Court records in Benton County, Washington can be searched through several channels. BentonWACourt.us can help you find publicly available information about court cases in the county. You can also access records through official state court search tools, the Benton County Clerk's office, and public terminals at courthouse locations. The Washington State Courts Name and Case Search and the county clerk's office are key starting points for locating docket information.
Benton Court System & Jurisdictions
Benton County operates several courts, each handling different types of cases. Knowing which court holds the records you need will save time.
Benton County Superior Court
This is the county's general jurisdiction trial court. It handles:
- Felony criminal cases
- Civil cases (typically above the District Court's jurisdictional limit)
- Family law matters — divorce, child custody, parenting plans, adoption
- Probate and guardianship proceedings
- Juvenile cases
- Appeals from District and Municipal Courts
The Superior Court Clerk maintains the official case files. Contact details are available through the Washington State Court Directory for Benton County.
Benton County District Court
District Court covers:
- Misdemeanor and gross misdemeanor criminal cases
- Civil cases up to $100,000
- Small claims (up to $10,000)
- Traffic infractions and non-traffic infractions
- Anti-harassment and unlawful harassment protection orders
Municipal Courts
Cities within Benton County — including Kennewick, Richland, Prosser, and West Richland — operate municipal courts. These courts handle violations of city ordinances, traffic infractions within city limits, and certain misdemeanors. Docket records for municipal courts are searchable through the statewide system but are maintained by each city court.
Restricted Records
Sealed cases, juvenile records, certain family law filings, and records subject to court orders are not publicly accessible. Mental health proceedings and some domestic violence protection order details may also be restricted.
Benton Court Calendar & Upcoming Hearings
To find upcoming hearing dates in Benton County courts, use the state's Find My Court Date tool. This search engine covers cases filed in municipal, district, superior, and appellate courts across Washington. Data is updated within a 24-hour window.
Steps to Check a Court Date
- Go to the Find My Court Date page.
- Select the court type (Superior, District, or Municipal).
- Choose "Benton County" from the court location options.
- Enter the party name or case number.
- Review the calendar entries in the search results.
For case-level detail beyond calendar dates — such as filed documents and case history — use the Washington Courts Case Search. If you need future municipal or district court calendar dates specifically, the Find My Court Date tool is the recommended starting point rather than the case search.
Public terminals are also available at the Benton County Justice Center for in-person calendar lookups.
How to Get a Copy of a Benton Court Document
The Benton County Clerk's office is the custodian of Superior Court records. District Court records are maintained by the District Court clerk, and municipal court records by the respective city court.
Online Access
The Odyssey Portal provides access to court documents for registered users. Elevated access for attorneys and parties is authorized through the County Clerk. Contact the Benton County Clerk's office to request portal registration or upgraded access.
Note: Copies of case file documents are not available through the statewide name and case search site. That tool shows case summaries only — you'll need to order actual documents separately.
In Person
Visit the Benton County Clerk's office to request copies. Bring the case number if you have it, or be prepared to provide party names and approximate filing dates for a search.
Benton County Justice Center — County Clerk
Prosser Courthouse
By Mail
Send a written request to the Clerk's office at the Kennewick address above. Include:
- Case number (if known)
- Full names of the parties
- Type of document requested
- Whether you need a certified or uncertified copy
- A check or money order for the applicable fees
- A self-addressed stamped envelope for return mailing
Certified vs. Uncertified Copies
- Certified copies bear the clerk's seal and signature, confirming the document is a true copy of the court record. These are typically required for legal proceedings, government agencies, and official transactions.
- Uncertified copies are plain reproductions without the clerk's authentication. They work for personal reference or informal use.
Benton Court Records Fees & Payment
Fees for court record services in Washington are established under RCW 36.18.016 (Superior Court clerk fees) and related statutes. The following table reflects standard fee amounts set by state law. Confirm current amounts with the Benton County Clerk, as fees may be updated by legislative action.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Copy of court document (per page) | $0.50 |
| Certification of a document | $5.00 per document |
| Filing a new civil action (Superior Court) | $200.00 |
| Appeal filing fee (Superior Court) | $200.00 |
| Search of court records (by clerk) | $20.00 per name/per year searched |
| Exemplified copy | $5.00 plus copy charges |
Payment methods: The clerk's office generally accepts cash, checks, and money orders. Some offices also accept credit and debit cards; confirm with the clerk before visiting. For mail requests, include a check or money order payable to the Benton County Clerk.
Additional notes:
- District Court and municipal court fees may differ from Superior Court fees. Contact the specific court for its fee schedule.
- For criminal history background checks, the Washington State Patrol charges separate fees through its own process.
- Marriage and divorce records may also be obtained through the Washington State Department of Health, which maintains vital records separately from court case files.
- Historical land records for Benton County are available through the Washington State Digital Archives.