How long does it take to pursue a claim in small claims court?

In Washington, the amount of time it takes to pursue a claim in small claims court depends upon the complexity of the case. Generally, it can take anywhere from six to eighteen months for a full resolution to be reached. The process for pursuing a claim in small claims court usually begins with filing a statement of claim. This document must be filed with the court, and should include all relevant information about the situation. Once the statement of claim is filed, the court will schedule a hearing. At the hearing, each party will be able to present evidence and make arguments, and the judge will determine the outcome of the case. The amount of time it takes for the hearing to be held depends on a variety of factors, such as the complexity of the dispute and the availability of the court. The judge may also choose to delay the hearing in order to review all evidence and arguments presented. Once the hearing is complete, the court will issue a judgment. This can take anywhere from a few weeks to a few months, depending on the complexity of the case. After the judgment is issued, the court will issue a writ of enforcement, which will direct the losing party to pay the winning party the amount specified in the judgment. Ultimately, the amount of time it takes to pursue a claim in small claims court in Washington can range from six to eighteen months, depending on the particular facts of the case.

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