Can I request attorney fees in a small claims court case?
Yes, in Washington, a party in a small claims court case can request attorney fees. However, in most cases, the court will not award attorney fees, since small claims courts deal with cases involving small amounts of money, usually less than $7,500. In order to ask for attorney fees in small claims court, you must meet certain conditions. Your claim must be related to a contract you signed, or it must be related to a tort. Additionally, it must involve an amount of money that is greater than $4,000. You should also include the fee in your complaint, or in a motion or counterclaim. If you are awarded attorney fees, the court will specify the amount of fees that you can collect. Finally, the court must agree that the attorney fees are reasonable in relation to the amount of money at stake in your case. The court may reduce the amount if they decide that your fees are too high. If you wish to request attorney fees in a small claims court case, it is important that you consult with a lawyer who is familiar with the small claims process so you can ensure that your request is done correctly.
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