Small Claims Court in Spokane County

In Spokane County, WA small claims cases are typically filed in the District Court. Spokane County has one District Courthouse that handles small claims, serving different jurisdictions.

Squabble is here to assist you in navigating the small claims court system and filing a claim with ease. We recognize that not everyone is a legal expert, and our goal is to simplify the process for you. This guide will answer your questions about filing claims in the Spokane Court System.

Small Claims

Small Claims Courts in Washington offer an affordable way to resolve legal disputes involving amounts up to $10,000 for individuals. Anyone—including individuals, businesses, partnerships, and corporations—can file a small claims case to recover money, although individuals can claim up to $10,000, while businesses and other entities have a limit of $5,000.

You generally need to submit your claim in the district court located in the county where the person or entity you're suing lives. For more information and specific guidelines, you can check out RCW 3.66.040.

Keep in mind that you can’t sue the state of Washington in Small Claims Court. Also, it’s important to note that attorneys and paralegals can’t represent or assist you in small claims cases unless the judge allows it.

Getting Started

To start, you'll need to fill out a Notice of Small Claim form from the district court clerk. This form asks for your name and address, a brief sworn statement about your claim (including the amount and date), and the name and address of the defendant if you know it.
Sign the form in front of the clerk unless told otherwise; they'll then schedule a hearing or trial date. While they can assist with forms and provide general info, they can't give legal advice. Also, keep in mind that there are time limits for filing claims, which can range from one to ten years depending on the type of case.

Costs

When you file your small claim, you'll need to pay a $50 filing fee to the court. Additionally, there may be extra fees for having the sheriff or a process server deliver the Notice of Small Claim to the defendant. Alternatively, you can serve the notice via registered or certified mail, ensuring you get a return receipt.

Notifying the Defendant

After you file the Notice, it must be served to the defendant by someone other than yourself—this can be done either in person or by mail.
The server must be at least 18, competent to testify, and not involved in the case, or you can use a sheriff or deputy.
If serving by mail, make sure to use registered or certified mail and file the signed return receipt with the court.
The defendant needs to be served at least ten days before the hearing.
If the defendant wishes to file a counterclaim, they’ll need to pay a fee, submit their claim, and serve you with notice.

Settling Before the Hearing

It’s usually a good idea to settle before the hearing. If you reach an agreement, be sure to inform the court so they can dismiss the case.
If the other party agrees to pay later, request a continuance from the court. If they pay before the new date, ask the court to cancel the hearing; if not, you'll need to proceed with the case.

Preparing for Trial

Whether you’re the plaintiff or defendant, being well-prepared is essential.

Collect all relevant documents, such as papers, photos, receipts, estimates, and checks.
Writing down the facts in order can help you organize your thoughts and present your case clearly.
Attending a small claims court session beforehand is also a smart move to familiarize yourself with the process.

The Hearing

On the day of the hearing, make sure to arrive on time at the assigned courtroom.
When your name is called, go to the counsel table, where the judge will swear in all parties and witnesses.
Some courts may require mediation; if you reach an agreement, ask the court for a "Judgment." You can find sample forms on the State Courts website (www.courts.wa.gov).
During the hearing, remain calm and polite. The judge will first hear from the plaintiff, followed by the defendant, so stick to the facts and be concise.
Answer the judge’s questions honestly—good manners and a calm demeanor can help everything go smoothly and leave a positive impression.

After the Judge Makes a Decision

After both sides present their cases, the judge typically announces the decision immediately and issues a judgment based on that.

Someone Doesn’t Show Up

If the defendant doesn’t show up, the plaintiff wins by default and is awarded the claim amount plus costs, provided there’s proof of service. -
On the other hand, if the plaintiff doesn’t appear, the claim gets dismissed, but they can usually restart the case if they offer a valid reason for missing the hearing.

After the Judgment

Once the judge makes a decision, the court issues a judgment. If the plaintiff wins, the judgment will require the defendant to pay the claim amount, along with any costs and interest.
The clerk will enter this judgment into the court records and provide a certified copy to the winning party at no extra charge.
However, receiving a judgment doesn't ensure payment, as the court won't collect the money for you.
If the defendant doesn’t pay right away, the court may arrange a payment plan.
If they still fail to pay, the judgment amount can increase to cover collection costs.
The winning party can enforce the judgment through methods like wage garnishment or seizing bank accounts or personal property.
Since court clerks can’t offer legal advice, you might need assistance from an attorney or collection agency, with fees potentially covered by the debtor.

If You Lose

You can appeal the judgment unless:

The original claim was less than $250.
You brought a claim or counterclaim and the amount was $1,000 or less.

To appeal:

File a Notice of Appeal with the district court within 30 days.
Serve a copy of the Notice on the other parties.
Pay a $20 transcript fee to the district court.
Deposit a $230 superior court filing fee and a $40 appeal processing fee with the district court.
Post a bond equal to twice the judgment amount or twice the amount in controversy, whichever is greater.
Once the appeal and bond are transferred to superior court, request to suspend the district court judgment until the appeal is heard.
The district court will send the court record to the superior court within 14 days of filing the Notice of Appeal, and all further proceedings will occur in the superior court.

Courthouse Location:

Spokane Civil & Small Claims Office

Physical Address:
Broadway Center Building, Flr2
721 N Jefferson Street
Spokane, WA 99260
https://www.spokanecounty.org/2847/Civil-and-Small-Claims-Cases

BUILDING HOURS

Monday – Friday 8:30 a.m. – noon and 1:00 pm - 5:00 pm., except court holiday

Mailing Address:
Spokane County District Court
721 N Jefferson Street
Spokane, WA 99210-2352
(509) 477-4770, ext. 8

Let Squabble Help You With Your Small Claim at Spokane County

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