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Find Court House Records
Records found at the county courthouse records can provide you with a great deal of background information and most of the records available are open to anyone who requests them. Some of the information that can usually be found at the county level includes:

• Business records and license information
• Property records
• Police records
• Criminal records
• Civil records including small claims
• Tax records
• Probate records
• Traffic records
• Auto tag registrations
• Voter registration

Depending on the state, many of these county court records can also be found at a state level as well. It is always best when possible to start at a state level (state district court) and then work your way down to the county level. Whatever method you use, remember that if your target has lived in different counties, you'll need to check each county record separately.

If you are unsure of how to go about searching for county records at the county courthouse, ask the court clerk or other staff for assistance. Address and contact information for the various county courthouses within each state can be found in the 'Information Sources' and 'Online Information Sources' sections of Net Detective.

Major Washington courts that have kept records of genealogical value were established as follows:
Probate courts were the primary courts for probate matters until 1891, when this responsibility was assumed by the superior courts. In some areas, the probate court had concurrent civil and criminal jurisdiction with the district courts.
Superior courts have had countywide jurisdiction over criminal cases and major civil cases,juvenile matters, and probate matters.
District courts have districtwide jurisdiction with the superior courts over misdemeanors, preliminary hearings for felony cases, and minor civil cases.
Supreme Court has statewide appellate jurisdiction.
The Family History Library does not have copies of Washington court records. They are available at the county courthouses, or some courts have transferred their records to the Washington State Archives.

Find comprehensive, up-to-date information for state and county vital records offices in the U.S. Get addresses, phone numbers, fee information and types of records available at each office. You'll also find related links which lead to other local and vital record information.