Pierce County Superior Court Electronic Filing Rules

Applies to

Certificate

The approved provider must electronically file each attendee’s Certificate of Completion with the court.

The provider shall e-file each attendee’s Certificate of Completion with the court.

Applies to

Note for commissioners calendar

Attorneys must electronically file and schedule a Note for Commissioners Calendar through the LINX public website.

Attorneys shall electronically file a Note for Commissioners Calendar by using the electronic filing and scheduling process provided by LINX via the public website (https://linxonline.co.pierce.wa.us/linxweb/Main.cfm).

A Note for Commissioner’s Calendar must be electronically filed and scheduled at least 14 calendar days before a show-cause hearing, together with the motion or notice of hearing and supporting pleadings, except that a renote requires only the Note.

Matters heard on the show cause calendar shall be docketed by electronically filing and scheduling in accordance with PCLR 7(b)(1)(D) a Note for Commissioner’s Calendar at least fourteen (14) calendar days before the hearing, simultaneously with a motion and/or notice of hearing and any supporting pleadings, unless this is a renote of a motion or notice of hearing previously filed in which event only the Note for Commissioner’s Calendar shall be e-filed.

A responding party may file a counter motion for the same hearing date without court leave by electronically filing and scheduling the required Note at least 14 calendar days before the hearing and filing and serving the counter motion and supporting pleadings by that deadline.

In the event there is an existing motion and the responding party wishes to file a counter motion to be heard the same date they may do so without leave of the court by electronically filing and scheduling in accordance with PCLR 7(b)(1)(D) a Note for Commissioner’s Calendar, as long as the counter motion and all supporting pleadings are filed and served at least fourteen (14) calendar days before the hearing.

Each party must electronically file one Family Law Hearing Information Form by noon two court days before the scheduled hearing.

Both the moving party and the responding party shall each file one Family Law Hearing Information Form (Form T) by using the Clerk’s electronic filing process as defined in PCLGR 30(b)(5)(C) no later than 12:00 noon, two (2) court days prior to the scheduled hearing.

Each party must electronically file one Civil Hearing Information Form by noon two court days before the scheduled hearing.

Both the moving party and the responding party shall file their Civil Hearing Information Forms (Form U) by using the Clerk’s electronic filing process as defined in PCLGR 30(b)(5)(C) no later than 12:00 noon two (2) court days prior to the scheduled hearing.

Applies to

Final documents

For attorney-represented parties, agreed or unopposed final-document presentations must be submitted electronically under the current ex parte policy.

For parties represented by an attorney, all agreed or unopposed presentations of final documents shall be submitted via e-filing pursuant to the current ex parte policy.

Applies to

Notice of motion

All parties and attorneys must electronically file and schedule a Note for Commissioner’s Calendar through the LINX website.

All parties and attorneys shall electronically file a Note for Commissioners Calendar by using the electronic filing and scheduling process provided by LINX via the public website (https://linxonline.co.pierce.wa.us/linxweb/Main.cfm).

Applies to

Counter motion

A responding party may obtain same-date consideration of a counter motion without court leave by electronically filing the required note and filing and serving the counter motion and supporting pleadings at least 14 calendar days before the hearing.

In the event there is an existing motion or adequate cause hearing and the responding party wishes to file a counter motion to be heard the same date they may do so without leave of the court by e-filing a Note for Commissioner’s Calendar, as long as the counter motion and all supporting pleadings are filed and served a minimum of fourteen (14) calendar days before the hearing.

Applies to

Proposed order

A necessary Order to Show Cause must be timely electronically presented to the Ex Parte Division under the current ex parte policy.

Any necessary Order to Show Cause shall be timely presented to the Ex Parte Division via e-filing pursuant to the current ex parte policy.

Applies to

Notice of motion

The counter-motion note must be electronically filed and scheduled under PCLSPR 94.04(c)(1).

The Note for Commissioner’s Calendar shall be electronically filed and scheduled in accordance with PCLSPR 94.04(c)(1).

Applies to

Family law hearing information form

The moving and responding parties must each electronically file one Form T through the Clerk’s filing process.

Both the moving party and the responding party shall each file one Family Law Hearing Information Form (Form T) by using the Clerk’s electronic filing process as defined in PCLGR 30(b)(5)(C).

Applies to

Order appointing court visitor

For an unrepresented minor age twelve or older, the initial order appointing a court visitor must be presented through the Ex Parte Division by e-filing under the current ex parte policy.

If the petition involves a minor twelve years of age or order and when the minor is unrepresented, the initial Order appointing a Court Visitor shall be presented to the Court Commissioner in the Ex Parte Division via e-filing pursuant to the current ex parte policy after review of the filing of a Petition for Minor Guardianship.

Attorneys must electronically file and schedule a Note for Commissioners Calendar through LINX or a Clerk’s Office public kiosk.

Attorneys shall electronically file a Note for Commissioners Calendar by using the electronic filing and scheduling process provided by LINX via the public website (https://linxonline.co.pierce.wa.us/linxweb/Main.cfm) or from a public kiosk in the Clerk’s Office.

Applies to

Order

Certain orders presented by attorneys must be submitted electronically through LINX under PCLGR 30.

Pursuant to PCLGR 30 certain orders presented by attorneys must be submitted electronically via the LINX website.

Applies to

Order requesting hearing setting

A moving party must first schedule the hearing date in LINX when filing an order requesting a hearing before a judge or commissioner.

For any order requesting the setting of a hearing before a Judge or Commissioner (e.g., Orders for Supplemental Proceedings, Orders to Show Cause), the hearing date must first be electronically scheduled in LINX by the moving party.

Applies to

Order requesting hearing setting

A moving party must first schedule the hearing date in LINX when filing an order requesting a hearing before a judge or commissioner.

For any order requesting the setting of a hearing before a Judge or Commissioner (e.g., Orders for Supplemental Proceedings, Order to Show Cause), the hearing date must first be electronically scheduled in LINX by the moving party.

Applies to

Civil protection order

Civil protection orders, including agreed orders, may not be submitted by email and are handled by the Civil Protection Order Clerks for hearing in courtroom 105 or 117.

Civil Protection Orders, even if agreed, are processed by the Civil Protection Order Clerks and heard in courtroom 105 or 117. They are not submitted by electronic mail.

Applies to

Order

The listed case type 2 orders must be submitted electronically.

Orders subject to mandatory electronic submission  Case type 2:  Judgment on Answer of Garnishee Defendant  Order appointing Guardian Ad Litem  Order for Writ of Restitution  Order of Dismissal  Order of Dismissal with Prejudice  Order of Dismissal without Prejudice  Order of Dismissal *Partial*  Stipulated Judgment  Default Judgment  Order of Default  Judgment and Order for Writ of Restitution  Judgment and Decree of Foreclosure  Order Confirming Sale  Order Extending Judgment  Order to Show Cause  Order for Supplemental Proceedings  Order re: Service  Order for Publication  Order for Service of Summons by Publication  Order for Service by Mail  Confessions of Judgment  Order for Payments in Installments

Applies to

Order

Case type 3 includes the listed orders, including orders of default and dismissal, supplemental proceedings, service, and show cause, and agreed Qualified Domestic Relation Orders (QDRO).

 Case type 3:  Order of Default  Order of Dismissal  Order of Dismissal with Prejudice  Order of Dismissal without Prejudice  Order of Dismissal *Partial*  Order for Supplemental Proceedings  Order for Service of Summons by Publication  Order for Service by Mail  Order to Show Cause  Agreed Qualified Domestic Relation Orders (QDRO)

Applies to

Order

For Case type 4, the listed orders and Bond are included.

 Case type 4:  Order of Default  Order of Dismissal  Order of Dismissal with Prejudice  Order of Dismissal without Prejudice  Order Confirming Sale  Order to DCYF to Release CPS Information  Bond

The General Rules include a mandatory electronic filing requirement.

30. Mandatory Electronic Filing

Attorneys must generally e-file through the Clerk’s system or an authorized provider, while self-represented parties may use e-filing after obtaining a LINX account.

(b) Electronic filing and service authorization - See GR 30(b)(1)-(4) (1) Electronic Filing Is Mandatory for Attorneys and Optional for Self-Represented Parties. Unless this rule provides otherwise, attorneys are required to electronically file (e-file) all documents with the Clerk using the Clerk’s e-filing system or an electronic service provider that uses the Clerk’s e-filing system. Self-represented parties are not required to e-file documents but may contact the Clerk’s Office to obtain a LINX account (https://www.piercecountywa.gov/374/E-Filing) and password to enable e-filing and e-service.

Specified ex parte orders requiring a judicial officer's signature must be submitted through the Pierce County Clerk's e-filing system.

(A) Mandatory Fee on Orders. Specified ex parte orders requiring a judicial officer’s signature shall be submitted electronically using the Pierce County Clerk’s e-filing system. Payment of the ex parte fee is mandatory except when presented on the record and in open court to the assigned judicial officer or at the discretion of the court. The list of ex parte orders required to be e-filed is maintained by the Pierce County Clerk and can be found on the Pierce County Clerk’s website.

The listed categories of documents are exempt from mandatory e-filing and must instead be filed in paper form.

(B) Documents That Shall Not Be E-Filed. Exceptions to mandatory e-filing include the following documents:

Attorneys must electronically file and schedule a Note for Commissioners Calendar through LINX, except that civil protection order petitions may be filed electronically or on paper at specified court locations and kiosks.

Attorneys shall electronically file a Note for Commissioners Calendar by using the electronic filing and scheduling process provided by LINX via the public website (https://linxonline.co.pierce.wa.us/linxweb/Main.cfm). This does not include civil protection order petitions which may be filed either electronically or on paper, in Room 110 of the County-City Building and at kiosks available at the Crystal Judson Family Justice Center, 718 Court E, Tacoma, and the YWCA of Pierce County, 405 Broadway, Tacoma. There are also kiosks located throughout Pierce County.

Applies to

Note for commissioners calendar

A Note for Commissioner’s Calendar is the required electronic docketing submission for show-cause matters, subject to a renote exception.

Matters heard on the show cause calendar shall be docketed by electronically filing and scheduling in accordance with PCLR 7(b)(1)(D) a Note for Commissioner’s Calendar at least fourteen (14) calendar days before the hearing, simultaneously with a motion and/or notice of hearing and any supporting pleadings, unless this is a renote of a motion or notice of hearing previously filed in which event only the Note for Commissioner’s Calendar shall be e-filed.

Applies to

Note for commissioners calendar

A responding party may electronically file and schedule a counter motion for the same hearing date without court leave by filing a Note for Commissioner’s Calendar at least 14 calendar days before the hearing.

In the event there is an existing motion and the responding party wishes to file a counter motion to be heard the same date they may do so without leave of the court by electronically filing and scheduling in accordance with PCLR 7(b)(1)(D) a Note for Commissioner’s Calendar, as long as the counter motion and all supporting pleadings are filed and served at least fourteen (14) calendar days before the hearing.

Applies to

Final documents

Attorney-represented agreed or unopposed final documents must be submitted electronically under the current ex parte policy.

For parties represented by an attorney, all agreed or unopposed presentations of final documents shall be submitted via e-filing pursuant to the current ex parte policy.

Applies to

Note for commissioners calendar

All parties and attorneys must electronically file and schedule the Note for Commissioner’s Calendar through LINX.

All parties and attorneys shall electronically file a Note for Commissioners Calendar by using the electronic filing and scheduling process provided by LINX via the public website (https://linxonline.co.pierce.wa.us/linxweb/Main.cfm).

A necessary Order to Show Cause must be e-filed to the Ex Parte Division, and the calendar note must be electronically filed and scheduled under PCLSPR 94.04(c)(1).

Any necessary Order to Show Cause shall be timely presented to the Ex Parte Division via e-filing pursuant to the current ex parte policy. The Note for Commissioner’s Calendar shall be electronically filed and scheduled in accordance with PCLSPR 94.04(c)(1).

Applies to

Family law hearing information form t

Each party must electronically file one Form T by noon two court days before the scheduled hearing.

Both the moving party and the responding party shall each file one Family Law Hearing Information Form (Form T) by using the Clerk’s electronic filing process as defined in PCLGR 30(b)(5)(C). no later than 12:00 noon two (2) court days prior to the scheduled hearing.

Applies to

Certificate of completion

The approved parenting-seminar provider must electronically file each attendee’s Certificate of Completion with the court.

The provider shall e-file each attendee’s Certificate of Completion with the court.

Probate and related calendar hearings must be scheduled with a Note for Commissioner’s Calendar through LINX’s electronic process or the Clerk’s Office kiosk.

All hearings shall be scheduled with a Note for Commissioner’s Calendar by using the electronic filing and scheduling process provided by LINX via the public website (https://linxonline.co.pierce.wa.us/linxweb/Main.cfm) or from a public kiosk in the Clerk’s Office.

Applies to

Civil hearing information form

The moving and responding parties must each electronically file one Civil Hearing Information Form by noon two court days before the hearing.

Both the moving party and the responding party shall file one Civil Hearing Information Form (Form U) by using the Clerk’s electronic filing process as defined in PCLGR 30(b)(5)(C) no later than 12:00 noon two (2) court days prior to the scheduled hearing.

Applies to

Proposed order

A proposed order appointing a Settlement Guardian ad Litem must be presented to the Court Commissioner in the Ex Parte Division by electronic filing under the current ex parte policy.

The presentation of an order to appoint an attorney to serve as the proposed Settlement Guardian ad Litem shall be presented to the Court Commissioner in the Ex Parte Division via e- filing pursuant to the current ex parte policy.

Applies to

Note for commissioners calendar

All hearings must be scheduled with a Note for Commissioner’s Calendar through LINX’s public website or a Clerk’s Office kiosk.

All hearings shall be scheduled with a Note for Commissioner's Calendar by using the electronic filing and scheduling process provided by LINX via the public website (https://linxonline.co.pierce.wa.us/linxweb/Main.cfm) or from a public kiosk in the Clerk’s Office.

Applies to

Disbursement motion

Disbursement motions concerning court-approved settlement proceeds must be scheduled by electronically filing a Note for Commissioner’s Calendar and complying with subsection (e).

All motions relating to disbursements from the court approved settlement proceeds of a minor or individual subject to guardianship and/or conservatorship prior to their eighteenth (18th) birthday shall be scheduled by e-filing a Note for Commissioner’s Calendar, scheduling the hearing and the parties shall comply with all requirements set forth in subsection(e) above.

Applies to

Note for commissioners calendar

All hearings must be scheduled with a Note for Commissioner’s Calendar through LINX’s electronic filing and scheduling process or a Clerk’s Office public kiosk.

All hearings shall be scheduled with a Note for Commissioner’s Calendar using the electronic filing and scheduling process provided by LINX via the public website (https://linxonline.co.pierce.wa.us/linxweb/Main.cfm) or from a public kiosk in the Clerk’s Office.

Applies to

Civil hearing information form

Both parties must electronically file their Form U no later than noon two court days before the hearing.

Both the moving party and the responding party shall file their Civil Hearing Information Forms (Form U) by using the Clerk’s electronic filing process as defined in PCLGR 30(b)(5)(C) no later than 12:00 noon two (2) court days prior to the scheduled hearing.

Applies to

Petition guardianship conservatorship other protective arrangement

The initial order appointing a court visitor must be presented to the Court Commissioner in the Ex Parte Division when the guardianship, conservatorship, or other protective-arrangement petition is filed through the ex parte e-filing process.

The initial Order appointing a Court Visitor shall be presented to the Court Commissioner in the Ex Parte Division upon the filing of a Petition for Guardianship/Conservatorship/Other Protective Arrangement via e-filing pursuant to the current ex parte policy.

Applies to

Note for commissioners calendar

Attorneys must electronically file a Note for Commissioner's Calendar through LINX or a Clerk's Office kiosk at least 14 court days before the hearing.

All hearings shall be scheduled with a Note for Commissioner’s Calendar. Attorneys shall electronically file a Note for Commissioners Calendar by using the electronic filing and scheduling process provided by LINX via the public website (https://linxonline.co.pierce.wa.us/linxweb/Main.cfm) or from a public kiosk in the Clerk’s Office. The Note shall be filed at least fourteen (14) court days prior to the scheduled hearing date.

Applies to

Court visitor appointment order

When an unrepresented minor is at least twelve, the initial order appointing a court visitor must be electronically presented to the Court Commissioner after the guardianship petition is reviewed.

If the petition involves a minor twelve years of age or order and when the minor is unrepresented, the initial Order appointing a Court Visitor shall be presented to the Court Commissioner in the Ex Parte Division via e-filing pursuant to the current ex parte policy after review of the filing of a Petition for Minor Guardianship.

Applies to

Commissioners calendar note

Attorneys must electronically file and schedule a Note for Commissioner's Calendar through LINX or a public kiosk in the Clerk's Office.

Attorneys shall electronically file a Note for Commissioners Calendar by using the electronic filing and scheduling process provided by LINX via the public website (https://linxonline.co.pierce.wa.us/linxweb/Main.cfm) or from a public kiosk in the Clerk’s Office.

Applies to

Initial civil protection order request

An initial civil protection order request may be submitted through an online kiosk or in person at the Superior Court Clerk's Office, where the petition is completed and considered.

To request an Initial Order: Submit your request via the on-line kiosks or appear in person at the Superior Court Clerk’s Office (930 Tacoma Avenue S., Room 110) to complete the petition and to have the court consider your request.

Email may be used for agreed or unopposed orders and motions, and certain agreed matters are required to use the email system.

Ex Parte Electronic Mail: Electronic mail is for all agreed upon or unopposed orders or motions. There are certain agreed matters that must go through the Electronic Mail system.

The moving party must email the ex parte clerk a proposed immediate restraining or other order and upload the motion and all supporting documents to LINX.

The moving party must email the ex parte clerk at SUPCSD@piercecountywa.gov the proposed Order for Immediate Restraining Order or other Orders and upload the Motion for Immediate Retraining Order or other Motion, and all supporting documents to the case file in LINX.

Applies to

Civil protection order petition

Civil protection order petitions are exempt from the attorney LINX e-filing instruction and may be filed electronically or on paper at the specified locations.

This does not include civil protection order petitions which may be filed either electronically or on paper, in Room 110 of the County-City Building and at kiosks available at the Crystal Judson Family Justice Center, 718 Court E, Tacoma, and at the YWCA of Pierce County, 405 Broadway, Tacoma.

Applies to

Page limit authorization request

A request for prior authorization to exceed page limits must initially be e-filed to the Ex Parte Division, which determines whether referral to the assigned Commissioner is needed.

Prior authorization to exceed page limits under PCLSPR 94.04(c)(6) shall initially be presented to the Ex Parte Division via e-filing pursuant to the current ex parte policy and that Division shall determine whether the matter needs to be referred to the assigned Commissioner.

An attorney unable to e-file may seek a case-specific or time-specific waiver by explaining the need to file paper documents and obtaining the Clerk's written decision.

(D) Waiver of the Requirement to E-File. If an attorney is unable to e-file documents, the attorney may request a waiver. The attorney must explain why he or she needs to file paper documents in that particular case. The Clerk will make waiver request forms available. The Clerk will consider each application and provide a written approval or denial to the attorney. The waiver may be for a specific case or for a specific period of time determined by the Clerk.

Applies to

Note for commissioners calendar

Self-represented parties may obtain a LINX account from the Clerk's Office to electronically file and schedule a Note for Commissioners Calendar, and a waiver of the e-filing requirement is available under the referenced rule.

Self-represented parties may contact the Clerk’s Office for a LINX e-filing account (https://www.piercecountywa.gov/374/E-Filing) to file and schedule a Note for Commissioners Calendar. If requesting a waiver of the requirement to e-file, please see PCLGR 30(b)(5)(C).

Applies to

Note for commissioners calendar

Self-represented parties may obtain a LINX account from the Clerk's Office, and an e-filing waiver may be requested under the cited general rule.

Self-represented parties may contact the Clerk’s Office for a LINX e-filing account (https://www.piercecountywa.gov/374/E-Filing) to file and schedule a Note for Commissioners Calendar. If requesting a waiver of the requirement to e-file, please see PCLGR 30(b)(5)(C).

Applies to

Note for commissioners calendar

Self-represented parties may obtain a LINX e-filing account from the Clerk’s Office to file and schedule a Note for Commissioners Calendar.

Self-represented parties may contact the Clerk’s Office for a LINX e-filing account (https://www.piercecountywa.gov/374/E-Filing) to file and schedule a Note for Commissioners Calendar.

Self-represented parties may obtain a LINX e-filing account or use the Clerk’s Office kiosk to file and schedule a Note for Commissioners Calendar.

Self-represented parties may contact the Clerk’s Office for a LINX e-filing account (https://www.piercecountywa.gov/374/E-Filing) or use the Clerk’s Office kiosk to file and schedule a Note for Commissioners Calendar.

Applies to

Order

Attorneys may electronically submit certain orders through LINX.

Certain orders presented by attorneys may be submitted by electronically via the LINX website

Applies to

Order

The listed orders are optional for electronic submission.

**ORDERS OPTIONAL FOR ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION**  Agreed Findings of Fact Conclusion of Law, Divorce Decree, Order of Child Support with Child Support Worksheets, Final Parenting Plan presented by attorney (without a trial occurring) Page 1 As of 05/082023 ===== PAGE 8 =====  Agreed Final Order and Findings for a Parenting Plan, Order of Child Support with Child Support Worksheets, Final Parenting Plan presented by attorney (without a trial occurring)  Order Appointing Guardian ad Litem  Agreed Temporary Order of Child Support with Child Support Worksheets  Final Order and Findings on Petition to Modify Child Support and Child Support Order with Child Support Worksheets  Order on Motion to Adjust Child Support and Child Support Order with Child Support Worksheets  Agreed Temporary Family Law Order  Ex Parte Order on Motion for Final Order Changing Parenting Plan-Moving with Children (Relocation)

Applies to

Order

Orders listed, including orders admitting a will to probate and appointing a personal representative, are optional for electronic submission.

**ORDERS OPTIONAL FOR ELECTRONIC SUBMISSION**  Order Admitting Will to Probate  Order Appointing Personal Representative/Administrator  Order Granting Letters of Administration  Order Granting Non-Intervention Powers  Order Adjudicating Solvency  Order Appointing Guardian ad Litem  Order Appointing Court Visitor  Order Appointing Attorney  Order for Additional Guardian ad Litem (GAL) Hours or Fees  Order for Additional Court Visitor/Attorney Hours

Self-represented parties may obtain a LINX e-filing account through the Clerk’s Office or use the Clerk’s Office kiosk to file and schedule a Note for Commissioner’s Calendar.

Self-represented parties may contact the Clerk’s Office for a LINX e-filing account (https://www.piercecountywa.gov/374/E-Filing) or use the Clerk’s Office kiosk to file and schedule a Note for Commissioners Calendar.