Superior Court
Benton County WA Superior Court provides court services for civil, criminal, family, juvenile, probate, and other legal matters handled through the Benton & Franklin Counties Superior Court system. This page explains how the court operates, where to find schedules and procedures, how to access hearings and records, what services are available for self-represented individuals, and how to contact the appropriate court office.
Superior Court Services
The Benton & Franklin Counties Superior Court works to adjudicate cases in a manner that is timely, fair, impartial, and respectful of individual rights. The court provides access to judicial services while maintaining procedures designed to support public access, court efficiency, and accountability.
The Benton County Superior Court page provides access to daily schedules, court administration information, processes and procedures, jury information, local rules, forms, interpreter requests, ADA accommodation information, self-representation resources, and other court services.
Superior Court services include matters such as:
Civil cases and civil motions
Criminal proceedings
Family law matters
Juvenile justice cases
Probate and guardianship matters
Adult Drug Court services
Protection orders and other special proceedings
Court Locations and Hours
The Superior Court serves Benton and Franklin Counties. Public court proceedings may be held at locations including the Benton County Justice Center, Benton County Courthouse, and Franklin County Courthouse.
Court Administration operates Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Court hours are Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., although times may vary depending on court needs.
Daily Schedules and Dockets
Court schedules help parties, attorneys, and members of the public determine when hearings and proceedings are scheduled. The court provides daily schedules, weekly docket information, and calendar updates through its official website.
The Superior Court schedules and calendars page includes Benton & Franklin docket information, weekly schedules, special set requests, ex parte information, and holiday schedule information.
Court dockets may change because of holidays, scheduling needs, or courtroom assignments. The court advises users to review current schedules before attending a hearing.
Common Benton County Dockets
Benton County Superior Court schedules include a variety of hearing types. Examples of scheduled proceedings include:
Criminal dockets
Family law hearings
Civil motions
Probate and guardianship hearings
Juvenile proceedings
Ex parte matters
Drug Court proceedings
Online Court Access
The court provides online resources for viewing schedules, accessing information about procedures, and obtaining instructions for participating in court proceedings. Users should verify information directly through official court pages because schedules and requirements may change.
Court records and judicial records are handled differently depending on the type of record requested. Documents filed in court cases are generally available through the appropriate county clerk’s office. Certain electronic case records are available through court systems maintained for public access.
Case Record Requests
Requests for court case records should be directed to the appropriate county clerk based on where the case was filed. Superior Court records are subject to access rules that protect confidential information and other restricted records.
For judicial administrative records, the court provides information about requests under applicable court rules. The judicial records request information page explains the difference between case records, judicial administrative records, and other court-related records.
Court Procedures and Rules
Benton & Franklin Counties Superior Court maintains local rules and procedures that apply to different types of cases. These rules help explain filing requirements, courtroom procedures, case management processes, and required forms.
The Local Rules and Required Forms page provides access to current local court rules, required forms, processes by case type, and related court information.
Processes by Case Type
Court procedures vary depending on the type of case. The court provides separate information for different categories, including:
Administrative matters
Civil cases
Domestic matters
Special proceedings
Civil arbitration
Criminal cases
Juvenile cases
Individuals handling their own cases should review the applicable local rules and required forms before submitting documents or appearing in court.
Remote Hearings with WebEx
Benton & Franklin Counties Superior Court allows certain attorneys and litigants with matters on the docket to appear through WebEx when permitted under court requirements. Public observers may attend hearings in person or through live stream when available.
The WebEx participation information explains appearance requirements, courtroom conduct expectations, and restrictions on remote participation.
WebEx Appearance Rules
Participants must use identifying information when joining a WebEx hearing. Litigants and parties must display their first and last name along with their case number. Attorneys must display their first and last name and identify themselves as an attorney.
Participants may not be admitted if their name does not match the docket, uses nicknames, or lacks required information.
Phone-only access requires advance permission using the court’s request process. Requests generally must be submitted seven calendar days before a hearing, or three calendar days before Civil Protection Orders and Unlawful Detainers.
Hearings Requiring Attendance
Some proceedings require in-person attendance unless the court approves remote participation. These include settlement conferences, evidentiary hearings, trials, special sets, and other matters directed by the court.
Ex Parte Court Process
Ex parte matters follow a specific court process and are not handled through WebEx. Benton County’s ex parte docket begins at 1:30 p.m. each day and concludes at 3:30 p.m.
Requests presented for consideration must be placed in the designated ex parte box in the courtroom before the closing time for the docket. The ex parte process is intended for matters appropriate for that docket and is not a replacement for regular hearings.
The court provides additional details about the procedure, required attestations, and courtroom process on the Ex Parte information page.
Self Representation Resources
Many people appear in court without an attorney. Benton & Franklin Counties Superior Court provides resources for individuals who represent themselves, while requiring self-represented parties to follow applicable court rules and procedures.
The self-representation resources page provides information about available forms, local rules, family law resources, and other materials that may assist people handling their own cases.
Preparing Court Filings
People representing themselves should review the correct forms and procedures for their case type before submitting documents. The court notes that self-represented individuals must be familiar with Benton & Franklin Counties Superior Court Local Rules and use required local forms when applicable.
Interpreter Services
Benton & Franklin Counties Superior Court provides interpreter services to help people with limited English proficiency and individuals who are hearing impaired participate in court proceedings.
Requests for an interpreter should be made as far in advance as practical. Requests should not be submitted less than five business days before a scheduled hearing or proceeding. Trial interpreter requests should be submitted two weeks before the scheduled trial date.
The interpreter request page provides instructions for requesting assistance and additional information about language access services.
ADA Court Accommodations
The court provides reasonable accommodations for individuals with disabilities who need assistance participating fully in court proceedings or activities.
Accommodation requests should generally be made at least five days before a hearing or jury duty date. Individuals requesting accommodations may complete the Request for Accommodation form and submit it according to court instructions.
Requests involving specific cases are filed with the Superior Court Clerk’s Office under a sealed coversheet, with a copy provided to Court Administration. Information containing medical or health details must be filed under seal.
Digital Court Recordings
Benton County Superior Court digital recording requests are handled through the Clerk’s office, while Superior Court Administration manages certain recording systems and completes processing after the request is submitted.
Depending on the date of the recording, users may receive an FTR Recording or a JAVS recording. FTR recordings are provided through a secure access link, while JAVS recordings are provided through a OneDrive link with instructions for playback.
Jury Duty Information
Jury service is an important part of the court system. Benton County Superior Court provides jury information and directs questions about jury summons matters to the Superior Court Clerk’s Office.
The court provides jury resources, including information for Benton County jurors and Franklin County jurors.
Superior Court Offices
Benton & Franklin Counties Superior Court — 620 Market Street, Prosser, Washington 99350 — 509-786-5710
Superior Court Administration — 620 Market Street, Prosser, Washington 99350 — 509-786-5710
Benton County Superior Court Clerk's Office — 620 Market Street, Prosser, Washington 99350 — 509-735-8388
Court Administration Staff — 620 Market Street, Prosser, Washington 99350 — 509-736-3071
Superior Court FAQs
How can I check Benton County Superior Court schedules?
You can review current court schedules, daily updates, and docket information through the official Benton County Superior Court schedules and calendars page. Users should check the latest schedule before attending because courtroom assignments, hearing times, and docket details may change. The court provides information for matters such as civil hearings, criminal proceedings, family law calendars, probate matters, protection orders, and other scheduled proceedings.
Where can I find Benton County court rules and required forms?
People preparing filings or appearing without an attorney should review the current local requirements before submitting documents. The court provides local rules and required forms organized by case type, including civil, domestic, special proceedings, arbitration, criminal, and juvenile matters. These materials explain applicable procedures and help users identify the forms required for specific court actions.
Can I attend a Benton County Superior Court hearing remotely?
Some attorneys and parties with scheduled matters may appear through WebEx when allowed by court requirements. Participants must use accurate identifying information, including their name and case number when required. The court also provides WebEx appearance instructions with participation rules, remote access requirements, and information about hearings that require in-person attendance.
How do I request help with court accessibility or language services?
Benton County Superior Court provides interpreter services for individuals who need language assistance and accommodations for people with disabilities. Interpreter requests should be made as early as possible and generally no later than five business days before a scheduled hearing. Accommodation requests should also be submitted in advance so the court can review the request and arrange appropriate assistance.
How do I access court records or case information?
Case records and judicial administrative records follow different request procedures. Documents filed in court cases are generally handled through the appropriate county clerk, while judicial administrative records may follow separate request rules. The court provides guidance for users seeking information through its official judicial records request information page.