How do I locate a defendant in a small claims court case?

In Washington State, it is important to locate the defendant in a small claims court case so that they can be served with a copy of the complaint and can appear in court to answer to the allegations of the case. There are several ways to locate a defendant in small claims court. First, you can try to contact the defendant directly. You can look up the defendant’s contact information online, or you can go to the courthouse and check public records for the defendant’s address. If the defendant’s contact information is not available, you can ask a state agency or other third party that might have the defendant’s contact information. For example, if the defendant is employed, you can contact the company’s human resources department to find out the defendant’s contact information. Finally, if all else fails, you can file a Motion for Alternative Service. This type of motion allows you to serve the defendant by other methods such as posting a notice of the proceedings in a public place. The defendant must then file a response to the complaint within the required time frame. It is important to serve the defendant so that they can appear in court and have an opportunity to respond to the allegations of the case. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure that you’re able to properly serve the defendant.

Related FAQs

Can I request a trial by written declaration in small claims court?
How do I collect a small claims court judgment from a business?
How much does it cost to appeal a small claims court decision?
What is small claims court?
How do I file a claim in small claims court?
Can I settle my small claims court dispute without going to trial?
What is the maximum claim amount in small claims court?
How long does it take to pursue a claim in small claims court?
Can I introduce new evidence in a small claims court hearing after it has started?
How do I locate a defendant in a small claims court case?

How do I locate a defendant in a small claims court case?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts