Whatcom County Public Records /Whatcom County Court Records

Whatcom County Court Records

What Is Whatcom County Court Records

Court records in Whatcom County encompass all official documentation generated during legal proceedings within the county's court system. These records constitute the comprehensive documentation of judicial activities as defined under Washington State Court Rule GR 31. Court records typically include:

Case files containing pleadings, motions, and briefs
Docket sheets chronicling case events and filings
Court orders and judgments
Hearing and trial transcripts
Evidence and exhibits admitted during proceedings
Sentencing records and probation reports
Court calendars and scheduling information

Court records are distinct from other public records maintained by Whatcom County, such as property records, vital statistics, and tax documents. The Washington Public Records Act governs access to these records, establishing them as presumptively open to public inspection unless specifically exempted by statute.

Multiple courts within Whatcom County maintain their own records:

Whatcom County Superior Court (general jurisdiction)
Whatcom County District Court (limited jurisdiction)
Municipal Courts (Bellingham, Blaine, Everson-Nooksack, Ferndale, Lynden, Sumas)
Whatcom County Juvenile Court

These courts collectively maintain records for civil litigation, criminal proceedings, family law matters, probate cases, traffic infractions, small claims, and juvenile matters. Pursuant to RCW 2.32.050, court clerks are responsible for maintaining these records and making them accessible to the public according to applicable laws and court rules.

Are Court Records Public In Whatcom County

Court records in Whatcom County are presumptively open to public inspection under Washington's open courts doctrine and the Public Records Act (RCW 42.56). Article I, Section 10 of the Washington State Constitution declares that "justice in all cases shall be administered openly," establishing a constitutional foundation for public access to court proceedings and records.

The following court records are generally available for public inspection:

Civil case files (with limited exceptions for sealed documents)
Criminal case files after charges have been filed
Court judgments, orders, and decrees
Docket sheets and case indices
Court calendars and hearing schedules
Marriage dissolution (divorce) records

However, certain records may be restricted from public access pursuant to General Rule 31 and other applicable statutes. These typically include:

Juvenile court records (with exceptions under RCW 13.50)
Adoption proceedings
Mental health commitment records
Sealed or expunged records
Documents containing certain personal identifiers
Records where the court has issued a protective order

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 Whatcom County) are governed by federal rules rather than state law, though they are similarly presumed public with certain exceptions.

The Washington Supreme Court has established comprehensive rules regarding public access to court records through the Washington Court Rules, which provide detailed guidance on which records are accessible and the procedures for requesting them.

How To Find Court Records in Whatcom County in 2026

Members of the public seeking court records in Whatcom County may utilize several methods to locate and access these documents. The county maintains multiple access points for court record retrieval:

In-Person Requests:

Visit the appropriate court clerk's office during regular business hours
Complete a records request form specifying the case number or party names
Present valid photo identification if required
Pay applicable copy fees (typically $0.25-$0.50 per page)
Wait for staff to retrieve the requested documents

Whatcom County Superior Court Clerk's Office
311 Grand Avenue, Suite 301
Bellingham, WA 98225
(360) 778-5560
Whatcom County Superior Court

Whatcom County District Court
311 Grand Avenue, Suite 401
Bellingham, WA 98225
(360) 778-5400
Whatcom County District Court

Online Access:

The Washington State Courts Odyssey Portal provides electronic access to many court records. Users may:

Create a free account on the portal
Search by case number, party name, or filing date
View basic case information at no charge
Pay for document downloads if available ($0.25-$1.00 per page)

Written Requests:

For historical or archived records:

Submit a written request to the appropriate court clerk
Include case number, party names, and approximate date of filing
Provide return address and contact information
Enclose a self-addressed stamped envelope if requesting mailed copies
Include payment for estimated copy fees

Pursuant to Washington Court Rule GR 31.3, court clerks must respond to records requests within five business days, either by providing the records, acknowledging receipt and estimating time needed, or denying the request with specific reasons.

How To Look Up Court Records in Whatcom County Online?

Whatcom County offers several digital platforms for accessing court records online. These systems vary in scope and functionality based on the court and record type:

Washington Courts Odyssey Portal:

The Odyssey Portal serves as the primary online access point for Whatcom County Superior Court records. Users may:

Register for a free account
Search by case number, party name, or attorney
View case summaries, party information, and docket entries
Access some court documents (fees may apply)
Monitor case status and upcoming hearings

Washington Courts JIS-Link:

The Judicial Information System (JIS) provides access to case summaries and docket information for multiple courts. This system:

Requires subscription for full access
Offers name-based searches across multiple counties
Provides criminal history information for background checks
Includes district and municipal court records
Updates information daily from court systems statewide

Washington State Digital Archives:

The Washington State Digital Archives maintains historical court records for Whatcom County, including:

Naturalization records (1860-1991)
Superior Court case files (selected years)
Probate records
Marriage and divorce records
Criminal case indices

Whatcom County District Court Online Services:

The District Court provides limited online access through its website:

Search for traffic and criminal cases by name or case number
View upcoming court calendars
Access forms for common proceedings
Check payment status for fines and fees
Verify hearing dates and times

For comprehensive searches across multiple Washington courts, the Washington State Courts Name and Case Search provides a unified portal. This system allows users to search by name across jurisdictions, though document access is limited to case summaries and docket information.

How To Search Whatcom County Court Records for Free?

Washington State law guarantees the public's right to inspect court records without charge, pursuant to RCW 42.56.120, though fees may apply for copies or certified documents. Whatcom County offers several no-cost options for accessing court records:

Public Access Terminals:

Free computer terminals are available at court facilities for searching electronic records:

Whatcom County Superior Court Clerk's Office (311 Grand Avenue, Suite 301, Bellingham)
Whatcom County Law Library (311 Grand Avenue, Suite 201, Bellingham)
Whatcom County District Court (311 Grand Avenue, Suite 401, Bellingham)

These terminals provide access to:

Case management systems
Docket information
Party and attorney details
Hearing schedules
Some document images

Free Online Resources:

Several digital platforms offer free basic searches:

Washington Courts Case Search - Provides case summaries and docket information without charge
Whatcom County Court Calendars - Published daily on the county website
Washington Courts Odyssey Portal - Free registration for basic case information

In-Person Inspection:

Members of the public may visit the appropriate clerk's office during business hours to inspect records at no cost:

Provide case information to the clerk
Present identification if required
Review records in designated areas
Return materials when finished

While inspection is free, standard copy fees apply for any documents requested:

Standard copies: $0.25-$0.50 per page
Certified copies: $5.00-$20.00 depending on document type
Electronic records: Varies by format and size

The Washington Courts Access to Court Records Brochure provides comprehensive information about free access options throughout the state court system.

What's Included in a Whatcom County Court Record?

Whatcom County court records contain comprehensive documentation of legal proceedings. The specific contents vary by case type but typically include:

Case Initiation Documents:

Complaints or petitions in civil matters
Information or indictments in criminal cases
Summonses and service of process documentation
Initial appearances and arraignment records
Filing fee receipts and waivers

Procedural Documents:

Motions and supporting memoranda
Responses and replies to motions
Court orders and rulings
Notices of hearings and continuances
Certificates of readiness for trial

Evidentiary Materials:

Witness lists and statements
Exhibits admitted into evidence
Expert reports and declarations
Deposition transcripts (when filed)
Discovery documents (when filed)

Disposition Documents:

Judgments and decrees
Verdicts (jury or bench)
Sentencing orders in criminal cases
Settlement agreements (when filed)
Dismissal orders

Post-Judgment Materials:

Appeals and notices of appeal
Satisfaction of judgment notices
Writs of execution or garnishment
Probation reports and compliance documents
Modification requests and orders

Administrative Records:

Case management information
Docket sheets listing all filings
Judicial assignment notices
Court reporter logs
Fee and fine payment records

Pursuant to Washington Court Rule GR 31, certain sensitive information may be redacted from public court records, including:

Social Security numbers
Financial account numbers
Driver's license numbers
Minor children's names (in some cases)
Medical and health information

The completeness of court records may vary based on case age, type, and disposition. Older records may be archived or stored in different formats than current cases.

How Long Does Whatcom County Keep Court Records?

Whatcom County retains court records according to schedules established by the Washington State Archives under the authority of RCW 40.14, which governs the preservation and destruction of public records. Retention periods vary significantly based on record type and case disposition:

Superior Court Records:

Felony cases with significant sentences: Permanent retention
Other felony cases: 10 years after case completion
Civil judgments: 10 years after satisfaction
Probate matters: 10 years after case closure
Domestic relations cases: 25 years after judgment
Adoption records: Permanent retention
Juvenile offender records: Until subject's 23rd birthday or longer for serious offenses
Mental illness commitment: 20 years after case closure

District Court Records:

Criminal misdemeanors: 3-10 years after case completion (varies by offense)
Traffic infractions: 3 years after resolution
Civil judgments: 10 years after satisfaction
Small claims judgments: 10 years after case closure
Domestic violence protection orders: 90 years after issuance

Administrative and Procedural Records:

Court calendars and dockets: 6 years
Exhibits (not returned): 60 days after appeal period expires
Recordings of proceedings: 6 years after creation
Financial records: 6 years after fiscal year end
Jury records: 3 years after service

The Washington State Archives Local Government Records Retention Schedule provides detailed guidance on specific record types. After the mandatory retention period expires, records may be:

Transferred to the Washington State Archives for permanent preservation
Microfilmed or digitized for long-term storage
Destroyed according to approved procedures
Sealed or expunged pursuant to court order

Historical records of significant value may be preserved beyond minimum retention requirements. The Whatcom County Clerk coordinates with the Washington State Archives to ensure proper records management and preservation.

Types of Courts In Whatcom County

Whatcom County's judicial system consists of several courts with distinct jurisdictions and authority levels:

Whatcom County Superior Court
311 Grand Avenue, Suite 301
Bellingham, WA 98225
(360) 778-5560
Whatcom County Superior Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

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

Whatcom County District Court
311 Grand Avenue, Suite 401
Bellingham, WA 98225
(360) 778-5400
Whatcom County District Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

District Court handles misdemeanors, gross misdemeanors, traffic infractions, small claims (up to $10,000), civil actions under $100,000, domestic violence protection orders, and preliminary hearings for felony cases.

Bellingham Municipal Court
2014 C Street
Bellingham, WA 98225
(360) 778-8150
Bellingham Municipal Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Blaine Municipal Court
435 Martin Street, Suite 4000
Blaine, WA 98230
(360) 332-8311
Blaine Municipal Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Ferndale Municipal Court
5694 Second Avenue
Ferndale, WA 98248
(360) 384-2827
Ferndale Municipal Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Lynden Municipal Court
203 19th Street
Lynden, WA 98264
(360) 354-2828
Lynden Municipal Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

Municipal courts handle violations of city ordinances, traffic infractions, and misdemeanors occurring within city limits.

Whatcom County Juvenile Court
311 Grand Avenue, Suite 501
Bellingham, WA 98225
(360) 778-5700
Whatcom County Juvenile Court
Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM

The court hierarchy in Washington State proceeds from Municipal/District Courts (limited jurisdiction) to Superior Courts (general jurisdiction), then to the Washington Court of Appeals, and finally to the Washington Supreme Court as the court of last resort for state matters.

What Types of Cases Do Whatcom County Courts Hear?

Whatcom County's court system adjudicates a diverse range of legal matters, with jurisdiction divided among various courts based on case type, monetary value, and geographic boundaries:

Whatcom County Superior Court:

Felony criminal prosecutions (Class A, B, and C felonies)
Civil lawsuits exceeding $100,000 in claimed damages
Real property disputes and quiet title actions
Probate and estate administration
Guardianship proceedings
Domestic relations (divorce, custody, child support)
Juvenile offender cases
Juvenile dependencies
Mental illness commitments
Appeals from lower courts
Administrative agency appeals

Whatcom County District Court:

Criminal misdemeanors and gross misdemeanors
Traffic infractions and DUI cases
Civil actions with claims up to $100,000
Small claims cases (up to $10,000)
Anti-harassment and domestic violence protection orders
Name change petitions
Preliminary hearings in felony cases
Landlord-tenant disputes and evictions
Civil infractions
Fish and wildlife violations

Municipal Courts (Bellingham, Blaine, Ferndale, Lynden, etc.):

Violations of municipal ordinances
Traffic infractions occurring within city limits
Parking violations
Criminal misdemeanors committed within city boundaries
Code enforcement violations
DUI and other traffic crimes within city jurisdiction
Domestic violence cases occurring within city limits

Whatcom County Juvenile Court:

Juvenile offender cases (under age 18)
Truancy petitions
At-risk youth petitions
Children in need of services (CHINS)
Dependency proceedings
Termination of parental rights
Adoption proceedings involving minors

Case assignment follows jurisdictional rules established by the Revised Code of Washington for district courts and RCW 2.08.010 for superior courts. In some instances, courts may have concurrent jurisdiction, allowing cases to be filed in more than one court system.

How To Find a Court Docket In Whatcom County

Court dockets in Whatcom County provide chronological listings of all proceedings and filings in a case. Members of the public may access these records through several methods:

Online Docket Access:

The Washington Courts Case Search provides the most comprehensive online access to Whatcom County court dockets. Users may:

Accept the terms of use
Select "Whatcom County" from the jurisdiction menu
Enter search criteria (case number, party name, or date range)
View docket entries showing filings, hearings, and court actions
Note that document images may not be available for all entries

Court Calendar Search:

For upcoming hearings and proceedings:

Visit the Washington Courts Calendar Search
Select Whatcom County from the jurisdiction dropdown
Choose the specific court (Superior, District, Municipal)
Select date range and hearing type
Review results showing scheduled matters

In-Person Docket Review:

Terminals at court facilities provide direct access to docket information:

Visit the clerk's office during business hours
Request assistance with the public access terminal
Search by case number or party name
View complete docket history
Request printed copies of specific entries (fees apply)

Written Docket Requests:

For historical or archived dockets:

Submit a written request to the appropriate court clerk
Include case number, party names, and approximate date range
Specify whether certified copies are needed
Include payment for applicable fees
Provide return address for mailed responses

Docket information typically includes:

Case number and filing date
Party names and attorney information
Chronological listing of all documents filed
Hearing dates and outcomes
Judicial rulings and orders
Case status and disposition

Pursuant to Washington Court Rule GR 31, docket information is presumptively public unless the underlying case has been sealed by court order.

Which Courts in Whatcom County Are Not Courts of Record?

In Washington State, "courts of record" are defined by RCW 2.08.030 and RCW 3.30.015 as courts whose proceedings are permanently recorded, with the ability to issue writs and whose decisions may be appealed to higher courts. Courts not of record typically handle less serious matters and maintain simplified procedures.

Courts Not of Record in Whatcom County:

Small Claims Court (division of District Court)
Traffic Infractions Division (administrative hearings)
Parking Adjudication Hearings

These courts share several distinguishing characteristics:

Proceedings are not transcribed by court reporters
Audio recordings may be maintained but are not official transcripts
Informal rules of procedure and evidence often apply
Representation by attorneys is limited or discouraged
Appeals from these courts typically result in de novo trials (completely new proceedings) rather than reviews of the record

Small Claims Court:

Small Claims Court operates as a division of Whatcom County District Court, handling civil disputes with claims up to $10,000. Key features include:

Simplified procedures designed for self-represented litigants
No formal discovery process
Limited appeal rights
Prohibition on attorney representation during hearings
Informal presentation of evidence

Traffic Infractions Division:

Traffic infractions are processed through administrative hearings that:

Handle non-criminal traffic violations
Maintain simplified procedures
Allow contested hearings before a judicial officer
Permit written statements in lieu of appearances
Provide limited appeal rights to superior court

Appeals from courts not of record proceed to Whatcom County Superior Court for de novo review, meaning the case is heard anew rather than reviewing the proceedings of the lower court. This distinction is established by RCW 3.66.110 governing appeals from courts of limited jurisdiction.