Mason County Superior Court
Court-Level Rules, Filing Procedures & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Limits & Logistics
Document Limits
Courtesy Copies
Response, Reply
- 1 copy • Upon Filing
Summary Judgment Motions, Revision Motions
Summary Judgment Motions, Revision Motions, Shorten Time Motions
- 1 copy • Upon Filing
Adjournments
- A confirmed matter may be continued only with the Court’s permission; if it is not heard, it is stricken and the moving party may re-note it.
- Exceptions to the discovery schedule require good cause and prior court approval.
- A trial setting conference may be continued only upon a showing of good cause and prior court approval.
- +3 more
Request must include
Communication
Phone
Clerk
Page & Word Limits5 rules
For family law motions, supporting declarations and affidavits, including any reply, and responsive declarations and affidavits each have a 25-page total across all motions scheduled on the same date in one case.
- Supporting declarations affidavits including replies
- Up to 25 pages in total
- Responsive declarations and affidavits
- Up to 25 pages in total
- Family law motions
Court's wording
The entirety of all declarations and affidavits in support of motions, including any reply, shall be limited to a total of twenty-five (25) pages for all motions scheduled on the same date in a single case. The entirety of all declarations and affidavits submitted in response to motions shall be limited to a total of twenty-five (25) pages for all motions scheduled on the same date in a single case. This rule shall apply to all family law motions.
Copies of declarations or affidavits previously filed for a motion already ruled upon and supplied only as a convenience to the Court in lieu of the court file do not count toward the page limit.
Declarations, affidavits or reports from guardians ad litem and expert witnesses do not count toward the page limit.
Exhibits that consist of declarations or affidavits shall count toward the above page limits. All other exhibits attached to a declaration or affidavit, including deposition excerpts, shall not be counted towards the page limit.
Financial declarations and financial documents do not count toward the page limit.
Document Format Requirements12 rules
The format requirements of GR 14 shall apply to motions and attachments to pleadings and other papers filed with the clerk.
To make such recorded information part of the permanent court record, it must be transcribed by the filing party and filed as a document in paper format.
- File type
- Paper
If a record is claimed entirely exempt, it must be clearly designated as exempt or withheld on the first page of the document for in camera review.
Records for in camera review must have a unique identifying number, such as a Bates number. The system for numbering and the placement of page numbers must be uniform for all records.
Records redacted in part must be submitted to the judge in a manner that will permit the judge to read the entire record and immediately understand which parts were withheld by redaction and which parts were produced. For example, the redactions may be outlined or indicated with a lightly shaded or colored overlay.
This notice shall be on a form approved by the court and available on the court’s website.
A Statement of Arbitrability must use the form prescribed by the Court.
- Statement of arbitrability
Formatting
- •Use the form prescribed by the Court
Court's wording
When any party determines that the case is ready for trial and that the case is subject to mandatory arbitration, such party shall file and serve a Statement of Arbitrability on the form prescribed by the Court.
A Response to the Statement of Arbitrability must use the form prescribed by the Court.
- Response to statement of arbitrability
Formatting
- •Use the form prescribed by the Court
Court's wording
Any party disagreeing with the Statement of Arbitrability shall, within ten (10) days after the Statement of Arbitrability has been served, file and serve a Response to the Statement of Arbitrability on the form prescribed by the Court.
(a) Form. The award shall be prepared on the form prescribed by the Court.
All pleadings, motions and supporting documents shall use mandatory forms where applicable, follow the format required by GR 14 and meet the requirements of GR 31(e). If typed or computer printed, documents shall be in 12 point or larger type, single-sided and double-spaced. If handwritten, documents shall be single-sided, double-spaced and written legibly using black or dark blue ink. Illegible documents will not be considered.
- Font size
- At least 12 points
- Line spacing
- Double
Formatting
- •Handwritten documents must be written legibly using black or dark blue ink.
- •Mandatory forms must be used where applicable
- •Illegible documents will not be considered
The Committee shall consider written materials only, including the court file. No oral testimony or argument shall be allowed.
The clerk has the authority to reject filings that are not presented in the proper form required by rules or practices pursuant to CR 5(e) and GR 14. The clerk may reject any document filed with a sealed or confidential coversheet that does not use the pattern form developed by the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC), does not follow the AOC Style and Format Rules, fails to identify the coversheet as a GR 22 coversheet, or is identified or stamped as a sealed or confidential document, but cannot be sealed.
Document Filing Requirements47 rules
In cases with numerous records at issue, or if ordered by the judge, a spreadsheet shall be submitted as part of the in camera procedure.
The required spreadsheet must identify entirely withheld and partially redacted records and include separate fields for the record identifier, identifying description or protected-content substitute, claimed exemption and its application, and an expandable cell for court notes.
Court's wording
The spreadsheet must clearly identify which records are claimed entirely exempt and have been withheld and which records have been redacted in part. The spreadsheet(s) shall list the following information in separate fields or columns: (A) the unique identifier for the record or page being reviewed, such as a Bates number; (B) descriptive information that accurately identifies the record, including author(s), recipients(s), and date(s) (or if descriptive information is protected, other means of sufficiently identifying particular records without disclosing protected content); (C) identification of a specific exemption claimed and an explanation of how it applies to the record; and (D) an expandable cell for the court’s notes.
In civil actions, all parties shall prepare and deliver a Civil Mediation Statement to the mediator and opposing parties, no later than five working days prior to the mediation. The statement shall not be filed with the court.
Within five days after completion of mediation, the parties shall file a Mediation Report indicating whether the case has been resolved.
In family law actions, parties must prepare a mediation statement or information form and must not file it with the court.
Court's wording
In family law actions, all parties shall prepare and deliver a Family Law Mediation Statement or Family Law Information Form to the mediator, opposing parties, and the State of Washington, if the State is a party, no later than five working days prior to the mediation. The Family Law Information Form is available on the Mason County Superior Court website. The statement or form shall not be filed with the court.
If a transcript fee waiver is requested, the moving party must file an updated indigency screening form within five days after filing the motion for revision.
A moving party must provide the commissioner-hearing transcript unless proposed findings and conclusions were presented and there was no live testimony, or the assigned judicial officer waives the transcript requirement on written motion for limited issues and good cause.
Court's wording
A party moving for revision must provide a copy of the transcript of the hearing before the court commissioner, unless: (i) they have presented to the court commissioner proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law to support the order or judgment (The Administrative Office of the Court-approved form Order of Child Support and Child Support Worksheets may constitute findings of fact and conclusions of law for motions for revision on issues of child support); and (ii) there was no live testimony heard before the court commissioner. (iii) Upon written motion of the moving party, the judicial officer assigned to hear the revision may, in cases with limited issues and for good cause shown, waive the requirement of a transcript. A motion to waive transcript must be filed at the same time as a motion for revision.
The moving party shall specify each portion of the findings, conclusions and/or order to be revised and identify each document before the Court Commissioner at the time of hearing.
At the time a motion for revision is filed, the moving party shall schedule a hearing by filing a notice of hearing.
A represented party moving for summary judgment against a pro se party must file the specified notice with the supporting papers.
Court's wording
Any represented party moving for summary judgment against a party proceeding pro se at the time the summary judgment motion was filed shall serve and file as a notice entitled “What is a Summary Judgment Motion? Notice for Parties Who Do Not Have a Lawyer” with the papers in support of the motion.
A motion to continue the hearing must include reasons to support the motion and an explanation of whether a transcript has been timely requested and whether the transcript is ready.
The moving party shall present the Motion for Ex Parte Restraining Order and Order to Show Cause on the Ex Parte Docket, unless otherwise allowed by a judicial officer for exigent circumstances.
The moving party or attorney shall certify to the court in writing the efforts which have been made to give notice to the opposing party.
Unless otherwise directed by the court, a party seeking to quash an Ex Parte Restraining Order entered without notice shall present the motion on the Ex Parte Docket. Notice shall be required in the same manner as it applies to a moving party described in Section (ii), above.
Cases shall be transferred to arbitration only by court order and after mediation has been completed pursuant to LCR 40.
When any party determines that the case is ready for trial and that the case is subject to mandatory arbitration, such party shall file and serve a Statement of Arbitrability on the form prescribed by the Court.
A party disagreeing with the Statement of Arbitrability must file and serve a Response.
Court's wording
Any party disagreeing with the Statement of Arbitrability shall, within ten (10) days after the Statement of Arbitrability has been served, file and serve a Response to the Statement of Arbitrability on the form prescribed by the Court.
A case in which all parties file a stipulation to arbitrate under SCCAR 8.1(b) regardless of the nature of the case or amount in controversy may be transferred to arbitration by court order presented to the Court with the stipulation.
In a transferred case, a party must notify the Arbitration Supervisor in writing that an interpreter is needed if the party or, after the specified inquiry, another party or witness is hearing-impaired or has limited English ability.
Court's wording
In a case transferred to arbitration, if a party: (1) is hearing impaired or has a limited ability to speak or understand the English language, or (2) knows, or after reasonable inquiry has reason to believe, that any other party or any witness is hearing impaired or has limited ability to speak or understand the English language, the party shall advise the Arbitration Supervisor in writing that an interpreter is needed.
The arbitrator shall make a special award for such expenses and shall file such award with the Clerk of the Court, with proof of service on each party.
- Document
- Special award
Must include
- •Certificate of service
A person desiring to serve as an arbitrator shall complete an information sheet on the form prescribed by the court.
The oath of office on the form prescribed by the court must be completed and filed prior to an applicant being placed on the panel.
A party seeking authorization to exceed the page limit shall do so by presenting a motion to exceed the page limit on the Ex Parte Docket, prior to a request to have the declaration(s) and/or affidavit(s) considered by the Court.
This rule shall apply to all cases which require a custody decree, parenting plan, residential schedule or visitation order for minor children. No final custody decree, parenting plan, residential schedule or visitation order for minor children shall be entered without compliance with section 5.2, unless otherwise approved by the court.
Parties shall file a certificate of completion or other documentation showing proof of completion of the parenting seminar as soon as possible after completion.
In all trials in family law matters, each party shall file and serve on the opposing party and the court by 9:00 a.m. three court days prior to the trial, a written Family Law Information Form.
A Child Support Worksheet must also be filed and served with the Family Law Information Form whenever the amount of child support is disputed.
Court's wording
The following forms shall also be filed and served along with the Family Law Information Form: (b) Child Support Worksheet (WA Form WSCSS) whenever there is a dispute about the amount of child support owing.
A Financial Declaration must also be filed and served with the Family Law Information Form whenever spousal support or child support is disputed.
Court's wording
The following forms shall also be filed and served along with the Family Law Information Form: (a) Financial Declaration (Washington Form FL All Family 131) whenever there is a dispute about the award of Spousal Support and/or child support.
A Proposed Parenting Plan must also be filed and served with the Family Law Information Form whenever custodial arrangements for a child are disputed.
Court's wording
The following forms shall also be filed and served along with the Family Law Information Form: (c) Proposed Parenting Plan (WA Form FL All Family 140) whenever there is a dispute about the custodial arrangements regarding a child.
All oaths of a proposed estate Personal Representative or Administrator under RCW 11.28.170 must include the specified qualification language.
Court's wording
10.1 The following additional language shall be included in all oaths of a proposed Personal Representative/Administrator of an estate provided pursuant to RCW 11.28.170: “I am qualified under RCW 11.36.010 to serve as a Personal Representative as I am not a corporation, a minor, a person of unsound mind, or a person who has been convicted of any felony or of any crime involving moral turpitude.”
(a) Warnings; Failure to appear. The Order to Show Cause shall contain language warning the responding party that failure to appear could result in a warrant for arrest.
At presentation of final divorce or legal separation orders, a party must provide oral testimony unless one party signs the specified declaration in lieu of formal proof.
Court's wording
(a) Divorces and Legal Separations. At least one party shall appear to provide oral testimony about the final order of divorce or legal separation at the time of presentation of final orders, unless a Declaration in Lieu of formal Proof for: Final Divorce Order is signed by one party to the case, available online at https://masoncountywa.gov/superior-court/court-forms.php.
Each bench copy must be labeled as a bench copy and state the hearing date, time, and docket in the top left-hand corner of its first page.
Court's wording
3.3 Each bench copy shall be identified as a bench copy and shall identify the date, time, and the docket where the matter is scheduled to be heard in the top left-hand corner of the first page.
A post-case grievance must be signed by at least one individual, provide that person’s address and telephone number, be based on personal knowledge, clearly and concisely explain its grounds, and be submitted to the Superior Court Administrator; supplemental materials are permitted.
Court's wording
After the conclusion of a case, a grievance concerning conduct by a guardian ad litem is hereinafter referred to as a “Grievance.” It shall be submitted in writing within 12 months after the conclusion of the case and signed by at least one individual with their address and telephone number. It shall be based upon personal knowledge and shall explain in clear and concise language the grounds for the grievance. Supplemental materials may be attached. It shall be submitted to the Superior Court Administrator at 419 N 4th Street, P.O. Box X, Shelton, WA 98584.
It shall be brought before the Court as a written motion filed by a party to the case or his or her attorney and must be properly served and noted for hearing in compliance with court rules.
For a Grievance after the conclusion of a case pursuant to (b)(2), the guardian ad litem shall respond in writing within 30 days from the date the Grievance is forwarded by the Court Administrator.
The guardian ad litem may seek review or reconsideration of a sanction by making a written request to the Court Administrator within 15 days of the date of decision.
All Notice of Appearance forms filed by counsel for indigent defendants shall indicate in a separate paragraph whether or not a current CrR 3.1 Certificate of Compliance with the Standards for Indigent Defense is on file with the Mason County Clerk.
Certificates of Compliance with the Standards for Indigent Defense required by CrR 3.1 shall be filed quarterly with the Mason County Clerk.
If the appellant intends to urge that the court erred in giving or failing to give an instruction, the appellant shall include all objections to the instructions given and refused and the court's ruling.
If the appellant intends to urge that a verdict or finding of fact is not supported by the evidence, the appellant shall include in the transcript all testimony relevant to the disputed verdict or finding.
In a transcript provided at public expense, approval by the Court shall be obtained prior to requesting transcription of jury voir dire, opening and/or closing statements, and reading of the jury instructions.
Certificates of Compliance with the Standards for Indigent Defense required by JuCR 9.2 shall be filed quarterly with the Mason County Clerk.
The transcript shall contain only those portions of the electronic recording necessary to present the issues raised on appeal.
All Notice of Appearance forms filed by counsel for indigent defendants shall indicate in a separate paragraph whether or not a current JuCR 9.2 Certificate of Compliance with the Standards for Indigent Defense is on file with the Mason County Clerk.
Upon written motion of the moving party, the judicial officer assigned to hear the revision may, in cases with limited issues and for good cause shown, waive the requirement of a transcript.
The background information report must include the listed education, training, experience, appointment, removal, and criminal-history information.
Court's wording
The background information report shall include, but not be limited to, the following: (a) Level of formal education; (b) Training related to the guardian’s duties; (c) Number of years’ experience as a guardian ad litem; (d) Number of appointments as a guardian ad litem and county or counties of appointment; (e) The names of any counties in which the person was removed from a guardian ad litem registry pursuant to a grievance action, and the name of the court and the cause number of any case in which the court has removed the person for cause; and (f) Criminal history, as defined in RCW 9.94A.030.
Filing & Service rules
Electronic Filing Rules
Records for in camera review must be submitted electronically unless the court orders otherwise upon a showing of good cause.
Records for in camera review shall be submitted in an electronic form unless the court orders otherwise on a showing of good cause.
Page 6 | LCR 16(c)(2)
The spreadsheet must be submitted to the court in electronic form.
The spreadsheet shall be filed and served on all parties and also shall be submitted to the court in electronic form.
Page 7
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
Discovery must be completed by the deadlines in the case schedule set when the case is filed or at a status conference.
Discovery shall be completed in accordance with the case schedule set at the time the case is filed or at a status conference.
Page 9 | 3. Discovery
The Mediation Report is due within five days after mediation is completed.
Within five days after completion of mediation, the parties shall file a Mediation Report indicating whether the case has been resolved.
Page 9 | 2.4.7 Mediation Report
The moving party must ensure the transcript is filed at least five business days before the revision hearing unless the court waives the requirement.
A party moving for revision is responsible for ensuring that the transcript of the proceedings is filed with the court at least five business days before the hearing for the motion unless the court has waived the transcript requirement pursuant to this rule.
Page 10 | LCR 53.2 COURT COMMISSIONERS (e), 3.2 Transcripts
A motion to waive the transcript requirement must be filed with the motion for revision.
A motion to waive transcript must be filed at the same time as a motion for revision.
Page 10 | LCR 53.2 COURT COMMISSIONERS (e), 3.1 Transcripts
The updated indigency screening form is due within five days after the motion for revision is filed if a transcript fee waiver is requested.
If a transcript fee waiver is requested, the moving party must file an updated indigency screening form within five days after filing the motion for revision.
Page 10 | LCR 53.2 COURT COMMISSIONERS (e), 3.2 Transcripts
A motion for revision must be filed within ten days after the commissioner’s order or judgment is entered.
A motion for revision must be filed and served within ten days after the commissioner’s order or judgment is entered (RCW 2.24.050) and must be served in the manner required by all other applicable rules.
Page 10 | LCR 53.2 COURT COMMISSIONERS (e), 2. Filing and Service Deadline
A party who misses the deadline for an original response may file and serve it later only with leave of court.
A party failing to file and serve an original response within the time prescribed may later do so only upon leave of the court.
Page 13 | LSCCAR 2.1 TRANSFER TO ARBITRATION
A party may amend the Initial Statement of Arbitrability or response before an arbitrator or trial date is assigned; afterward, amendment requires leave of court for good cause.
A party may amend the Initial Statement of Arbitrability or response at any time before assignment of an arbitrator or assignment of a trial date, or thereafter only upon leave of the Court for good cause shown.
Page 13 | LSCCAR 2.1 TRANSFER TO ARBITRATION
A disagreeing party must file and serve a response within ten days after service; without a response, the statement is deemed correct and the nonresponding party is deemed to have stipulated to arbitration if mandatory arbitration applies.
Any party disagreeing with the Statement of Arbitrability shall, within ten (10) days after the Statement of Arbitrability has been served, file and serve a Response to the Statement of Arbitrability on the form prescribed by the Court. In the absence of such a response, the Statement of Arbitrability shall be deemed correct and a non-responding party shall be deemed to have stipulated to arbitration if the Statement of Arbitrability provides that the case is subject to mandatory arbitration.
Page 13 | LSCCAR 2.1 TRANSFER TO ARBITRATION
Within fourteen days after the proposed-arbitrator list is furnished, each party must nominate and strike two arbitrators; the appointment procedure depends on which parties respond.
Within fourteen (14) days after the list of the proposed arbitrators is furnished to the parties, each party shall nominate two arbitrators and strike two arbitrators from the list. If both parties respond, an arbitrator nominated by both parties shall be appointed. If no arbitrator has been nominated by both parties, an arbitrator shall be appointed from among those not stricken by either party. Response by Only One Party. If only one party responds within fourteen (14) days, an arbitrator shall be appointed from that party's response. No Response. If neither party responds within fourteen (14) days, the arbitrator shall be randomly appointed from the five proposed arbitrators.
Page 14 | LSCCAR 2.3 ASSIGNMENT TO ARBITRATOR
An aggrieved party has 10 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 expense 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 under SCCAR 6.3.
Page 15 | LSCCAR 3.2 AUTHORITY OF ARBITRATOR
The Family Law Information Form must be filed by 9:00 a.m. three court days before trial.
In all trials in family law matters, each party shall file and serve on the opposing party and the court by 9:00 a.m. three court days prior to the trial, a written Family Law Information Form.
Page 22 | 7.1 Family Law Trials
Motions, briefs, and supporting documents must be filed before 4:30 p.m. six court days before the motion calendar.
2.1 Motions, briefs, and all supporting documents must be filed and served before 4:30 p.m. six court days before the motion calendar day.
Page 24 | LSPR 97.01 MOTION PRACTICE, 2. Filing Requirements and Deadlines
A motion may not be scheduled for a hearing until the motion and any declarations have been filed.
Motions may not be scheduled for a hearing before filing the motion and any declarations.
Page 24 | LSPR 97.01 MOTION PRACTICE, 2. Filing Requirements and Deadlines
Responding documents must be filed before noon three court days before the motion calendar; upon objection, late filing may lead to striking, a continuance, and terms.
2.2 All responding documents must be filed and served before noon three court days before the motion calendar. Upon objection, late filing of responding documents may result in striking the documents or a continuance and terms.
Page 24 | LSPR 97.01 MOTION PRACTICE, 2. Filing Requirements and Deadlines
Reply documents must be filed before noon two court days before the motion calendar; upon objection, late filing may lead to striking, a continuance, and terms.
2.3 All reply documents must be filed and served before noon, two court days preceding the motion calendar day. Upon objection, late filing of reply documents may result in striking the documents or a continuance and terms.
Page 24 | LSPR 97.01 MOTION PRACTICE, 2. Filing Requirements and Deadlines
Parties seeking an ex parte hearing on a new matter must file their pleadings with the Clerk by 2:00 p.m. on the hearing day.
All parties who are filing new matters along with a request for an ex parte order and who are requesting to be heard on the ex parte docket, must file such pleadings with the Clerk’s office on or before 2:00 p.m. on the day that the ex parte hearing will be held.
Page 25 | LSPR 98.01 EX PARTE DOCKET — New Matters
Parties seeking an ex parte hearing on a pending matter must file pleadings with the Clerk by 2:00 p.m. on the hearing day; late filings may be heard only at the judicial officer’s discretion.
All parties with pending matters with a request for an ex parte order and who are requesting to be heard on the ex parte docket, must file such pleadings with the Clerk’s office on or before 2:00 p.m. on the day that the ex parte hearing will be held. Late filings will be heard only at the discretion of the judicial officer.
Page 25 | LSPR 98.01 EX PARTE DOCKET — Pending Matters
A grievance submitted after a case concludes must be filed in writing within 12 months after the conclusion of the case.
It shall be submitted in writing within 12 months after the conclusion of the case and signed by at least one individual with their address and telephone number.
Page 27 | LGAL 7(b)(2) Grievance After Conclusion of Case
For a post-case grievance, the guardian ad litem must respond in writing within 30 days after the Court Administrator forwards the grievance; supplemental materials may be attached.
For a Grievance after the conclusion of a case pursuant to (b)(2), the guardian ad litem shall respond in writing within 30 days from the date the Grievance is forwarded by the Court Administrator. Supplemental materials may be attached.
Page 28 | LGAL 7(c)(1)(B) Response to Grievance After Conclusion of Case
The guardian ad litem may seek review or reconsideration of a sanction by making a written request to the Court Administrator within 15 days of the date of decision.
The guardian ad litem may seek review or reconsideration of a sanction by making a written request to the Court Administrator within 15 days of the date of decision.
Page 29 | LGAL
Required Certificates of Compliance with the Standards for Indigent Defense must be filed quarterly with the Mason County Clerk.
Certificates of Compliance with the Standards for Indigent Defense required by CrR 3.1 shall be filed quarterly with the Mason County Clerk.
Page 30 | LCrR 3.1
JuCR 9.2 Certificates of Compliance must be filed quarterly with the Mason County Clerk.
Certificates of Compliance with the Standards for Indigent Defense required by JuCR 9.2 shall be filed quarterly with the Mason County Clerk.
Page 31 | Juvenile Offense Proceedings
Parties must file proof of seminar completion as soon as possible after completing the seminar.
Parties shall file a certificate of completion or other documentation showing proof of completion of the parenting seminar as soon as possible after completion.
Page 21 | 5.5 Proof of Completion
A person seeking to remain on a Guardian ad Litem registry must submit an updated background information report to the Court Administrator’s Office annually.
3.1 Each person requesting to remain on any Guardian ad Litem registry shall annually submit an updated background information report to the Court Administrator’s Office.
Page 26 | LGAL 5 SPECIFIC GUARDIAN AD LITEM REGISTRY REQUIREMENTS — Retention on Registry
The Committee must issue its decision on an ongoing-case grievance no later than 25 days after the Court Administrator forwards it.
For Grievances pertaining to an ongoing case under section (b)(1)(C), the Committee shall issue a decision no later than 25 days from the date the Grievance is forwarded by the Court Administrator.
Page 28 | LGAL 7(c)(1)(E) Time for Decision on Grievance in Ongoing Case
For an ongoing-case grievance, the guardian ad litem may submit additional written responsive materials within 10 days after the Court Administrator forwards the grievance.
The guardian ad litem may submit additional responsive materials in writing within 10 days from the date the Grievance is forwarded by the Court Administrator.
Page 28 | LGAL 7(c)(1)(A) Response to Grievance in Ongoing Case
After notification of a recommendation to suspend further registry participation, the guardian ad litem may respond in writing within 72 hours.
The guardian ad litem shall be notified of any such recommendation and may respond in writing within 72 hours.
Page 28 | LGAL 7(c)(1)(C) Action Pending Resolution
The Committee must issue its decision on a post-case grievance no later than 60 days after the Court Administrator forwards it.
For Grievances after the conclusion of the case under section (b)(2), the Committee shall issue a decision no later than 60 days from the date the Grievance is forwarded by the Court Administrator.
Page 28 | LGAL 7(c)(1)(F) Time for Decision on Grievance After Conclusion of Case
The Presiding Judge must present the review request to the Superior Court judges, who must issue a final decision within 10 days.
The Presiding Judge shall present the matter to the Superior Court judges to review and issue a final decision within 10 days.
Page 29 | LGAL
Agreed orders for pending matters may be presented at the ex parte docket.
All agreed orders for pending matters may be presented at the time of the ex parte docket.
Page 25 | LSPR 98.01 EX PARTE DOCKET — Agreed Pending Matters
Service and Proof of Service Rules
The spreadsheet must be filed, served on all parties, and submitted to the court in electronic form.
The spreadsheet shall be filed and served on all parties and also shall be submitted to the court in electronic form.
Page 7
In civil actions, all parties must deliver the Civil Mediation Statement to the mediator and opposing parties no later than five working days before mediation.
In civil actions, all parties shall prepare and deliver a Civil Mediation Statement to the mediator and opposing parties, no later than five working days prior to the mediation.
Page 8 | LCR 40 — Assignment of Cases; Civil Mediation Statements
A copy of the Mediation Report must be provided to the court administrator’s office.
A copy of the Mediation Report shall be provided to the court administrator’s office.
Page 9 | 2.4.7 Mediation Report
Parties must deliver the mediation statement or information form to the mediator and opposing parties, and to the State if it is a party, at least five working days before mediation.
In family law actions, all parties shall prepare and deliver a Family Law Mediation Statement or Family Law Information Form to the mediator, opposing parties, and the State of Washington, if the State is a party, no later than five working days prior to the mediation.
Page 9 | 2.4.5 Family Law Mediation Statement or Family Law Information Form
A motion for revision must be served within ten days after the commissioner’s order or judgment is entered and in the manner required by applicable rules.
A motion for revision must be filed and served within ten days after the commissioner’s order or judgment is entered (RCW 2.24.050) and must be served in the manner required by all other applicable rules.
Page 10 | LCR 53.2 COURT COMMISSIONERS (e), 2. Filing and Service Deadline
A represented party moving for summary judgment against a pro se party must serve the prescribed notice and a copy of CR 56.
Any represented party moving for summary judgment against a party proceeding pro se at the time the summary judgment motion was filed shall serve and file as a notice entitled “What is a Summary Judgment Motion? Notice for Parties Who Do Not Have a Lawyer” with the papers in support of the motion. This notice shall be on a form approved by the court and available on the court’s website. The represented party shall also serve a copy of CR 56.
Page 11 | LCR 56 — Notice to Pro Se Litigants Opposing Summary Judgment
A party seeking to quash an ex parte restraining order entered without notice must give notice in the same manner required of the original moving party.
Notice shall be required in the same manner as it applies to a moving party described in Section (ii), above.
Page 12 | LCR 65 — Motion to Quash Ex Parte Restraining Orders Entered Without Notice
For emergency temporary restraining orders, the moving party must notify opposing counsel or an unrepresented opposing party; telephone notice is permitted if necessary, and notice is excused only if a sworn declaration clearly shows that giving notice would cause immediate injury, loss, or damage.
This section applies to motions for temporary restraining orders (also known as Ex Parte Restraining Orders) entered on an emergency basis to prevent immediate injury, loss or damage. See also CR 65. This local rule does not apply to protection orders entered under Chapter 7.105 RCW. (ii) Notice of Motion. The party asking for an Ex Parte Restraining Order (the moving party) shall give notice to the attorney for the opposing party, whether the attorney has appeared either formally or informally. If unrepresented, notice shall be given to the opposing party. If necessary, notice may be by telephone. The moving party or attorney shall certify to the court in writing the efforts which have been made to give notice to the opposing party. Such notice is required in all cases unless the moving party clearly shows by sworn declaration that immediate injury, loss or damage will result if notice is given.
Page 12 | LCR 65 — Motions for Ex Parte Restraining Orders; Applicability and Notice of Motion
A Response to the Statement of Arbitrability must be served when filed.
Any party disagreeing with the Statement of Arbitrability shall, within ten (10) days after the Statement of Arbitrability has been served, file and serve a Response to the Statement of Arbitrability on the form prescribed by the Court.
Page 13 | LSCCAR 2.1 TRANSFER TO ARBITRATION
A Statement of Arbitrability must be served when filed.
When any party determines that the case is ready for trial and that the case is subject to mandatory arbitration, such party shall file and serve a Statement of Arbitrability on the form prescribed by the Court.
Page 13 | LSCCAR 2.1 TRANSFER TO ARBITRATION
The special award must be served on each party, and proof of service must be filed with the award.
The arbitrator shall make a special award for such expenses and shall file such award with the Clerk of the Court, with proof of service on each party.
Page 15 | LSCCAR 3.2 AUTHORITY OF ARBITRATOR
A copy of a Request for Trial de Novo must also be provided to the Arbitration Supervisor, in addition to the service and filing required by SCCAR 7.1.
(a) Service and Filing. In addition to the provision for service and filing in SCCAR 7.1, a copy of the Request for Trial de Novo shall be provided to the Arbitration Supervisor.
Page 17 | LSCCAR 7.1 REQUEST FOR TRIAL DE NOVO
A party seeking to exceed page limits must notify the opposing party; notice may be given by telephone if necessary.
The party asking to exceed page limits shall give notice to the opposing party. If necessary, notice may be by telephone.
Page 20 | 4.7 Authorization
In all trials in family law matters, each party shall file and serve on the opposing party and the court by 9:00 a.m. three court days prior to the trial, a written Family Law Information Form.
In all trials in family law matters, each party shall file and serve on the opposing party and the court by 9:00 a.m. three court days prior to the trial, a written Family Law Information Form.
Page 22 | 7.1 Family Law Trials
Unless the court authorizes otherwise, the listed contempt papers must be personally served on an unrepresented responding party or, if represented, on the attorney.
(b) Personal Service. Unless otherwise authorized by the court, the Order to Show Cause, motion, affidavits and declarations must be personally served upon the responding party if not represented by an attorney. If the responding party is represented by an attorney, then only personal service on the attorney is required.
Page 23 | LSPR 96.01 CIVIL CONTEMPT PROCEEDINGS; REQUIREMENTS
Reply documents must be served before noon two court days before the motion calendar.
2.3 All reply documents must be filed and served before noon, two court days preceding the motion calendar day.
Page 24 | LSPR 97.01 MOTION PRACTICE, 2. Filing Requirements and Deadlines
Motions, briefs, and supporting documents must be served before 4:30 p.m. six court days before the motion calendar.
2.1 Motions, briefs, and all supporting documents must be filed and served before 4:30 p.m. six court days before the motion calendar day.
Page 24 | LSPR 97.01 MOTION PRACTICE, 2. Filing Requirements and Deadlines
Responding documents must be served before noon three court days before the motion calendar.
2.2 All responding documents must be filed and served before noon three court days before the motion calendar.
Page 24 | LSPR 97.01 MOTION PRACTICE, 2. Filing Requirements and Deadlines
An ongoing-case guardian ad litem complaint must be properly served under the court rules.
must be properly served
Page 27 | LGAL 7(b)(1)(A) Format
Filing Fees and Waivers
The moving party must pay for the transcript or, if indigent, obtain a fee waiver.
The moving party is responsible for paying for the transcript or obtaining a fee waiver if he or she is indigent.
Page 10 | LCR 53.2 COURT COMMISSIONERS (e), 3.2 Transcripts
Courtesy Copy Requirements
A bench copy of briefs, attachments, and exhibits for summary judgment, revision, and shorten-time motions must be provided to court administration at or before the originals are filed.
3.2 A bench copy of all briefs, attachments and exhibits for all Motions for Summary Judgment, Motions for Revision, and Motions to Shorten Time, shall be provided to court administration at or before the time of filing the originals with the clerk.
Page 24 | LSPR 97.01 MOTION PRACTICE, 3. Bench Copies
Bench copies for summary judgment and revision motions must be provided in a tabbed binder.
All bench copies associated with Motions for Summary Judgment and Motions for Revision shall be provided in a tabbed binder.
Page 24 | LSPR 97.01 MOTION PRACTICE, 3. Bench Copies
A bench copy of briefs, attachments, and exhibits responding to a motion or replying to a response must be provided to court administration at or before the originals are filed.
3.1 A bench copy of all briefs, attachments and exhibits in response to a motion, or in reply to a response, shall be provided to court administration at or before the time of filing the originals with the clerk.
Page 24 | LSPR 97.01 MOTION PRACTICE, 3. Bench Copies
Sealing & Redaction Procedures
Papers filed with the clerk must comply with GR 22 and GR 31; parties must make appropriate redactions before filing and use a confidential cover sheet when required.
The confidentiality requirements of GR 22 and GR 31 shall apply to all papers filed with the clerk. Parties shall apply appropriate redactions prior to filing and use a confidential cover sheet when required.
Page 6 | LCR 10(h)(2)
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
A confirmed matter may be continued only with the Court’s permission; if it is not heard, it is stricken and the moving party may re-note it.
Matters confirmed in accordance with paragraph (B) (i) and (ii) are not subject to continuance, except with permission of the Court. If not heard, these matters shall be stricken and may be re-noted by the moving party.
Page 5 | LCR 7(b)(1)(C)
Exceptions to the discovery schedule require good cause and prior court approval.
Exceptions will be made only upon prior approval of the court, and for good cause.
Page 9 | 3. Discovery
A trial setting conference may be continued only upon a showing of good cause and prior court approval.
Trial setting conferences shall not be continued absent a showing of good cause and upon prior approval of the court.
Page 9 | 4.2
A motion-for-revision hearing must occur within 45 days after the order unless the court grants a continuance for good cause; a continuance motion must state its reasons.
A hearing on a motion for revision shall be conducted within 45 days after the order at issue is entered unless the court grants a continuance for good cause. A motion to continue the hearing must include reasons to support the motion and an explanation of whether a transcript has been timely requested and whether the transcript is ready.
Page 11 | Timely Hearing
A confirmed matter may be continued only with the Court's permission; if it is not heard, it is stricken and the moving party may re-note it.
Matters confirmed in accordance with paragraph 1.2 are not subject to continuance, except with permission of the Court. If not heard, these matters shall be stricken and may be re-noted by the moving party.
Page 19 | 1.3 Continuance of Confirmed Matters
For good cause shown, the Court may waive the seminar requirement or extend the time to attend.
The Court may otherwise waive the seminar requirement or extend the time for attendance of the seminar for good cause shown.
Page 21 | 5.7 Special Consideration/Waivers
Chambers Communication Rules
Contested hearings, including certain continued hearings, must be confirmed with the Clerk by phone or email by 10:00 a.m. two court days before the civil motion docket, with an earlier deadline when the confirmation deadline falls on a court holiday.
For a contested matter to be heard by the court, the hearing must be confirmed as set forth below. This includes hearings scheduled by notice of issue or court order, including hearings which are administratively continued or continued by agreement of the parties with court permission pursuant to section C below. (i) Confirmations must be made by calling the Clerk of the Court at (360) 427-9670, Ext. 346, or by e-mail at superiorcourt- confirm@masoncountywa.gov, no later than 10:00 a.m. two (2) court days prior to the civil motion docket. (ii) If the deadline for confirmation falls on a court holiday, confirmations shall be made before 10:00 a.m. on the last court day before the holiday.
Page 5 | LCR 7(b)(1)(B)(i)-(ii)
Only the party who initiated a hearing may confirm it.
Only the party initiating the hearing may confirm a hearing.
Page 5 | LCR 7(b)(1)(B)(v)
The moving party must contact Court Administration within five days after filing the motion for revision to order the transcript.
To order the transcript, the moving party must contact Court Administration within five days of filing the motion for revision.
Page 10 | LCR 53.2 COURT COMMISSIONERS (e), 3.2 Transcripts
Contested matters must be confirmed before they can be heard, including hearings scheduled by notice, court order, or certain continuances.
For a contested matter to be heard by the court, the hearing must be confirmed as set forth below. This includes hearings scheduled by notice of issue, court order and hearings which are administratively continued or continued by agreement of the parties with court permission pursuant to section 1.3 below..
Page 19 | 1.2 Confirmation Procedures
Ex parte communication by a guardian ad litem with a judicial officer about the case is a ground for grievance, except when otherwise allowed, such as for an emergency restraining order.
(vii) Communicated with a judicial officer ex parte concerning the case for which he or she is serving as a guardian ad litem, except as allowed (such as an emergency restraining order);
Page 29 | LGAL
A motion filed by a person physically confined under a court order is deemed confirmed when filed.
Motions filed by those persons physically confined under a court order shall be deemed confirmed at filing.
Page 19 | 1.2 Confirmation Procedures
To confirm a hearing by phone, call the Clerk by 10:00 a.m. two court days before the motion, or by 10:00 a.m. on the last court day before a holiday.
Confirmation must be made by calling the Clerk of the Court at (360) 427-9670, Ext. 346, or by e-mail at superiorcourt-confirm@masoncountywa.gov, no later than 10:00 a.m. two (2) court days prior to the motion. If the deadline for confirmation falls on a court holiday, confirmation shall be made before 10:00 a.m. on the last court day before the holiday.
Page 19 | 1.2 Confirmation Procedures