Ferry, Pend Oreille and Stevens Counties Superior Court
Court-Level Rules, Filing Procedures & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Limits & Logistics
Document Limits
Courtesy Copies
Brief
- 1 copy • Email
Dispositive Motion
- 1 copy • Upon Filing
Motion to Shorten Time
- In Advance of Hearing
Transcript
- 1 copy • At Least 7 Days Before Motion Hearing
Communication
Phone
Page & Word Limits2 rules
Financial declarations, including all exhibits, shall be limited to 25 pages.
- Financial declaration
- Up to 25 pages
Supporting declarations and affidavits, including any reply, are limited to 25 pages, and responsive declarations and affidavits to 20 pages; exhibits count, prior authorization may permit more, expert materials are excluded, and simultaneous motions share a hearing-wide limit.
- Supporting declarations and affidavits including reply
- Up to 25 pages in total
- Responsive declarations and affidavits
- Up to 20 pages in total
Court's wording
All exhibits attached to any declaration or affidavit shall be counted toward the page limit. Absent prior authorization from the court, the entirety of all declarations and affidavits from the parties and any non-expert witnesses in support of motions, including any reply, shall be limited to a total of 25 pages. The entirety of all declarations and affidavits submitted in response to motions shall be limited to a sum total of 20 pages. If more than one motion is to be heard at the same time, the page limits apply to the entire hearing, not each individual motion. This rule shall be qualified as follows: (1) Expert Reports and Evaluations. Declarations, affidavits, and reports from Guardians ad litem and similar expert witnesses shall not count toward the above page limit. (2) Financial declarations. The above page limits shall not apply to basic pleadings and financial declarations. Financial declarations, including all exhibits, shall be limited to 25 pages.
Document Format Requirements15 rules
Transcripts must comply with all applicable court formatting rules, and the transcriptionist must meet GR 35 requirements and appear on the Court‑approved list.
In Stevens County, a document or combined documents exceeding 50 pages must have two pre-punched holes with the specified spacing and placement.
- More than 50 pages
Court's wording
Stevens County Only: Any document or combination of documents presented to the Stevens County Superior Court Clerk’s Office for filing in one or more cases which exceed fifty (50) pages in length must be presented with two pre-punched normal-sized holes, centered 2 ½ inches apart and 5/8 inches from the top of the paper.
Parties shall not file a Note for Hearing with their motion.
- Reconsideration motions
Formatting
- •Do not file a Note for Hearing with the motion
A motion for order shortening time may not be incorporated into any other pleading.
Parties shall not file any documents containing hyperlinks.
Formatting
- •Documents containing hyperlinks shall not be filed
In order to make such recorded information part of the court’s record, they must be transcribed, if possible, and then filed as a document in paper format.
- File type
- Paper
Compact discs, digital video discs, audio tapes, thumb drives and similar devices containing recorded information shall not be attached to documents filed with the Court Clerk.
The parties and/or counsel shall prepare original separate exhibit binders containing tabbed exhibits and an index of proposed exhibits. Sufficient binders should be made for each attorney, the court, and the testifying witness.
Each party shall file with the Clerk the original proposed instructions, numbered and with citations, and shall provide the judge with one copy numbered and with citations and one copy unnumbered and without citations.
- Jury instructions
Formatting
- •The original proposed instructions must be numbered and include citations
- •One copy for the judge must be numbered and include citations
- •One copy for the judge must be unnumbered and without citations
All motions and pleadings in support thereof, shall use mandatory forms where applicable, follow the format required by GR 14, and meet the requirements of GR 31.
- Motion
- Pleading in support
Formatting
- •Use mandatory forms where applicable
- •Meet the requirements of GR 31
A motion requesting necessary investigative, expert, or other defense services must use a Court-approved form available in the courtroom.
Court's wording
A lawyer for a defendant who is financially unable to obtain investigative, expert or other services necessary to an adequate defense in the case may request them by a motion to the court. A motion for these services shall be made on forms approved by the Court and available in the courtroom.
In addition to the discovery material specified in CR 5(i), photocopies of reported cases, statutes, or text shall not be filed as an appendix to a brief, but may be furnished directly to the judge hearing the matter only if the opposing party also receives it.
Any item filed with the Court Clerk that is not a document shall be treated as an exhibit without further order of the Court and/or comply with GR 30 or GR14 when applicable.
All filed documents shall be legible. If typed or computer printed, documents shall be in 11 point or larger type and double-spaced.
Formatting
- •All filed documents must be legible
This copy may be provided by a PDF or MS Word attachment and shall be e-mailed to superiorcourtadmin@stevenscountywa.gov.
Document Filing Requirements31 rules
The moving party must file a transcript of the commissioner’s oral ruling, unless the decision was issued by letter or written order or there was no oral ruling.
Court's wording
The moving party must file and serve a transcript of the Court Commissioner’s oral ruling at least seven (7) days before the motion hearing and provide a copy to the assigned Judge. The moving party is responsible for the cost of the transcript. No transcript is required if the decision was issued by letter, by written order, or if no oral ruling was given.
Self-addressed, stamped envelopes shall be provided for return of any conformed materials and/or rejected orders.
Counsel presenting a judgment, final orders, or seeking entry of a proposed order shall be responsible for all relevant pleadings and papers for the Court’s review.
Parties shall provide copies of any documents they wish to present or have considered at the hearing when they reserve their time slot.
If a disqualification is filed in a case, a copy is to be sent to Superior Court Administration with identification of all pending or upcoming hearings.
Attorneys who have received a waiver shall place the words “Exempt from eFiling per waiver filed on (date)” in the caption of all paper documents they file for the duration of the waiver.
- Document
- Paper document
- Placement
- Caption
The party striking the hearing shall file the mandatory form located on the court’s website.
Affidavits and declarations must meet the stated oath, personal-knowledge, age, admissibility, and competency requirements.
Court's wording
(e) Affidavits or Declarations. All affidavits or declarations shall be sworn or affirmed under penalty of perjury, made on personal knowledge, is at least 18 years of age, set forth such facts as would be admissible in evidence, and show affirmatively that the affiant or declarant is competent to testify to the matters stated therein.
Such motions shall contain a written certification that self-represented parties or attorneys were notified of the time and place of requesting the order to shorten time, or the reasons why such notice was not given.
If both parties fail to appear for this hearing, the trial date will be stricken, and parties will be required to file a new Note for Trial Setting and Certificate of Readiness.
Any party contending the case is not ready for trial, or that the estimated length of trial is not correct, shall serve and file a counter Note for Trial Setting and Certificate of Readiness or objection to trial setting and notice of argument thereon within ten (10) days of the date of service of the Note for Trial Setting and Certificate of Readiness, which objection shall be noted for hearing pursuant to LCR 6(d).
Any party desiring to bring an issue of fact to trial, including an evidentiary hearing under RCW 11.96A TEDRA, shall serve and file a properly completed Note for Trial Setting and Certificate of Readiness on the mandatory form available on the Court’s website.
A party seeking pre-assignment must apply in writing with notice to the other parties and bears the burden of establishing the need; the presiding judge may also initiate pre-assignment.
Court's wording
Upon written application of any party with notice to the other parties, or on the Court’s own motion, the presiding judge may pre-assign cases involving complex issues and/or extensive pretrial procedures to a particular judge for pretrial procedures and trial. The burden of establishing the need for pre-assignment shall be on the party or parties requesting the same.
Each party in a civil case shall submit a brief statement of the case suitable to be read to the jury before the voir dire examination.
Each proposed exhibit shall contain a label which indicates the case name, case number, date of hearing, hearing type, and exhibit number.
Unless the stated exceptions apply, the prevailing party’s attorney of record must prepare proposed findings and conclusions and a proposed decree, order, or judgment.
Court's wording
Unless the judge has included formal findings of fact and conclusions of law in a written opinion or memorandum of decision pursuant to CR 52(a)(4) or they are otherwise unnecessary by reason of CR 52(a)(5), the attorney of record for the prevailing party shall prepare proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law, along with the proposed form of decree, order or judgment as required by CR 54(e).
Each party shall file with the Clerk the original proposed instructions, numbered and with citations, and shall provide the judge with one copy numbered and with citations and one copy unnumbered and without citations.
Covered orders to show cause must include the specified capitalized warning; without it, the court may refuse to issue a bench warrant.
Court's wording
In all supplemental proceedings wherein a show cause order is issued requiring the personal attendance of the party to be examined in open court and in orders to show cause in re contempt, the order to show cause must include the following words in capital letters: YOUR FAILURE TO APPEAR AS SET FORTH AT THE TIME, DATE AND PLACE SET FORTH IN THIS ORDER MAY CAUSE THE COURT TO ISSUE A BENCH WARRANT FOR YOUR APPEHENSION AND CONFINEMENT IN JAIL UNTIL SUCH TIME AS THE MATTER CAN BE HEARD, UNLESS BAIL IS FURNISHED AS PROVIDED IN SUCH WARRANT. The failure to include such wording will be grounds for the court to refuse to issue a bench warrant for the apprehension of such person.
Each declaration must provide foundational information about the declarant in summary form at its beginning.
Court's wording
All declarations shall contain information that provides the court with foundational information such as the name of the declarant, relationship to one or both of the parties, age, education, city and state of residence, and occupation. This information shall be provided in summary fashion at the beginning of each declaration.
Oral decisions or rulings by a judge which are transcribed shall first be submitted to the judge for review prior to delivery and a final copy shall be furnished to the judge for his/her file.
Motions to exceed page limits must be in writing, with notice to the opposing party, and may be presented on an ex parte basis consistent with LCR 54(f) to be heard without oral argument.
Unless prior permission of the court is obtained, the parties shall not submit declarations by minors.
A party applying for temporary support, maintenance, debt or income-producing property allocation, attorney’s fees or other financial relief pending trial must serve and file with his or her motion an affidavit or declaration under penalty of perjury respecting financial affairs.
The notice of hearing or show cause order shall notify the responding party of this requirement.
the motion, shall likewise submit such an affidavit or declaration which shall be served and filed.
The presentment must include proposed findings of fact, conclusions of law, and a decree.
Court's wording
The attorney or party shall request the Court Clerk present the original court file to the ex parte judge at the time of presentment, together with the proposed findings of fact, conclusions of law and decree.
All complaints shall be in writing, signed by at least one individual with his/her address and phone number, and submitted to the court administrator.
When a complaint appears to have merit, the committee must request a written response that identifies the specific issues to be addressed.
Court's wording
Make a finding that the complaint appears to have merit and request a written response from the guardian ad litem within ten (10) business days detailing the specific issues in the complaint to which the committee desires a response.
The appeal scheduling order must include the specified appellant warning above the judge’s signature.
Court's wording
The scheduling order shall bear the following legend above the judge’s signature: ATTENTION APPELLANT: You are ultimately responsible for ensuring that your appeal is prosecuted in a timely manner, even if you have an attorney assisting you in preparing your appeal. You must maintain contact with your attorney and the court to ensure that this scheduling order is being followed. If you or your attorney fail to meet the deadlines set out in this scheduling order, or fail to timely seek an extension of time pursuant to RALJ 10.3, sanctions may be assessed against you, or your
After a notice of appeal is filed, the clerk must provide a proposed schedule, and the presiding judge must enter an order setting the schedule and requiring compliance and attendance at oral argument.
Court's wording
When a notice of appeal has been filed, the Clerk shall provide the presiding judge with a suggested schedule of dates for filing the transcript, for submission of briefs as provided by RALJ 6.3A and 7.2, and for oral argument. The presiding judge shall then enter an order which requires the parties to comply with a schedule for such filings and to appear for a hearing for oral argument.
Official transcripts generally must be prepared through the court administrator; requests must be made to the administrator with payment arrangements made at the same time, and non-administrator transcripts may be stricken except in RALJ appeal matters.
Court's wording
With the exception of transcripts provided under RALJ 6.3A, the official transcript or verbatim report of proceedings of any matters shall be prepared by or under the direction of the court administrator. Anyone wishing to order an official transcript or verbatim report of proceedings shall make such request to the court administrator and shall at the same time make arrangements for payment thereof. With the exception of RALJ appeal matters, transcripts or verbatim reports of proceedings not obtained through the court administrator are subject to being stricken from the record upon the request of any party or on the court’s own motion.
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
Negotiable instruments, exhibits, and trial notebooks are examples of items that must not be filed in the court file on paper or electronically.
Comment: Negotiable instruments, exhibits, and trial notebooks are examples of items that are not to be filed in the court file either in paper form or by e-filing.
Page 8 | LCR 5(d)(2)(B) Comment
Beginning January 1, 2027, an attorney unable to e-file may request a waiver by showing good cause and explaining the need to file paper documents in that case.
Effective January 1, 2027, if an attorney is unable to e-file documents, the attorney may request a waiver. The attorney must make a showing of good cause and explain why the attorney needs to file paper documents in that particular case. The Clerk will make waiver request forms available, consider each
Page 8 | LCR 5(d)(2)(D) Waiver of the Requirement to E-file
Beginning January 1, 2027, attorneys in Stevens County civil cases must e-file all documents using the e-filing application, subject to exceptions provided by the rule.
Effective January 1, 2027, attorneys shall electronically file (e-file) all documents using the e-filing application unless this rule provides otherwise.
Page 8 | LCR 5(d)(2)(A) Electronic Filing
The listed documents must be filed on paper and must not be e-filed; electronic wills are excluded from the original-paper-wills restriction.
The following documents must be filed in paper form and not e-filed: • Original paper wills and codicils (excluding electronic wills), including “Will only”; • New probate cases that include original paper wills or codicils; • Certified records of proceedings for purposes of appeal; • Interpleader or Surplus Funds Petitions; • Documents presented for filing during a court hearing or trial; • Documents submitted for in-camera review pursuant to GR 15; • New cases or fee-based documents filed with an Order to Waive Fees or in accordance with GR 34; • New case filings when there is a request for immediate relief; • Affidavits for Writs for Garnishment and Writs of Execution.
Page 8 | LCR 5(d)(2)(B) Documents That Shall Not Be e-filed
An attorney with an approved e-filing waiver must file a copy of the waiver in each case in which the attorney files documents.
Attorneys who receive an approved waiver shall file a copy of the waiver in each case in which they file documents.
Page 9 | Mandatory eFiling waiver
An attorney who files a paper document without an approved waiver risks having the Clerk reject it and return it for e-filing.
If an attorney files a document in paper form and does not have an approved waiver from mandatory eFiling, the Clerk is authorized to reject the document and return it to the attorney for eFiling.
Page 9 | Non-Compliance with this Rule
Documents from governments or other courts under official seal, including adoption documents, may be e-filed if the filer retains the original through any appeal and until at least 60 days after the case ends, and presents it to the court on request; hearing or trial exhibits are excluded.
Documents from governments or other courts under official seal including adoption documents. If filed electronically, the filing party must retain the original document during the pendency of any appeal and until at least sixty (60) days after completion of the instant case and shall present the original document to the court if requested to do so. This does not include documents that are or will be submitted as an exhibit in a hearing or trial.
Page 8 | LCR 5(d)(2)(C) Documents That May Be E-filed
Routine ex parte or stipulated matters may be mailed to the Superior Court Clerk.
Routine ex parte or stipulated matters may be mailed to the Superior Court Clerk.
Page 6 | LAR 6(a)(1)
Documents for the Ex Parte Docket may be submitted by email to the designated address.
Arrangements to appear on the Ex Parte Docket, in person or via Webex, and the submission of documents, may be accomplished by sending an e-mail to exparte@stevenscountywa.gov.
Page 6 | LAR 6(d)(1)(B)
Self-represented parties are not required to e-file but may choose to do so.
Self-represented parties are not required to e-file but may do so.
Page 8 | LCR 5(d)(2)(A) Electronic Filing
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
A revision motion must be filed within 10 days after the earlier of entry of the oral ruling or written order or judgment.
A revision motion filed by a party pursuant to RCW 2.24.050 shall be filed within 10 days after entry of the oral ruling or written order or judgment, whichever is sooner
Page 5 | LAR 5(a)
The transcript of the commissioner’s oral ruling must be filed at least seven days before the motion hearing.
The moving party must file and serve a transcript of the Court Commissioner’s oral ruling at least seven (7) days before the motion hearing
Page 5 | LAR 5(b)
Strict reply papers must be filed and copies served at least two full court days, excluding holidays and weekends, before the hearing.
Any papers in strict reply shall be filed and copies served on parties two (2) full court days (excluding holidays and weekends) before the date of the hearing.
Page 10 | LCR 6. TIME AND MOTIONS—Reply
The moving party must serve and file all motion papers at least nine full court days, excluding holidays and weekends, before the requested consideration date.
The moving party shall serve and file all motion papers no later than nine (9) full court days (excluding holidays and weekends) before the date the party wishes the motion to be considered.
Page 10 | LCR 6. TIME AND MOTIONS—Motions
A party opposing a motion must file the original opposition papers and serve copies at least four full court days, excluding holidays and weekends, before the hearing.
Any party opposing a motion shall file the original responsive papers in opposition to a motion and serve copies on parties four (4) full court days (excluding holidays and weekends) before the date the motion is to be heard.
Page 10 | LCR 6. TIME AND MOTIONS—Opposing Papers/Response
A motion for reconsideration and its supporting pleadings must be filed within 10 calendar days after the Court’s written ruling.
(1) Time. A Motion for Reconsideration and supporting pleadings shall be filed within 10 calendar days of the Court’s written ruling.
Page 12 | (i)(1) Time
A motion to shorten time must be noted no later than two court days before the hearing.
(1) Time. A motion to shorten time must be noted and served no later than two (2) court days before the hearing.
Page 12 | (h)(1) Time
A party disputing trial readiness or the estimated trial length must serve and file a counter Note or an objection with notice of argument within ten days after service of the original Note, and the objection must be noted for hearing under LCR 6(d).
Any party contending the case is not ready for trial, or that the estimated length of trial is not correct, shall serve and file a counter Note for Trial Setting and Certificate of Readiness or objection to trial setting and notice of argument thereon within ten (10) days of the date of service of the Note for Trial Setting and Certificate of Readiness, which objection shall be noted for hearing pursuant to LCR 6(d).
Page 14 | LCR 40(a) Note for Trial Setting and Certificate of Readiness
A guardian ad litem or court visitor who fails to respond within the required 10 business days is immediately suspended from all registries.
A guardian ad litem’s or court visitor’s failure to respond within the required ten (10) business days shall result in the immediate suspension of the guardian ad litem or court visitor from all registries.
Page 23 | LRGAL 3. REVIEW OF COMPLAINT.
The court administrator must convene the complaint review committee within 10 business days after receiving a written complaint.
Upon receipt of a written complaint, the court administrator shall convene the complaint review committee within ten (10) business days to review the complaint.
Page 23 | LRGAL 3. REVIEW OF COMPLAINT.
The committee must make a finding on each issue within 10 business days after receiving the guardian ad litem's or court visitor's written response.
Upon receipt of a written response to a complaint from the guardian ad litem or court visitor, the complaint review committee shall, within ten (10) business days, make a finding as to each of the issues delineated in the committee’s written request to the guardian ad litem or court visitor that based on the response, there is either no merit to the issue, or there is merit to the issue.
Page 24 | LRGAL 4. RESPONSE AND FINDINGS.
A complaint filed after a case concludes must be resolved within 60 days after receipt.
Complaints shall be resolved within sixty (60) days of the date or receipt of the written complaint if the complaint is filed subsequent to the conclusion of the case.
Page 25 | LRGAL 6(b). Complaint Processing Time Standards
A complaint must be resolved within 25 days after receipt when a case is pending.
Complaints shall be resolved within twenty-five (25) days of the date of receipt of the written complaint if a case is pending.
Page 25 | LRGAL 6(a). Complaint Processing Time Standards
A guardian ad litem or court visitor may request reconsideration within five business days after receiving notice of suspension or removal from a registry.
A guardian ad litem or court visitor may, within five (5) business days of receipt of notification that he or she has been suspended or removed from a registry, request a hearing for reconsideration of the committee’s decision.
Page 25 | LRGAL 8. Request for Reconsideration by Guardian ad Litem or Court Visitor
A complaint must be filed within three years of the complained-of occurrence; late complaints are to be found without cause to proceed, whether the case is pending or concluded.
Complaints filed under this rule must be filed within three (3) years from the date of the occurrence of the matters complained of. The committee shall find complaints filed after this time not to have cause to proceed. This limitation applies to all complaints, whether filed during the pendency or after the conclusion of a case.
Page 25 | LRGAL 6(d). Complaint Processing Time Standards
The complainant and guardian ad litem or court visitor must receive written notice of the committee’s decision within 10 business days after its findings and decision are entered.
The complainant and the guardian ad litem or court visitor shall be notified in writing of the committee’s decision within ten (10) business days of the entry of the committee’s findings and decision.
Page 25 | LRGAL 6(c). Complaint Processing Time Standards
The reconsideration hearing must be conducted within 20 days after the hearing request is received.
Said hearing shall be conducted within twenty (20) days of receipt of a request for the hearing.
Page 26 | LRGAL 8. Request for Reconsideration by Guardian ad Litem or Court Visitor
The appellant’s brief is due 30 days after filing the appeal in Superior Court.
The Court Administrator shall set deadlines in the Appeal Scheduling Notice for filing and serving any briefs the parties choose to submit as follows: (i) Appellant’s Brief 30 days after Superior Court filing
Page 27 | LRALJ 12 APPEALS FROM SMALL CLAIMS COURT
The reply brief is due 15 days after receipt of the respondent’s brief.
The Court Administrator shall set deadlines in the Appeal Scheduling Notice for filing and serving any briefs the parties choose to submit as follows: (iii) Reply Brief 15 days after receipt of Respondent’s brief
Page 27 | LRALJ 12 APPEALS FROM SMALL CLAIMS COURT
The respondent’s brief is due 30 days after receipt of the appellant’s brief.
The Court Administrator shall set deadlines in the Appeal Scheduling Notice for filing and serving any briefs the parties choose to submit as follows: (i) Appellant’s Brief 30 days after Superior Court filing (ii) Respondent’s Brief
Page 27 | LRALJ 12 APPEALS FROM SMALL CLAIMS COURT
Over counsel’s objection, the Court will not consider untimely material or reply material outside strict reply, and it may impose sanctions.
Any material offered at a time later than required by this rule, and any reply material which is not in strict reply, will not be considered by the Court over objection of counsel. The Court may impose appropriate sanctions.
Page 10 | LCR 6. TIME AND MOTIONS—Sanctions
Service and Proof of Service Rules
The transcript of the commissioner’s oral ruling must be served at least seven days before the motion hearing.
The moving party must file and serve a transcript of the Court Commissioner’s oral ruling at least seven (7) days before the motion hearing
Page 5 | LAR 5(b)
A party who e-files a document may serve it through the Clerk’s “serve only” feature, subject to the stated personal-service and recipient-registration exceptions.
When a party e-files a document, the party may electronically serve the document via the “serve only” feature within the Clerk’s e-filing system. E-service under this subsection constitutes service under CR 5 and is complete as stated in CR 5(b)(7). Exceptions: This subsection does not apply when a statute or rule requires that a document be personally served on the receiving party; or when the receiving party is not represented by an attorney and has not registered to accept e-service.
Page 9 | Electronic Service—Effecting service
An affidavit of service must be filed as proof of service regardless of the service method.
An affidavit of service is required to be e-filed or filed as proof of service regardless of service method.
Page 9 | Electronic Service—Effecting service
The moving party must serve all motion papers at least nine full court days, excluding holidays and weekends, before the requested consideration date.
The moving party shall serve and file all motion papers no later than nine (9) full court days (excluding holidays and weekends) before the date the party wishes the motion to be considered.
Page 10 | LCR 6. TIME AND MOTIONS—Motions
A document served contrary to the rule is deemed not served, and the Court may refuse to consider it.
If an attorney or self-represented party serves a document in a manner that does not comply with this rule, the document shall be deemed not served pursuant to CR 5, and the Court in its discretion can refuse to consider the document.
Page 10 | Non-Compliance
A party opposing a motion must serve copies of the opposition papers at least four full court days, excluding holidays and weekends, before the hearing.
Any party opposing a motion shall file the original responsive papers in opposition to a motion and serve copies on parties four (4) full court days (excluding holidays and weekends) before the date the motion is to be heard.
Page 10 | LCR 6. TIME AND MOTIONS—Opposing Papers/Response
Copies of strict reply papers must be served on the parties at least two full court days, excluding holidays and weekends, before the hearing.
Any papers in strict reply shall be filed and copies served on parties two (2) full court days (excluding holidays and weekends) before the date of the hearing.
Page 10 | LCR 6. TIME AND MOTIONS—Reply
A party striking a hearing must give the opposing party and Superior Court Administration at least two court days’ notice using a method reasonably calculated to provide actual notice.
(2) Striking a hearing. A moving party must give no less than two (2) court days’ notice of a strike to the opposing party and to Superior Court Administration. Notice must be served in any manner reasonably calculated to provide actual notice to the other party and Superior Court Administration.
Page 11 | (f)(2) Striking a hearing
The requesting party must give opposing parties verbal and written notice as soon as possible, regardless of when the pleadings are prepared or provided.
(4) Notice Requirements: The party requesting an order to shorten time shall give verbal and written notice as soon as possible to opposing parties regardless of when pleadings are prepared and provided.
Page 12 | (h)(4) Notice Requirements
A motion to shorten time must be served no later than two court days before the hearing.
(1) Time. A motion to shorten time must be noted and served no later than two (2) court days before the hearing.
Page 12 | (h)(1) Time
A party disputing trial readiness or the estimated trial length must serve the counter Note or objection and notice of argument.
Any party contending the case is not ready for trial, or that the estimated length of trial is not correct, shall serve and file a counter Note for Trial Setting and Certificate of Readiness or objection to trial setting and notice of argument thereon within ten (10) days of the date of service of the Note for Trial Setting and Certificate of Readiness, which objection shall be noted for hearing pursuant to LCR 6(d).
Page 14 | LCR 40(a) Note for Trial Setting and Certificate of Readiness
A party seeking trial of an issue of fact must serve the Note for Trial Setting and Certificate of Readiness.
Any party desiring to bring an issue of fact to trial, including an evidentiary hearing under RCW 11.96A TEDRA, shall serve and file a properly completed Note for Trial Setting and Certificate of Readiness on the mandatory form available on the Court’s website.
Page 14 | LCR 40(a) Note for Trial Setting and Certificate of Readiness
During the week before trial, parties and counsel must provide copies of their likely exhibits to all parties and counsel.
The week prior to trial, all parties pro se and/or counsel shall provide a copy of their likely exhibits to all parties and/or counsel.
Page 14 | LCR 40(g)(1) Pre-Trial Organization of Exhibits and Admissibility Without Authentication
Each other party must be served with one numbered copy of the proposed instructions that includes citations.
One copy, numbered and with citations, shall be served on each other party.
Page 16 | LCR 51(b)
The affidavit or declaration respecting financial affairs must be served with the motion seeking specified temporary financial relief pending trial.
A party applying for temporary support, maintenance, debt or income-producing property allocation, attorney’s fees or other financial relief pending trial must serve and file with his or her motion an affidavit or declaration under penalty of perjury respecting financial affairs.
Page 20 | LCR 94.04(a)(1)
The affidavit or declaration must be served.
the motion, shall likewise submit such an affidavit or declaration which shall be served and filed.
Page 21 | Local Civil Rules
The committee must provide the guardian ad litem or court visitor with a copy of the original complaint.
The committee shall provide the guardian ad litem or court visitor with a copy of the original complaint.
Page 23 | LRGAL 3. REVIEW OF COMPLAINT.
The clerk must notify all parties of the appeal scheduling order and send notice directly to any criminal defendant, including one represented by counsel.
The Clerk shall give notice of the appeal scheduling order to all parties, which notice shall include a notice sent directly to any criminal defendant, even if represented by counsel.
Page 26 | LRALJ 3.1(a). Procedure—Scheduling
After completing and filing the Appeal Scheduling Notice, the Administrator must immediately mail copies to all parties.
Upon the Administrator’s completion and filing of the Appeal Scheduling Notice, the Administrator shall immediately mail copies of the notice to all parties involved in the appeal
Page 27 | LRALJ 12 APPEALS FROM SMALL CLAIMS COURT
Brief copies must be served on the opposing party by personal delivery or regular mail.
The original copy of any brief shall be filed with the Clerk of the Superior Court, and copies shall be served on the opposing party by personal delivery or regular mail.
Page 28 | LRALJ 12 APPEALS FROM SMALL CLAIMS COURT
Parties or their attorneys may serve opposing parties by email only with written consent or if the recipient refuses to provide a mailing address.
Parties (or attorneys of record) may serve opposing parties by email only if they have written consent from the receiving party or the receiving party refuses to provide a mailing address.
Page 7 | LCR 5. SERVICE AND FILING OF PLEADINGS AND OTHER PAPERS
Parties and attorneys may accept e-service by filing an alternative service agreement, which permits electronic service between consenting parties and through the Clerk’s filing system unless the agreement declines that option.
Parties and attorneys may choose to accept e- service, as authorized in CR 5(B)(7), by filing an alternative service agreement with the clerk’s office. Filing this agreement will allow for valid CR 5(b)(7) service between the consenting parties through electronic means. It will also allow for service through the clerk’s electronic filing system unless the alternative service agreement filed by the attorney specifically declines the acceptance of service through the clerk’s electronic filing system.
Page 9 | Electronic Service—Accepting E-Service
Service through “File and Serve” is not complete until the Clerk accepts the filing; use “serve only” for immediate service.
When using the “File and Serve” option to effect service, service will not be completed until the filed document has been accepted by the clerk’s office. For immediate service of documents, use the “serve only” option.
Page 9 | Electronic Service—Effecting service (Comment)
If photocopies of reported cases, statutes, or text are furnished directly to the judge, the opposing party must also receive them.
In addition to the discovery material specified in CR 5(i), photocopies of reported cases, statutes, or text shall not be filed as an appendix to a brief, but may be furnished directly to the judge hearing the matter only if the opposing party also receives it.
Page 10 | Additional Material Not to Be Filed
When a grievance disposition removes a guardian ad litem or court visitor from a registry, the court must notify the state AOC.
When a guardian ad litem or court visitor is removed from a registry pursuant to the disposition of a grievance, the court shall send notice of such removal to the state Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC).
Page 25 | LRGAL 7. Sanctions
Self-represented parties need not use e-service but may elect to accept it by listing their email address on the eFiling system’s service contact list.
Self-represented parties are not required to use e-serve but may elect to accept e-service by providing their email address on the “service contact list” in the eFiling system.
Page 9 | Electronic Service—Self-Represented Parties
Filing Fees and Waivers
The appropriate ex parte fee must be provided before off-docket presentment, but indigent parties may comply with GR34 for a fee waiver.
Parties are required to include, in advance, the appropriate ex parte fee to the Superior Court Clerk prior to any off-docket presentment. If indigent, parties can also comply with GR34 for waivers of any filing fee.
Page 6 | LAR 6(b)
Courtesy Copy Requirements
The moving party must provide the assigned judge a copy of the transcript at least seven days before the motion hearing.
The moving party must file and serve a transcript of the Court Commissioner’s oral ruling at least seven (7) days before the motion hearing and provide a copy to the assigned Judge.
Page 5 | LAR 5(b)
For dispositive motions, each party must deliver one bench copy of the motion papers and accompanying documents to Court Administration when filing, regardless of the county.
(1) Bench copies for a dispositive motion, all accompanying documents, and all responsive and reply papers, shall be provided by the respective parties to the judge at the time of filing by delivering a copy of said documents to Court Administration, 215 South Oak, Room 209, Colville, WA 99114, regardless of the county in which the motion is filed or heard.
Page 11 | (g)(1) Dispositive Motions
Working copies must be provided to the Court before any hearing.
Working copies shall be provided to the Court in advance of any hearing.
Page 12 | (h)(1) Time
One copy of each brief must be provided to the Superior Court Administrator for the judge and emailed to the stated address.
In addition, one copy of each brief shall be provided to the Superior Court Administrator for delivery to the judge. This copy may be provided by a PDF or MS Word attachment and shall be e-mailed to superiorcourtadmin@stevenscountywa.gov.
Page 28 | LRALJ 12 APPEALS FROM SMALL CLAIMS COURT
Sealing & Redaction Procedures
A complaint is confidential for all purposes unless the committee determines that it has merit under LRGAL 1.3(c).
A complaint shall be deemed confidential for all purposes unless the committee has determined that it has merit under LRGAL 1.3(c).
Page 24 | LRGAL 5. CONFIDENTIALITY.
Records of complaints found not to have merit must remain confidential and may be disclosed only by court order.
Any record of complaints filed which are found by the committee not to have merit shall be and remain confidential and shall not be disclosed except by court order.
Page 24 | LRGAL 5. CONFIDENTIALITY.
Filing Bundling Requirements
For motions other than reconsideration, the moving party must file the noted motion, supporting affidavits and documentary evidence, and a brief or memorandum with the Note for Hearing form, unless the legal position is fully and adequately stated in the motion or form.
For motions other than a Motion for Reconsideration: The moving party shall file with the Note for Hearing – Issue of Law form the following: The motion being noted, all supporting affidavits and documentary evidence, and a brief or memorandum of authorities, unless the legal position is fully and adequately stated in the motion or issue of law form.
Page 10 | LCR 6. TIME AND MOTIONS—Motions
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
The motion for an order shortening time must be heard before the related substantive motion.
(3) The motion for order shortening time shall be heard prior to the substantive motion related to the request.
Page 12 | (h)(3)
A motion to shorten time may be granted only by party agreement, upon the specified showing of good cause, or upon another good-cause determination by the Court.
(2) Hearing Procedure on Motion to Shorten Time. Motions to shorten time for a hearing shall be granted only upon: (1) agreement of the parties; (2) good cause shown that harm will occur if the motion is not heard until the required notice period has elapsed; or (3) other good cause determination by the Court including the efficient use of judicial resources.
Page 12 | (h)(2) Hearing Procedure on Motion to Shorten Time
A response to a motion for reconsideration is required only if the Court requests one; if a response is called for and filed, the opposing party may file a reply within two court days of service.
Parties are not required to file a response to a Motion for Reconsideration unless requested by the Court. If a response is called for and filed by the opposing party, a reply may be filed within two court days of service of the response.
Page 13 | Hearing on Motion for Reconsideration
Motions for reconsideration are decided on briefs and affidavits unless the Court requests oral argument, in which case it will set a hearing date and briefing schedule by order.
Motions for Reconsideration will be decided on briefs and affidavits only, unless the Court requests oral argument. In that event, the Court will issue an order setting hearing date and briefing schedule.
Page 13 | Hearing on Motion for Reconsideration
A motion to shorten time may be noted for hearing with the underlying motion or in advance, at the party’s or attorney’s discretion.
(h) Motions to Shorten Time. CR6 Motions to shorten time may be noted to be heard at the same time as the underlying motion, or in advance, at the discretion of the party/attorney.
Page 12 | (h) Motions to Shorten Time
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
During further examination, the committee may extend the time for entering findings of fact, but the extension may not exceed 30 days beyond the date it determined an issue had merit.
The committee may extend the time for entering findings of fact during such examination, provided, however, that no such extension shall exceed thirty (30) days beyond the date the committee determined that there is merit to any issue.
Page 24 | LRGAL 4. RESPONSE AND FINDINGS.
Chambers Communication Rules
A party must contact the Stevens County Superior Court Clerk by 11:00 a.m. to reserve a five-minute slot between 1:00 and 1:30 p.m.
A party shall contact the Stevens County Superior Court Clerk no later than 11:00am to reserve a five (5) minute time slot between 1:00pm and 1:30pm.
Page 6 | LAR 6(d)(1)(A)
The parties must work with court administration to schedule a new hearing date or an assignment before a different judicial officer.
The parties in a case shall work with court administration to schedule a new hearing date or assignment before a different judicial officer.
Page 7 | LAR 8. DISQUALIFICATION OR AFFIDAVIT OF PREJUDICE
In the event a motion for summary judgment CR56, or partial summary judgment or motion to dismiss CR12 or other dispositive motion is to be argued, counsel for the moving party is required to confirm the motion with Court Administration by telephone or email with notice to the opposing party by 4:30 p.m. at least seven (7) court days before the hearing.
In the event a motion for summary judgment CR56, or partial summary judgment or motion to dismiss CR12 or other dispositive motion is to be argued, counsel for the moving party is required to confirm the motion with Court Administration by telephone or email with notice to the opposing party by 4:30 p.m. at least seven (7) court days before the hearing.
Page 11 | (g) Dispositive Motions
Notice that a motion for reconsideration was filed must be sent to the specified Superior Court Administration email address.
Notice of a filed Motion for Reconsideration shall be sent to: superiorcourtadmin@stevenscountywa.gov.
Page 12 | (i)(1) Time
If recorded information cannot be transcribed, its proponent must contact the Clerk’s Office four court days before the hearing to arrange for its admission.
In the event the recorded information cannot be transcribed, the proponent of the recorded information shall contact the Clerk’s Office four (4) court days before the hearing to ensure appropriate arrangements are made for admission of the recorded information.
Page 13 | LCR 10(d) Format Requirements
Pre-trial conferences, hearings, and trial scheduling must be arranged directly with the preassigned judge and court administrator.
Pre-trial conferences and hearings and trial scheduling shall be arranged directly with the preassigned judge and the court administrator.
Page 14 | LCR 16(d) Pre-assignment to a Particular Judge
Motions and other matters may be heard by conference call only with the court’s advance approval.
Motions or other matters may not, without the advance approval of the court, be heard by conference call.
Page 17 | LCR 77. SUPERIOR COURTS AND JUDICIAL OFFICERS
The specific time for a conference call must be arranged with the court administrator.
The specific time shall be arranged with the court administrator.
Page 17 | LCR 77. SUPERIOR COURTS AND JUDICIAL OFFICERS
At presentment, the attorney or party must request that the Court Clerk bring the original court file to the ex parte judge and provide proposed findings of fact, conclusions of law, and a decree.
The attorney or party shall request the Court Clerk present the original court file to the ex parte judge at the time of presentment, together with the proposed findings of fact, conclusions of law and decree.
Page 21 | Local Civil Rules
When a complaint concerns a pending case, the committee and its members must ensure that the trial judge or court commissioner remains uninformed about the complaint.
In such cases, the committee and its members shall perform their roles in such a manner as to assure that the trial judge or court commissioner remains uninformed as to the complaint;
Page 23 | LRGAL 3. REVIEW OF COMPLAINT.
Motions and other pre-trial proceedings are scheduled on the Law and Motion Docket unless a different arrangement is made through the Court Administrator.
Motions and other pre-trial proceedings will be scheduled for hearing on a Law and Motion Docket, unless by prior arrangement through the Court Administrator.
Page 4 | LAR 2. COURT SCHEDULE – MOTIONS AND PETITIONS
In Pend Oreille or Ferry County, contact that county’s Superior Court Clerk regarding the applicable filing-hole requirements.
Pend Oreille or Ferry County: Contact the Superior Court Clerk for that County.
Page 7 | LCR 1. HOLE PUNCHING
For civil cases filed in Pend Oreille or Ferry County, contact that county’s Superior Court Clerk for information about electronic-filing or service options.
For civil cases filed in Stevens County only, the following rules regarding electronic filing and service apply. For civil cases filed in Pend Oreille or Ferry County, contact the Superior Court Clerk for that county regarding information about options for electronic filing or service.
Page 7 | LCR 5. SERVICE AND FILING OF PLEADINGS AND OTHER PAPERS
A conference call will be recorded only if a party requests recording from the court administrator when scheduling the call.
Conference calls will be recorded only at the request of either party made to the court administrator at the time of scheduling the call.
Page 17 | LCR 77. SUPERIOR COURTS AND JUDICIAL OFFICERS
If a complaint concerns a pending case, the committee must decline to review it, inform the complainant, and advise that the issue may be addressed only in the pending case by seeking removal of the guardian ad litem or contesting the report or testimony.
Make a finding that the complaint concerns a case then pending in the court and decline to review the complaint and so inform the complainant. In such instances, the committee shall advise the complainant that the complaint may only be addressed in the context of the case at bar, either by motion seeking the removal of the guardian ad litem or by contesting the information or recommendation contained in the guardian ad litem’s or court visitor’s report or testimony.
Page 23 | LRGAL 3. REVIEW OF COMPLAINT.
Attorneys and parties are advised to confirm Law and Motion Docket dates and times through the court calendar, County Clerk, or Court Administrator before noting a motion.
The calendar is posted on the Court’s website. Attorneys and parties are advised to consult the calendar, the County Clerk, or the Court Administrator to confirm Law and Motion Docket dates and times prior to noting a motion.
Page 4 | LAR 2. COURT SCHEDULE – MOTIONS AND PETITIONS
Parties may arrange an in-person or Webex appearance on the Ex Parte Docket and submit documents by emailing the designated address.
Arrangements to appear on the Ex Parte Docket, in person or via Webex, and the submission of documents, may be accomplished by sending an e-mail to exparte@stevenscountywa.gov.
Page 6 | LAR 6(d)(1)(B)
The court discourages conference calls on Law and Motion Docket days.
Conference calls are discouraged for Law and Motion Docket days.
Page 17 | LCR 77. SUPERIOR COURTS AND JUDICIAL OFFICERS