Washington LawHelp

General Info (7)+

• How do I Sue in Small Claims Court?

  In Small Claims Court, a person may sue for up to $5,000. This court is meant to be a relatively quick, inexpensive way to resolve disputes that you have been unable to settle. The Small Claims Court is not complicated. Lawyers generally cannot participate and there are no juries, motions or objections. There is only a small charge for filing the lawsuit. A trial may be obtained much sooner than in other courts, and most trials are short, lasting about 20 minutes. #9940EN Read More

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project - CLEAR Intake Line

  Read this in:

  Spanish / Español

  Somali / Soomaali

• How to be a Savvy Car Owner

  Tips on how to protect yourself from unnecessary expenses and legal problems from owning a car. #0320EN Read More

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project - CLEAR Intake Line

• If Someone Sues You in Small Claims Court

  Read this if you are being sued in Small Claims Court. It provides tips for trying to resolve your dispute and what to do if you need to appear in court. Read More

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project - CLEAR Intake Line

• Reporting the Sale or Purchase of a Car

  This answers questions about what you can do to protect yourself from being held responsible for the actions of another person after you have sold, transferred or purchased a car. Read More

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project - CLEAR Intake Line

• They Towed My Vehicle

  General information about your rights and responsibilities when your vehicle has been towed. Publication 0312EN. Read More

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project - CLEAR Intake Line

  Read this in:

  Spanish / Español

  Russian / Pусский

• Vehicle Repossession

  Learn about your rights and the rules the creditor must follow when repossessing a car. Read More

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project - CLEAR Intake Line

• What Happens if there is an Accident and I am Uninsured?

  Get answers to questions about Washington's mandatory insurance law and explains the laws that apply if you have an accident while driving without insurance. #0313EN Read More

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project - CLEAR Intake Line

  Read this in:

  Spanish / Español

Buying a Car (5)+

• Buying & Owning a Car

  The FTC has many resources covering buying and owning a car. Watch short 1 minute videos before heading to the dealer to learn what you need to know about car payments, financing and add-ons. Read More

  By:

  Federal Trade Commission

  Read this in:

  Spanish / Español

• Problems Getting Title to My Vehicle

  This explains what to do if you are having problems with getting title to your vehicle. Example: You bought a car from someone who does not have a copy of the car’s title. It covers the Department of Licensing (DOL)’s procedures for getting title in your name. These are usually cheaper and easier to use than filing in court and how you can file in district court asking the judge to award you legal ownership of a vehicle. #0324EN Read More

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project - CLEAR Intake Line

• Tips for Buying a Used Car

  This has tips on how to make sure the car you are buying is in good condition, how to buy a car you can afford, whether you should purchase warranties or other add-ons and how to find out about the car’s history. It also covers what to do after purchasing a car. Read More

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project - CLEAR Intake Line

  Read this in:

  Spanish / Español

• Used Car Purchases: What to do When Your Car Does Not Work Properly

  0314EN - What can you do if your used car breaks down or needs costly repairs soon after purchase from a car dealer? This publication summarizes some state and federal laws that may help. Read More

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project - CLEAR Intake Line

  Read this in:

  Spanish / Español

• Video - Paying Your Car Loan

  This video warns car owners about avoiding businesses that for a fee, promise to lower their monthly car payment, or even help stop the repossession process. Read More

  By:

  Federal Trade Commission

Car Repairs (2)+

• Motor Vehicle Lemon Law

  The Washington State Motor Vehicle "Lemon Law" is designed to help new vehicle owners who have substantial continuing problems with warranty repairs. The law allows the owner to request an arbitration hearing through the Attorney General’s Office. Read More

  By:

  Washington State Attorney General

• Washington’s Auto Repair Act: What are My Rights?

  Washington's Auto Repair Act has a set of standards that auto repair places must follow. This publication briefly summarizes the law. #0323EN Read More

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project - CLEAR Intake Line

Videos (2)+

• Vehicle Repossession

  Learn about your rights and the rules the creditor must follow when repossessing a car. Read More

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project - CLEAR Intake Line

• Video - Paying Your Car Loan

  This video warns car owners about avoiding businesses that for a fee, promise to lower their monthly car payment, or even help stop the repossession process. Read More

  By:

  Federal Trade Commission