Are there any special rules or procedures I need to know when filing a claim in small claims court?

When filing a claim in Small Claims Court in Washington, there are certain rules and procedures that must be followed. To begin, the person filing the claim will need to complete and submit the appropriate paperwork to the court. This paperwork is available at the courthouse or on the court’s website. Once the paperwork is submitted, the court will notify the defendant of the claim and give them an opportunity to respond. Next, both parties will be required to attend a mandatory settlement conference. This is a meeting with a neutral mediator who will attempt to help both parties come to an agreement. If an agreement is not reached, the case will be heard in court. Both parties are expected to present evidence and testimony in support of their case. In addition to the rules and procedures that apply to all small claims court cases in Washington, there may be specific rules for certain types of claims. For example, landlord/tenant disputes may have their own set of rules or require specialized forms. For this reason, it is important to research the specific rules and procedures that apply to your type of claim before filing.

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Are there any special rules or procedures I need to know when filing a claim in small claims court?

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