Tenants' rights

Court Forms & Procedure

Other House Problems

For court forms, choose the Court Forms & Procedures tab below

How do I ask to seal a court record?

Read this to learn how to ask to seal a court record and to get the forms you need. To “seal” a court record means that it becomes private and generally not accessible to the public. The process for sealing a record is sometimes also called “GR-15” or General Rule 15. #9934EN

How do I find the things I need to participate in my court case?

You may need some things to be able to participate in your court case. Having access to these things may make it more likely that outcome will be closer to what you want. This is true whether you have an attorney or if you are not represented. #9970EN

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

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

How do I find the things I need to participate in my court case?

You may need some things to be able to participate in your court case. Having access to these things may make it more likely that outcome will be closer to what you want. This is true whether you have an attorney or if you are not represented. #9970EN

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

Subpoenaing witnesses and documents

Read this if you're going to a hearing or trial where you'll be giving evidence and you need to make sure that a witness shows up or brings documents or other items. #9930EN

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

How do I ask to seal a court record?

Read this to learn how to ask to seal a court record and to get the forms you need. To “seal” a court record means that it becomes private and generally not accessible to the public. The process for sealing a record is sometimes also called “GR-15” or General Rule 15. #9934EN

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

Motion to Vacate Judgment / Order in a Civil Case

To use in limited situations to ask a court to cancel a previous order issued against you in a non-criminal case. #9936EN

Subpoenaing witnesses and documents

Read this if you're going to a hearing or trial where you'll be giving evidence and you need to make sure that a witness shows up or brings documents or other items. #9930EN

How do I find the things I need to participate in my court case?

You may need some things to be able to participate in your court case. Having access to these things may make it more likely that outcome will be closer to what you want. This is true whether you have an attorney or if you are not represented. #9970EN

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

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

Back to top