How do I add a defendant to a small claims court case?
In Washington State, you must add a defendant to a Small Claims Court case by filing a Motion for Substitution of Party with the court. This Motion must be filed with the court and served upon both parties. The Motion must provide sufficient details as to why the defendant needs to be added to the case, and it must also give a detailed description of the defendant (full name, address, etc.). In the Motion, you must state that you are the plaintiff in the case and that a judgment was previously issued against the original defendant. You must then provide evidence to demonstrate that the defendant you are adding to the case is the same person or entity that was originally named in the judgment. Once a Motion for Substitution of Party is filed with the court, a hearing may be scheduled by the Court. During the hearing, both parties will have the opportunity to present evidence. The Court will then make a determination on whether to include the defendant in the case. If the Court approves the Motion for Substitution of Party, an amended summons and complaint will be issued. This document will contain details about the additional defendant and will be served to both parties. Once this is completed, the additional defendant is officially added to the case.
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