How do I request a stay of proceedings in small claims court?

If you have filed a claim in small claims court in Washington and would like to ask the court to stop proceedings on that case, you can request a "stay of proceedings" from the court. You must first file an "Order to Stay Proceedings" form with the court. You can obtain the form from the court clerk. In the form, you will need to provide details about why you are requesting the stay. Depending on the specifics of your case, reasons for a stay of proceedings could include a pending settlement agreement, the need to resolve a complex legal issue which could not be decided in small claims court, or a situation where the defendant is in bankruptcy or has died. Once you have completed the form, you may have to pay a fee to the court. You should also keep in mind that the stay of proceedings does not always mean that your case will be dismissed automatically. The court may still decide to proceed with the claim. Once the form is filed with the court, the clerk will set a hearing date where the judge will consider your motion. At the hearing, you will need to present your argument for the stay. The judge will then make a decision. If the court grants your motion, the case will be stayed until further notice. If the court denies the motion, the clerk will provide you with a written order informing you of the decision.

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