Title: Washington Sample Letter for Request to Issue Summons by Publication Introduction: In the state of Washington, when a defendant cannot be located, served, or is avoiding service of process, it may be necessary to request the court to issue a summons by publication. This method allows notification to be published in a local newspaper as an alternative means of serving the defendant. To initiate this process, a sample letter of request is typically submitted to the court. This article will provide a detailed description of what the Washington Sample Letter for Request to Issue Summons by Publication entails, including its purpose, structure, and essential information. Types of Washington Sample Letter for Request to Issue Summons by Publication: 1. General Sample Letter for Request to Issue Summons by Publication: This type of letter is used when a plaintiff cannot locate and serve the defendant using traditional methods. It includes standard content and language required to request the court's permission to proceed with a summons by publication. 2. Sample Letter for Request to Issue Summons by Publication for Divorce Proceedings: In specific divorce cases where the whereabouts of the defendant (spouse) are unknown or their consent for divorce cannot be obtained, this variation of the letter is utilized. It contains additional details relevant to divorce procedures and may be required for dissolution of marriage cases. Structure of a Washington Sample Letter for Request to Issue Summons by Publication: 1. Court Heading: The letter must begin with the heading containing the court's name, address, and contact information. It should be placed in the top left corner of the page. 2. Caption: Next, the letter includes the appropriate caption, typically corresponding to the case name, court division, and case number, to identify the specific legal matter. 3. Salutation: The salutation should be respectful and address the appropriate court personnel, typically a judge, court clerk, or assigned magistrate, depending on local rules. 4. Introduction and Background: This section should provide a concise overview of the case, describing the attempts made to locate and serve the defendant by traditional means. It is important to include specific dates, methods employed, and any supporting documentation. 5. Request for Summons by Publication: This is the core part of the letter, clearly articulating the request for the court to allow service of process through publication. Mention that it is being sought as an alternative due to unsuccessful previous attempts and outline the compelling reasons for utilizing this method. 6. Certification Declaration: The letter should include a sworn declaration or certification verifying the accuracy and truthfulness of the information provided. This can typically be done by appending a notarized affidavit or a statement under penalty of perjury. 7. Proposed Order: To expedite the process, include a suggested order for the court's convenience. This order will grant the request upon the judge's review and approval. 8. Conclusion: Close the letter by expressing gratitude for the court's consideration and provide the contact information of the attorney or plaintiff submitting the request if further information is required. 9. Signature and Date: The letter should be signed by the individual submitting the request, followed by their printed name and the date of submission. By adhering to the guidelines and utilizing the provided templates, one can effectively draft a Washington Sample Letter for Request to Issue Summons by Publication that aligns with the specific requirements of the state's legal system and facilitate the progress of legal proceedings.