Find Court Records in Garfield County

Garfield County court records are kept by the Superior Court Clerk in Pomeroy, Washington. The clerk maintains case files for criminal, civil, family law, and probate matters handled in the county. You can search for cases using the statewide Washington Courts portal or contact the clerk's office directly to request copies of documents. Garfield County is one of the smallest counties in Washington by population, so the clerk's office tends to offer more direct, personalized service than larger counties. If you need to look up a case or get documents, the clerk can help guide you through the process.

Garfield County Superior Court Clerk

The Garfield County Superior Court Clerk is Marie Gormsen. The Deputy Clerk is Briana Moran. Both can be reached at (509) 843-3731. The office email is SuperiorCourt@garfieldcountywa.gov. Written requests and mail can be sent to PO Box 915, Pomeroy, WA 99347. The fax number is (509) 843-1224.

The clerk's office maintains court records for the county and can assist with requests to view or obtain copies of court documents. It is advisable to call ahead and verify hours of operation before visiting. Staff can inform you about fees tied to obtaining copies. Garfield County Superior Court is part of the broader Washington State Superior Court system. The Superior Court handles serious criminal cases, major civil cases, family law matters, and probate issues. The District Court handles misdemeanors, traffic infractions, and small claims.

Because of the small population in Garfield County, the court and clerk's office tend to offer more direct service and quicker resolutions than larger county systems. The county has embraced modest use of technology to improve record access and court procedures. Public records are central to transparency and the efficient operation of the court system. You can find details about the court at garfieldcountywa.gov/superiorcourt.

The Superior Court page at garfieldcountywa.gov lists the clerk's contact information, general court procedures, and guidance on how to access records. This is the best place to start when researching Garfield County court records online.

Requesting Garfield County Court Records

To request copies of court documents from the Garfield County Superior Court Clerk's Office, you must fill out the Document Request Form. Completed requests can be submitted by email to superiorcourt@garfieldcountywa.gov, by fax to (509) 843-1224, or by mail to PO Box 915, Pomeroy, WA 99347. The form is available at the bottom of the record requests page on the county website.

When submitting a request, provide as much detail as possible. Include the case number, the names of the parties involved, and a clear description of the specific documents you need. The more information you give, the faster the clerk can locate and process your request. Once the office reviews your request, they will respond with a cost estimate and expected turnaround time. You should factor in additional time if the records are older than 10 years, as those files may be stored off-site and require extra retrieval time.

Fees apply for copies, certifications, and staff research time. Certified copies receive the official seal and signature of the clerk, which makes them suitable for legal purposes. Documents cannot be partially copied or separated from the official file. Accepted payment methods include check, money order, and cash for in-person requests. The clerk's office follows GR 31 procedures for all record requests.

The record requests page at garfieldcountywa.gov provides the official form and submission instructions. Use this page to start any formal request for Garfield County court documents.

Garfield County Court Dates and Calendars

The Garfield County Superior Court uses a master calendar system. Hearings are scheduled on specific days and cover criminal, civil, domestic, and probate matters. Due to the small caseload in Garfield County, most matters are heard on the same day they are calendared. This is different from larger counties where cases may wait weeks for a hearing date. The court publishes its annual court calendar at the start of each term.

For calendar inquiries, contact Clerk Marie Gormsen at (509) 843-3731. Deputy Clerk Briana Moran can also assist with scheduling questions. Attorneys should contact the clerk's office to coordinate hearing dates for contested matters. Trials are set by conference with the presiding judge and court administrator. Jury trials depend on jury pool availability and courtroom resources. Special accommodations for remote appearances may be available on request.

The Superior Court dates page at garfieldcountywa.gov lists upcoming court dates and links to forms, documents, reports, and procedural guidelines. Check this page to see scheduled hearings or confirm court dates before appearing.

Note: Hearing dates can change due to settlements or continuances. Always confirm your date with the clerk's office the day before your scheduled appearance.

Statewide Court Record Search Tools

The Washington State Courts Name and Case Search covers cases filed in Garfield County municipal, district, and superior courts. It is updated every 24 hours at 3:00 a.m. and is accessible at dw.courts.wa.gov. You can search by person name or case number. Results show reference information and direct you to the official court record held by the clerk. Copies of documents are not available through the search tool and must be ordered from the appropriate court.

The Odyssey Portal provides another online access point for Superior Court case information in Garfield County. For best results, use accurate name spelling and know the approximate year the case was filed. The Washington State Digital Archives holds older court records that have been scanned and made available online. The Digital Archives hosts over 200 million searchable records from across the state.

The Washington Courts Name and Case Search is a comprehensive starting point for any Garfield County court record search. It covers the full range of court types statewide. If you do not find what you need online, the clerk's office in Pomeroy is your next step.

Legal Rules for Court Record Access

Access to court records in Garfield County follows state law and court rules. RCW Chapter 36.23 defines the duties of the county clerk, including the duty to maintain the court record and make it available to the public. The clerk keeps all filings, orders, judgments, and docket entries as part of the permanent court record.

General Rule 31 governs how court records are accessed across Washington. Under GR 31, most court records are presumptively open to the public. Certain records are restricted by statute, including juvenile files, adoption records, and mental health proceedings. GR 31 also sets out the process for sealing or redacting records. If you believe a record has been improperly sealed or is being withheld, GR 31 provides a process for challenging that determination.

RCW 42.56, the Public Records Act, applies to administrative records at county offices. Court records are governed by GR 31 rather than RCW 42.56. However, administrative records maintained by the clerk's office may fall under the Public Records Act depending on their nature. RCW Chapter 2.68 addresses electronic access and digital filing systems used by courts statewide.

Cities in Garfield County

Garfield County is a small, rural county. Pomeroy is the county seat and the main population center. There are no cities in Garfield County that meet the population threshold for a dedicated city records page on this site. All court matters for residents of Pomeroy and surrounding communities go through the Garfield County Superior Court and District Court system.

Nearby Counties

These counties border Garfield County. If you are unsure which county handles your court case, check your address or the location where the matter occurred.