Court records in Grant County, Washington can be searched through several channels. GrantWACourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases filed in the county. You can also use the Washington Courts Case Search portal, contact the court clerks' offices directly, or visit public terminals at the courthouse in Ephrata to look up docket information and case details.
Grant County Court System & Jurisdictions
Grant County operates two trial-level courts, each handling distinct case types. Knowing which court has jurisdiction over a matter determines where to search for docket entries and records.
Grant County Superior Court
Superior Court is the general-jurisdiction trial court in Washington. In Grant County it handles:
- Felony criminal cases
- Civil cases (typically claims above the District Court threshold)
- Family law matters — divorce, child custody, parenting plans, adoptions
- Probate and guardianship proceedings
- Juvenile offender and dependency cases
- Domestic violence protection orders (certain types)
- Appeals from District Court
The Superior Court Clerk's Office maintains all official records for these case types.
Grant County District Court
Grant County District Court is a court of limited jurisdiction. Superior Court judges appoint the District Court judges to extend judicial services across the county. District Court handles:
- Misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor criminal cases
- Traffic infractions and non-traffic infractions
- Small claims (up to $10,000 under RCW 12.40)
- Civil cases up to $100,000
- Name changes
- Anti-harassment protection orders
- Preliminary hearings in felony cases
To request copies of District Court records, contact the office at 509-754-2011, ext. 3101. Note that the county's Public Records office does not process court record requests — those must go directly to the appropriate court.
Grant County Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
Grant County Superior Court publishes its docket schedules on the Court Docket Information page. Dockets are updated daily and are subject to change, so check back frequently. The published schedule includes:
- Criminal Docket — Mondays at 9:00 AM (criminal motions, criminal trials)
- Civil Docket — scheduled civil motions and trials
- Family Law Docket — domestic relations hearings
Each docket is posted as a downloadable PDF. To find a specific hearing date or confirm whether your case is on the calendar:
- Visit the court docket page and download the relevant PDF for the day or week.
- Search by party name or case number using the Washington Courts Case Search tool, which covers both Superior Court and courts of limited jurisdiction.
- Call the Superior Court Clerk at 509-754-2011 or District Court at ext. 3101 to confirm scheduling details.
The statewide Name and Case Search tool provides reference information but is not the official court record. Always verify hearing times with the clerk before appearing.
How to Get a Copy of a Grant County Court Document
Court documents in Grant County are generally public under Washington's Public Records Act (RCW 42.56), though certain records — such as sealed cases, juvenile matters, and some family law filings — may be restricted.
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
- Uncertified copies are plain reproductions of court documents. They work for personal reference or informal use.
- Certified copies bear the court clerk's seal and signature, confirming authenticity. These are typically required for legal proceedings, government agencies, or out-of-state filings.
How to Request Copies
- In person: Visit the Superior Court Clerk's Office or District Court at the Grant County Courthouse in Ephrata. Bring the case number or enough identifying details (party names, approximate filing date) for staff to locate the file.
- By mail: Send a written request specifying the case number, document title, and whether you need certified or uncertified copies. Include a check or money order for the applicable fees payable to the Grant County Clerk.
- Online: Use the Washington Courts Case Search to identify the case, then contact the clerk's office to order copies. Some docket information is viewable online, but full document copies typically require a direct request.
For divorce or probate records, the Grant County FAQ page directs requesters to the appropriate court office. Marriage licenses are issued through the Auditor's Office.
Grant County Court Records Fees & Payment
Washington state law and local court rules set the fees for court record services. The table below reflects standard fees established under RCW 36.18.016 and related statutes. Contact the clerk's office to confirm current amounts, as fees may be updated by legislative action or court order.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copies of court documents (per page) | $0.50 |
| Certified copy — first page | $5.00 |
| Certified copy — each additional page | $1.00 |
| Certificate with seal (no document attached) | $2.00 |
| Filing a new civil action (Superior Court) | $200.00 |
| Filing a new civil action (District Court) | Varies by case type |
| Small claims filing | Varies (typically $35–$55) |
| Appeal from District Court to Superior Court | $200.00 |
Payment methods: The clerk's office generally accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Ask the specific court office about credit or debit card acceptance, as policies can differ between Superior Court and District Court.
Fee waivers: Under GR 34, individuals who cannot afford court fees may petition for a fee waiver by filing a financial declaration with the court. The judge reviews the request and may grant a full or partial waiver.
For non-court public records such as police reports or sheriff's office documents, requests go through the Grant County Public Records process, which has its own fee schedule based on actual copying and staff costs per RCW 42.56.