How do I know if my case is eligible for small claims court?
In Washington, your case is eligible for small claims court if it meets certain requirements. First, you must be seeking money damages of $10,000 or less. This includes any debt or injury-related costs, like medical or repair bills. Second, if you are filing an eviction case, the amount you are seeking must be $5,000 or less. If you are filing a case against your landlord for damages to your belongings or property, the amount you are seeking must be $2,000 or less. Third, if you are filing a case against the government, the amount you are seeking must be $5,000 or less. Fourth, both parties involved in the dispute must live or have a business in Washington, or both parties must have agreed to solve the dispute in a Washington small claims court. Finally, if the person or business you are suing is located in another state, your case might not be eligible for a Washington small claims court. You will need to research the small claims court rules in the state where the person or business is located. In summary, if you are seeking money damages of $10,000 or less, you are filing an eviction case of $5,000 or less, filing a case against the government of $5,000 or less, or both parties are located in Washington, your case is most likely eligible for a Washington small claims court.
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