SMALL CLAIMS
The State of Washington’s small claims process is a low-cost way to settle small legal disputes. The time limit for a small claim is up to ten years.
Any individual, business or most corporations can have a small claims suit brought against them. These cases can include damages from an automobile accident, disputes regarding contract labor or pay, purchases of goods or any other dispute if the damages are $5,000 or less.
In a small claim case, an attorneys and paralegals are excluded from participating. You will need to check with your local county clerk to determine where you need to file the claim. Normally the claim must be filed in the district court of the county in which the defendant resides. It doesn’t matter if you are in Seattle, South King County, Peirce County, Snohomish County or any other county this same form can be used.
The fees for filing can range between $14 and $29 depending on the court you file in. There will be additional fees for having the person/business served. If you win the can you will be entitled to recover these costs.