Standing Before the Judge: Washington Small Claims Courtroom Etiquette

This is one of the procedures covered in How Washington Small Claims Courts Work. After a case is filed and the other side has been served, the next concern is what to do once both parties walk into the courtroom. This article describes what to wear, how to address the court, when to speak, how exhibits are presented, and what happens after the judge rules.

The hearing is in person

Small claims trials in Washington are held in person at the district court where the case was filed. King County District Court tells small claims litigants that “small claims litigants are expected to appear in person for all hearings and for trial.”

The plaintiff and the defendant each present their side directly to a judge. RCW 12.40.080 bars attorneys and legal paraprofessionals from appearing for a party without the judge’s permission. The same statute lets the judge “informally consult witnesses or otherwise investigate the controversy.”

Because there is no lawyer to manage procedure, conduct in the courtroom carries more weight than in a typical civil case. The judge is reading both the substance of the dispute and the parties’ behavior to make a “right, just, and equitable” decision under RCW 12.40.080(3).

What to wear and when to arrive

Washington’s district courts do not publish a statewide small claims dress code, but every district courthouse posts standards at its entrance. Clothing that fits a courtroom is clean, covers shoulders and midriff, and avoids slogans, ripped jeans, hats indoors, and sunglasses. Business casual, slacks or a clean pair of jeans with a collared shirt or blouse, fits in any Washington district courtroom.

As of 2026, plan to arrive at least thirty minutes before the docket time. The buffer absorbs the unpredictable parts of the morning:

• Passing through court security, which screens bags and prohibits weapons, pepper spray, and most pocket knives
• Finding the correct courtroom; district courts often run several dockets in different rooms at the same hour
• Checking in with the clerk or bailiff so the case is marked present
• Reviewing exhibits and notes one last time before the case is called

A party who arrives after the case is called risks losing by default. If the plaintiff is absent, the case can be dismissed; if the defendant is absent and service was valid, the judge can enter a default judgment on the plaintiff’s evidence under RCW 12.40.080.

How to address the court

A small claims judge in Washington is a district court judge or, in some counties, a court commissioner. The form of address is the same: “Your Honor” when speaking to the judge, “the Court” when referring to the judge in the third person.

Three patterns hold across every district courtroom:

• Rise when the judge enters or leaves. The bailiff or clerk announces “all rise” and “be seated.” Parties stand for both motions.
• Stand when speaking to the judge, unless told otherwise. Some judges in larger courtrooms direct parties to remain seated. Follow that direction.
• Speak to the judge, not to the other party. Parties answering each other’s points across the courtroom is one of the fastest ways a hearing loses structure. Each statement is directed to the bench.

The other party is referred to by name, “the defendant,” “the plaintiff,” or “Mr./Ms. [last name].” Insults, profanity, and sarcasm directed at the other party can be treated as contempt and routinely cost the speaker credibility before the ruling.

Speaking, presenting evidence, and listening

The hearing is informal under RCW 12.40.090, which states that “the sole object” of small claims is “dispensing speedy and quick justice between the litigants.” That informality is procedural, not behavioral. The judge still controls who speaks and when.

A typical Washington small claims hearing follows this rhythm:

1. The judge calls the case and confirms appearances

   Each party states their name for the record. The judge confirms the plaintiff and defendant are present and that mediation, where required, has been completed. In King County, parties must participate in mediation through the Dispute Resolution Center before a trial is scheduled, per the [King County District Court small claims page](https://kingcounty.gov/en/court/district-court/courts-jails-legal-system/small-claims).

2. The plaintiff presents the claim

   The plaintiff explains what happened, what is owed, and why. Stick to the facts. Hand exhibits, receipts, photos, contracts, text messages, to the bailiff or clerk, who passes them to the judge. Each exhibit needs a duplicate copy for the other party.

3. The defendant responds and presents any counterclaim

   The defendant tells their version and presents their own exhibits. A defendant who has filed a counterclaim presents it at this point.

4. The judge asks questions

   The judge can question either party or any witness. Listen to the full question before answering. “I don’t know” or “I don’t remember” is a complete answer when accurate.

5. The judge announces a ruling or takes the matter under advisement

   Many small claims judgments are announced from the bench. Others are mailed within a few weeks. Either way, the parties remain seated until the judge moves on or directs them to leave.

Witnesses can appear voluntarily. RCW 12.40.080(2) provides that “it shall not be necessary to summon witnesses, but the plaintiff and defendant in any claim shall have the privilege of offering evidence in their behalf by witnesses appearing at trial.” A witness who will not appear voluntarily can be subpoenaed under district court rules. Witnesses wait outside the courtroom until called.

Digital exhibits, photos on a phone, videos, screenshots, must be playable in the courtroom. King County District Court requires parties using digital evidence to bring their own device with an HDMI port and a printed copy for the court. Other counties have their own digital evidence procedures. Confirm requirements with the clerk a week before the hearing.

Common conduct violations

The patterns below come up often enough in Washington district courts that they cost cases. They are not on a posted list, but they are predictable.

• Interrupting the other party or the judge. Even when the other side says something inaccurate, the response goes in your turn, not over their voice. Note the disputed point and address it when the judge gives you the floor.
• Reading a prepared statement word for word. A flat recitation signals that the party is not engaging with the case. A short outline of points is fine; a script read continuously is not.
• Showing the judge documents that have not been shared with the other party. Each exhibit needs a duplicate for the opposing side. Surprise documents can be excluded or held against the offering party.
• Talking to the judge while still angry. A pause to collect a thought is better than a sentence delivered in heat. Judges weigh tone.
• Arguing with the ruling. The time to challenge a ruling is on appeal, not at the bench. Saying “thank you, Your Honor” to a ruling, favorable or not, closes the matter cleanly.

After the judge rules

The judgment is entered on the court’s docket either at the hearing or within a few weeks. Each party receives a copy by mail or through the court’s e-filing portal.

A plaintiff who wins becomes a judgment creditor. The court does not collect the money. Collection on a Washington small claims judgment uses the standard civil tools: garnishment, bank levy, and supplemental proceedings.

Appeal rights are narrow. Under RCW 12.40.120 and the procedures in chapter 12.36 RCW, a party who filed a claim or counterclaim cannot appeal unless the claim was for more than $1,000, and no party can appeal a judgment in which the claim was for less than $250. Appeals from district court small claims are heard in the superior court for the same county, and the appealing party must post a bond equal to twice the judgment plus costs within 30 days of entry.