Any individual may file a small claims suit. Small claims filed by a “natural person” (a human individual) are limited to no more than $10,000. Small claims filed by anyone other than a “natural person” (may be a business, partnership, or corporation in many cases) are limited to no more than $5,000.
Go to the district court in the district where the other person lives or where the business you are suing does business. You can check online at courts.wa/court_dir to find the district court location. The district court clerk can tell you if an address is within the court's boundaries.
A motion must include: A statement of the name and designation of the person filing the motion, A statement of the relief sought, Reference to or copies of parts of the record relative to the motion, A statement of the grounds for the relief sought, with argument.
Under Washington's civil statute of limitation laws, personal injury claims have a three-year limit for filing, as do fraud, injury to property, and trespassing. Debt collection has a six-year limit. Statutes of limitations aren't suggestions. They are mandatory time limits that the state imposes on most lawsuits.
Obtain the correct forms (if they exist) on-line or from the Clerk. The first forms you fill out (in ink or typed--no pencils) are a “Petition” and “Summons” for a family law case or else a “Complaint” and “Summons” for a civil case. Filing these forms and serving them on the defendant/respondent starts your case.
(e) Answer and Reply to Motion. A person with a recognized interest in the subject matter of the motion may submit a written answer to the motion. Unless the court directs otherwise, any answer must be filed and served no later than ten (10) days after the motion is served on the answering party.
If someone has established residency, you cannot just kick them out. Law enforcement may allow a person who has established residency to break and enter. You must have a court order to remove people who have established residency. You might be able to get a protection order, if applicable.
Either party, after the notice of trial, whether given by either party, may bring the issue to trial, and in the absence of the adverse party, unless the court for good cause otherwise directs, may proceed with the case, and take a dismissal of the action, or a verdict or judgment, as the case may require.
Many Washington State courts have a public access terminal in the courthouse where you can view JIS public record case information such as an index of filed cases and a list of documents filed in each case. Contact your local court to see if they have a public access terminal.