Search Pierce County Civil Court Records
Pierce County civil court records are accessible through LINX, the county's own online case search system. The Superior Court Clerk's office in Tacoma handles all civil filings and copy requests.
Pierce County Quick Facts
- County Seat: Tacoma
- Court: Pierce County Superior Court
- Online System: LINX (Legal Information Network Exchange)
- Online Records: Cases from January 2002 to present
- Copy Fee: $0.50 per page (paper); $0.25 per page (print via LINX)
- Certified Copy: $5.00 first page, $1.00 each additional
Pierce County Superior Court Clerk
The Pierce County Superior Court Clerk maintains all civil court records for the county. The clerk's office is located at the County-City Building in downtown Tacoma. Pierce County operates its own records system called LINX, which stands for Legal Information Network Exchange. Unlike most Washington counties, Pierce County does not use the statewide Odyssey Portal. All online case searches for Pierce County go through the LINX system instead.
The clerk's office has public access terminals on site where you can search and print records. Staff can also assist with record requests and certified copies. E-filing is available for attorneys through the court's electronic filing system. Walk-in visitors should be aware that construction in the area may cause longer wait times; use online resources when you can to avoid unnecessary trips.
| Office | Pierce County Superior Court Clerk |
|---|---|
| Address | County-City Building 930 Tacoma Avenue South, Room 110 Tacoma, WA 98402 |
| Phone | (253) 798-7455 |
| Hours | Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM |
| Website | piercecountywa.gov/Clerk-of-the-Superior-Court |
| Court Records Page | piercecountywa.gov/Court-Records |
Searching Records Through LINX
Pierce County uses LINX (Legal Information Network Exchange) as its primary case search system. This system covers Superior Court records from January 2002 to the present. LINX is free to use for viewing case information online. You do not need an account to search.
Access LINX at linxonline.co.pierce.wa.us. The search page lets you look up cases by case number or by party name. For name searches, enter the last name first, then the first name. The results show case type, filing date, parties involved, and docket entries. LINX also includes searches for tax warrants and judgments, municipal court proceedings, and a jail roster display.
Case types available through LINX include:
- Civil cases (general civil, small claims)
- Criminal cases
- Domestic relations (dissolution, legal separation, custody)
- Probate and guardianship
- Tax warrant and judgment searches
- Municipal court proceedings
LINX is operated and owned by Pierce County. The information in the system is copyright protected. You may use it for lawful personal or research purposes, but you cannot redistribute the data in bulk. Printing from LINX public terminals costs $0.25 per page for non-certified copies.
For cases before 2002, you need to contact the clerk's office directly. Staff can search older paper records and microfiche on request. A search fee may apply for staff-assisted searches of older files.
Types of Civil Court Records in Pierce County
The Pierce County Superior Court handles civil matters for one of Washington's most populous counties. The court covers a broad range of case types. Civil filings include general civil actions, contract disputes, tort claims, and injunctions. Domestic relations cases include dissolution of marriage, legal separation, parenting plans, and child support modifications. The court also handles probate, guardianship, and trust matters.
Most civil records are open to the public. Some records may be sealed or restricted by court order. Juvenile dependency files are restricted. Cases involving mental health proceedings may also have limited access. The clerk can tell you whether a specific file is open or restricted when you contact the office.
Copy Fees and How to Get Records
Pierce County charges standard fees for copies of court documents. You can get records in person, by mail, or through the LINX online system. Here is a breakdown of current copy fees:
| Standard Paper Copies | $0.50 per page |
|---|---|
| Certified Copies | $5.00 for first page, $1.00 for each additional page |
| LINX Terminal Print Fee | $0.25 per page |
New fees took effect on July 27, 2025. Always confirm the current fee schedule with the clerk's office before submitting a request, since fees can change.
For mail requests, send a written request to: Pierce County Clerk, ATTN Records and Copies, 930 Tacoma Ave S, Room 110, Tacoma, WA 98402-2177. Include a cashier's check or money order made out to the Pierce County Clerk for the estimated amount. Also include a self-addressed stamped envelope if you want documents returned by mail.
Other court contacts in Pierce County:
- Juvenile Court: (253) 798-7973
- District Court: (253) 798-7487
- District Court Records Email: PCDCRecords@piercecountywa.gov
Note: Court records are not subject to the Washington Public Records Act. Access to court records is governed by court rules, not PRA statutes.
Pierce County LINX Search Portal
Legal Help in Pierce County
Several organizations provide legal assistance in Pierce County. The Tacoma-Pierce County Bar Association offers a lawyer referral service and can connect you with attorneys who handle civil cases. Call (253) 572-5082 for a referral. The Northwest Justice Project provides free civil legal aid to low-income residents in Pierce County. Call their statewide hotline at (888) 201-1014 or visit nwjustice.org to check eligibility.
The Pierce County Law Library, located in the County-City Building near the courthouse, has legal reference materials and self-help resources. Washington Law Help at washingtonlawhelp.org provides guides for self-represented litigants. All official court forms are free at courts.wa.gov/forms. The Washington State Bar Association's referral service is available at (206) 443-9722 or through wsba.org.
Cities in Pierce County
Pierce County includes several large cities. Civil cases for residents of any of these cities are filed at the Pierce County Superior Court in Tacoma.
Nearby Counties
Pierce County borders several other Washington counties. Use these links if you need records from an adjacent jurisdiction.