calendars are available at the courthouse on 8th Avenue S.

How to Search Federal Way Civil Court Records

Civil court records for Federal Way cases are searchable through King County's online portal and through the statewide Washington Courts tools. Both are free and available without creating an account.

King County's eCourt public access portal at dja-prd-ecexap1.kingcounty.gov lets you search Superior Court cases by party name, case number, or case type. You will find party names, docket entries, hearing dates, and current case status. The portal does not display document images. For the full case file, visit or contact the Clerk at the King County Courthouse.

The statewide case search at dw.courts.wa.gov is useful if you think a case might be in Pierce County or another county rather than King County. The Odyssey Portal at odysseyportal.courts.wa.gov is another multi-county option.

For in-person searches, go to 516 Third Avenue in Seattle. The Clerk's office can search by name or case number. Plain copies and certified copies are available the same day. Call (206) 296-9300 for current copy fees and hours.

It helps to have when searching:

• Full name of at least one party
• Case number if available
• Year the case was filed
• Case type (civil, family law, probate, unlawful detainer)

Types of Civil Cases at King County Superior Court

The King County Superior Court handles a wide range of civil matters for Federal Way and all other cities in the county. Types of cases you will find in the records include:

• General civil suits: contract disputes, personal injury, property damage
• Family law: dissolution, legal separation, child custody, child support
• Civil protection orders and domestic violence restraining orders
• Probate and estate proceedings
• Guardianship and conservatorship
• Unlawful detainer and eviction proceedings
• Name change petitions
• Property and boundary disputes
• Business and commercial litigation

Small claims cases up to $10,000 go to the King County District Court rather than Superior Court. Federal Way is served by the King County District Court's Kent Regional Justice Center at 401 4th Avenue N in Kent. Contact them directly for small claims filings and small claims case records.

Civil Filing Fees for Federal Way Cases

Filing fees at King County Superior Court vary by case type. A standard civil suit generally runs about $240. Family law petitions such as dissolution cases are typically $280 to $350 when all surcharges are included. These figures include state and county surcharges for court operations, technology, and other costs. Always confirm current fees with the Clerk at (206) 296-9300 before you file.

Additional fees to keep in mind:

• Certified copy of a court document: $5 first page, $1 per additional page
• Plain copy: $0.25 to $0.50 per page
• Service of process by sheriff: $40 to $60
• Motion filing in an open case: $20 to $30

If paying the fee is a hardship, you can apply for a fee waiver. File a declaration of financial status with a motion asking the court to waive the fees. If your household income is at or below 200% of the federal poverty level, or you receive public assistance, you generally qualify. Forms are at courts.wa.gov/forms and at the courthouse.

Legal Help for Federal Way Residents

Northwest Justice Project serves King County and can help Federal Way residents with civil legal problems. Call (888) 201-1014 or visit nwjustice.org to check eligibility and apply. They handle family law, housing, consumer, and other civil matters for low-income clients. There is also a King County-based office that serves the south end communities including Federal Way.

Washington Law Help at washingtonlawhelp.org has free self-help guides for civil legal topics. Official court forms are at courts.wa.gov/forms. Both resources are free to use and can help you understand the process before you go to court.

The King County Bar Association runs a lawyer referral service at (206) 267-7010. The Washington State Bar Association's statewide referral line is (206) 443-9722. Some attorneys in the Federal Way and Kent area handle civil and family law matters at reduced rates for an initial consultation. King County Superior Court's family law facilitator can answer basic procedural questions but does not give legal advice or represent parties.

King County Civil Court Records

Most of Federal Way is in King County, and civil cases go to the King County Superior Court. For more on the county court system, search tools, and records, visit the King County civil court records page.

View King County Civil Court Records

Nearby Cities

These cities are near Federal Way and file civil cases through King County or Pierce County courts.