Cowlitz County Superior Court
Court-Level Rules, Filing Procedures & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Limits & Logistics
Document Limits
Courtesy Copies
Courtesy copies
- 1 copy
Motion, Reply
- 1 copy
Pleading
- 1 copy
Proposed Order
- 1 copy • Not Less Than 7 Days Before Docket Decision Date
- At the Same Time as Proposed Orders
Adjournments
- The parties may stipulate in writing to strike a mandatory settlement conference; absent a stipulation, a motion and affidavit must be heard by a judicial officer at least seven calendar days before the conference and good cause must be shown; fees and costs may be ordered, and the stipulation or granted order must be provided to Court Administration within one day with a prompt call.
Communication
Page & Word Limits1 rule
Initial and reply declarations are limited to 6 pages excluding exhibits, nonparty witness declarations to 4 pages, and the moving party’s rebuttal declarations collectively to 4 pages; the Court may waive the limits upon written motion.
- Initial or reply declaration
- Up to 6 pages per party
Excluded from page count
- •Exhibits
Court's wording
The following limits shall apply, unless waived by the Court upon written motion, which may be heard on the Ex Parte Docket with reasonable prior notice to the opposing party or their attorney. (2) Each party is limited to four (4) initial or reply declarations. Initial and reply declarations of each party will be limited to six (6) pages (exclusive of exhibits) and each of the initial or reply nonparty witness declarations are limited to four (4) pages. The moving party’s rebuttal declarations shall collectively be no more than four (4) pages.
Document Format Requirements13 rules
Attached documents to an email must be in a PDF format.
- File type
- Email attachment
The format requirements of GR 14 shall apply to all filings.
Declarations and affidavits must be legibly hand printed or typed in at last 12 point type, and double spaced.
- Font size
- 12 points
- Line spacing
- Double
- Declaration
- Affidavit
Formatting
- •Text must be legible and hand printed or typed
Declarations must be typed, double-spaced and on pleading paper. Declarations not in this format may not be considered.
- Line spacing
- Double
- Declaration
Formatting
- •Declarations not in the required format may not be considered
The Statement of Family Financial Status shall be substantially in the form approved by the Court and available on the Court's website, www.cowlitzsuperiorcourt.us, from the County Clerk or Court Facilitator.
The completion notice and/or CR2A Agreement cover page must substantially follow the Court-approved form, available from the listed court sources.
Court's wording
The completion notice and/or the CR2A Agreement cover page shall be substantially in the form approved by the Court and available on the Court's website, www.cowlitzsuperiorcourt.us, from the County Clerk, Court Facilitator or from Superior Court Administration.
The request to transfer a case to arbitration must use the Court-approved form.
Formatting
- •Use the form approved by the Court
Court's wording
In every civil case after a response has been filed and at any time thereafter that a case meets Superior Court Civil Arbitration guidelines, the parties shall, upon the form approved by the Court (please find the form at www.cowlitzsuperiorcourt.us) request the case be transferred to arbitration.
The Request for Trial de Novo and Sealing of Award shall be filed with the County Clerk on such form as approved by the Court.
The Docket Notice (Adoptions) must substantially follow the form available on the County Clerk’s website.
Court's wording
The moving party shall serve and file a Docket Notice (Adoptions) substantially in the form set forth at the County Clerk’s website, found at the following link: http://www.co.cowlitz.wa.us/158/Clerk-of-Superior-Court.
The Clerk has the authority to reject items presented for filing that do not comply with CR 5 (e) and GR 14 and other requirements (e.g., digital/audio media, thumb drives, and similar devices containing recorded information).
All attorney and/or pro se party's signature lines or footer shall also include their email addresses, if available.
Parties may convert digital/audio and similar media to document form and may file documents in compliance with GR 14.
It is helpful if the parties can agree on a format for any proposed balance sheets for asset and debt allocations.
Document Filing Requirements87 rules
To advise the Court of a settlement (to be immediately followed by formal written notice pursuant to CR 41(e));
The party shall submit the documents to the Superior Court Clerk’s office, with a coversheet identifying an emergency civil or criminal order request.
Ex parte documents to be considered by the Court will be delivered to the Superior Court Clerk’s Office.
All documents presented to a judge for signature shall provide for a place to write a date on which the document is signed immediately above, or to the side, of the judge's signature.
- Document
- Document presented to judge for signature
- Placement
- Signature block
If an in-person docket, the party or attorney obtained approval by a judicial officer to appear remotely for a docket through Court Administration by a written request on the court approved form, submitted at least three (3) court days prior to the day of the hearing.
If a jury trial, the party or attorney obtained prior approval, by way of written motion, at least twenty-one (21) days prior to the first day of trial.
All pleadings, motions and other papers to be filed with the Clerk shall be dated by the lawyer, party or individual preparing the same.
A self-represented party must include mailing and service addresses, an email address, and a daytime telephone number on all pleadings, unless the information is made confidential by statute.
Court's wording
A party who represents themselves shall state, on all pleadings filed, a mailing address for that party, a street address where service of process and other papers may be delivered to that party, an email address, and a telephone number where that party can be contacted during the day unless that information is made confidential by statute.
When a case settles, the parties must prepare and file a proposed Order of Cancellation.
- Document
- Proposed order of cancellation
Must include
- •Proposed order
Court's wording
When a case is settled, the parties shall prepare, file, and provide a copy to Superior Court Administration of a proposed Order of Cancellation (see https://www.cowlitzsuperiorcourt.us for the form “Strike Trial Date”)
The initial request for trial setting shall be accompanied by a list of the names, addresses, and emails
The moving party shall serve and file a Universal Trial Setting Calendar Notice (Docket Notice).
No cause appearing on the assignment docket will be set for trial unless there is a Response filed,
Unless otherwise ordered by the Court, for all cases assigned a specific trial date the parties shall provide the trial judge motions in limine and proposed jury instructions by the close of business on the Thursday the week prior to trial.
Subpoenas issued by self- represented litigants must be approved by a Superior Court Judge. The judge may choose to require an ex parte hearing to determine if the witness has legally relevant information.
Summary judgments shall be heard during the Court's regularly scheduled motion calendar/docket; PROVIDED, if the parties or their attorneys anticipate that the matter may exceed 30 minutes, the matter must be noted on the appropriate universal trial assignment docket for a special set hearing time.
The hard copy must include a note in the upper-right corner of its first page stating the date, time, and type of hearing or calendar docket.
- Document
- Pleading
- Placement
- First page
Court's wording
A hard copy of any pleading filed less than seven (7) court days prior to a scheduled hearing must be provided to the assigned judge or, if no judge is yet assigned, to the Court Administration with a note in the upper right corner of the first page indicating the date, time and type of hearing/calendar docket.
The moving party shall serve and file supporting declaration(s) together with the petition, motion, or order to show cause.
All proposed orders will be prepared and filed by the moving party.
The declaration and supporting documents shall not be filed with the Clerk’s Office, rather, identified as “settlement documents” on the cover page and submitted as such.
- Document
- Settlement declaration
- Placement
- First page
If the parenting plan or child support is at issue, each party will provide a Proposed Parenting Plan and Child Support Worksheets.
Each party must prepare a statement or similar pleading identifying the remaining disputed issues and proposing how to resolve them.
Court's wording
Each party must complete a statement of family financial status, declaration, parenting plan or similar pleading detailing the remaining issues of dispute along with a proposal directed at resolving any remaining contested issue.
If the mandatory (pre- trial) settlement conference is not successful, the judicial officer shall file a notice of completion of the mandatory (pre-trial) settlement conference with the Clerk.
A partial or full settlement must be recorded either in a CR 2A agreement signed by both parties and their attorneys or on the record in open court.
Court's wording
If the mandatory (pre-trial) settlement conference and/or mediation results in a partial or full settlement of the case, a record of the settlement shall be made, either by a written CR 2A settlement agreement, signed by both parties and their attorneys, or by placing the agreement on the record in open court.
Before presentation to a judicial officer, specified final family-law documents in cases involving children must be reviewed for form and completeness by one of the listed qualified reviewers.
Court's wording
All final decrees, final orders and accompanying Findings of Fact/Conclusions of Law, Parenting Plans, Orders of Child Support and Child Support Worksheets for family law cases involving children shall be reviewed for form and completeness, prior to presentation to a judicial officer, by an attorney of record in the case, an attorney who approved the pleadings as to form and completeness, the Courthouse Facilitator or a Limited License Legal Technician (LLLT).
The Clerk of the Court shall not accept for filing any such proposed final documents which appear to be incomplete; with specific reference to the child support computation worksheet, all sections and parts thereof must be fully completed or marked "not applicable" where such is the case.
The Court will not conduct a final hearing in the matter unless the "Certificate of Completeness" has been signed by the Courthouse Facilitator, an attorney or a Limited License Legal Technician (LLLT).
The Courthouse Facilitator, an attorney or Limited License Legal Technician (LLLT) shall review all final pleadings and, if they appear appropriate, shall sign and file a "Certificate of Completeness" to that effect.
At the commencement of a hearing upon a default or uncontested dissolution, invalidity, legal separation, or parentage matter, the party’s attorney shall present to the Court proposed Findings of Fact/Conclusions of Law and Decree.
When neither party has an attorney, the specified Certificate of Completion must accompany the final papers before the ex parte judge considers them.
Court's wording
If neither party is represented by an attorney, a Certificate of Completion by a Courthouse Facilitator, an attorney or a Limited License Legal Technician (LLLT), as set forth in 92(b)(1) above, must also accompany the final papers before consideration can be made by the ex parte judge.
All property settlement agreements or separation contracts reduced to writing and signed shall be filed as a part of the record of said cause.
The petitioner must use the court-prescribed mediation and trial-setting forms; the mediation form must bear the specified title and be signed by each party's attorney or each self-represented party before presentation for approval.
Court's wording
Upon the filing of a Response to the Petition which contests a parenting plan, child custody or visitation, making the proceeding subject to these rules, the Petitioner shall immediately note the proceeding for mandatory mediation and trial setting on forms prescribed by the Court. The form for mandatory mediation shall be entitled “Order to Transfer to Mandatory Mediation”, shall be substantially in the form found on the Court’s website at https://cowlitzsuperiorcourt.us/court-forms, and shall be signed by the attorney for each party and/or each party appearing self-represented (pro se) prior to presentation to the Court for approval. The form for trial setting shall be the standard Trial Setting notice.
An Order Waiving Mediation shall be filed with the Court prior to the case being set for trial.
Within seven (7) days of completion, a Certificate of Mediation Completion shall be filed by the mediator.
No hearings pursuant to CrR 3.6 and CrR 8.3(c) may be noted until the moving party files the motion, affidavit, memorandum of authorities with the court
If a party is requesting the County pay the guardian ad litem fees or court visitor fees, that party must file a court approved Motion to Request County Pay Guardian ad Litem Fees, including the attached Financial Affidavit.
If additional fees are requested, a written motion for same, accompanied by supporting declaration(s), must be filed.
Parties shall use the Order Appointing a Guardian ad Litem or Court Visitor in Title 26 cases in compliance with the Court's required form found at the following link: www.cowlitzsuperiorcourt.us.
Unless otherwise ordered by the Court, for all cases assigned a specific trial date at the criminal readiness hearing, the parties shall provide the trial judge motions in limine by the close of business on the day of the readiness hearing.
Proposed jury instructions shall be provided to the court on the first day of trial.
No later than the trial assignment hearing, the Defendant shall file with the Clerk’s Office, a completed “Defendant’s Advice of Rights and Options” form.
The CCCA report must be addressed to the judge, include relevant attachments and documents, and be signed by the staff member or volunteer without an oath.
Court's wording
The report shall be addressed to the judge and shall contain such attachments and documents as are relevant to the proceedings. The report, when filed, shall become a permanent part of the applicable Juvenile Court legal file. The staff/volunteer shall sign the report, but not under oath.
All complaints must be in writing and must be submitted to the Committee.
A copy of the complaint and the resolution, or lack of resolution, shall be forwarded to the Juvenile Court Administrator.
Complaints must be written, submitted to the Superior Court Administrator, and bear the filer’s signature, name, and address.
Court's wording
(2) Submission of Complaints: All complaints must be in writing and must be submitted to the Superior Court Administrator. All complaints must bear the signature, name and address of the person filing the complaint.
Any party disagreeing with the Request for Transfer to Arbitration and Statement of Arbitrability shall file and serve a response stating their objections within ten (10) days of service.
An applicant seeking to serve as an arbitrator must complete the Court-prescribed application, which lists arbitration subject areas for the applicant to mark.
Court's wording
A person desiring to serve as an arbitrator shall complete an application on a form prescribed by the Court. The form shall contain a list of areas of law subject to arbitration whereby the applicant marks the area they are willing to be considered as an arbitrator.
The oath of office on the form prescribed by the Court must be completed and filed prior to an appointed applicant being placed on the arbitration panel.
The arbitrator shall give reasonable notice of the hearing date on a Notice of Arbitration Hearing Date form approved by the Court,
and any continuance on an Order of Continuance of Arbitration Hearing Date form approved by the Court to the Superior Court Administration.
Each party must furnish the arbitrator copies of relevant pleadings and other documents from the court file.
Court's wording
Generally. In addition to the requirements of SCCAR 5.2, each party shall also furnish the arbitrator with copies of pleadings and other documents contained in the court file which that party deems relevant.
(a) Form. The award shall be prepared on an Arbitration Award form approved by the Court and filed with the County Clerk, along with proof of service on the parties.
When the award is filed, the arbitrator shall submit, to the Superior Court Administrator, two original requests for payment on a form prescribed by the Court
A copy of these forms being filed shall be provided to the Superior Court Administration.
For each claimed error, the appealing party must identify in writing the record count and the beginning and end of the relevant recorded proceedings.
Court's wording
The appealing party shall identify, in writing, as to each claimed error by reference to the numerical (digital) count on the electronic record as disclosed by the log, the beginning and the end of each portion of the recorded proceedings relevant to the claimed error.
Such matters shall not be heard unless affidavits are served and filed as required by this rule and CR 6(a).
The moving party shall serve and file supporting affidavit(s) together with the petition and/or motion.
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
Clerks may accept for filing qualifying signed documents transmitted to another by fax or other electronic means, but this rule does not authorize filing documents with the Clerk by email or other electronic means.
Except as set forth in subsection (a) (5) of Washington State Court General Rule 17, the Clerks of the Court may accept for filing documents containing original signatures, or verifiable electronic signatures, that have been sent directly to another by facsimile (fax) transmission or by other electronic means, including, but not limited to, a scan or photograph of the document sent via electronic messaging or email. Nothing in this provision shall be construed to address the ability to file documentation with the Court Clerk's office by email or other electronic means unless specifically addressed in other rules.
Page 5 | GENERAL RULE 17 — ELECTRONIC TRANSMISSION
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
For an in-person docket, the written remote-appearance request must be submitted at least three court days before the hearing.
If an in-person docket, the party or attorney obtained approval by a judicial officer to appear remotely for a docket through Court Administration by a written request on the court approved form, submitted at least three (3) court days prior to the day of the hearing.
Page 14 | ADMINISTRATIVE RULE 13 — REMOTE APPEARANCE
The written motion for prior approval to appear remotely in a jury trial must be made at least 21 days before the first day of trial.
If a jury trial, the party or attorney obtained prior approval, by way of written motion, at least twenty-one (21) days prior to the first day of trial.
Page 14 | ADMINISTRATIVE RULE 13 — REMOTE APPEARANCE
Unless the Court orders otherwise, motions in limine and proposed jury instructions are due to the trial judge by close of business on the Thursday before trial week.
Unless otherwise ordered by the Court, for all cases assigned a specific trial date the parties shall provide the trial judge motions in limine and proposed jury instructions by the close of business on the Thursday the week prior to trial.
Page 22 | (i)(2) Civil: Trial Readiness Review
The moving party’s attorney must give the required notice no later than 10 court days before the hearing; an untimely notice results in the motion being stricken from the docket.
The attorney for the moving party (whether original motion or cross-motion) shall notify the Clerk of the Court and Court Administration, no later than ten (10) court days preceding the date set for hearing and advise whether the motion will in fact be argued. If such notification is not timely made, the motion will be stricken from the docket.
Page 28 | CIVIL RULE 56 — SUMMARY JUDGMENT
A motion for reconsideration must meet CR 59's time limits and be filed with the Superior Court Clerk's Office.
The motion must be made within the time limits set forth in CR 59 and shall be filed with the Superior Court Clerk's Office.
Page 30 | CIVIL RULE 59
Responses must be filed and served on all parties by 3:00 p.m. 14 days before the hearing.
Responses shall be filed and served on all parties not later than 3:00 p.m., fourteen (14) days before the time specified for the hearing.
Page 35 | CIVIL RULE 88(b)(2)
For the Court to consider a late pleading, a hard copy must be provided to the assigned judge by noon on the prior judicial day.
The Court may only consider late pleadings if a hard copy is provided to the assigned judge by 12:00 p.m. on the prior judicial day.
Page 35 | CIVIL RULE 88(b)(3)
Domestic relations motions other than summary judgment motions must be filed no later than 21 days before the hearing.
All domestic relations motions, other than summary judgment motions, shall be filed and served upon all parties not later than twenty-one (21) days before the time specified for the hearing.
Page 35 | CIVIL RULE 88(b)(2)
Replies must be filed and served on all parties by 3:00 p.m. 7 days before the hearing.
Replies shall be filed and served on all parties not later than 3:00 p.m., seven (7) days before the hearing.
Page 35 | CIVIL RULE 88(b)(2)
The required notice must be given no later than the close of the next business day after the case settles or will not proceed.
Whenever a cause has been set for Mandatory (Pre-trial) Settlement Conference and thereafter is settled or will not proceed for any reason, notice shall immediately be given to Superior Court Administration and the Clerk’s Office by the close of the next business day.
Page 39 | Notice of Settlement or Change
The order waiving mediation must be filed before the case is set for trial.
An Order Waiving Mediation shall be filed with the Court prior to the case being set for trial.
Page 42 | CIVIL RULE 93
After a qualifying response is filed, the petitioner must immediately note the proceeding for mediation and trial setting using court-prescribed forms.
Upon the filing of a Response to the Petition which contests a parenting plan, child custody or visitation, making the proceeding subject to these rules, the Petitioner shall immediately note the proceeding for mandatory mediation and trial setting on forms prescribed by the Court.
Page 42 | CIVIL RULE 93
The certificate must be filed within seven days of mediation completion.
Within seven (7) days of completion, a Certificate of Mediation Completion shall be filed by the mediator.
Page 43 | CCLCR 93
The moving party must file all documents at least 14 days before the hearing date cited.
The moving party must file all documents at least 14 days prior to the date cited for the hearing.
Page 44 | CRIMINAL RULE 3.9 — HEARINGS UNDER CrR 3.6 and CrR 8.3(c)
The Defendant must file the completed form with the Clerk’s Office by the trial assignment hearing.
No later than the trial assignment hearing, the Defendant shall file with the Clerk’s Office, a completed “Defendant’s Advice of Rights and Options” form.
Page 50 | CRIMINAL RULE 4.11 — LOCAL CRIMINAL FORMS
Proposed jury instructions are due to the court on the first day of trial.
Proposed jury instructions shall be provided to the court on the first day of trial.
Page 50 | CRIMINAL RULE 4.11 — CRIMINAL TRIAL CALENDAR REVIEW
Unless the Court orders otherwise, parties must provide motions in limine to the trial judge by close of business on the day of the criminal readiness hearing.
Unless otherwise ordered by the Court, for all cases assigned a specific trial date at the criminal readiness hearing, the parties shall provide the trial judge motions in limine by the close of business on the day of the readiness hearing.
Page 50 | CRIMINAL RULE 4.11 — CRIMINAL TRIAL CALENDAR REVIEW
The clerk must accept the motion for filing and note its filing date and time on the motion.
The court clerk shall accept the filing of the motion and note upon it the date and time of filing.
Page 53 | JUVENILE DEPENDENCY GUARDIAN LOCAL RULES
The CCCA representative must submit a written report at least five working days before each dispositional or review hearing, absent special circumstances or a judge’s excuse.
The CCCA representative shall, absent special circumstances or unless excused by the judge, submit a written report at least five (5) working days prior to each dispositional or review hearing involving the child(ren).
Page 55 | CCCA Court Attendance and Reports
A party objecting to the request must file a response within ten days after service.
Any party disagreeing with the Request for Transfer to Arbitration and Statement of Arbitrability shall file and serve a response stating their objections within ten (10) days of service.
Page 66 | SUPERIOR COURT CIVIL ARBITRATION RULE 2.1 — TRANSFER TO ARBITRATION
Once a response has been filed, the parties must request transfer to arbitration at any time the case meets the arbitration guidelines.
In every civil case after a response has been filed and at any time thereafter that a case meets Superior Court Civil Arbitration guidelines, the parties shall, upon the form approved by the Court (please find the form at www.cowlitzsuperiorcourt.us) request the case be transferred to arbitration.
Page 66 | SUPERIOR COURT CIVIL ARBITRATION RULE 2.1 — TRANSFER TO ARBITRATION
An endorsed copy of the Request for Transfer to Arbitration and Statement of Arbitrability must be provided promptly to the Superior Court Clerk’s Office.
An endorsed copy of the Request for Transfer to Arbitration and Statement of Arbitrability shall be promptly provided to the Superior Court Clerk’s Office and a bench copy to Superior Court Administration. Failure to provide the bench copy to Superior Court Administration may delay the starting of the arbitration process.
Page 66 | SUPERIOR COURT CIVIL ARBITRATION RULE 2.1 — TRANSFER TO ARBITRATION
An aggrieved party has ten days after the expense award is filed to appeal; if no party appeals within that period, judgment is entered under SCCAR 6.3.
The aggrieved party shall have ten (10) days thereafter to appeal the award of such expenses in accordance with the procedures described in RCW 2.24.050. If, within ten (10) days after the award is filed, no party appeals, a judgment shall be entered in a manner described generally under SCCAR 6.3.
Page 70 | AUTHORITY OF ARBITRATORS
If no party seeks a trial de novo, any party may present a judgment on the award at the Ex Parte Docket on notice under SCCAR 6.3, no sooner than 20 days after the award is entered.
Presentation. A judgment on an award shall be presented at the Ex Parte Docket by any party on notice in accordance with SCCAR 6.3 no sooner than twenty (20) days after the award is entered if no party has sought a trial de novo.
Page 72 | SUPERIOR COURT CIVIL ARBITRATION RULE 6.3 — JUDGMENT ON AWARD
The arbitrator must submit the payment requests within 60 days after the award is filed.
within sixty (60) days of the filing of the award.
Page 76 | SUPERIOR COURT CIVIL ARBITRATION RULE 8.5 — COMPENSATION OF ARBITRATOR
For an uncontested adoption hearing, the requesting party must note the matter and file all supporting pleadings and documents at least five court days before the hearing.
In all uncontested hearings the requesting party shall note the matter and file all supporting pleadings and/or documents a minimum of five (5) court days prior to the day of hearing.
Page 84 | SPECIAL PROCEEDINGS RULE 93.05 — ADOPTION HEARINGS
The Court will not consider a pleading filed after 3:00 p.m. three court days before the hearing deadline unless a copy is provided to the assigned judge.
The Court will not consider pleadings that are filed after 3:00 p.m. three (3) court days prior to hearing deadline if no copy is provided to the assigned judge.
Page 84 | SPECIAL PROCEEDINGS RULE 93.05 — ADOPTION HEARINGS
Responses must be filed by 3:00 p.m. four court days before the scheduled hearing.
Responses shall be filed and served on all parties no later than 3:00 p.m., four (4) court days before the time specified for the hearing.
Page 84 | SPECIAL PROCEEDINGS RULE 93.05 — ADOPTION HEARINGS
Replies must be filed by 3:00 p.m. two court days before the hearing.
Replies shall be filed and served on all parties no later than 3:00 p.m., two (2) court days before the hearing.
Page 84 | SPECIAL PROCEEDINGS RULE 93.05 — ADOPTION HEARINGS
Motions must be filed no later than nine court days before the scheduled hearing.
All motions shall be filed and served upon all parties no later than nine (9) court days before the time specified for the hearing.
Page 84 | SPECIAL PROCEEDINGS RULE 93.05 — ADOPTION HEARINGS
The proposed-order copy is due at least five court days before the presentation date.
A copy of the proposed order shall be provided to the Court and to the other party, or their attorney, no less than five (5) court days prior to the presentation date.
Page 85
Objections and the original proposed order must be filed at least two court days before the presentation date.
Objections, along with the original proposed order, shall be filed with the Court by the objecting party no less than two (2) court days prior to the presentation date.
Page 85
The completeness-review meeting must occur at least five days before the scheduled hearing.
When a party is proceeding without representation by an attorney, the party shall schedule and meet with the Court Facilitator or a Limited License Legal Technician to review the final pleadings and required forms for completeness at least five (5) days prior to the scheduled hearing date.
Page 86 | SPECIAL PROCEEDINGS RULE 93.06
An unrepresented party must provide the required check and completed adoption forms at least five days before the scheduled hearing.
When a party is proceeding without representation by an attorney, the party must, five (5) days prior to the scheduled hearing date to complete the adoption, must i) provide to the Court Clerk’s Office a check in the amount to cover the total costs to finalize the adoption. The costs are to include the amount needed by the Court Clerk’s Office to send the documents to the State of Washington and for any requested certified copies of the final Decree of Adoption; ii) provide a completed Application for Adoption Registration form that will be provided to the State of Washington, and/or other appropriate state, if applicable; and iii) provide a completed Adoption Data Card (for adoptees per RCW 26.33.300).
Page 86 | SPECIAL PROCEEDINGS RULE 93.06
The check for adoption-finalization costs is due at least five days before the scheduled hearing.
When a party is proceeding without representation by an attorney, the party must, five (5) days prior to the scheduled hearing date to complete the adoption, must i) provide to the Court Clerk’s Office a check in the amount to cover the total costs to finalize the adoption. The costs are to include the amount needed by the Court Clerk’s Office to send the documents to the State of Washington and for any requested certified copies of the final Decree of Adoption;
Page 86 | SPECIAL PROCEEDINGS RULE 93.06
The moving party must file proof of service of the trial setting notice with the Clerk before the trial-setting docket.
Proof of service of the trial setting notice shall be filed with the Clerk by the moving party prior to the time of trial setting.
Page 87 | SPECIAL PROCEEDINGS RULE 93.07, A. Methods
Written motions other than those heard ex parte, hearing notices, and related pleadings must be filed by 5:00 p.m. five court days before the hearing, unless the parties agree otherwise.
A written motion, other than one which may be heard ex parte, notice of the hearing thereof, and all other related pleadings shall be served, and filed with the Court, not later than 5:00 p.m., five (5) court days before the time specified for the hearing, unless otherwise agreed by the parties.
Page 90 | JUVENILE COURT RULE 3.12 TIMING OF FILING DOCUMENTS IN DEPENDENCY/TERMINATION PROCEEDINGS
Rebuttal documents, reports, and other documents to be filed must be filed with the Clerk by 12 p.m. two court days before the hearing.
All rebuttal documents, including any reports or other documents to be filed, must be served on the parties and filed with the Clerk no later than 12 p.m., two (2) court days before the scheduled hearing, as well as a copy of such rebuttal documents emailed by that same time to the judicial officer hearing the matter.
Page 90 | JUVENILE COURT RULE 3.12 TIMING OF FILING DOCUMENTS IN DEPENDENCY/TERMINATION PROCEEDINGS
Responsive documents, reports, and other documents to be filed must be filed with the Clerk by 3 p.m. three court days before the scheduling hearing.
All responsive documents, as well as any reports or other documents to be filed, must be served on the parties and filed with the Clerk no later than 3 p.m., three (3) court days before the scheduling hearing.
Page 90 | JUVENILE COURT RULE 3.12 TIMING OF FILING DOCUMENTS IN DEPENDENCY/TERMINATION PROCEEDINGS
The Court may not consider documents filed after the applicable deadline, whether agreed to by the parties or not, unless the matter is an initial shelter care matter or a showing establishes that an emergency necessitated late filing.
The Court may not consider any documents, agreed to by the parties or not, filed after this time unless it is an initial shelter care matter or there is a showing that an emergency existed that necessitated a late filing of such documents.
Page 90 | JUVENILE COURT RULE 3.12 TIMING OF FILING DOCUMENTS IN DEPENDENCY/TERMINATION PROCEEDINGS
The objecting party may file objections to proposed orders at least 5 days before the presentation date.
Objections may be filed with the Court by the objecting party not less than five (5) days prior to the presentation date.
Page 36 | CIVIL RULE 88(d)(1)
A guardian ad litem or court visitor must provide a written response within 10 business days that addresses the specific issues identified by the Committee.
(c) make a finding that the complaint appears to have merit and request a written response from the guardian ad litem or court visitor within 10 business days, detailing the specific issues in the complaint to which the Committee desires a response.
Page 56 | Guardian Ad Litem Rule 8 — Review of Complaint
A pleading filed after 3:00 p.m. three court days before the hearing may be considered if the pleading itself shows good cause for the delay.
Pleadings filed later than 3:00 p.m. three (3) court days before the hearing may be considered if good cause for the delay appears within those pleadings.
Page 84 | SPECIAL PROCEEDINGS RULE 93.05 — ADOPTION HEARINGS
The Clerk's Office is not responsible for ensuring late pleadings are entered into the court file before the hearing.
The Clerk's Office will not be responsible for getting late pleadings into the court file prior to hearing.
Page 84 | SPECIAL PROCEEDINGS RULE 93.05 — ADOPTION HEARINGS
Motion-docket materials, except those for domestic relations, adoption, and summary judgment matters, must be filed by 10:00 a.m. at least three court days before the docket; late pleadings may be disregarded, result in a continuance, and lead to terms.
All materials to be considered on a motion docket, except domestic relations, adoption matters, and summary judgment motion, must be filed in the Clerk's Office not later than 10:00 a.m. at least three (3) court days preceding the docket in question. Those pleadings submitted after the deadline stated above may not be considered, at the discretion of the judicial officer, or possibly the case continued. If the case is continued because of the late pleadings, then the judicial officer may assess terms.
Page 32 | CIVIL RULE 77, Motions - Local Rules
Service and Proof of Service Rules
If a hearing on an ex parte submission is approved, the party making the request must advise the other party of the hearing’s date and time.
If the hearing is approved by a judicial officer, then the party making the ex parte request shall need to advise the other party of the date and time of such hearing.
Page 12 | ADMINISTRATIVE RULE 12 — EX PARTE DOCKET
The original motion and reply documents shall be filed with the Superior Court Clerk’s Office, a copy served on the opposing party/ies and a bench copy delivered to Superior Court Administration.
The original motion and reply documents shall be filed with the Superior Court Clerk’s Office, a copy served on the opposing party/ies and a bench copy delivered to Superior Court Administration.
Page 22 | (k) Motions for Revision
Should any party believe the case is not yet ready for trial, they shall file and serve an objection.
Should any party believe the case is not yet ready for trial, they shall file and serve an objection.
Page 22 | CIVIL RULE 40
The moving party must file proof of service of the trial setting notice with the Clerk before the trial-setting time.
Proof of service of the trial setting notice shall be filed with the Clerk by the moving party prior to the time of trial setting.
Page 22 | CIVIL RULE 40
A response must be filed in original and copy with the Superior Court Clerk's Office, then a copy delivered to Court Administration and the opposing party or their attorney.
The original and a copy of any response thereto shall be filed with the Superior Court Clerk's Office and thereafter a copy delivered to Court Administration, opposing party and/or their attorney, in accordance with CR 59.
Page 30 | CIVIL RULE 59
At filing, a copy must be delivered to Court Administration and the opposing party or their attorney.
At the time of filing a copy shall be delivered to Court Administration, the opposing party and/or their attorney.
Page 30 | CIVIL RULE 59
Domestic relations motions other than summary judgment motions must be served on all parties no later than 21 days before the hearing.
All domestic relations motions, other than summary judgment motions, shall be filed and served upon all parties not later than twenty-one (21) days before the time specified for the hearing.
Page 35 | CIVIL RULE 88(b)(2)
Responses must be served on all parties by 3:00 p.m. 14 days before the hearing.
Responses shall be filed and served on all parties not later than 3:00 p.m., fourteen (14) days before the time specified for the hearing.
Page 35 | CIVIL RULE 88(b)(2)
Replies must be served on all parties by 3:00 p.m. 7 days before the hearing.
Replies shall be filed and served on all parties not later than 3:00 p.m., seven (7) days before the hearing.
Page 35 | CIVIL RULE 88(b)(2)
A copy of each proposed order must be provided to the other party or their attorney at least 7 days before the docket or decision date.
A copy of any proposed order(s) by either party shall be provided to the Court and to the other party, or their attorney, not less than seven (7) days prior to the docket/decision date.
Page 36 | CIVIL RULE 88(d)(1)
Serve the declaration and supporting documents on opposing counsel or the unrepresented party and provide an additional copy to Superior Court Administration by 3:00 p.m. five court days before the conference.
The declaration and supporting documents shall be served on the opposing attorney or party, if not represented by an attorney, and an additional copy will be provided to the Superior Court Administration for the use of the presiding judicial officer conducting the settlement conference, no later than 3:00 p.m. five (5) court days prior to the scheduled conference.
Page 38 | CIVIL RULE 91(c) — Mandatory (Pre-trial) Settlement Conference / Mediation Declaration(s)
Retained attorneys for criminal defendants must promptly serve written notice of appearance on the prosecuting attorney and file it with the clerk.
Attorneys representing defendants in criminal cases as a retained attorney must serve prompt written notice of their appearance upon the prosecuting attorney and file the same with the clerk of the court.
Page 43 | CRIMINAL RULE 3.1 — RIGHT TO AND ASSIGNMENT OF ATTORNEY
For hearings under CrR 3.6 and CrR 8.3(c), the moving party must give notice to the opposing party before the hearing is noted.
No hearings pursuant to CrR 3.6 and CrR 8.3(c) may be noted until the moving party files the motion, affidavit, memorandum of authorities with the court and provides notice to the opposing party.
Page 44 | CRIMINAL RULE 3.9 — HEARINGS UNDER CrR 3.6 and CrR 8.3(c)
A person or agency requesting CCCA by motion must serve a copy on CCCA.
A request for CCCA may be made by motion filed by any person or agency and a copy served upon CCCA.
Page 53 | JUVENILE DEPENDENCY GUARDIAN LOCAL RULES
Each time CCCA is appointed, the moving party must provide CCCA with the petition and notice of the next hearing’s date, time, and location.
Each time CCCA is appointed, a copy of the petition and a notice of the next scheduled hearing date, time, and location shall be provided to CCCA by the moving party.
Page 54 | JUVENILE DEPENDENCY GUARDIAN LOCAL RULES
The CCCA order must be served on all parties or their attorneys of record.
The CCCA order will also be served upon all parties or their attorney of record.
Page 54 | JUVENILE DEPENDENCY GUARDIAN LOCAL RULES
A party may subpoena CCCA staff or volunteers by serving them or the Program Director at least five days before the hearing, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays.
Any party may call the CCCA staff/volunteer as a witness in the proceeding. CCCA staff/volunteer may be compelled to attend by any party with the service of a subpoena for the CCCA staff/volunteer, made by service upon the staff/volunteer or by serving the CCCA Program Director, giving at least five (5) days' notice prior to the hearing, excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays.
Page 55 | CCCA Court Attendance and Reports
The party requesting arbitration must serve the Request for Transfer to Arbitration and Statement of Arbitrability on the opposing party.
The party requesting arbitration shall serve a Request for Transfer to Arbitration and Statement of Arbitrability on the opposing party.
Page 66 | SUPERIOR COURT CIVIL ARBITRATION RULE 2.1 — TRANSFER TO ARBITRATION
An objecting party must serve its response within ten days after service of the request.
Any party disagreeing with the Request for Transfer to Arbitration and Statement of Arbitrability shall file and serve a response stating their objections within ten (10) days of service.
Page 66 | SUPERIOR COURT CIVIL ARBITRATION RULE 2.1 — TRANSFER TO ARBITRATION
The responding party must furnish or serve Superior Court Administration with a copy of the statement and response when filing.
A copy of the statement and response shall be furnished or served upon Superior Court Administration by the responding party at the time of filing.
Page 66 | SUPERIOR COURT CIVIL ARBITRATION RULE 2.1 — TRANSFER TO ARBITRATION
An arbitrator must file the special award for expenses with the Clerk of the Superior Court and provide proof that each party was served.
The arbitrator shall make a special award for such expenses and shall file such award with the Clerk of the Superior Court with proof of service on each party.
Page 70 | AUTHORITY OF ARBITRATORS
The arbitrator must notify the parties of any extension granted.
The arbitrator shall give the parties notice of any extension granted.
Page 71 | SUPERIOR COURT CIVIL ARBITRATION RULE 6.2 — FILING OF AWARD
The award filing must include proof of service on the parties.
(a) Form. The award shall be prepared on an Arbitration Award form approved by the Court and filed with the County Clerk, along with proof of service on the parties.
Page 74 | SUPERIOR COURT CIVIL ARBITRATION RULE 6.1
Responses must be served on all parties by 3:00 p.m. four court days before the scheduled hearing.
Responses shall be filed and served on all parties no later than 3:00 p.m., four (4) court days before the time specified for the hearing.
Page 84 | SPECIAL PROCEEDINGS RULE 93.05 — ADOPTION HEARINGS
Motions must be served on all parties no later than nine court days before the scheduled hearing.
All motions shall be filed and served upon all parties no later than nine (9) court days before the time specified for the hearing.
Page 84 | SPECIAL PROCEEDINGS RULE 93.05 — ADOPTION HEARINGS
Replies must be served on all parties by 3:00 p.m. two court days before the hearing.
Replies shall be filed and served on all parties no later than 3:00 p.m., two (2) court days before the hearing.
Page 84 | SPECIAL PROCEEDINGS RULE 93.05 — ADOPTION HEARINGS
The moving party must serve and file a Docket Notice (Adoptions) using substantially the form available on the County Clerk’s website.
The moving party shall serve and file a Docket Notice (Adoptions) substantially in the form set forth at the County Clerk’s website, found at the following link: http://www.co.cowlitz.wa.us/158/Clerk-of-Superior-Court.
Page 87 | SPECIAL PROCEEDINGS RULE 93.07, A. Methods
Written motions other than those heard ex parte, hearing notices, and related pleadings must be served by 5:00 p.m. five court days before the hearing, unless the parties agree otherwise.
A written motion, other than one which may be heard ex parte, notice of the hearing thereof, and all other related pleadings shall be served, and filed with the Court, not later than 5:00 p.m., five (5) court days before the time specified for the hearing, unless otherwise agreed by the parties.
Page 90 | JUVENILE COURT RULE 3.12 TIMING OF FILING DOCUMENTS IN DEPENDENCY/TERMINATION PROCEEDINGS
Responsive documents, reports, and other documents to be filed must be served on the parties by 3 p.m. three court days before the scheduling hearing.
All responsive documents, as well as any reports or other documents to be filed, must be served on the parties and filed with the Clerk no later than 3 p.m., three (3) court days before the scheduling hearing.
Page 90 | JUVENILE COURT RULE 3.12 TIMING OF FILING DOCUMENTS IN DEPENDENCY/TERMINATION PROCEEDINGS
Rebuttal documents, reports, and other documents to be filed must be served on the parties by 12 p.m. two court days before the hearing.
All rebuttal documents, including any reports or other documents to be filed, must be served on the parties and filed with the Clerk no later than 12 p.m., two (2) court days before the scheduled hearing, as well as a copy of such rebuttal documents emailed by that same time to the judicial officer hearing the matter.
Page 90 | JUVENILE COURT RULE 3.12 TIMING OF FILING DOCUMENTS IN DEPENDENCY/TERMINATION PROCEEDINGS
Said motions should be emailed to the trial judge and opposing counsel, and the “original” filed with the Superior Court Clerk’s Office.
Said motions should be emailed to the trial judge and opposing counsel, and the “original” filed with the Superior Court Clerk’s Office.
Page 50 | CRIMINAL RULE 4.11 — CRIMINAL TRIAL CALENDAR REVIEW
Filing Fees and Waivers
Cases assigned to arbitration require payment in full before an arbitrator is assigned; business checks or money orders should be payable to the Clerk’s Office.
A fee will be charged for all cases assigned to arbitration. Business checks or money orders should be made payable to the Clerk’s Office. No arbitrator will be assigned until the fee is paid in full.
Page 67 | CIVIL ARBITRATION LOCAL RULES
The request process is subject to a filing fee payable to the Cowlitz County Clerk’s Office under RCW 36.18.016(26).
This process is subject to the filing fee to be paid to the Cowlitz County Clerk’s Office pursuant to RCW 36.18.016(26).
Page 77 | SUPERIOR COURT CIVIL ARBITRATION RULE 7.1 — REQUEST FOR TRIAL DE NOVO
A fee-waiver application in Superior Court must be approved by a judge if the appealing party was found liable in an infraction or other civil matter and was not declared indigent in the court of limited jurisdiction; the County Clerk’s Office furnishes application forms.
If the party seeking to appeal has had judgment rendered against him or her in an infraction or other civil matter and has not been declared indigent in a court of limited jurisdiction, any application for a waiver of filing fee in Superior Court must be approved by a judge of the Superior Court. The County Clerk’s Office will furnish application forms for such fee waiver.
Page 78 | RULES FOR APPEAL OF DECISIONS OF COURTS OF LIMITED JURISDICTION RULE 2.4 — HOW TO INITIATE AN APPEAL
An unrepresented party must provide the Clerk's Office a check for the total adoption-finalization costs at least five days before the scheduled hearing, including costs to send documents to the State and for requested certified copies.
When a party is proceeding without representation by an attorney, the party must, five (5) days prior to the scheduled hearing date to complete the adoption, must i) provide to the Court Clerk’s Office a check in the amount to cover the total costs to finalize the adoption. The costs are to include the amount needed by the Court Clerk’s Office to send the documents to the State of Washington and for any requested certified copies of the final Decree of Adoption;
Page 86 | SPECIAL PROCEEDINGS RULE 93.06
Copies of documents and orders may be obtained from the Clerk’s Office for a fee.
You can obtain copies of documents and orders from the Superior Court Clerk’s Office for a fee.
Page 13
An ex parte fee is required to finalize dissolution matters ex parte.
There shall be an ex parte fee for finalization of dissolution matters ex parte.
Page 41
Courtesy Copy Requirements
Courtesy copies of pleadings must show the pending hearing’s date and time in the upper-right corner of the first page.
All courtesy copies of a pleading provided to the Court shall have the date and time of the pending hearing on the upper right corner of the first page of the pleading.
Page 14 | CIVIL RULE 10 — FORM OF PLEADINGS AND OTHER PAPERS
The parties must provide one copy of the proposed Order of Cancellation to Superior Court Administration.
When a case is settled, the parties shall prepare, file, and provide a copy to Superior Court Administration of a proposed Order of Cancellation (see https://www.cowlitzsuperiorcourt.us for the form “Strike Trial Date”)
Page 21 | (h) Notice to Court of Calendar and Trial Changes
A bench copy of the original motion and reply documents must be delivered to Superior Court Administration.
The original motion and reply documents shall be filed with the Superior Court Clerk’s Office, a copy served on the opposing party/ies and a bench copy delivered to Superior Court Administration.
Page 22 | (k) Motions for Revision
A hard copy of a pleading filed less than seven court days before a scheduled hearing must be provided to the assigned judge or Court Administration, with a note in the upper-right corner of its first page identifying the hearing or calendar docket.
A hard copy of any pleading filed less than seven (7) court days prior to a scheduled hearing must be provided to the assigned judge or, if no judge is yet assigned, to the Court Administration with a note in the upper right corner of the first page indicating the date, time and type of hearing/calendar docket.
Page 32 | CIVIL RULE 77, Motions - Local Rules
A copy of each party’s proposed order must be provided to the Court and the other party or their attorney at least 7 days before the docket or decision date.
A copy of any proposed order(s) by either party shall be provided to the Court and to the other party, or their attorney, not less than seven (7) days prior to the docket/decision date.
Page 36 | CIVIL RULE 88(d)(1)
At the same time proposed orders are provided, a hard copy marked “Original” must be given to the Clerk’s office for the judicial officer and must not be filed.
A hard copy of orders that are proposed, shall also be provided to the Clerk’s office at the same time as the “proposed orders”, but marked “Original” so they are not filed, but given to the judicial officer to use as the set of documents to be considered for signing by such judicial officer.
Page 36 | CIVIL RULE 88(d)(1)
One bench copy must be provided to Superior Court Administration; an endorsed copy must be provided promptly to the Clerk’s Office, and failure to provide the bench copy may delay arbitration.
An endorsed copy of the Request for Transfer to Arbitration and Statement of Arbitrability shall be promptly provided to the Superior Court Clerk’s Office and a bench copy to Superior Court Administration. Failure to provide the bench copy to Superior Court Administration may delay the starting of the arbitration process.
Page 66 | SUPERIOR COURT CIVIL ARBITRATION RULE 2.1 — TRANSFER TO ARBITRATION
A copy of any pleading filed after 3:00 p.m. five court days before the hearing must be provided to the assigned judge.
A copy of any pleading filed after 3:00 p.m. five (5) court days prior to the hearing must be given to the assigned judge.
Page 84 | SPECIAL PROCEEDINGS RULE 93.05 — ADOPTION HEARINGS
Sealing & Redaction Procedures
Specified participants may inspect CCCA reports and attachments except information protected by law, and the Court must issue orders needed to preserve classified information’s confidentiality.
Generally, the child(ren), the attorney, the parent, guardian or legal guardian, and any state or other agency involved in the proceedings, shall be entitled to inspect the CCCA report, and all documents attached thereto, except that information protected from disclosure by law. The Court shall issue such orders as are necessary to maintain the confidential nature of information so classified.
Page 55 | Inspection of Reports; Confidentiality
Complaints must remain confidential until they are resolved.
Complaints shall remain confidential until resolved.
Page 56 | Guardian Ad Litem Rule 7
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
Participants must be prepared and participate in good faith; failing to provide necessary information or meaningful proposals is bad faith and may result in a sanction of at least $500.
All parties who participate in mandatory (pre-trial) settlement conferences and mediation, as mandated by the Court, shall be prepared to participate when scheduled and not squander this valuable resource. The parties shall participate in good faith; defined as appearing and participating in the conference with a common goal of resolving all issues. Failure to provide necessary information on any contested issues or provide any meaningful proposals for resolution shall constitute bad faith and shall be sanctionable by the presiding judicial officer of no less than $500.
Page 37 | CIVIL RULE 91(a) — Policy Statement
A settlement conference or formal mediation is mandatory in specified contested domestic-relations matters, may be requested in other family matters by agreement, and generally must occur at least 120 days before trial unless waived for good cause.
A mandatory (pre-trial) settlement conference (MSC) or formal mediation with a competent and/or Court approved provider is mandatory in all contested actions in which a dissolution/declaration of invalidity/legal separation of marriage or domestic partnership is sought, or any matter involving parenting plans (including but not limited to parentage/parenting plan establishments/modifications of existing parenting plans and other similar disputed parenting actions subject to this rule). Any proposed mediators shall be individuals or agencies with past legal education sufficient to understand and resolve all potential contested issues, adequate experience in family law related matters, or agencies equipped to capably address any issues in dispute. A mandatory (pre-trial) settlement conference or mediation service may be requested in any family law matter with the agreement of all parties. If mediation has not already occurred, a pre-trial settlement conference will be set at the same time as trial setting. The pre-trial settlement conference will be scheduled no less than 120 days before the scheduled trial. No trial will be heard unless the required mandatory pre-trial settlement conference or formal mediation has occurred or alternatively has been waived by a judicial officer for good cause.
Page 37 | CIVIL RULE 91(b) — Settlement Conferences and Formal Mediation Required
Parties and their attorneys, if represented, must attend the settlement conference or mediation in person unless the Court waives the appearance for good cause.
In person participation in the (pre- trial) mandatory settlement conference shall be mandatory for all parties and their attorneys, if represented. All parties and their attorneys, if represented, shall appear at the mandatory (pre-trial) settlement conference and/or mediation in person unless such appearance has been waived by the Court for good cause shown.
Page 38 | CIVIL RULE 91(e) — Mandatory (Pre-trial) Settlement Conference and/or Mediation Procedure
The opposing party has 7 days to respond.
The opposing party shall have 7 days to respond.
Page 44 | CRIMINAL RULE 3.9 — HEARINGS UNDER CrR 3.6 and CrR 8.3(c)
Motions must be set on a criminal motion calendar before the readiness hearing, except motions filed within 14 days of the readiness hearing are set on the readiness calendar.
The motion shall be set on one of the court’s two criminal motion calendars and shall be set prior to the readiness hearing; however, if the motion is filed within fourteen (14) days of the readiness hearing, it shall be set on the readiness calendar.
Page 44 | CRIMINAL RULE 3.9 — HEARINGS UNDER CrR 3.6 and CrR 8.3(c)
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
After the trial readiness hearing, the requesting party must file a motion and affidavit for a hearing before trial and show good cause; a Notice of Disqualification is not good cause, stipulated requests are not accepted, fees and costs may be ordered, and a granted order must be provided to Court Administration within one day with a prompt call notifying it of the cancellation.
If the request to strike or continue a trial is after the trial readiness hearing, then the requesting party must file a motion and affidavit requesting to strike or reset the trial, and noting it for hearing by the assigned judicial officer before the date for the trial. Good cause to strike or continue the trial must be shown. The filing of a Notice of Disqualification shall not be considered good cause. Stipulated strikes or continuance of the trial will not be accepted. Attorney fees and costs may be ordered as terms for continuing or striking the trial. If the request is granted, a copy of the Order striking or continuing the trial must be provided to Court Administration within one (1) day, as well as call Court Administration as soon as possible to notify them of the cancellation of the trial.
Page 19 | Scheduling Orders
Within 30 calendar days of trial readiness, the requesting party must file a motion and affidavit for a hearing before the readiness date and show good cause; stipulated strikes or continuances are not accepted, fees and costs may be ordered, and a granted order must be provided to Court Administration within one day.
If thirty (30) calendar days, or less, before the readiness date for the trial, then the party requesting to strike or continue the trial date must file a motion and affidavit making such request and noting it on the appropriate docket before the readiness date for the trial. Good cause to strike or continue the trial must be shown. Stipulated strikes or continuances will not be accepted. Attorney fees and costs may be ordered as terms for continuing or striking the trial. If the request is granted, a copy of the Order striking or continuing the trial must be provided to Court Administration within one (1) day.
Page 19 | Scheduling Orders
More than 30 calendar days before trial readiness, the parties may stipulate to strike or reset the trial date, or the requesting party must file a motion and affidavit for a hearing as soon as possible before the readiness hearing and show good cause; fees and costs may be ordered, and a granted order must be provided to Court Administration within one day.
If more than thirty (30) calendar days before the readiness date for the trial, then either a.) the parties file a stipulation to strike or reset the trial date, and send a copy to Court Administration, or b.) the party requesting to strike or continue the trial date must file a motion and affidavit making such request, and noting it on the appropriate docket for hearing as soon as possible before the readiness hearing. Good cause to strike or continue the trial must be shown. Attorney fees and costs may be ordered as terms for continuing or striking the trial. If the request is granted, a copy of the Order striking or continuing the trial must be provided to Court Administration within one (1) day.
Page 19 | Scheduling Orders
The parties may stipulate in writing to strike a mandatory settlement conference; absent a stipulation, a motion and affidavit must be heard by a judicial officer at least seven calendar days before the conference and good cause must be shown; fees and costs may be ordered, and the stipulation or granted order must be provided to Court Administration within one day with a prompt call.
If the request is to strike a mandatory settlement conference, then the parties can stipulate in writing to strike a mandatory settlement conference. If a stipulation occurs, then a copy of the stipulation shall be provided to Court Administration within one (1) day, as well as call Court Administration as soon as possible to advise them of the cancellation. If the parties do not stipulate to canceling the mandatory settlement conference, then at least seven (7) calendar days before the mandatory settlement conference, the request to cancel the mandatory settlement conference must be heard by a judicial officer by motion and affidavit set on the applicable docket. Good cause must be shown to strike the mandatory settlement conference. Attorney fees and costs may be ordered as terms for continuing or striking the mandatory settlement conference. The Order canceling the mandatory settlement conference must be provided within one (1) day to Court Administration, as well as call Court Administration as soon as possible to notify them of the cancellation.
Page 20 | Scheduling Orders
A trial date may not be reset without Court approval.
The trial date set will not be reset absent approval of the Court.
Page 22 | CIVIL RULE 40
An Omnibus hearing may be continued pursuant to a written motion to continue.
(3) At the Omnibus hearing, unless the hearing is continued pursuant to a written motion to continue, the court shall enter a “Pre-Trial Management Order.”
Page 50 | CRIMINAL RULE 4.11 — LOCAL CRIMINAL FORMS
An arbitrator’s request to extend the time to file an award must be presented to Superior Court Administration for judicial review, and the extension may be up to 14 additional days.
A request by an arbitrator for an extension of time for the filing of an award shall be presented to Superior Court Administration for review by a judge; the filing of an extension may be extended up to an additional fourteen (14) days.
Page 71 | SUPERIOR COURT CIVIL ARBITRATION RULE 6.2 — FILING OF AWARD
An arbitration hearing must be scheduled within 90 days of assignment unless the parties stipulate to a later date with the arbitrator’s permission.
except by stipulation with permission of the arbitrator, the hearing shall be scheduled to take place not later than ninety (90) days from the date of assignment to the arbitrator.
Page 72 | SUPERIOR COURT CIVIL ARBITRATION RULE 5.1 — NOTICE OF HEARING - TIME AND PLACE - CONTINUANCE
A trial date may not be reset without the Court’s approval.
The trial date set will not be reset absent approval by the Court.
Page 87 | SPECIAL PROCEEDINGS RULE 93.07, A. Methods
A continuance motion, including an agreed motion, will be granted only upon a showing of good cause.
Motions for continuance, even if agreed, shall only be granted upon showing of good cause.
Page 88 | SPECIAL PROCEEDINGS RULE 93.07, A. Methods
Any requirement of this rule may be waived or modified upon written motion.
Any requirement of this rule can be waived or modified upon a written motion.
Page 20 | Scheduling Orders
CCCA may request a continuance for good cause or be excused from appearing by the Court.
In the event of a conflict, CCCA may request a continuance for good cause shown or may be excused by the Court from appearing.
Page 55 | CCCA Court Attendance and Reports
The Committee may extend the findings deadline when necessary for additional investigation, but the extension cannot exceed 20 business days and the CCCA staff/volunteer must be notified.
The Committee may, at its discretion, extend the time for entering findings to conduct additional investigation if necessary; however, in no case shall that extension be for more than twenty (20) business days and the CCCA staff/volunteer shall be notified of such extension.
Page 58
The arbitrator may grant a continuance without Court approval.
The arbitrator may grant a continuance without Court approval.
Page 72 | SUPERIOR COURT CIVIL ARBITRATION RULE 5.1 — NOTICE OF HEARING - TIME AND PLACE - CONTINUANCE
Chambers Communication Rules
Emails must not include editorial comments or argument and must provide the matter's time, date, and docket information.
There shall be no editorial, comment or argument included in the emails; however, information as to the time, date and docket of the matter must be provided.
Page 9 | ADMINISTRATIVE RULE 10 — EMAIL COMMUNICATION
When electronic bench copies are acceptable to the judicial officer or required by rule, all parties or their counsel must receive contemporaneous copies of the email.
When electronic bench copies of pleadings are acceptable to a judicial officer, or pursuant to rule, then then the following guidelines are to be followed. All parties, or their counsel, must be provided contemporaneous copies of the email.
Page 9 | ADMINISTRATIVE RULE 10 — EMAIL COMMUNICATION
A party must notify the Court and the other parties of later updated or changed versions of a document previously sent by email.
A party must advise the Court and parties of any later updated or changed versions of a document previously sent via e-mail.
Page 9 | ADMINISTRATIVE RULE 10 — EMAIL COMMUNICATION
Email must not be used for ex parte contact: all parties must be included as recipients, and emails communicating substantive information to court staff must also go to all opposing attorneys or parties and say so on their face.
The prohibitions regarding ex parte contact with the Court are fully applicable to email communication. To avoid ex parte contact, all parties must be included in the email and appear as additional recipients in the email. If all parties are not included, the judge will not review the email or its content. If an attorney or party is communicating substantive information to court staff, the email must also be sent to all opposing attorneys/parties and so indicate on its face. Substantive information includes information regarding the likelihood of settlement, the timing of witnesses, anticipated problems with scheduling, concerns regarding security and other case-specific issues.
Page 10 | ADMINISTRATIVE RULE 10 — EMAIL COMMUNICATION
A written interpreter request must be made at least two weeks before a hearing or trial and may be emailed; more notice is recommended for certain requests, and late requests may result in an unavailable interpreter or a continuance.
A written request must be made to the Interpreter Coordinator at least two weeks in advance if an interpreter is needed for a Superior Court hearing or trial. Requests can be emailed to the Interpreter Coordinator at Superiorcourtadministration@cowlitzwa.gov. (See Local Administrative Court Rule 10 for ex parte emailing rules and/or Superior Court's website at www.cowlitzsuperiorcourt.us for additional information). More advanced notice should be given for specialized and/or high demand languages, longer hearings or if multiple interpreters are needed. If these timelines are not followed, an interpreter may not be available for a hearing and may require the matter be continued to allow for the presence of an interpreter.
Page 11 | ADMINISTRATIVE RULE 11 — INTERPRETERS
An opposing party that wants to appear at a hearing on an ex parte submission must contact Court Administration to arrange a time.
If a party opposes the relief requested in the ex parte submission and wants to appear for a hearing on the ex parte submission, the opposing party shall contact Court Administration to arrange an appropriate time for a hearing.
Page 12 | ADMINISTRATIVE RULE 12 — EX PARTE DOCKET
If the allocated trial time is insufficient, the parties must promptly notify Court Administration of the shortfall and needed time, and set the matter on the trial-setting docket.
If it becomes apparent that the time allocated for a trial will not be adequate to complete the trial, the parties shall promptly notify Court Administration of that fact and of the time necessary to complete the trial. Additionally, the parties shall set the matter to the trial setting docket to adjust the time needed for trial.
Page 21 | (h)(1) Notice to Court of Calendar and Trial Changes
At least one party or their attorney must appear or contact the Court by the commencement of the assignment docket.
at least one of the parties or their attorney either appears or contacts the Court on or before the commencement of the docket.
Page 22 | CIVIL RULE 40
The attorney for the moving party (whether original motion or cross-motion) shall notify the Clerk of the Court and Court Administration, no later than ten (10) court days preceding the date set for hearing and advise whether the motion will in fact be argued.
The attorney for the moving party (whether original motion or cross-motion) shall notify the Clerk of the Court and Court Administration, no later than ten (10) court days preceding the date set for hearing and advise whether the motion will in fact be argued.
Page 28 | CIVIL RULE 56 — SUMMARY JUDGMENT
If a case set for a mandatory pre-trial settlement conference settles or will not proceed, notice must immediately be given to Superior Court Administration and the Clerk’s Office, no later than the close of the next business day.
Whenever a cause has been set for Mandatory (Pre-trial) Settlement Conference and thereafter is settled or will not proceed for any reason, notice shall immediately be given to Superior Court Administration and the Clerk’s Office by the close of the next business day.
Page 39 | Notice of Settlement or Change
The moving party must tell the Clerk and Court Administration at least five court days before the hearing whether the motion will involve testimony or argument; late notification may result in the motion being stricken for resetting.
The moving party (whether original motion or cross-motion) must confirm with the Clerk of the Court and Court Administration, no later than five (5) court days preceding the date set for hearing and advise whether the motion will in fact be testimony or argument. If such notification is not timely made, the motion may be stricken for resetting.
Page 44 | CRIMINAL RULE 3.9 — HEARINGS UNDER CrR 3.6 and CrR 8.3(c)
An arbitrator must immediately notify Superior Court Administration if the arbitrator refuses to serve or has a disqualification ground based on interest, relationship, bias, or prejudice.
An arbitrator must notify the Superior Court Administration immediately if refusing to serve or if any cause exists for the arbitrator's disqualification from the case upon any of the grounds of interest, relationship, bias or prejudice set forth in CJC Cannon (3) governing the disqualification of judges.
Page 69 | QUALIFICATIONS
All parties must promptly inform Court Administration of errors or changes to the notice list.
All parties have the obligation to inform Court Administration promptly of any errors or changes in this list.
Page 87 | SPECIAL PROCEEDINGS RULE 93.07, A. Methods
At least one party or attorney must appear personally or contact the Court on or before the assignment docket begins for the case to be set for trial.
No cause appearing on the assignment docket will be set for trial unless there is a response filed, there is compliance with this rule, and at least one of the parties, or their attorney, either personally appears or contacts the Court on or before the commencement of the docket.
Page 87 | SPECIAL PROCEEDINGS RULE 93.07, A. Methods
After proper notice, a trial date will be assigned if a party or attorney fails to appear and has not advised the Court in writing of unavailable trial dates.
If one or more parties (or their attorney) to the case fail to appear for trial setting, after being given proper notice of the application by the movant, and without advising the Court, in writing, of non-available trial dates, the trial date shall be assigned.
Page 87 | SPECIAL PROCEEDINGS RULE 93.07, A. Methods
If the allocated trial time will be insufficient, the parties must promptly notify Court Administration and state how much additional time is needed.
If it becomes apparent that the time allocated for a trial will not be adequate to complete the trial, the parties shall promptly notify the Court Administration of that fact and of the time necessary to complete the trial.
Page 88 | SPECIAL PROCEEDINGS RULE 93.07, B. Pre-assignment and Scheduling of Cases
A copy of rebuttal documents must also be emailed to the judicial officer hearing the matter by 12 p.m. two court days before the scheduled hearing.
All rebuttal documents, including any reports or other documents to be filed, must be served on the parties and filed with the Clerk no later than 12 p.m., two (2) court days before the scheduled hearing, as well as a copy of such rebuttal documents emailed by that same time to the judicial officer hearing the matter.
Page 90 | JUVENILE COURT RULE 3.12 TIMING OF FILING DOCUMENTS IN DEPENDENCY/TERMINATION PROCEEDINGS
Email may be used to provide information and deliver documents but is not a substitute for oral argument.
Email is another tool to provide information and deliver documents, but it is not intended to substitute as oral argument on any issues.
Page 9 | ADMINISTRATIVE RULE 10 — EMAIL COMMUNICATION
If confirmation has not been received, the requesting party should immediately contact the Interpreter Coordinator to verify receipt and interpreter availability.
A confirmation of the request for the interpreter will be sent to the requesting party by the Interpreter Coordinator within five days of receiving the request. If the requesting party has not received confirmation of the request for an interpreter, then the requesting party should immediately contact the Interpreter Coordinator to verify the request has been received and the necessary interpreter is available for the scheduled hearing.
Page 11 | ADMINISTRATIVE RULE 11 — INTERPRETERS
The Interpreter Coordinator must be notified immediately if a hearing is continued or set over; failure to notify at least two days before the hearing may result in a charge if the interpreter cannot be cancelled without a fee.
Immediately notify the Interpreter Coordinator if a hearing is continued or set over. Failure to do so at least two days before the hearing may result in the party being charged for the cost of the interpreter if the interpreter cannot be cancelled without a fee.
Page 11 | ADMINISTRATIVE RULE 11 — INTERPRETERS
All parties must promptly inform Superior Court Administration of errors or changes in the list.
All parties have the obligation to inform Superior Court Administration promptly of any errors or changes in this list.
Page 19
Motions in limine and proposed jury instructions may be emailed to the trial judge if the opposing party is included in the email.
Said motions and proposed jury instructions can be emailed to the trial judge provided the opposing party is included in the email.
Page 22 | (i)(2) Civil: Trial Readiness Review
Said motions should be emailed to the trial judge and opposing counsel, and the “original” filed with the Superior Court Clerk’s Office.
Said motions should be emailed to the trial judge and opposing counsel, and the “original” filed with the Superior Court Clerk’s Office.
Page 50 | CRIMINAL RULE 4.11 — CRIMINAL TRIAL CALENDAR REVIEW
A party or attorney may have a trial set without appearing personally by furnishing a letter to the file stating that intention and suggesting scheduling preferences, restrictions, estimated length, or other relevant information.
An attorney or party may have a trial set without personal appearance provided they furnish a letter to the file indicating their intention not to personally appear and suggesting time preferences, restrictions, estimated length or other relevant information.
Page 87 | SPECIAL PROCEEDINGS RULE 93.07, A. Methods
Email communication with court staff is appropriate for the listed typical matters, including hearing dates, proposed orders or bench copies, availability, trial equipment, settlement notice, and similar matters.
Email communication with court staff is appropriate in the following typical situations: (i) To confirm a date for an in-court hearing; (ii) To submit proposed orders and/or bench copies of pleadings or trial aides; (iii) To determine the judge's availability; (iv) To determine the availability of equipment needed for trial (such as a projector, video/compact disc player or speaker phone); (v) To advise the Court of a settlement (to be immediately followed by formal written notice pursuant to CR 41(e)); (vi) Other matters of a similar nature that would be appropriate to handle by way of a phone call to court staff.
Page 10 | ADMINISTRATIVE RULE 10 — EMAIL COMMUNICATION