logo
CowlitzRecords.us
Search Public Records
Cowlitz Public Records /Cowlitz County Court Records

Cowlitz County Court Records

What Is Cowlitz County Court Records

Court records in Cowlitz County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records constitute a comprehensive repository of judicial activities as defined under Washington State's Public Records Act. Pursuant to RCW § 42.56.070, court records are maintained as public documents subject to specific disclosure requirements.

Court records typically include:

  • Case files containing pleadings, motions, and responses
  • Docket sheets chronicling case events and filings
  • Court orders and judicial decisions
  • Judgments and decrees
  • Hearing and trial transcripts
  • Evidence and exhibits admitted during proceedings
  • Sentencing records in criminal matters
  • Marriage and divorce decrees
  • Probate filings and estate settlements

These records differ from other public records such as property deeds, vital statistics, or tax assessments, which are maintained by separate county departments. Court records specifically document judicial proceedings and decisions rendered by the courts.

In Cowlitz County, court records are maintained by several judicial bodies:

  • Cowlitz County Superior Court (general jurisdiction)
  • Cowlitz County District Court (limited jurisdiction)
  • Municipal Courts (city-level jurisdiction)
  • Juvenile Court (youth-related matters)
  • Probate Court (wills, estates, guardianships)
  • Family Court (domestic relations)

The Washington Courts Administration oversees the statewide court system, while individual courts maintain their specific records according to state retention schedules and access policies.

Are Court Records Public In Cowlitz County

Court records in Cowlitz County are generally accessible to the public in accordance with Washington's Open Courts Provision (Article I, § 10 of the Washington State Constitution) and the Public Records Act. These laws establish the presumption that court records are open for public inspection unless specifically exempted by statute or court rule.

Under General Rule 31 of the Washington Court Rules, the public has a right to access most court records, including:

  • Civil case files and dockets
  • Criminal case records (post-charging)
  • Judgments, orders, and decrees
  • Court calendars and hearing schedules
  • Probate and estate matters
  • Marriage dissolution (divorce) records
  • Small claims proceedings

However, certain records may be restricted or sealed pursuant to RCW § 42.56.210 and related statutes. These typically include:

  • Juvenile records (with exceptions)
  • Adoption proceedings
  • Mental health commitment records
  • Records sealed by judicial order
  • Certain family law matters involving children
  • Records containing sensitive personal identifiers

It is important to note that federal court records for cases heard in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington (which includes Cowlitz County) are governed by federal access rules rather than state provisions. These records are accessible through the federal PACER system rather than county or state repositories.

The Washington Supreme Court has established comprehensive rules regarding public access to court records through General Rule 31, which balances transparency with privacy concerns and establishes procedures for requesting sealed or restricted records.

How To Find Court Records in Cowlitz County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Cowlitz County may utilize several methods to locate and obtain these documents. The county maintains multiple access points for record retrieval, each serving different needs and record types.

For in-person requests, individuals may visit:

Cowlitz County Clerk's Office
312 SW 1st Avenue, 2nd Floor
Kelso, WA 98626
(360) 577-3085
Cowlitz County Clerk
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

The process for obtaining court records involves:

  1. Determining which court holds the desired records (Superior, District, Municipal)
  2. Preparing a records request with specific case information:
    • Case number (if known)
    • Names of parties involved
    • Approximate date of filing or hearing
    • Type of case (civil, criminal, family, etc.)
  3. Submitting the request via the appropriate method:
    • In-person at the clerk's office
    • Online through the county's records portal
    • By mail with a completed records request form
  4. Paying applicable fees for copies or certified documents
    • Standard copies: $0.50 per page
    • Certified copies: $5.00 for first page, $1.00 each additional page
    • Research fees: $20.00 per hour (if staff assistance is required)

For expedited service, requestors should provide as much specific information as possible about the desired records. Pursuant to RCW § 42.56.520, the clerk's office must respond to requests within five business days, either by providing the records, acknowledging receipt and estimating time needed, or denying the request with specific reasons.

Certain specialized records may require additional forms or procedures, such as:

  • Sealed records (court order required)
  • Juvenile records (special request procedures under RCW § 13.50.050)
  • Adoption records (court order required)

How To Look Up Court Records in Cowlitz County Online?

Cowlitz County offers several digital platforms for accessing court records electronically. These systems provide convenient alternatives to in-person visits and are available through secure web portals maintained by state and county agencies.

The primary online resources include:

  1. Washington Courts Case Search Portal This statewide system provides access to case information from courts across Washington, including Cowlitz County. Users may search by:

    • Case number
    • Party name
    • Attorney name
    • Filing date range

    The portal is accessible through the Washington Courts website and includes records from Superior, District, and Municipal courts.

  2. Cowlitz County Clerk's Records Search The county maintains a dedicated portal for searching local court records. This system includes:

    • Civil case filings
    • Domestic relations matters
    • Probate proceedings
    • Judgment records

    Users must create an account to access certain detailed records. The system is available through the county clerk's website.

  3. Washington State Digital Archives Historical court records may be accessed through the Washington State Digital Archives, which maintains digitized versions of older court documents, including:

    • Historical case files
    • Naturalization records
    • Early court dockets
    • Marriage and divorce records

To effectively search these systems:

  1. Gather all relevant information before beginning (names, dates, case types)
  2. Try multiple spelling variations for names if initial searches yield no results
  3. Use date ranges rather than specific dates when uncertain
  4. Note that some records may have restricted online access and require in-person requests
  5. Be aware that recent filings may experience processing delays before appearing online

Online access is subject to the same privacy restrictions as physical records, with certain sensitive cases excluded from public digital repositories in accordance with court rules and state statutes.

How To Search Cowlitz County Court Records for Free?

Washington State law guarantees the public's right to inspect court records without charge, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents. Pursuant to RCW § 42.56.120, agencies may not charge for the right to examine public records or for locating public documents.

Free access options in Cowlitz County include:

  1. In-Person Inspection Members of the public may visit the Cowlitz County Clerk's Office during regular business hours to view court records without charge. The clerk will provide assistance in locating records, and individuals may review documents on-site without incurring fees. Self-service computer terminals are available for searching the electronic case management system.

    Cowlitz County Clerk's Office
    312 SW 1st Avenue, 2nd Floor
    Kelso, WA 98626
    (360) 577-3085
    Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

  2. Online Case Information Basic case information is available at no cost through the Washington Courts Case Search portal. This system provides:

    • Case numbers and filing dates
    • Party names
    • Case types and status
    • Hearing schedules
    • Docket entries listing filed documents

    While this system does not provide document images, it offers substantial information about cases without requiring payment or registration.

  3. Public Access Computers The Cowlitz County Law Library maintains public access computers where visitors may search court records databases free of charge. These terminals offer more comprehensive access than the public website.

    Cowlitz County Law Library
    312 SW 1st Avenue, 3rd Floor
    Kelso, WA 98626
    (360) 577-3086
    Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

  4. Public Records Requests Under the Public Records Act, individuals may submit formal requests for specific court records. While copies incur fees, the search and retrieval process itself cannot be charged to the requestor for standard requests.

It is important to note that while inspection is free, fees apply for:

  • Printed copies ($0.50 per page)
  • Certified documents ($5.00 first page, $1.00 each additional)
  • Electronic media ($10.00 per CD/DVD)
  • Staff research time for complex requests ($20.00 per hour after first hour)

What's Included in a Cowlitz County Court Record?

Court records in Cowlitz County contain comprehensive documentation of judicial proceedings, with contents varying by case type and court jurisdiction. These records typically include several standard components as well as case-specific documentation.

Standard components found in most court records include:

  • Case Initiation Documents

    • Complaints or petitions in civil matters
    • Information or indictments in criminal cases
    • Summonses and service of process documentation
    • Filing fee receipts and case assignment notices

  • Docket Sheets

    • Chronological listing of all case events
    • Record of documents filed
    • Hearing dates and outcomes
    • Judicial assignments and reassignments

  • Pleadings and Motions

    • Answers and responses to complaints
    • Pretrial motions and supporting memoranda
    • Discovery-related filings
    • Dispositive motions (summary judgment, dismissal)

  • Court Orders and Decisions

    • Temporary and preliminary orders
    • Findings of fact and conclusions of law
    • Final judgments and decrees
    • Post-judgment orders

  • Hearing and Trial Records

    • Witness lists and exhibits
    • Transcripts (when prepared)
    • Jury selection records (in jury trials)
    • Verdict forms

Case-specific documents may include:

  • Criminal Cases

    • Charging documents
    • Bail and pretrial release orders
    • Plea agreements
    • Sentencing recommendations
    • Judgment and sentence forms
    • Probation/community supervision terms

  • Civil Cases

    • Damage calculations
    • Settlement agreements (if filed)
    • Judgments and collection documents
    • Writs of execution or garnishment

  • Family Law Matters

    • Parenting plans
    • Child support worksheets and orders
    • Property division documents
    • Domestic violence protection orders
    • Dissolution decrees

  • Probate Proceedings

    • Wills and codicils
    • Inventories of estate assets
    • Claims against estates
    • Distribution orders
    • Guardianship reports

According to Washington Court General Rule 31(c), certain sensitive information may be redacted or filed under seal, including Social Security numbers, financial account numbers, and information about minors.

How Long Does Cowlitz County Keep Court Records?

Cowlitz County adheres to the Washington State Records Retention Schedule for court documents, as established by the Office of the Secretary of State and the State Archives. These retention periods ensure proper preservation of judicial records while managing storage constraints.

The retention periods vary significantly based on case type and document importance:

Criminal Cases

  • Felony case files: Permanent retention for Class A felonies; 10 years after case closure for Class B and C felonies
  • Misdemeanor case files: 3 years after case closure
  • DUI cases: 10 years after case closure
  • Domestic violence cases: 10 years after case closure

Civil Cases

  • General civil litigation: 6 years after case closure
  • Small claims: 6 years after judgment
  • Property disputes: 10 years after case closure
  • Personal injury: 10 years after case closure

Family Law

  • Divorce/dissolution records: Permanent retention
  • Child custody determinations: Permanent retention
  • Paternity cases: Permanent retention
  • Adoption records: Permanent retention

Probate Matters

  • Wills and estate administration: Permanent retention
  • Guardianship cases: Permanent retention
  • Trust administration: 6 years after case closure

Specialized Records

  • Mental health commitment proceedings: 20 years
  • Juvenile offender records: Until subject's 23rd birthday or last involvement with juvenile justice system
  • Juvenile dependency: 6 years after child turns 18

These retention periods are mandated by RCW § 40.14.070, which governs the destruction of public records. The county may not destroy records before the minimum retention period has elapsed, and certain records designated for permanent retention are eventually transferred to the Washington State Archives for long-term preservation.

After the retention period expires, records may be destroyed according to established procedures, though many historically significant or legally important records are preserved indefinitely. Digital conversion has allowed for more efficient storage of older records, with many now accessible through the State Digital Archives.

Types of Courts In Cowlitz County

Cowlitz County's judicial system consists of several courts operating at different levels of jurisdiction. Each court handles specific types of cases according to Washington state law and local ordinances.

Cowlitz County Superior Court
312 SW 1st Avenue, 2nd Floor
Kelso, WA 98626
(360) 577-3085
Cowlitz County Superior Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Superior Court is the court of general jurisdiction, handling felony criminal cases, civil matters exceeding $100,000, family law, probate, juvenile matters, and appeals from lower courts.

Cowlitz County District Court
312 SW 1st Avenue, 1st Floor
Kelso, WA 98626
(360) 577-3102
Cowlitz County District Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

District Court handles misdemeanor criminal cases, civil matters under $100,000, small claims up to $10,000, traffic infractions, and domestic violence protection orders.

Kelso Municipal Court
203 S Pacific Avenue
Kelso, WA 98626
(360) 423-1290
Kelso Municipal Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Longview Municipal Court
1525 Broadway Street
Longview, WA 98632
(360) 442-5800
Longview Municipal Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM

Municipal Courts handle violations of city ordinances, traffic infractions within city limits, and misdemeanor crimes committed within city boundaries.

Cowlitz County Juvenile Court
1725 1st Avenue
Longview, WA 98632
(360) 577-3100
Cowlitz County Juvenile Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM

The court hierarchy in Washington State follows this structure:

  1. Municipal/District Courts (limited jurisdiction)
  2. Superior Courts (general jurisdiction)
  3. Court of Appeals (appellate jurisdiction)
  4. Washington Supreme Court (final appellate authority)

Appeals from Cowlitz County Superior Court are heard by Division II of the Washington Court of Appeals, located in Tacoma. Final appeals are directed to the Washington Supreme Court in Olympia.

What Types of Cases Do Cowlitz County Courts Hear?

The courts in Cowlitz County adjudicate a diverse range of legal matters, with jurisdiction divided among the various courts based on case type, monetary value, and geographic boundaries.

Superior Court Cases

  • Felony criminal prosecutions (all classes)
  • Civil litigation exceeding $100,000 in damages
  • Real property disputes and foreclosures
  • Probate and estate administration
  • Guardianship and conservatorship proceedings
  • Family law matters:
    • Divorce and legal separation
    • Child custody and parenting plans
    • Child support determinations
    • Adoption proceedings
    • Paternity establishment
  • Juvenile matters:
    • Juvenile offender cases
    • Dependency proceedings
    • Truancy petitions
  • Mental health commitments
  • Appeals from lower courts

District Court Cases

  • Misdemeanor criminal cases (punishable by up to 364 days in jail)
  • Gross misdemeanors
  • Civil actions up to $100,000
  • Small claims up to $10,000
  • Traffic infractions
  • DUI and other traffic-related offenses
  • Domestic violence protection orders
  • Anti-harassment orders
  • Preliminary hearings in felony cases
  • Name change petitions
  • Eviction proceedings (unlawful detainer)

Municipal Court Cases

  • Violations of city ordinances
  • Traffic infractions occurring within city limits
  • Parking violations
  • Misdemeanor criminal offenses committed within city boundaries:
    • Theft under $750
    • Assault (4th degree)
    • Trespass
    • Disorderly conduct
    • Public intoxication
  • Code enforcement violations

Juvenile Court Cases

  • Criminal offenses committed by minors
  • Status offenses (truancy, runaway)
  • Dependency cases (child abuse/neglect)
  • At-risk youth petitions
  • Child in need of services (CHINS) petitions

Case assignment follows jurisdictional boundaries established by the Washington State Court Rules and relevant statutes. In some instances, jurisdiction may overlap between courts, with factors such as the severity of the offense, monetary value of the dispute, or location of the incident determining which court will hear the case.

How To Find a Court Docket In Cowlitz County

Court dockets in Cowlitz County provide a chronological listing of all proceedings and filings in a case. These records are essential for tracking case progress and upcoming hearings. Several methods exist for accessing docket information.

For online docket searches:

  1. Washington Courts Case Search The statewide portal provides access to docket information for cases in Superior, District, and Municipal courts. Users can search by:

    • Case number
    • Party name
    • Attorney name
    • Filing date range

    This system is available through the Washington Courts website and provides basic docket information without charge.

  2. Cowlitz County Clerk's Office Online Records The county clerk maintains an online portal for searching Superior Court cases specifically. This system provides more detailed docket information for county cases and is accessible through the county clerk's website.

For in-person docket searches:

Cowlitz County Clerk's Office
312 SW 1st Avenue, 2nd Floor
Kelso, WA 98626
(360) 577-3085
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Visitors may request docket information from clerk staff or use public access terminals to search electronic records. For current cases, daily docket sheets listing scheduled hearings are typically posted outside courtrooms and available at the clerk's office.

To obtain docket information by mail or phone:

  1. Contact the appropriate court clerk with the following information:

    • Case number (if known)
    • Names of parties involved
    • Approximate filing date
    • Case type

  2. For Superior Court matters, contact: Cowlitz County Clerk's Office
    312 SW 1st Avenue, 2nd Floor
    Kelso, WA 98626
    (360) 577-3085

  3. For District Court matters, contact: Cowlitz County District Court
    312 SW 1st Avenue, 1st Floor
    Kelso, WA 98626
    (360) 577-3102

When requesting docket information, be prepared to provide identification and potentially pay copy fees if printed dockets are requested. Basic docket information can often be provided over the phone, though detailed information may require a written request or in-person visit.

For obtaining copies of specific court documents referenced in dockets, additional fees apply, and separate request procedures may be necessary.

Which Courts in Cowlitz County Are Not Courts of Record?

In Washington State's judicial system, certain courts are designated as "courts not of record," meaning they do not maintain verbatim transcripts of proceedings and their decisions may be appealed through a trial de novo (new trial) rather than a traditional appeal based on the record. This distinction is established by RCW § 3.30.015, which defines courts of limited jurisdiction.

In Cowlitz County, the following courts are not courts of record:

  1. Municipal Courts
    • Kelso Municipal Court
    • Longview Municipal Court
    • Castle Rock Municipal Court
    • Woodland Municipal Court

These municipal courts handle city ordinance violations, traffic infractions, and misdemeanor offenses occurring within city limits. While they maintain case files and dockets, they do not create verbatim transcripts of proceedings unless specifically requested by a party and paid for in advance.

  1. Small Claims Department of District Court The small claims division handles civil disputes under $10,000 and operates under simplified procedures without formal transcription of proceedings.

The distinction between courts of record and courts not of record has several important implications:

  • Appeals from courts not of record proceed to Superior Court as trials de novo (completely new trials) rather than reviews of the existing record
  • Proceedings in courts not of record may be less formal
  • Parties must arrange and pay for their own court reporters if they wish to have verbatim records of proceedings
  • The rules of evidence may be applied less strictly

By contrast, Cowlitz County Superior Court is a court of record, as mandated by Article IV of the Washington State Constitution. It maintains official verbatim records of all proceedings, either through court reporters or electronic recording systems. Appeals from Superior Court decisions go to the Court of Appeals and are based on the official record created during the original proceedings.

The District Court in Cowlitz County occupies a middle position - while technically a court of limited jurisdiction, it maintains electronic recordings of proceedings in criminal matters, making it functionally a court of record for those cases.

Lookup Court Records in Cowlitz County

Washington State Court Directory: Cowlitz County

Washington Courts Case Search

County Clerk Offices and Transcript Order Contact List

Washington State Archives, Digital Archives

Get Copies of Court Case Documents

Other Categories in Washington
Criminal Records Court Records Inmate Records Arrest records Warrant Search Property Records Divorce Records