Okanogan County Superior Court Document Filing Requirements

CRITICAL

Applies to

Request for trial setting

The request for trial must list all attorneys and unrepresented litigants, including the filer, with their addresses and telephone numbers.

TO: List all Attorneys or unrepresented litigants (including yourself) with addresses and telephone numbers.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Order appointing gal

An order appointing a GAL must specify the compensation rate and/or monetary limit, state the payment source if determined, and—unless waived—require prior court authorization for services exceeding the authorized time or amount, including court appearances.

(2) Each order appointing GAL shall set forth the hourly rate of compensation and/or a monetary limit for the investigative/legal work; source of payment, if determined; and unless waived, shall require the GAL to seek prior court authorization to provide services in excess of the time and/or amount previously authorized by court order including court appearances.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Request for arbitration setting

Matters subject to arbitration must use only the Arbitration section of Form A-9 and file it with the Clerk of the Court.

(1) Arbitration Setting. Matters subject to arbitration shall use the Form A-9 (Civil, Non-domestic, and Arbitrability) Note: Arbitration section only. Form A-9 shall be filed with the Clerk of the Court

CRITICAL

Applies to

Request for trial setting

The trial-setting request must list all attorneys and unrepresented litigants, including the filer, with their addresses and telephone numbers.

TO: List all Attorneys or Unrepresented Litigants (including yourself) with addresses and telephone numbers.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

Must include

caption

A proposed order shall be submitted with the report, containing the following: (i) a caption indicating that this is the first periodic report since January 1, 2022; (ii) a summary on the first page of whether a guardian or conservator has been appointed, and whether the appointment is full or limited; (iii) a proposed finding that the guardian or conservator is qualified to act pursuant to RCW 11.130.090; (iv) a proposed finding that the needs of the individual cannot be met by a protective arrangement instead of guardianship or conservatorship or other less restrictive alternative; (v) a proposed finding appointing a successor guardian or conservator, if recommended; (vi) a finding that any standby guardian of the person or estate previously appointed is hereby removed and no longer in effect; and (vii) an order that the guardian or conservator must provide the Individual with Notification of Rights within 30 days pursuant to RCW 11.130.315 and RCW 11.130.425 and to file proof of mailing with the Court, and setting a review hearing to monitor compliance, or a finding that the guardian or conservator has provided such notice to the Individual prior to the hearing.

A proposed order shall be submitted with the report, containing the following: (i) a caption indicating that this is the first periodic report since January 1, 2022; (ii) a summary on the first page of whether a guardian or conservator has been appointed, and whether the appointment is full or limited; (iii) a proposed finding that the guardian or conservator is qualified to act pursuant to RCW 11.130.090; (iv) a proposed finding that the needs of the individual cannot be met by a protective arrangement instead of guardianship or conservatorship or other less restrictive alternative; (v) a proposed finding appointing a successor guardian or conservator, if recommended; (vi) a finding that any standby guardian of the person or estate previously appointed is hereby removed and no longer in effect; and (vii) an order that the guardian or conservator must provide the Individual with Notification of Rights within 30 days pursuant to RCW 11.130.315 and RCW 11.130.425 and to file proof of mailing with the Court, and setting a review hearing to monitor compliance, or a finding that the guardian or conservator has provided such notice to the Individual prior to the hearing.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Civil jury demand

A civil jury demand must be filed with the Superior Court Clerk using Appendix A Form A-9, with a copy provided to the Judicial Assistant Program Scheduler.

Civil Jury Demand. Any demand for a jury in a civil proceeding shall be filed as set forth in Appendix A Form A-9, with the Superior Court Clerk, and a copy shall be provided to the Judicial Assistant Program Scheduler.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Jury instructions

All parties must file their proposed jury instructions with the trial judge as an original and one hard copy.

Consistent with CrR 6.15, all parties shall file with the trial judge an original and one hard copy of their proposed instructions.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Written notice

A written notice must be filed and give the other party at least five judicial days’ notice of the hearing’s time, date, and place.

A written notice shall be filed that gives the other party at least five (5) judicial days’ notice of the time, date and place of the hearing on the motion for revision.

CRITICAL

The filing must state whether a successor or guardian should be appointed upon the designated act and whether the proposed successor or co-guardian is ready to serve.

A statement as to whether or not a successor or guardian should be appointed when a designated act occurs, and whether the proposed successor or co-guardian is ready to serve;

CRITICAL

Applies to

Pleadings

Self-represented parties must have their pleadings reviewed by the Court Facilitator, except for the specified protection-order petitions; review does not prevent filing or scheduling a hearing.

Any party representing themselves (unrepresented litigants) shall have their pleadings (except petitions for domestic violence protection orders, antiharassment protection orders or sexual assault protection orders) reviewed by the Court’s Facilitator. This does not prevent anyone from filing or scheduling a hearing; however, to avoid delays and in consideration of court efficiency their pleadings must be reviewed as follows:

CRITICAL

Applies to

Submission

All submissions, including written materials in party and witness affidavits and declarations, must comply with the rules of evidence.

All submissions, including written materials in affidavits and declarations by the parties and witnesses, must comply with the rules of evidence.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Written mediation results

The mediator must provide counsel and the parties with the mediation results in writing.

The mediator shall also advise counsel and the parties of the results of mediation in writing.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Settlement conference order

A settlement-conference order must set a specific date and time, provide for and identify an interpreter when a party has limited English ability, and be copied to the Judicial Assistant when presented for entry.

Upon the entry of an order for a settlement conference, either on the courts motion or by scheduling order, the judge shall fix a specific date and hour for the conference. If either party has a limited ability to speak or understand the English Language then the order shall provide for an interpreter and identify the language needing interpreting. The party presenting such order for entry shall at the time of entry provide a copy to the Judicial Assistant.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Child support motion

Must include

proposed order

A party seeking child support must file and serve the hearing note, motion, proposed order and worksheets, financial declaration, and proof of income.

The moving party shall file and serve a note for hearing, motion, proposed child support order, proposed child support worksheets, financial declaration, and proof of income (tax returns, W-2s, et cetera).

CRITICAL

Applies to

Note for motion

The Note for Motion for a new-trial or reconsideration motion must include the scheduled date and time and be marked “Without Oral Argument,” subject to LR 59(a) and (b).

To ensure that matters are properly scheduled, prior to a party filing a Motion for New Trial or Motion for Reconsideration, they shall obtain a date and time from the Judicial Assistant Program Scheduler to include in their Note for Motion. The Note for Motion shall be notated “Without Oral Argument” subject to LR 59(a) and (b).

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion for revision

A motion to revise a commissioner’s order must be based on the written materials and evidence submitted to the commissioner, including documents and pleadings in the court file.

All motions for revision of a commissioner’s order shall be based on the written materials and evidence submitted to the commissioner, including documents and pleadings in the court file.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of hearing

A notice of hearing must comply with RCW 11.130.345.

Notice of hearing must comply with RCW 11.130.345.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Arbitrator grievance statement

Grievances regarding an arbitrator must be reported to the Superior Court Administrator in a statement describing the specified complaints, proceedings, outcomes, and any removal orders.

(3) Any and all grievances regarding an arbitrator must be reported to the Superior Court Administrator in a statement describing the nature, status, outcome of any complaints, investigations, disciplinary actions, and or lawsuits lodged against the arbitrator related to the person’s duties as an arbitrator or their profession along with any orders for removal as an arbitrator.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Trial

The Court’s property and debt Itemization form must be used, and a complete, current financial declaration must be provided at trial.

4. I understand the requirement for 1) the mandatory use of the Court’s property and debt Itemization form and 2) providing a complete and current financial declaration at the time of trial.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Gal fee request

A GAL’s fee request to the court must include time records distinguishing investigative/legal, administrative/clerical, and travel time.

(4) All fee requests by the GAL submitted to the court shall contain time records, which distinguish investigative/legal, administrative/clerical, and travel time and shall also be served upon the parties.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Acceptance of appointment

A guardian who changes their name must obtain an order for new letters and file an acceptance of appointment under the new name to receive new letters of guardianship.

If a guardian changes their name, they must obtain an order for new letters and file an acceptance of appointment under the new name in order to receive new letters of guardianship.

CRITICAL

The pretrial materials must include a complete set of proposed standard and special written jury instructions, including verdict forms.

- (i) A complete set of written jury instructions, standard and special, which will be proposed for use at the trial, including verdict forms;

CRITICAL

Applies to

Request for trial setting

The parties must serve and exchange Financial Declarations and Asset and Debt Matrixes and comply with the local rule regarding mediation.

Further, I hereby certify that I have complied with LSPR 94.04.01(d) by serving and exchanging Financial Declarations and Asset and Debt Matrixes and the parties have complied with 94.04.03 regarding mediation.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Grievance

All grievances must be in writing and submitted to the Superior Court Presiding Judge or Administrator.

(2) All grievances must be in writing and must be submitted to the Superior Court Presiding Judge or Administrator.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Automatic temporary restraining order

Upon filing the specified Summons and Petition, the court must issue an Automatic Temporary Restraining Order using Appendix A Form A-3.

Upon the filing of a Summons and Petition in any of the actions specified above, the court shall issue an Automatic Temporary Restraining Order, for which no fees will be imposed, using the form set forth in Appendix A Form A-3.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Confidential information form

When the designated address changes during the action, an updated Confidential Information Form must be filed with the Court Clerk.

Any time this address changes while this action is pending, you [ ] Parties engaged must notify the opposing parties in writing and file an updated Confidential Information Form (WPF DRPSCU 09.0200 with the Court Clerk).

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

After receiving a date and time for a special setting, the requesting party must file the motion and notice of hearing with the Superior Court Clerk.

Summary Judgments as per CR 56 or hearings requiring more than ten minutes per side to argue must be specially set and arranged by contacting the Judicial Assistant at superiorcourt@co.okanogan.wa.us or (509)422-7093. Upon receiving a date and time from the Judicial Assistant the party requesting the special setting shall file the motion and notice of hearing with the Superior Court Clerk.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion to amend scheduling order

A scheduling order may be amended only by further court order, and a party seeking to strike, modify, or amend it must file a Note for Hearing and Motion to Amend.

Once the scheduling order has been issued, it can only be amended by further court order. Parties seeking to strike, modify or amend a scheduling order shall file a Note for Hearing and Motion to Amend a scheduling order.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Declaration of mailing

Each party must file a Declaration of Mailing confirming that the financial declaration and assets-and-debt statement were provided to the other party within the 30-day limit.

Each party shall then file with the court a Declaration of Mailing, attesting that the Financial Declaration and Verified Statement of Assets & Debt Matrix has been provided to the other party within the thirty (30) calendar day time limit.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Notice of appearance

A new Notice of Appearance must be filed when the party’s address or phone number changes.

A new form must be filed in the event of a change in address or phone number.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Guardian ad litem registry application

The application shall include the following: (1) The name, business address, and telephone number of the applicant. (2) The level of formal education of the applicant and, if the applicant is an attorney, the year admitted to practice in Washington State and any other States in which the attorney is licensed to practice. (3) A listing of training relating to the GAL's duties. (4) The number of years’ experience as a GAL. (5) The number of appointments as a GAL, counties of appointment and types of matters. (6) The applicant's criminal history as defined by RCW 9.94A.030. (7) The applicant shall be fingerprinted at the Okanogan County Sheriff’s Department or required by applicable RCW up initial application & every 3 years thereafter. (8) Any additional evidence of applicant’s education, knowledge, training, and experience. (9) A statement describing the nature, status, and outcome of any complaints, investigations, disciplinary actions, lawsuits, or liability claims lodged against the GAL related to the person’s duties as a GAL or their profession along with any orders for removal of the GAL entered prior to the completion of the GAL's duties for any reason other than a conflict of interest where the GAL had no prior knowledge that the conflict existed.

The application shall include the following: (1) The name, business address, and telephone number of the applicant. (2) The level of formal education of the applicant and, if the applicant is an attorney, the year admitted to practice in Washington State and any other States in which the attorney is licensed to practice. (3) A listing of training relating to the GAL's duties. (4) The number of years’ experience as a GAL. (5) The number of appointments as a GAL, counties of appointment and types of matters. (6) The applicant's criminal history as defined by RCW 9.94A.030. (7) The applicant shall be fingerprinted at the Okanogan County Sheriff’s Department or required by applicable RCW up initial application & every 3 years thereafter. (8) Any additional evidence of applicant’s education, knowledge, training, and experience. (9) A statement describing the nature, status, and outcome of any complaints, investigations, disciplinary actions, lawsuits, or liability claims lodged against the GAL related to the person’s duties as a GAL or their profession along with any orders for removal of the GAL entered prior to the completion of the GAL's duties for any reason other than a conflict of interest where the GAL had no prior knowledge that the conflict existed.

CRITICAL

Applies to

GR 34 application

An individual deemed indigent under GR 34(a)(3) must submit a GR 34 application to the Court’s Judicial Assistant before submitting pleadings or filings to the County Clerk.

Any individual, deemed indigent as defined under GR 34(a)(3), shall make an application (WPF GR 34.0100) to the Court’s Judicial Assistant prior to submission of any pleadings or filings to the Okanogan County Clerk.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Trial setting response

Counsel and unrepresented parties must provide unavailable dates on the trial-setting form or in a separate attachment.

All counsel and unrepresented parties must provide unavailable dates on the form or by separate attachment.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Report and accounting

Must include

proposed order

Interim, periodic, and final reports and accountings filed with the clerk must be accompanied by a proposed order.

All interim, periodic and final reports and accountings must be filed with the clerk, along with a proposed order and a judge’s copy of the filed documents.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Declaration

All declarations must be based on personal knowledge.

All declarations shall be based upon personal knowledge.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Original documents

File the original documents with the Superior Court Clerk.

File your original documents with the Superior Court Clerk;

CRITICAL

Applies to

Declaration

Each declaration must begin with a summary of foundational information about the declarant, including the listed examples.

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.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Trial pleadings

For trials, parties must see the facilitator at least 45 calendar days before the scheduled trial.

For trials, parties shall see the facilitator at least forty-five (45) calendar days prior to scheduled trial.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Objection to minor guardianship

A person entitled to notice who objects to the appointment must promptly file a completed GDN M 301 objection and serve it on all other persons entitled to notice.

Any person entitled to notice under RCW 11.130 who objects to the appointment of a guardian shall promptly file and serve on all other persons entitled to notice a completed “Objection to Minor Guardianship”, GDN M 301.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Jury instructions

Each party must file one cited and numbered copy of its proposed jury instructions with the clerk.

Each party shall file one cited and numbered copy of proposed instructions with the clerk in order to preserve the record.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Order sealing records

A party requesting copies must state the number of copies on the order.

Order Sealing Records. Any party requesting copies must enter the number of copies on the order.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Declaration

If you disagree with the motion’s requests, file a statement using form FL All Family 135, Declaration, explaining why the court should not approve them.

If you do not agree with the requests in this motion, file a statement (using form FL All Family 135, Declaration) explaining why the court should not approve those requests.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

Attorneys and self-represented litigants must ensure the Court receives proposed orders before the hearing.

Attorneys and self-represented litigants are responsible for ensuring that the Court receives working copies and proposed orders prior to date and time of the hearing.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Financial declaration

A Financial Declaration must be filed with the court in cases involving a request for child support, maintenance, or attorney fees.

In all cases involving a request for child support, maintenance or attorney fees, the Financial Declaration shall also be filed with the court.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Request for trial setting

The required Your Child and Divorce class must be completed, with its certificate filed before the court date; alternatively, the party may attend the next session and complete the requirement by then, or substitute a court-approved equivalent class.

3. I (or the party I represent) have satisfactorily completed the required class, Your Child and Divorce sponsored by the Okanogan County Dispute Resolution Center or will attend the next session and will have the requirement completed an certificate filed prior to the court date. (Any equivalent class approved by a court may be substituted).

CRITICAL

Applies to

Motion

Must include

proposed order

The moving party and any party permitted to file an opposition memorandum must attach an original proposed order to the working copies submitted to the hearing judge.

The moving party and any party given leave to file a memorandum in opposition shall attach an original proposed order to the working copies submitted to the hearing judge.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Guardian ad litem registry application

A guardian ad litem registry application must be submitted on a court-provided form.

Any application shall be submitted on a form provided by the court

CRITICAL

Applies to

Temporary order or motion pleadings

For temporary orders or motions, pleadings must be reviewed at least two judicial days before the scheduled hearing.

For temporary orders or motions, at least two (2) judicial days prior to scheduled hearing

CRITICAL

Applies to

Minor guardianship action

When filing the action, petitioners must seek an order directing DCYF to release information under the cited statutes.

At the time of filing the action, the petitioner(s) shall seek an order directing the Department of Children, Youth and Families to release information as provided under RCW 13.50.100 and RCW 11.130.210.

CRITICAL

Applies to

Proposed order

Bring proposed orders to the hearing.

Bring proposed orders to the hearing.