Search Civil Court Records in Pasco

Civil court records for Pasco, Washington are filed and maintained through the Franklin County Superior Court, which sits in downtown Pasco. This page covers how to access those records, what the court can help with, and where to get assistance.

Where Civil Cases Are Filed in Pasco

Pasco is the county seat of Franklin County, which means the Franklin County Superior Court is located right in the city. That is convenient for Pasco residents who need to file civil cases or search court records. You do not have to travel to a different city to reach the courthouse. The Superior Court handles the full scope of civil matters, including personal injury suits, contract disputes, family law cases, property disputes, probate, and civil protection orders.

The Franklin County Superior Court Clerk maintains all case files and accepts public records requests. Staff can help you search for a case, pull documents, or file new papers. The court is open to the public during normal business hours.

Bring a photo ID when you visit. The Clerk's office is inside the courthouse. Staff can run a name search, pull up the case file, and process copy requests. Parking is available near the courthouse in downtown Pasco.

Pasco Municipal Court

Pasco has its own Municipal Court, but it does not handle civil cases. The Pasco Municipal Court at 930 W. Court Street deals with misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors, traffic infractions, parking violations, and municipal code violations. If you have a traffic ticket or a code violation from within Pasco city limits, that court is the right place. Phone is (509) 545-3481, and hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. Online fine payment is available through the Municipal Court's website.

Civil cases go to Franklin County Superior Court, not the Municipal Court. That distinction matters before you make a trip. If you are not sure which court handles your issue, call the Superior Court Clerk at (509) 545-3529 first.

How to Search Pasco Civil Court Records

You can search Franklin County civil court records online using the Washington Courts Odyssey Portal at odysseyportal.courts.wa.gov. This free tool lets you search by party name, case number, or case type. Franklin County Superior Court cases appear in the portal. You can see party names, case status, docket entries, and hearing dates. The portal does not show the actual filed documents, just the case summary and docket. For full document access you need to visit the courthouse or send a mail request.

The statewide case search at dw.courts.wa.gov is another option if you are searching across multiple counties or are not sure where a case was filed.

For the best results when searching, have these ready:

• Full legal name of at least one party in the case
• Case number, if you have it
• Approximate year the case was filed
• Case type, such as civil, family law, or small claims

In-person searches at the Franklin County Superior Court Clerk's office at 1016 N. 4th Avenue give you access to the full case file. Staff can retrieve documents and process copy requests on the spot. Certified copies cost $5 for the first page and $1 per additional page. Plain copies run about $0.25 to $0.50 per page.

Mail requests are also accepted. Write to the Franklin County Superior Court Clerk, 1016 N. 4th Avenue, Pasco, WA 99301. Include the party name, case number if you have it, what documents you want, and a check or money order for the copy fee. Allow one to two weeks for processing.

Types of Civil Cases Filed in Franklin County

Franklin County Superior Court handles a broad range of civil matters. Here are the main types of records you might be searching for or filing in Pasco:

• General civil suits (contract disputes, personal injury, property damage)
• Family law cases (dissolution, legal separation, child custody, child support, paternity)
• Probate and estate matters
• Small claims (handled at the District Court level, up to $10,000)
• Civil protection orders and anti-harassment orders
• Unlawful detainer and eviction actions
• Name change petitions
• Guardianship and conservatorship
• Property disputes and quiet title actions
• Judgment liens and debt collection cases

Washington civil procedure follows the Superior Court Civil Rules (CR). These rules set out how cases are started, how service works, how discovery proceeds, and how hearings get scheduled. The same rules apply in Franklin County as in every other county in the state. If you plan to represent yourself, it is worth looking at the rule that covers your situation before you file. Errors on basic procedural steps can cause delays and sometimes get a case dismissed.

Filing Fees for Civil Cases in Franklin County

Filing a civil case at Franklin County Superior Court costs money. Fees depend on the case type. A standard civil suit runs about $240 to file. Family law petitions are in a similar range, typically $240 to $280. Probate petitions are usually around $200. The state sets the base fee, and Franklin County adds its own surcharges for court operations. Fees can change over time, so verify the current amount before you go.

Here are common fees you may run into:

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

If you cannot afford the filing fee, the court can waive it. You need to fill out a declaration of financial status and file a motion asking the judge to waive the fees. People who receive public benefits like SNAP, SSI, or Medicaid, or whose income is under 200% of the federal poverty level, typically qualify. Fee waiver forms are available at courts.wa.gov/forms. Call (509) 545-3529 to confirm the current fee schedule before you visit.

Legal Help for Pasco Residents

Several organizations provide civil legal help to people in the Pasco and Franklin County area. Northwest Justice Project offers free legal assistance to low-income residents across Washington. Call (888) 201-1014 or visit nwjustice.org. They help with family law, housing, consumer issues, and other civil cases. Their Columbia Legal Services office also serves the Tri-Cities region.

Washington Law Help at washingtonlawhelp.org has free self-help guides in plain language for many civil case types. It is a solid resource if you are handling your case on your own. 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 the directory at wsba.org. Some attorneys in the Pasco area offer a reduced-cost initial appointment. The Franklin County courthouse may also have a facilitator available to answer basic procedural questions, though facilitators cannot give legal advice.

Franklin County Civil Court Records

Pasco is the county seat of Franklin County, and all civil filings go through the Franklin County Superior Court. For a full breakdown of court resources, search tools, and local services, visit the Franklin County civil court records page.

View Franklin County Civil Court Records

Nearby Cities

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