Washington Small Claims

Washington’s small claims procedure is a simplified and affordable method for settling minor civil disputes. Different rules are set by each state regarding the small claims process. Washington’s framework helps consumers, tenants, landlords, tradesmen, and small businesses recover debts or claim certain amounts without hiring an attorney.

In Washington, the small claims court is a subdivision of the District Court. It is governed primarily by RCW 12.40 and court rules from the Washington Courts.

What Is a Small Claims Court in Washington?

Small claims are used to recover money, not injunctions or orders to return specific property. Typical disputes include unpaid loans or invoices, security deposit issues, contract/workmanship claims, NSF check claims, and minor property damages. Except in rare cases, litigants do not need attorney representation. Small claims courts resolve disputes between individuals and businesses and are conducted by judges.

In Washington, suing the state in small claims court isn’t allowed, as those courts lack the legal authority to handle claims against government entities. This is because Small Claims Courts settle private disputes only.

Small Claims Court Limits in Washington

Individuals may pay up to $10,000 in the small claims court, while the court sets a jurisdictional limit of $5,000 for businesses and other entities.The case is typically filed where the defendant resides in the District Court.

Also, it may be filed where the incident occurred.Grant County in Washington follows these rules, as residents typically adhere to local court rules.Attorneys or authorized legal assistants may only represent litigants upon approval by the judge.

Likewise, businesses and organizations may only seek legal counsel unless a statutory exception applies. Individuals may only sue businesses and a person, but not the state. This is because the small claims court does not have the jurisdictional authority to sue the state of Washington.

How to File a Small Claims Case in Washington

Individuals who are filing a small claims case in Washington may follow these steps to navigate the process:

1) Prepare and file the claim.

Individuals may begin the small claims process by submitting a Notice of Small Claim form from the District Court Clerk (forms are also available on the Washington Courts Statewide Forms Page).

Although filing methods vary by county, some counties allow e-filing; the King’s County District Court accepts in-person requests, mail, and electronic filings. The base filing fee for Kings County includes a $50 fee, which individuals are required to pay before they begin the process.

2) Service of process. Once you receive a hearing or return date, you are required to serve the defendant with the Notice of Small Claims. The rules of the Washington Courts permit the plaintiff a period of 10 days to complete the process of serving the defendant. The service may be carried out by a non-party adult, sheriff/constable, or via other methods as permitted by law. The defendant may file counterclaims against the plaintiff (assert their own claims against the plaintiff) after paying the required fee.

3) Lawyers and evidence. In Washington, individuals are allowed to represent themselves without involving an attorney unless permitted by law. Lady guns may present their own case by bringing along labeled and organized documents to support their case. These include exhibits such as contracts, invoices, texts/emails, testimonies, and repair estimates. Judges may question a witness to investigate an incident to ensure fair outcomes.

4) Special local practices. Although procedures and fees vary by county. In Pierce County, small claims matters are first sent to mediation (only between parties) before they go to trial. You may check your county’s court website for filing fees and requirements.

Small Claims Court in Major Washington Locations

Washington residents may visit these court locations when filing a small claims case in the state:

• King County District Court (Seattle). It offers clear filing instructions (in person, by mail, or e-filing). Interested parties may verify the amount of claims (between $5,000 and $10,000) from the District Court Clerk's website. The public may find records related to small claims cases on the Case Access portal. Interested parties may also find dockets, hearing dates, and judgment information in the KCDC.
• Clark County District Court (Vancouver). Individuals may visit the court’s local website to confirm the small claims limits. They may also find information regarding the current filing fees and the rules related to filing a small claims case on this website (the court strictly allows self-representation).
• Kitsap County District Court (Port Orchard). The county guidelines follow the Washington State laws (RCW 12.40.010) with setting limits at $10,000 for individuals and $5,000 for businesses.

Before you file a small claims case, you may verify the appropriate courthouse, operating hours, and whether e-filing is available with your county District Court.

What to Expect at a Small Claims Hearing in Washington

In Washington, hearings are informal and conducted as bench trials. In the order of presentation, the plaintiff is required to present their case first, followed by the defendant. If you serve the defendant with a notice and they fail to appear, the court may enter a default judgment against them.

On the other hand, the plaintiff is required to provide evidence to support the amounts claimed. Jury trials are not important in small claims cases, and no lawyer may represent a litigant unless the court grants special permission. Local court websites often recommend that parties submit originals or copies of supporting documents and organize exhibits for fair judgment.

Appeals

Either party may appeal to the Superior Court, but certain limits apply. If the amount that was claimed was under $250, the party that filed a claim or counterclaim may only do so if the amount exceeds $1,000.

In the appeal process, appellants are required to follow the rules laid out in RCW 12.36 and complete the steps (file a notice of appeal, pay required fees, and post an appeal bond) within 30 days of the judgment. During the appeal process, cases are handled “trial de novo upon the record”; the Superior Court reviews the electronic record from the District Court but does not accept new evidence.

How to Search for Small Claims Records in Washington

In Washington, the public may access small claims records via statewide lookup tools and county portals:

1. Washington Courts: The District and Municipal Court Case Search pageallows you to find jurisdictional cases (infractions, misdemeanors, and small claims). The public may find upcoming court dates using the “Find My court date tool” on the statewide portal.

Requesters may also find how to obtain an official record from the filing court on the website. Certain information is available to the public, including case number, parties, register of actions, and dispositions (the availability of document images may vary).

1. County portals: King County District Court provides an e-Filing and Case Access portal where you may view hearing dates, judgments, and an index of filed documents. Several other counties maintain a portal where the public may search. To request physical or certified copies, you may contact the District Court Clerk where the case was filed.

Open vs. sealed records. Small claims records are typically public in Washington. Contrary to this, sensitive and confidential records are inaccessible to the public. Individuals may request official documentation for enforcement purposes, such as garnishments and execution of judgment. This may be obtained via certified copies from the court clerk.