Search Civil Court Records in Asotin County
Asotin County civil court records are maintained by the Superior Court Clerk at 135 2nd Street in Asotin and can be requested online, by mail, or in person. This page covers the clerk's contact details, fee schedule, online search tools, and the rules that govern public access to court files in Asotin County.
Asotin County Court Quick Facts
- County Seat: Asotin
- Clerk: McKenzie A. Campbell
- Clerk Phone: (509) 243-2081
- Fax: (509) 243-4978
- Email: scclerk@co.asotin.wa.us
- Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (closed 12:00-12:30 PM)
- Copy Fee: $0.50 per page (non-certified)
- Address: 135 2nd Street, Asotin, WA 99402
Asotin County Civil Court Records Online
Asotin County uses the Odyssey Portal for online case access. Unlike most counties where Odyssey is free for public users, Asotin County charges an annual fee of $120 per user, paid by December 1 each year. Attorney registration covers one attorney and one legal assistant. The county asks that you allow up to one week for account processing after you register. Details about the registration process are posted on the county's Odyssey Portal page at asotincountywa.gov.
If you don't want to set up a paid Odyssey account, the free Washington Courts name and case search tool at courts.wa.gov covers Asotin County cases as well. This statewide search tool shows basic case information, party names, and current status without requiring any account or payment. It's the quickest option for a one-time search.
The Asotin County Odyssey Portal information page at asotincountywa.gov explains the registration requirements and annual fees for accessing Asotin County civil court records through the online case management system.
The page outlines who qualifies for attorney registration, how to submit payment, and what the portal provides access to once your account is active.
Requesting Asotin County Court Records
The Asotin County website has an online document request form at asotincountywa.gov/173/File-Document-Requests. This is the easiest way to submit a request if you can't visit in person. You can also send requests by email to scclerk@co.asotin.wa.us or by fax to (509) 243-4978. Include the case name, case number if known, and a description of the specific documents you want.
Processing takes up to five business days for most document requests. Requests for CD recordings of hearings take up to seven business days. If your request is time-sensitive, call the clerk at (509) 243-2081 to ask about options. Payment must be submitted before copies are released.
The Asotin County document request page at asotincountywa.gov shows the online form for requesting copies of civil court records and explains what information you need to provide.
The form asks for case details and contact information so the clerk's office can locate the right file and reach you when copies are ready.
Note: The clerk's office is closed for lunch from 12:00 PM to 12:30 PM each weekday, so plan in-person visits or calls around that window.
Copy Fees for Civil Court Records
Asotin County uses a detailed fee schedule for copies of civil court records. Standard non-certified paper copies cost $0.50 per page. Electronic copies are $0.25 per page. Certified copies run $5.00 for the first page plus $1.00 for each additional page. If you need an authenticated or exemplified copy, the fee is $4.00 for authentication plus $5.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page. Hearing recordings on CD cost $25.00 per hearing.
Payment methods accepted include cash, personal check, money order, and credit or debit card. Card payments carry a service fee. Checks and money orders should be made payable to Asotin County Clerk. For mail requests, include payment with your request or call first to confirm the total before sending. Requests submitted without payment will not be processed until funds are received.
- Non-certified paper copy: $0.50 per page
- Electronic copy: $0.25 per page
- Certified copy: $5.00 first page + $1.00 each additional
- Authenticated/Exemplified copy: $4.00 auth + $5.00 first page + $1.00 additional
- CD hearing recording: $25.00 per hearing
- Viewing records in person: Free
Superior Court vs. District Court Records
Asotin County has two court levels, and each handles different case types. The Superior Court, presided over by Judge Brooke J Burns, handles civil cases where the amount in dispute exceeds $100,000, domestic relations matters such as divorce and child custody, probate and guardianship cases, felony criminal matters, and appeals from lower courts. Superior Court records are held by the clerk at 135 2nd Street in Asotin.
The Asotin County District Court, with Judge Tina L Kernan presiding and Stacy Grijalva as administrator, handles smaller civil cases up to $100,000, small claims matters up to $10,000, misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor charges, traffic infractions, and protection orders. The District Court is also at 135 2nd Street. Contact the District Court directly at (509) 243-2027 for records from that court. District Court records are kept separately from Superior Court files.
If you don't know which court handled a particular case, the statewide Odyssey Portal search or the Washington Courts case search tool will show results from both courts. That's the fastest way to confirm where a file lives before you contact the clerk.
What GR 31 Means for Public Access
Washington General Rule 31 controls public access to court records in all Washington courts, including Asotin County. This rule is separate from the Public Records Act. GR 31 says that most civil court records are open to the public and can be viewed at no charge at the courthouse. It also lists specific record types that are restricted, such as adoption files, juvenile non-offender records, mental illness commitment records, alcohol and drug treatment records, and cases that a judge has ordered sealed.
In practice, this means you can walk into the Asotin County courthouse during business hours and ask to review any open civil case file for free. Staff will pull the file and let you review it at a public terminal or at a desk. If you want copies, you pay the per-page fees listed above. Viewing is always free. The rule protects your right to see these records, but it also gives courts the authority to restrict access in narrow circumstances where privacy or safety concerns are documented and significant.
Note: Adoptions, sealed cases, mental illness commitments, and juvenile non-offender records are restricted under GR 31 and cannot be accessed through routine public records requests.
Asotin County Superior Court Case Types
Civil cases in Asotin County Superior Court cover a wide range. Most involve disputes over money or property where the claimed amount is over $100,000. Contract disputes, personal injury claims, real estate matters, and business litigation all fall in this category. Domestic relations cases include divorce, legal separation, child support, parenting plans, and modifications to existing orders. Probate cases handle estates and wills. Guardianship cases involve appointing someone to manage the affairs of a person who can't manage them alone.
Each case type generates its own set of documents. A civil lawsuit typically starts with a summons and complaint, followed by an answer from the defendant. From there, the file may include motions, discovery orders, settlement agreements, trial briefs, and a final judgment. Probate files contain the original will if there is one, an inventory of assets, and orders approving distributions. You can view any of these documents in the clerk's office or request copies using the fee schedule above.
Court Forms and Legal Assistance
Washington State offers free court forms for most civil case types. The forms library at courts.wa.gov/forms includes divorce packets, protection order forms, small claims forms, name change petitions, and more. Each form comes with step-by-step instructions and a list of what to file and where to file it.
Washington Law Help at washingtonlawhelp.org provides free legal guides covering most civil topics. If you need help with a civil case in Asotin County and can't afford an attorney, legal aid organizations serving eastern Washington may be able to assist. The Asotin County Superior Court clerk's office can point you toward local resources, though they can't provide legal advice.
Nearby Counties
Asotin County sits in the southeastern corner of Washington. These neighboring counties also maintain civil court records through their Superior Court Clerks.