University Place Civil Court Records

Civil court records for University Place are filed at Pierce County Superior Court in Tacoma, which handles all civil cases for the county including lawsuits, probate matters, and family law filings.

Where Civil Cases Are Filed in University Place

University Place is a city in Pierce County. Civil court cases for University Place residents go to Pierce County Superior Court at 930 Tacoma Avenue S in Tacoma. The clerk's office phone is (253) 798-7455. All civil lawsuits, probate matters, domestic relations cases, and guardianship proceedings for University Place are handled by this court.

Pierce County Superior Court is one of the busiest courts in Washington State outside of King County. The clerk maintains extensive civil records covering millions of residents across Pierce County, including University Place, Tacoma, Puyallup, Lakewood, and many surrounding communities.

How to Search Pierce County Civil Records Online

Pierce County uses its own online search system called LINX. Access it at linxonline.co.pierce.wa.us. You can search by party name or case number to find civil case information, docket entries, and case status. LINX is the correct tool for Pierce County records. Pierce County does not use the statewide Odyssey Portal that most other Washington counties use.

For in-person access, visit the courthouse at 930 Tacoma Avenue S in Tacoma during business hours. Public access terminals at the courthouse let you search case information on site at no charge. Staff can help you locate specific cases and assist with copy requests.

Pierce County District Court at (253) 798-7487 handles civil cases where the amount in dispute is $100,000 or less. If the case you are looking for involves a smaller amount, it may be at District Court rather than Superior Court. Both courts are available for public records access.

To request records you typically need:

• Full name of one or both parties
• Case number, if you have it
• Approximate year the case was filed
• Payment for any copy fees

University Place Municipal Court

University Place has its own Municipal Court at 3609 Market Place W, Suite 200, University Place, WA 98466. Phone: (253) 460-6540. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM. The Municipal Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic infractions, parking violations, and city ordinance violations. Fine payments can be made online through the Municipal Court website.

The Municipal Court does not handle civil lawsuits, probate matters, or family law cases. For civil records, contact Pierce County Superior Court. These are two separate court systems with different jurisdictions and different types of cases.

Types of Civil Records

Pierce County Superior Court maintains records for all major civil case types for University Place residents. Civil lawsuits for money damages above $100,000 are filed here. Family law cases including divorce, legal separation, custody modifications, and child support orders are civil matters at the Superior Court level. Probate and estate proceedings, guardianship cases, and name changes are also handled here.

Most civil records are public under Washington Court Rules GR 31 and RCW Chapter 2.68. Sealed cases, juvenile records, and certain adoption files are restricted. If a record you want is confidential, the clerk will explain why access is limited.

Copy Fees

Non-certified copies cost $0.50 per page. Electronic copies are $0.25 per page. Certified copies cost $5.00 for the first page plus $1.00 for each additional page. For mail requests, include a check or money order payable to Pierce County Superior Court Clerk along with a self-addressed stamped envelope.

Legal Help

Northwest Justice Project provides free civil legal help for low-income residents. Call (888) 201-1014 or visit nwjustice.org. Free self-help guides are at washingtonlawhelp.org. Court forms are at courts.wa.gov/forms. For a private attorney referral, contact the Washington State Bar at (206) 443-9722.

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