Search Benton County Civil Court Records

Benton County civil court records are maintained by the County Clerk and are available online, in person, and by mail through the Benton County Justice Center in Kennewick.

How to Search Benton County Civil Court Records Online

The fastest way to look up civil cases is through the statewide Odyssey Portal at odysseyportal.courts.wa.gov. This free tool lets you search by party name, case number, or attorney. You can view case summaries, party information, hearing dates, and document indexes for most Superior Court civil cases. Online access is free and available around the clock.

The Washington Courts case search at dw.courts.wa.gov is another option. It covers courts across the state, including both Superior Court and District Court records. You can search by name or case number. Results show case type, filing date, and current status. Neither portal replaces obtaining actual documents, but both give you quick access to case information without a trip to the courthouse.

Benton County also has a Public Records Portal for online requests. This lets you submit a request electronically and pay online through NCOURT at 1-855-873-9709. If you already have a case number, the process is faster. Without one, a $10 research fee applies per person searched.

Visiting the Clerk's Office in Person

The main Clerk's office is in the Benton County Justice Center at 7122 W. Okanogan Place, Suite A210, Kennewick. Hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Public access terminals are available inside the office so you can view records at no charge. Staff can help you locate a case file if you have the case number or party names.

A second office in Prosser at 620 Market Street serves residents in the western part of the county. The Prosser office handles the same types of requests. It's a good option if you live closer to Prosser and want to avoid the drive to Kennewick.

Bring a photo ID when visiting. If you need certified copies, staff can prepare them while you wait in most cases. Payment is accepted by cash, check, or money order. Credit cards are also accepted with a convenience fee.

Requesting Records by Mail

Mail requests are accepted at both locations. Write a letter that includes the party name, approximate filing date or year, the case number if known, and a description of the specific documents you need. Include a self-addressed stamped envelope for return by mail. Payment by check or money order should be made payable to Benton County Clerk. If you are not sure of the exact case details, include the $10 research fee so staff can locate the file.

Email requests can also be sent to clerk@co.benton.wa.us. For civil and probate matters specifically, you can call (509) 736-9390 to ask about case status or get guidance before submitting a request. Processing time varies based on volume, so plan accordingly if you need documents by a specific date.

Benton County Superior Court

The Superior Court handles all civil cases in Benton County where the amount in dispute is over $100,000. It also has jurisdiction over domestic relations matters such as divorce, child custody, and adoption. Probate cases, guardianship proceedings, and felony criminal matters all go through Superior Court as well.

The court is located at 7122 W. Okanogan Place, Building A, Kennewick, WA 99336. The main court phone is (509) 736-3071. Attorneys can use the court's electronic filing system to submit documents. For self-represented litigants, paper filing at the Clerk's window remains the standard method.

Benton County District Court

District Court handles civil cases where the amount at issue is $100,000 or less. Small claims cases, where individuals can represent themselves without an attorney, have a cap of $10,000. District Court also handles misdemeanor criminal cases, traffic infractions, and protection orders.

There are two District Court locations. The Kennewick office is at 7122 W. Okanogan Place, Suite A110, Kennewick, phone (509) 735-8476. The Prosser office is at 620 Market Street, phone (509) 786-5480. Records from District Court are separate from Superior Court records. Contact each court directly to request District Court documents.

What Civil Court Records Contain

Civil court records in Benton County document the full history of a case from the first filing to final judgment. Most files include the initial complaint or petition, responses from other parties, motions filed by either side, court orders, and the final judgment or decree. In domestic relations cases, records often include parenting plans, child support worksheets, and dissolution decrees.

Probate records contain wills, inventories of estate assets, creditor claims, and final distribution orders. Records are public unless sealed by court order. Some documents in family law or juvenile matters may be restricted. If you are unsure whether a record is public, call the Clerk's office before making the trip or submitting a request.

Records go back many decades for Benton County. Older paper records may not appear in online search systems, so an in-person visit or mail request may be needed for historical cases. Staff can advise you on what is available electronically and what requires a manual search.

Copy Fees and Payment Methods

Benton County charges $0.50 per page for standard non-certified paper copies and $0.25 per page for electronic copies sent by email. Certified copies, which carry the official seal of the court, cost $5.00 for the first page and $1.00 for each additional page. A CD copy of a court audio recording costs $10.00.

There is a $10 research fee per person searched when you do not have a case number. This fee applies whether or not records are found. Payment options include cash, check, money order, and credit card (with a convenience fee). Online payments go through NCOURT.

Legal Framework for Court Record Access

Washington court records are governed by General Rule 31 (GR 31), which sets the standards for public access. Most civil case records are open to the public. However, records may be sealed by court order, or certain documents within a file may be restricted under rules protecting privacy in sensitive cases.

The Washington Revised Code, Title 2.32, covers the duties of court clerks and the maintenance of court records. This includes requirements for record retention, how copies are made available, and fee schedules. Understanding these statutes helps clarify what you can access and what fees are lawful.

Legal Help Resources in Benton County

If you need help understanding court records or filing a civil case, several resources are available. Columbia Legal Services serves low-income residents in eastern Washington and can provide advice on civil matters. Their website is columbialegal.org. Northwest Justice Project also offers free legal help to those who qualify. You can reach them through the CLEAR hotline at 1-888-201-1014.

The Washington State Bar Association has a lawyer referral service at wsba.org. For a flat fee, you can get a consultation with an attorney who handles the type of case you need help with. Many attorneys offer free initial consultations for civil matters. The Benton County Bar Association may also have local referral resources.

Cities in Benton County

Benton County includes several cities. The two largest have their own civil court records pages with city-specific information.

• Kennewick
• Richland

Other communities in the county include Prosser, West Richland, and Benton City. These smaller cities are served by the same Benton County Superior Court and District Court.

Nearby Counties

• Franklin County
• Yakima County
• Klickitat County
• Walla Walla County
• Adams County