Does a Washington Small Claims Judgment Expire?
A small claims judgment in Washington stays enforceable for 10 years from entry. Renewal under RCW 6.17.020 must be filed in the 90 days before the original 10-year period expires.
State: Washington
Washington-specific procedural guides for small claims, traffic, landlord-tenant, and other legal procedures.
Writ of Execution: Bank Levies on a Washington Small Claims Judgment
How a Washington small claims judgment creditor uses a writ of garnishment against a bank or a writ of execution against personal property to collect, and what the debtor’s automatic exemptions protect under RCW 6.15.010.
Wage Garnishment After a Washington Small Claims Judgment
How a Washington small claims judgment creditor uses a writ of garnishment to reach a debtor’s wages: the writ procedure, the 60-day continuing lien, and the statutory exemptions under RCW 6.27.
Collecting a Washington Small Claims Judgment
Winning is the easy part. This article walks through how a Washington small claims judgment becomes enforceable, how garnishment and execution work through the district court, and how to record the judgment in superior court for a real-estate lien.
What It Takes to Appeal a Washington Small Claims Judgment
Washington requires a 30-day notice of appeal, the superior court filing fee, and a bond worth twice the judgment. Amount-based limits in RCW 12.40.120 block some appeals before the procedure begins.
When You Can’t Find the Defendant in Washington Small Claims
Washington small claims authorizes only two service methods: personal service and signed certified mail. When the defendant cannot be located, plaintiffs document search efforts and either request a continuance or dismiss without prejudice and refile after the address turns up.
Proof of Service in a Washington Small Claims Case
After a Washington small claims defendant is served, the plaintiff files written proof that documents who served, when, where, and how. This article covers what the proof must contain, when it has to be in the court file, and what happens if it is missing.
Three Ways to Deliver a Washington Small Claims Notice
Washington law permits three methods for serving a small claims notice: sheriff delivery, in-person service by a non-party adult, or certified mail with a return receipt signed by the defendant.
The 10-Day Rule: Serving a Washington Small Claims Defendant
Service rules for a Washington small claims notice of claim: the two methods allowed under RCW 12.40.040, the 10-day deadline, and how to file proof.
Standing Before the Judge: Washington Small Claims Courtroom Etiquette
What to wear, when to arrive, how to address the judge, and how parties present evidence at a Washington small claims hearing in district court.
Can You Subpoena a Witness in a Washington Small Claims Case?
Most Washington small claims hearings don’t require subpoenas, but when a witness won’t appear voluntarily, CRLJ 45 lets the district court clerk issue one. This article covers when to use a subpoena, how to issue one, what to pay the witness, and how to serve it.
Admissible Evidence in a Washington Small Claims Hearing
What documents, photographs, and witnesses Washington district court judges admit in a small claims hearing under the informal evidence standard, and what they will still exclude.