Washington LawHelp

Get Started (2)+

• How do I Sue in Small Claims Court?

  In Small Claims Court, you can sue for up to $10,000. This is meant to be a quick, cheap way to resolve a dispute you could not otherwise settle. It is not complicated. Lawyers generally cannot take part. There are no juries, motions or objections. There is only a small charge for filing a lawsuit. You can get a trial date much sooner than in other courts. Most trials last about 20 minutes. #9940EN Read More

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project

  Read this in:

  Spanish / Español

• I need to respond to an eviction lawsuit as soon as possible

  If you got legal papers from your landlord called a Summons and Complaint for Unlawful Detainer, read this and try to talk to a lawyer right away. #6309EN Read More

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project

Get Ready for Court (2)+

• How to Format Court Documents

  When you give documents to a Washington state court, it is important to format the documents correctly. This document outlines the rules you must follow. #9938EN Read More

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project

• How to Protect Your Privacy in Court Files

  Explains statewide court rules that protect personal information in court files and includes forms that you can use in your family law case. Content Detail

  By:

  Legal Voice

I Need a Court Interpreter (1)+

• Interpreters for People with Limited English Proficiency

  Read this if you live in Washington, English is not your first language and you have trouble speaking or understanding English easily. Help may be available. #8902EN Read More

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project

  Read this in:

  Spanish / Español

  Vietnamese / Tiếng Việt

  Chinese (Traditional) / 中文

Court Forms - listed alphabetically (3)+

• How do I Sue in Small Claims Court?

  In Small Claims Court, you can sue for up to $10,000. This is meant to be a quick, cheap way to resolve a dispute you could not otherwise settle. It is not complicated. Lawyers generally cannot take part. There are no juries, motions or objections. There is only a small charge for filing a lawsuit. You can get a trial date much sooner than in other courts. Most trials last about 20 minutes. #9940EN Read More

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project

  Read this in:

  Spanish / Español

• Motion to Vacate Judgment/Order [CR 60]

  A Motion to Vacate is a request to the court to withdraw a previous order or judgment it entered. It has to be based on one of the specific reasons set forth in Civil Rule 60. A Motion to Vacate may be filed in Superior Court or in a court of limited jurisdiction such as district court. #9936EN Read More

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project

• Subpoenaing Witnesses and Documents

  If you are going to a hearing or trial where you will be giving evidence AND you need to make sure that a witness shows up or that someone brings documents or other items, you can have the person served with a subpoena issued by the court clerk. Publication #9930EN Read More

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project

Court Information - listed alphabetically (5)+

• Mediation: Should I Use It?

  Mediation is an informal way to resolve disputes without going to court. The parties attempt to negotiate a mutually agreeable settlement with the help of a neutral mediator. Mediation can be used in many types of disputes. #3226EN Read More

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project

  Read this in:

  Spanish / Español

  Russian / Pусский

• Video - Myths and Misperceptions About the Washington Courts

  A video from Washington's judicial branch challenges some mistaken ideas about how courts work by using real person-on-the-street interviews and responses from judges and justices. Read More

  By:

  Washington Courts

• Video - Your Day in Court: How to Make Sure Your Voice is Heard in King County

  A short video and manual covering the basics of representing yourself in court. Read More

  By:

  King County Superior Court

• Washington Court Rules

  State and local court rules for Washington. Content Detail

  By:

  Administrative Office of the Courts

• What are Working Copies?

  When you “file” documents with a court, you give the court documents for processing. Often you also need to give a court “working copies” of the same documents. The judge or commissioner will use these extra copies to prepare for your case. That way the court does not need to make copies itself. #9952EN Read More

  By:

  Northwest Justice Project

Legal Research (3)+

• Revised Code of Washington (RCW)

  Searchable text of Washington laws: the Revised Code of Washington (RCW). Content Detail

  By:

  Washington State Legislature

• Washington Administrative Code (WAC)

  Regulations of executive branch agencies are issued by authority of statutes. Like legislation and the Constitution, regulations are a source of primary law in Washington State. The WAC codifies the regulations and arranges them by subject or agency. Content Detail

  By:

  Washington State Legislature

• Washington State Supreme Court Opinions

  Searchable database of Washington Supreme and Appellate court decisions. Content Detail

  By:

  Administrative Office of the Courts

Working with a Lawyer (1)+

• Working with a Lawyer

  This memo will help you learn how to find a lawyer and how to work effectively with one. #9946EN Content Detail

  By:

  Legal Voice

  Read this in:

  Spanish / Español

  Russian / Pусский