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Washington Small Claims Court Limits
Washington small claims limit is $10,000 for individuals (natural persons) and $5,000 for businesses and other entities.
Court Name: Small Claims Court (District Court)
Official Website: https://www.courts.wa.gov/newsinfo/resources/?fa=newsinfo_jury.scc&altMenu=smal
Filing Fees in Washington
Filing fees vary based on the amount you're claiming:
| Claim Amount | Filing Fee |
|---|---|
| Typical Range | $35-75 |
Filing fees vary by county and claim amount. Fee waivers available.
Serving the Defendant
Service must be completed at least 10 days before the hearing date (20 days for out-of-state service).
Allowed Service Methods:
- Personal service by sheriff
- Certified mail with return receipt
- Process server
Important: You must serve the defendant at least 10 days before the hearing date.
What to Expect at Your Hearing
After filing, you'll typically wait 30-60 days for your hearing date.
No Lawyers Required: Attorneys are NOT allowed in Washington small claims court. Parties must represent themselves.
Appeals
Either party may appeal to Superior Court within 30 days.
Washington Statute of Limitations
You must file your lawsuit within these time limits from when the dispute occurred:
| Type of Claim | Time Limit |
|---|---|
| Written Contract | years |
| Oral Contract | years |
| Property Damage | years |
| Personal Injury | years |
Do I Need a Demand Letter Before Filing?
Sending a demand letter is recommended to show you attempted resolution before filing.
Create Your Free Demand Letter
Before going to court, try sending a demand letter. It's free, takes 5 minutes, and often resolves disputes without filing.
Create Free Demand LetterFrequently Asked Questions
What is the small claims court limit in Washington?
Washington small claims limit is $10,000 for individuals and $5,000 for businesses and other entities.
Can I have a lawyer in Washington small claims court?
No. Attorneys are not permitted in Washington small claims court. All parties must represent themselves.
How long do I have to sue for breach of contract in Washington?
In Washington, you have 6 years for written contracts and 3 years for oral contracts from the date of breach.
How do I appeal a Washington small claims judgment?
Either party may appeal to Superior Court within 30 days of the judgment.
More Resources: All State Guides | Demand Letter Templates | Statute of Limitations Lookup