Find Civil Court Records in Shoreline

Civil court records for Shoreline residents are filed at King County Superior Court in Seattle, which maintains all civil case records including lawsuits, probate, and family law matters for the entire county.

Where Civil Cases Are Filed for Shoreline

Shoreline is a city in King County. All civil court cases for Shoreline residents go to King County Superior Court at 516 Third Avenue in Seattle. The County Clerk handles all civil filings for the county. Phone: (206) 296-9300. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM.

King County is the busiest court system in Washington State. It handles civil lawsuits, domestic relations cases, probate matters, and guardianship proceedings for over two million residents in cities including Shoreline, Seattle, Bellevue, Kirkland, Redmond, and many others. The clerk maintains records going back many decades.

If a civil case involves parties in different counties, it is usually filed in the county where the defendant lives or where the main events happened. For most Shoreline civil cases, King County is the right place to search.

How to Search King County Civil Records

King County has its own online case search tool called KC Script. Access it at dja-prd-ecexap1.kingcounty.gov. You can search by party name, case number, or attorney name. The system shows case summaries, party names, docket entries, hearing dates, and case status. Basic access is free and does not require registration.

Note that King County does not use the statewide Odyssey Portal used by most other Washington counties. For King County cases, KC Script is the correct online tool. The statewide Washington Courts search at dw.courts.wa.gov does not include King County records directly.

For in-person access, visit the King County Courthouse at 516 Third Avenue in Seattle. Bring the name of a party or a case number. Staff can look up cases and assist you with records requests. Public access terminals are available to search case information on site at no charge.

What to bring for a records request:

• Full name of at least one party in the case
• Case number, if you have it
• Approximate year the case was filed
• Payment for copy fees

Shoreline Municipal Court

Shoreline has its own Municipal Court at 18025 Meridian Avenue N, Shoreline, WA 98133. Phone: (206) 801-2700. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM. The Municipal Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, gross misdemeanors, traffic infractions, parking violations, and city ordinance violations. This court does not handle civil lawsuits, probate matters, or family law cases.

If you are looking for a traffic ticket or misdemeanor charge, the record will be at the Shoreline Municipal Court. For a civil lawsuit, divorce, or probate proceeding, you need King County Superior Court. These are separate court systems with different jurisdictions.

Types of Civil Records in King County

King County Superior Court maintains records for many types of civil cases involving Shoreline residents. Civil lawsuits for money damages above $100,000 are filed here. Smaller civil cases go to King County District Court instead. Family law cases including divorce, legal separation, parenting plans, and child support modifications are all civil matters at the Superior Court level.

Probate cases, where the court oversees the administration of an estate after someone dies, are civil matters filed here. Guardianship and conservatorship proceedings are also handled by King County Superior Court. Name changes and protection orders are additional civil matters that may appear in the records.

Most civil records are open to the public under Washington Court Rules GR 31 and RCW Chapter 2.68. Sealed cases, juvenile records, and mental health matters are restricted from public access. If a specific record is sealed, the clerk will advise you why access is not permitted.

Copy Fees and Mail Requests

Non-certified copies cost $0.50 per page. Electronic copies sent by email cost $0.25 per page. Certified copies cost $5.00 for the first page plus $1.00 for each additional page. The filing fee for a new civil case in King County is approximately $350, though this varies by case type.

For mail requests, include payment by cashier's check or money order payable to King County Superior Court Clerk. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope or a $2.00 handling fee. Response time is typically within 5 business days. For email copy requests, contact the clerk's office to confirm the current process.

Legal Help for Shoreline Residents

Northwest Justice Project provides free civil legal assistance to low-income residents. Call (888) 201-1014 or visit nwjustice.org for details on eligibility and services. They handle family law, housing, and other civil matters for qualifying clients. Washington Law Help at washingtonlawhelp.org has free self-help guides. Court forms are at courts.wa.gov/forms.

For a referral to a private attorney, contact the King County Bar Association at (206) 267-7010 or the Washington State Bar Association at (206) 443-9722. Both services can connect you with attorneys who handle civil cases in the Shoreline and Seattle area.

Nearby Cities