Snohomish County Superior Court Document Filing Requirements

Applies to

Answer to dependency or termination petition

Each party must file and serve a written answer to a dependency or termination petition no later than 7 days before the preliminary hearing.

(a) A written answer to a dependency and termination petition shall be made by each party and shall be filed and served on counsel and parties without counsel no later than 7 days before the preliminary hearing.

Applies to

Ex parte submission

Must include

caption

All documents subject to this rule must be accompanied by an Ex Parte Coversheet substantially similar to the court website form.

(E) Coversheet required. All such documents shall be accompanied by a covesheet in a form substantially similar to the Ex Parte Coversheet found on the Court’s Website. This form must include the following elements:

Applies to

Proof of pretrial arbitration compliance

When child support or maintenance is subject to the cited pre-trial arbitration requirements, the parties must file proof of compliance.

Proof of compliance with pre-trial arbitration regarding child support and/or maintenance if subject to SCLSCCAR 1.2 and RCW 7.06.

Applies to

Ex parte submission

Documents submitted through the Ex Parte process must bear the presenting counsel's or party's personal original signature and the approval or waiver endorsement of each qualifying non-presenting party or attorney.

(D) Signature on Pleadings. All such documents shall bear the personal original signature of counsel or party pro se presenting the same, and the endorsement of approval or waiver of notice of presentation signed by all non- presenting parties not previously adjudged in default, or their attorneys.

Applies to

Ex parte submission

The presenting party must include all supporting documents necessary for the court to decide the request.

• All supporting documents necessary for the Court to make a decision must be included with the submission

Applies to

Default judgment motion

Must include

certificate of service

A motion for default must include proof of service, a declaration regarding the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act, and a statement regarding venue.

• Motions for Default must include Proof of Service, Declaration re: Service Members Civil Relief Act and Statement regarding Venue.

Applies to

Official sealed document

A party electronically filing an official document must retain the original throughout any appeal and for at least 60 days after the case is completed, and must present it if the court requests it.

If filed electronically, the filing party must retain the original document during the pendency of any appeal and until at least sixty (60) days after completion of the instant case and shall present the original document to the court if requested to do so.

Applies to

Motion

A motion for revision must identify each challenged finding, conclusion, order, or ruling and include a brief statement of each claimed error.

Any motion for revision shall state each particular finding of fact, conclusion of law, order or ruling for which revision is sought. Any such motion shall additionally contain a brief statement, for each such claimed error, which

Applies to

Paper document

An attorney with an approved e-filing waiver must file a copy of the waiver in every case in which the attorney files documents.

Attorneys who receive an approved waiver shall file a copy of the waiver in each case in which they file documents.

Applies to

Paper document

During an approved e-filing waiver, attorneys must place the specified waiver language in the caption of every paper document filed.

Attorneys who have received a waiver shall place the words “Exempt from e-filing per waiver filed on (date)” in the caption of all paper documents they file for the duration of the waiver.

Applies to

Proof of alternative dispute resolution compliance

The parties must file proof of compliance with the applicable Alternative Dispute Resolution requirements.

Proof of compliance with the Alternative Dispute Resolution requirements of SCLSPR 94.04(c)(3).

Applies to

Required financial documents

The parties must comply with the filing of the financial documents required by the cited rule.

Compliance with the filing of certain financial documents as required by SCLSPR 94.04(e).

Applies to

Proof of parenting seminar attendance

If attendance at a parenting seminar is required by the cited rule, a party must file proof of attendance.

Proof of Attendance at a parenting seminar if required by SCLSPR 94.04(d)(4).

Applies to

Discovery and disclosure documents

A party must comply with the applicable civil discovery and disclosure requirements concerning documents and exhibits it plans to submit to the court.

Compliance with civil discovery and disclosure rules that require, at a minimum, the disclosure to the opposing party of any document or exhibit that a party plans to submit for review by the court supporting their position.

Applies to

Proposed orders

Must include

proposed order

Each party must file a proposed final divorce or dissolution order and, when applicable, proposed child-support orders with worksheets, a proposed parenting plan, and all other relevant proposed orders.

Each party must file with the judge who is assigned for trial their proposed final order/decree for divorce/dissolution, and, if applicable, a proposed order regarding child support (with proposed worksheets) and a proposed parenting plan, as well as any other proposed order relevant to the issues to be resolved at trial.

Applies to

Evidentiary documents

Each party must be prepared to provide the trial judge with every other evidentiary document on which the party intends to rely.

Each party must be prepared to provide to the judge assigned for trial any other document upon which they intend to rely as evidence.

Applies to

Motion

Motion documents must include an order to show cause or approved note for motion calendar, the motion, and supporting documents.

The motion documents must include an order to show cause or a note for motion calendar, the motion, and supporting documents.

Applies to

Note for motion calendar

Must include

certificate of service

The motion-calendar note must use the court-approved form, be signed by the filer, identify the represented party and relief sought, and include a mailing certificate identifying the recipient and person who mailed the documents.

The note for motion calendar must be on the form approved by the court. The note for motion calendar must be signed by the attorney or party pro se filing the same, with the designation of the party represented. The note for motion calendar must identify the type or nature of relief being sought. The note or other document shall provide a certification of mailing of all documents related to the motion. The certificate shall state the person and address to whom such mailing was made, and who performed the mailing.

Applies to

Working copy

Working copies of the motion and supporting or opposing documents must be delivered to the judicial officer no later than the day they are served on other parties.

Working copies of the motion and all documents in support or opposition shall be delivered by the party filing such documents to the judicial officer who is to consider the motion no later than the day they are to be served on all other parties.

Applies to

Motion

Motions must state the specific relief sought, grounds, legal issues, and evidence relied upon with particularity, while complying with applicable mandatory form requirements.

A motion must contain the following (motions shall comply with any applicable mandatory form requirements): 1. Relief Requested. The specific relief the court is requested to grant; 2. Statement of Grounds. A concise statement of the grounds upon which the motion is based; 3. Statement of Issues. A concise statement of the issue(s) of law upon which the court is requested to rule; 4. Evidence Relied Upon. The evidence, on which the motion or reply is based, shall be identified with particularity.

Applies to

Motion

Deposition testimony, discovery pleadings, and documentary evidence relied upon in a motion must be quoted verbatim or attached as photocopies of the relevant pages.

Deposition testimony, discovery pleadings, and documentary evidence relied upon must be quoted verbatim, or a photocopy of relevant pages thereof must be attached to the motion.

Any document filed in a language other than English must include a coversheet identifying the document.

Any document in a language other than English shall be filed with a coversheet identifying the document.

All legal authority relied upon must be cited.

Any legal authority relied upon must be cited.

Applies to

LUPA motion

A LUPA motion must state the specific relief sought, list other attorneys and parties requiring notice with their contact information, propose statutory hearing and filing deadlines, and include other matters required by RCW 36.70C.080.

The Motion shall include the following: 1. Specific relief and/or action sought at this time 2. List of the names, e-mail addresses (if known), telephone numbers and mailing addresses of all other attorneys in the case and/or all other parties requiring notification regarding this case 3. Proposed outline of hearing/filing deadlines based on the filing date as directed by statute. 4. Any other matters required by RCW 36.70C.080

Applies to

Motion

Must include

local rule certificate

When requesting shortened time on an ex parte basis, the motion must include a written certification that the other parties were notified of the hearing's time and place.

The documents may be presented ex parte if the motion contains a written certification that the other parties pro se or attorneys were notified of the time and place of the hearing requesting the order shortening time.

Applies to

Motion

Must include

proposed order

Each party must prepare a proposed order when the motion is called for hearing, and the prevailing party generally must present it before the hearing calendar concludes.

Each party shall have a proposed order prepared at the time the motion is called for hearing. Unless specifically authorized by the court, the prevailing party shall present a proposed order before the conclusion of the calendar on which the matter was heard.

Applies to

Action document

Must include

caption

Pleadings or other papers requiring clerk action must include a special “Clerk’s Action Required” caption directly below the case number on the first page.

Pleadings or other papers requiring action on the part of the clerk, other than file stamping, docketing and placing in the file, shall be considered action documents. Action documents shall include a special “Clerk’s Action Required caption directly below the case number on the first page.

Applies to

Case initiating document

Must include

caption

Case-initiating documents in all listed case types must include the names of all known parties in the caption.

For all cases, including criminal, protection order, family law, parentage, and all juvenile matters, case initiating document(s) shall include the names of all known parties in the caption.

Applies to

Pro se filing

A pro se party must state a mailing address, service street address, telephone number, and email address on a notice of appearance, pleadings, and other filed documents.

A party appearing pro se shall state on a notice of appearance, pleadings, and other documents filed by such party, his/her mailing address, street address where service of process and other papers may be made, telephone number and e-mail address.

Applies to

Pro se notice

A pro se party must give written notice to the court and other parties of changes to the party’s address, telephone number, or email address.

A party pro se shall advise the court and other parties by written notice of any changes of address and/or telephone and e-mail address.

Applies to

Notice of appearance

When a party appears in court without an attorney or written filing, the clerk provides an approved Notice of Appearance form for the pro se party to complete and file.

When a party physically appears in court, pursuant to process served upon him/her, but without an attorney and without filing a written pleading or other paper, the clerk shall deliver a printed Notice of Appearance form containing the substance of subsection (a) of this rule and approved by the court. This notice shall be completed by the party pro se and filed.

Applies to

Demand for jury trial

A jury-trial demand must be submitted as a separate document.

A Demand for Jury Trial shall be contained in a separate document.

Applies to

Note for trial

The original court-approved Note for Trial must be filed and served under CR 40 and must use the required form and include all requested information.

The original Note for Trial, on the form approved by the court, is to be filed and served in the manner provided in CR 40. Such note SHALL be in the form of, and contain ALL requested information in such form as is required by the court.

Applies to

Proposed findings conclusions

The substantially prevailing party must prepare proposed findings and conclusions.

(1) Findings and Conclusions; the substantially prevailing party shall prepare proposed findings and conclusions.

Applies to

Motion for reconsideration

Must include

proposed order

Each party must provide a proposed order in the materials delivered to the judicial officer handling a motion for reconsideration.

Each party must include a proposed order in the materials delivered to the judicial officer.

Applies to

Initial statement of arbitrability

Every party filing a notice for arbitration must file a court-prescribed Initial Statement of Arbitrability and serve a copy on all parties.

In every civil case the party filing a notice for arbitration shall file an Initial Statement of Arbitrability on the form prescribed by the court and serve a copy on all parties.

Applies to

Response to initial statement of arbitrability

A party disagreeing with the Initial Statement of Arbitrability must serve the Arbitration Coordinator and all parties and file a court-prescribed Response within 14 days after the Initial Statement is served and filed.

Within fourteen (14) days after the Initial Statement of Arbitrability has been served and filed, any party disagreeing with the Initial Statement of Arbitrability shall serve the Arbitration Coordinator and all parties and file with the clerk a Response to Initial Statement of Arbitrability on a form prescribed by the court.

Applies to

Note for trial

A party requesting a trial de novo in a non-jury case must simultaneously file the court-prescribed Note for Trial form, and failure to do so may result in sanctions.

(1) Trial De Novo. When a trial de novo is requested in a non-jury case as provided in SCCAR 7.1, the party making the request shall simultaneously file a Note for Trial on the form prescribed by the court. If no note for trial is timely filed, the party requesting a trial de novo may be subject to sanctions.

Applies to

Trial de novo request

A request for trial de novo must be made on the completed Request for Trial De Novo form, including trial-setting information, with the original filed with the clerk and a copy served on every party.

(3) Trial De Novo-Service and Filing. When a trial de novo is requested as provided in SCCAR 7.1 (a), the party making the request shall complete the Request for Trial De Novo form, including the trial setting information, and file the original with the clerk and serve a copy on all parties.

Applies to

Background check form

A completed background-check form must be submitted to the court administration office before presenting an order concerning minor-child custody.

Prior to presenting any order regarding the custody of minor children, the party or parties filing a motion or presenting an order shall submit a completed background check form to the Snohomish County Superior Court Administration Office requesting a background check.

Applies to

Background check

The custody background-check search must occur within 14 days before the hearing or order presentation, because an untimely search may prevent entry of the order.

The search shall be performed no more than 14 days prior to the hearing date or presentation of the order. Background checks that are not performed within this time frame may not be accepted by the court and may prevent entry of orders.

Applies to

Background check form

For an immediate restraining order or ex parte order, the moving party must submit the completed form to the ex parte department for a same-day background check before the hearing.

The moving party or parties shall submit the completed background check form to the ex-parte department to obtain authorization for Court Administration to conduct a same-day background check prior to the hearing.

Applies to

Background check form

For temporary orders and final parenting, residential-schedule, or visitation orders, the completed background-check form is due at least five court days before the hearing or presentation date.

The moving party or parties seeking a temporary order or the party or parties presenting a final order shall submit a completed background check form to the Court Administration Office no less than 5 court days prior the hearing or presentation date.

Applies to

Summons and petition

A petition to establish, modify, or terminate visitation must be initiated by filing and serving a summons and petition.

A Petition to Establish, Modify, or Terminate Visitation, pursuant to RCW 26.11 shall be initiated by the filing and service of a summons and petition.

Applies to

Child support motion

Every child-support application or response must be presented by motion with a completed child-support worksheet and any other statutorily required information.

Any application or response regarding child support shall be by motion and shall include a completed child support worksheet and other information, which might be required by statute.

Applies to

Financial relief motion

A motion for spousal maintenance, child support, attorney fees, or other financial relief must include the court-approved Financial Declaration form.

Any application or response regarding spousal maintenance, child support, attorney's fees, or any other financial relief, shall be by motion and shall include a Financial Declaration in the form approved by the court.

Applies to

Income tax documents

Each party must separately file under seal copies of the last two years of federal tax returns and specified supporting income documents, using six months of paystubs when a current year-to-date paystub is unavailable.

In order to provide sufficient income information to the court, each party shall file separately and under seal pursuant to GR 22, complete copies of the last two (2) years for federal income tax returns, which shall include copies of all W-2 forms, 1099 forms and all schedules, 1040 forms and either a copy of the most current paystub with the year-to-date information included within the same or, if such information is not available, all paystubs for the prior six (6) months.

Applies to

Child support order

An order establishing, setting, or modifying child support must be separate, use mandatory forms where appropriate, and attach the adopted child-support worksheet.

All orders establishing, setting, or modifying any temporary or permanent child support obligation must be in the form of a separate order, on mandatory forms where appropriate, with the adopted child support worksheet attached.

Applies to

Immediate temporary restraining order

An immediate temporary restraining order must be mutual when appropriate.

All immediate temporary restraining orders shall be made mutual where appropriate.

Applies to

Proposed order

Must include

proposed order

All proposed orders must accompany the working copies as an original copy.

Accompanying all of the working copies shall be an original copy of all proposed orders.

Applies to

Documentary submissions

Parties must file writings, photographs, e-mails, text messages, social media posts, and other documentary submissions in accordance with SCLCR 10.

(d) Written Evidence. Documentary submissions (writings, photographs, e-mails, text messages, and social media posts included) shall be filed into the court in accordance with SCLCR 10.

Applies to

Professional evaluation report

Professional evaluator, counselor, treatment-provider, supervised-visitation-provider, and related professional reports do not count toward written submission limits, but must be properly authenticated and filed as separate documents, under seal if required.

Declarations, affidavits, and reports from professional evaluators, counselors, treatment providers, supervised visitation providers, or other relevant professionals do not count toward written submission limits. However, they must be properly authenticated and filed as separate documents, under seal if required.

Applies to

Multimedia recording

Unless the court approves otherwise, a formal transcript is required for an audio or visual recording exceeding 2 minutes.

Absent prior approval by the Court, any party seeking to submit audio or visual recordings for the Court’s consideration shall submit a formal transcript if such recording exceeds two (2) minutes in duration.

Applies to

Multimedia evidence

Audio and video evidence must include a chart or written summary of each exhibit, and recordings longer than 30 seconds must identify the relevant hearing timestamp to the nearest second.

Audio and video evidence shall be accompanied by a chart or written document that summarizes the content of each exhibit. For all recordings longer than thirty (30) seconds, the summary must indicate the time stamp (to the nearest second) that is relevant to the hearing.

Applies to

Audio recording

An audio recording may not exceed 5 minutes in total duration.

Audio Recording 5

Applies to

Video recording

A video recording may not exceed 5 minutes in total duration.

Video Recording 5

Applies to

Order to show cause

The Order to Show Cause must warn the responding party that failing to appear could result in an arrest warrant.

The Order to Show Cause shall contain language warning the responding party that failure to appear could result in a warrant for arrest.

Applies to

Probate petition

A petition to open a probate matter must be accompanied by a death certificate or comparable documentation of the decedent's death.

A death certificate or comparable documentation of the death of the decedent shall be filed with any petition to open a probate matter.

Applies to

Guardianship action

A minor guardianship action must be commenced by filing a summons, petition, and supplemental declaration.

A cause of action for the appointment of a guardian, standby guardian, or emergency guardian for a minor shall be commenced by the filing of a summons, petition, and supplemental declaration.

Applies to

Guardianship action

The petitioner must also file a judicial-information-system background-check coversheet, which the court may use during the guardianship proceeding and before appointing a guardian.

The petitioner shall also file a coversheet for a judicial information system background check, which may be run by the Court at any point during the pendency of the action, including, but not limited to, the 60 day review hearing, and prior to the appointment of a guardian.

Applies to

Working copies

The presenting party must submit working copies of all pleadings, supporting documents, and proof upon which an ex parte guardianship request is based.

It shall be the responsibility of the presenting party to submit to the court working copies of any pleadings or other documents or proof on which the requested action is based.

Applies to

Order appointing guardian

Every order appointing a guardian must state the due date for the inventory.

Due Date for Inventory: _______________________________

Applies to

Order appointing guardian

Every order appointing a guardian must contain the specified guardianship information directly below the case caption or on a separate cover page.

(5) Order Appointing Guardian and Execution and Form of Letters of Guardianship. All Orders Appointing Guardians shall contain the following information to ensure the timely and accurate issuance of Letters of Guardianship by the Clerk's Office. The following information shall be completed and placed directly below the case caption or on a separate cover page in all Orders Appointing Guardians:

Applies to

Order appointing guardian

Every order appointing a guardian must include the heading “CLERK’S ACTION REQUIRED.”

**CLERK’S ACTION REQUIRED**

Applies to

Order appointing guardian

Every order appointing a guardian must state the due date for the report and accounting.

Due Date for Report and Accounting: _____________________

Applies to

Order appointing guardian

Every order appointing a guardian must state when the new letters of guardianship expire.

New Letters Expire On: ________________________________

Applies to

Order appointing guardian

Every order appointing a guardian must state the due date for the initial personal care plan.

Due Date for Initial Personal Care Plan: ___________________

Applies to

Order appointing guardian

A guardianship appointment order must include a Clerk’s Action Required summary on its first page in a court-approved format.

The order shall include a Clerk’s Action Required summary on the first page in a format approved by the Court.

Applies to

Proposed order

Must include

proposed order

Counsel-represented moving parties must submit a proposed Order to Show Cause and working copies, while unrepresented parties are encouraged but not required to submit a proposed order.

The moving party shall submit a proposed Order to Show Cause together with any working copies if represented by counsel. Unrepresented parties are urged and encouraged, but not required, to submit a proposed order.

Applies to

Motion

Must include

proposed order

Post-conviction motions concerning legal financial obligations must use Administrative Office of the Courts forms and include a proposed order as a court working copy.

The moving party or counsel shall use the forms established by the Administrative Office of the Courts (see GR 39(d)) and must provide a proposed order to the court as a working copy.

Applies to

Motion

Must include

proposed order

A party requesting a continuance of a post-conviction legal-financial-obligations motion must provide a proposed order.

If there is a request for a continuance, the requesting party shall provide a proposed order.

Applies to

Paper working copy

A party relying on the impossibility or impracticability exception must state that basis in a declaration or affidavit filed with the paper working copies.

If a party asserts that it is impossible or impractical for electronic working copies to be provided, they shall so state by declaration or affidavit, which shall be filed with their paper working copies.

Applies to

Coversheet

The submitting attorney or party's name, address, phone number, and email address must appear in the bottom-right corner of the coversheet.

The name, address, phone number and e-mail address of the attorney or party submitting the working copies shall be in the bottom right hand corner of the coversheet.

Applies to

Preliminary calendar

The preliminary calendar must identify the matters the hospital or facility intends to place on the next judicial day's ITA hearing calendar.

No later than 8:30 am, the day prior to any intended court proceeding under RCW 71.05 and RCW 71.34, the hospital/facility shall prepare a preliminary calendar indicating the matters the hospital/facility intends to be placed on the court calendar for the next judicial day for ITA hearings.

Applies to

Final calendar

The final calendar must list all matters to be heard the following day and identify the nature of each anticipated proceeding.

No later than 3:00 p.m. of that same day a final calendar shall be prepared by each hospital/facility indicating all matters to be heard the following day together with an indication of the nature of the anticipated proceeding.

Applies to

Statement of relief and issues

ADR participants must provide a statement identifying each party's requested relief and the issues to be addressed or resolved.

(b) Statement of Issues. The parties to ADR shall provide to the court, mediator or facilitator and to each other a statement of the relief each party seeks and a statement of the issues each party want addressed and/or resolved.

Applies to

Dispositional plan report

The custody or requesting agency must prepare, file, and serve a written dispositional-plan report 7 days before the preliminary hearing.

(d) Written court reports setting forth the dispositional plan shall be prepared by the agency having or requesting custody and shall be filed and served on all counsel and parties without counsel 7 days prior to the preliminary hearing.

Applies to

Dependency review report

The supervising agency must prepare, file, and serve a written report at least 14 calendar days before the applicable review or permanency-planning hearing.

(a) Reports. A written report and, for permanency planning hearings, a permanent plan, shall be prepared by the supervising agency and filed and served on all counsel and unrepresented parties not less than 14 calendar days prior to any review or permanency planning hearings.

Applies to

Notice of contested hearing

The Notice of Contested Hearing must state the hearing date, contested issues, and estimated hearing length and must be accompanied by supporting documents.

(iii) The Notice of Contested Hearing shall contain the hearing date obtained from the assigned Judge’s law clerk, the issues that are contested, and the estimated length of time needed for the hearing. The notice of contested hearing shall be accompanied by documents in support of the issue.

Applies to

Notice of motion

A hearing note must include the designated Zoom link, telephone call-in number, meeting ID, hearing password, and information about appearing in person.

Whenever a party notes a hearing, that party shall include the proper Zoom link, telephone call-in number, meeting ID, and password for the hearing, as designated at https://snohomishcountywa.gov/195/Juvenile-Court as well as information on how to appear in person.

Applies to

Motion

A motion noted for hearing without oral argument must be clearly identified as such in the calendar note, and its proposed order must be distributed to counsel and unrepresented parties at filing and clearly marked “PROPOSED.”

B. The moving party must clearly designate in their note for calendar that the motion is to be heard without oral argument. The proposed order must also be distributed to all counsel and unrepresented parties at the time of filing and shall be clearly marked “PROPOSED.”

Applies to

Working copy coversheet

The submitting attorney or party’s name, address, phone number, and email address must appear in the coversheet’s bottom-right corner.

The name, address, phone number and e-mail address of the attorney or party submitting the working copies shall be in the bottom right-hand corner of the coversheet.

Applies to

Notice of return home

When a child is placed with a parent, the AAG must file a Notice of Return Home before dismissal of the dependency.

In order for the court and parties to make well informed decisions about the necessity of any family law action prior to a dismissal of the dependency, when a child is placed with a parent, a Notice of Return Home shall be filed by the AAG.

Applies to

Working copy

For electronic working copies sent outside OFS, the email subject line must state the respondent’s last name, cause number, document title, hearing date and time, and calendar color in that order.

Unless the working copy is delivered through OFS the subject line for the e-mails must contain, in this order: respondent last name; cause number; title of document; date and time of hearing (month-day, time); calendar color (blue or orange).

Applies to

Proposed written decision

At oral argument, both parties must submit proposed written decisions stating the reasons supporting their respective positions and prepared for immediate entry.

At the time of oral argument both parties must submit proposed written decisions containing the reasons therefore, supporting their respective positions, and allowing adequate space for interlineations or additions, for immediate entry.

Applies to

General or special order

General or Special Orders must be submitted for judicial review and approval before the specified one-time or annual authorization is granted.

General and/or Special Orders shall be submitted for judicial review and approval for one time authorization of Superior Court (i.e. single case destruction/closure, single case access for a specific person and/or reason, action necessitated within the framework of a single case (not affecting overall court administration)) or in the event of the Superior Court Clerk complying with imaging, record sealing or closure annually of case records;

Applies to

General or special order

General or Special Orders must be accompanied by supporting documentation before approval may be authorized.

General and or Special Orders must be accompanied by supporting documentation before approval will be authorized.

Applies to

Transcript

Without prior court approval, a party submitting a video or audio recording of spoken words longer than two minutes must submit a formal transcript.

Absent prior approval by the court, any party seeking to submit video or audio recordings of spoken words requiring the Court’s consideration and exceeding 2 minutes in length shall submit a formal transcript of any such recording.

Applies to

Supplemental order appointing guardian ad litem

The Supplemental Order Appointing Guardian ad Litem must include the provisions listed in the administrative order.

The Supplemental Order Appointing Guardian ad Litem shall contain the following provisions:

Applies to

Supplemental order appointing guardian ad litem

Both parties must report in person to the Superior Court Programs Office by the date certain in the order.

Both parties shall report in person to the Superior Court Programs Office, 1st Floor of the Courthouse, Room #C140 by time and date certain;

Applies to

Supplemental order appointing guardian ad litem

Both parties must obtain, complete, and send the Guardian ad Litem Personal Information Form to the appointed GAL within 48 hours after receiving the order and no later than the specified date.

Both parties shall obtain the Guardian ad Litem Personal Information Form from the Programs Office, complete these forms, and send it to the appointed GAL within 48 hours after receiving a copy of this order (no later than date certain);

Applies to

Supplemental order appointing guardian ad litem

Both parties must obtain the supplemental materials from the GAL by the deadline set by the GAL.

Both parties shall obtain supplemental materials, including questionnaires and release forms from the Guardian ad Litem at the deadline determined by the Guardian ad Litem;

Applies to

Supplemental order appointing guardian ad litem

Both parties must pay their portion of the GAL retainer by the date certain stated in the order.

Both parties shall pay their portion of the retainer (see section 3.5, page 3, Order Appointing Guardian ad Litem) by date certain;

Applies to

Supplemental order appointing guardian ad litem

The GAL must inform the court of any noncompliance by the Friday before the Compliance Hearing.

The Guardian ad Litem shall inform the court of any failure to comply with any of the above requirements on the Friday prior to the Compliance Hearing.

Applies to

Supplemental order appointing guardian ad litem

A party who has not paid the retainer or completed and submitted the required paperwork must attend the scheduled Compliance Hearing.

Non-compliant parties must attend the scheduled Compliance Hearing if their portion of the retainer is not paid and their required paperwork is not completed and turned in.

Applies to

Supplemental order appointing guardian ad litem

The court may strike the pleadings of a party that fails to comply or attend.

The Court may strike pleadings of the non-complying/non-attending party;

Applies to

Pretrial submissions

Must include

exhibit list, witness list

Unless the court orders otherwise, the parties must exchange exhibit and witness lists, numbered physical paper exhibit copies, and a completed pre-trial conference summary at least one week before trial.

Absent a court order to the contrary, the parties shall exchange exhibit and witness lists, physical paper copies2 of exhibits numbered as required in Paragraph 3, section e, and a Pre-Trial Conference Summary for Civil Proceedings at least one week before trial.

Applies to

Pretrial conference summary

The pre-trial conference summary must specifically identify any witness-access issues affecting remote proceedings.

The parties shall specifically identify on the Pre-trial Conference Summary for Civil Proceedings if there exist any issues with witness access to remote proceedings.

Applies to

Pretrial conference summary

The parties must identify in the pretrial submissions any physical exhibits they may seek to introduce.

The parties shall also specifically identify if there are any potential physical exhibits that will be sought to be introduced.

Applies to

Pretrial submissions

Parties excused from the pretrial meeting because of a domestic-violence no-contact or restraining order remain responsible for independently complying with the protocol and supplying the court all information required to be supplied to the other party.

Parties exempt from mediation due to the existence of a domestic violence no contact order or restraining order do not have to meet in person or remotely but must still independently comply with all other provisions of this protocol and provide to the Court all information required to be provided to the other party.

Applies to

Exhibit list

The parties' exhibit list must identify which exhibits are stipulated to be admissible.

The parties shall list exhibits and indicate in that list which exhibits are stipulated to be admissible.

Applies to

Master exhibit set

The parties must create a master set of exhibits for both parties.

d. Create a master set of exhibits for both parties.

Applies to

Exhibit list

The exhibit lists provided to the judge's law clerk and courtroom clerk must identify any modification to the numbering system caused by the plaintiff's or petitioner's exhibit count.

There should be an indication in the exhibit list provided to the Judge’s law clerk and the courtroom clerk if the numbering system was modified due to the number of exhibits being provided by the Plaintiff/Petitioner.

Applies to

Trial brief

Trial briefs and motions in limine are not exhibits and must be filed with the court, with working copies provided to the assigned judge and opposing parties by the start of trial.

Trial briefs, including motions in limine, are not considered exhibits. They shall be filed with the court, with working copies provided to the assigned trial judge and opposing parties no later than the start of trial.

Applies to

Pretrial conference summary

A completed pretrial conference summary must include each party's witness list, or a master list showing the name, telephone number, and email address of every trial witness, party, and attorney.

A completed Pre-Trial Conference Summary for Civil Proceedings. This form must contain each party’s witness list, or a master list, containing the name, telephone number, and e-mail address of each witness, party and attorney who will be appearing at trial.

Applies to

Exhibit notebook certification

Must include

local rule certificate

Each party or its attorney must sign and file an Exhibit Notebook Certification confirming that distributed exhibit notebooks and individual exhibits match the master and contain no annotations or alterations.

Each party, or that party’s attorney, will sign and file an Exhibit Notebook Certification certifying that the exhibit notebooks provided to the parties, and individual exhibits provided to witnesses, are identical to the master set of exhibits and do not contain any notes, highlighting, post-its, or any other changes or additions from the master.

Applies to

Stipulation

A signed stipulation governing the return or destruction of exhibits after the appeal period must be provided.

A signed stipulation for return/destruction of exhibits post the appeal timeframe.

Applies to

Exhibit and witness lists

Unless the court orders otherwise, the parties must exchange exhibit and witness lists, physical paper exhibit copies, and a Pre-Trial Conference Summary at least one week before trial.

Absent a court order to the contrary, the parties shall exchange exhibit and witness lists, physical paper copies2 of exhibits numbered as required in Paragraph 3, section e, and a Pre-Trial Conference Summary for Civil Proceedings at least one week before trial.

Applies to

Trial brief

Trial briefs and motions in limine are not exhibits and must be separately provided to the court, copied to all parties, and filed in paper form on the trial date while remaining available electronically as directed by the trial judge.

Trial briefs, including motions in limine, are not considered exhibits, but shall be provided to the Court separately (copy to all parties) on the day of trial in paper form for filing, and be available in electronic format subject to the trial judge’s preference.

Applies to

Stipulated exhibit list

The list of stipulated exhibits must be provided to the assigned judge’s law clerk on the morning of trial after assignment.

A list of stipulated exhibits shall be provided to the law clerk for the judge assigned to trial on the morning of trial, after assignment.

Applies to

Pretrial conference summary

Each party must bring a completed Pre-Trial Conference Summary for Civil Proceedings to the assigned trial department on the day of trial.

A completed Pre-Trial Conference Summary for Civil Proceedings.

Applies to

Proposed jury instructions

In jury trials, editable electronic working copies of proposed jury instructions must be provided to the assigned trial judge.

For Jury Trials Only: Working copies of proposed jury instructions shall be provided electronically, in an editable format, to the assigned trial judge.

Applies to

Exhibit notebook certification

Each party or its attorney must sign and file an Exhibit Notebook Certification confirming that witness exhibit copies are identical to the master set and contain no notes, highlighting, post-its, changes, or additions.

Each party, or that party’s attorney, will sign and file an Exhibit Notebook Certification certifying that the individual exhibits provided to witnesses, are identical to the master set of exhibits and do not contain any notes, highlighting, post-its, or any other changes or additions from the master.

Applies to

Proposed order

Must include

proposed order

Attorneys and self-represented litigants must provide the Court with working copies and 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.

Applies to

Petition for justification

The petition must include a current list of the petitioner’s total bond obligations by county, with property bonds separated from surety bonds.

A current list of petitioner’s total bond obligations by county, segregating property bonds from surety bonds;

Applies to

Bail bond posting

A bail bond company or corporate surety may not post a bond accepted by the identified Snohomish County courts without an operating order of justification from the Superior Court.

No bond posted by a bail bond company or corporate surety may be accepted by or on behalf of Snohomish County Superior Court, District Court or Juvenile Court unless the bonding company or corporate surety posting such bond has obtained and is operating under an order of justification issued by the Snohomish County Superior Court.

Applies to

Petition for justification

The petition must identify the Snohomish County courts for which bond-posting authorization is sought and include true and correct copies of the listed documents.

The petition for justification shall clearly state the name of the court or courts in Snohomish County in which authorization to post bail bonds is sought, and shall contain a true and correct copy of each of the following documents:

Applies to

Petition for justification

The petition must include the petitioner’s effective state business license and bail bond agency or branch office license for the requested justification period.

Petitioner’s state business license and bail bond agency and/or branch office license that is effective for the period for which justification is sought;

Applies to

Petition for justification

A petition seeking authorization to post surety bonds must include the applicable Washington State Insurance Commission Certificate of Authority.

If justification is sought to post surety bonds, a Certificate of Authority from the Washington State Insurance Commission for the petitioner or underlying surety to do surety insurance business in the State of Washington;

Applies to

Petition for justification

A petition seeking authorization to post surety bonds must include a current, fully executed power of attorney for each authorized agent, individual, or corporate surety representative.

If justification is sought to post surety bonds, a fully executed and current power of attorney for each agent, individual or corporate, authorized to execute surety bonds on behalf of each surety that may guarantee bonds under the justification order sought;

Applies to

Petition for justification

A petition seeking authorization to post property bonds must include an effective letter of credit, blocked-interest-account evidence, or another form of guarantee for the requested period.

If justification is sought to post property bonds, a letter of credit, evidence of blocked interest account, or other form of guarantee effective for the period for which justification is sought;

Applies to

Petition for justification

The petition must include a current bail bond agent license for every agent seeking authorization to post bail bonds.

A current bail bond agent license for each agent for whom authorization to post bail bonds is sought;

Applies to

Petition for justification

Each proposed agent must provide a truthful declaration under penalty of perjury stating identifying information and misdemeanor and felony convictions.

A truthful declaration signed under penalty of perjury by each proposed agent stating that person’s full name, any aliases, former name(s), including maiden name(s), address, date of birth, and statement of misdemeanor and felony convictions.

Applies to

Petition for justification

The petition must list known Department of Licensing investigations since the prior justification order, including the basis, status, and known consequences.

A list of known investigations conducted or in progress by the state department of licensing since the prior order of justification, if any, including the basis for investigation, status, and consequence, if known;

Applies to

Notice of intent to seek suspension or revocation

A notice initiating suspension or revocation must be filed with the court clerk, state the basis for the requested action, and be served on the bonding company.

An order of justification may be suspended or revoked at any time upon a determination of insufficiency or unreliability of the sureties or their agents or for such other reason as the court deems good cause. Suspension or revocation may be initiated by the Office of the Prosecuting Attorney upon filing a notice of intent to seek suspension or revocation with the Snohomish County Superior Court Clerk. The notice of intent to seek suspension or revocation shall include a short statement of the basis on which suspension or revocation is sought and shall be served on the bonding company whose justification is at issue.

Applies to

Notice of intent to add agents

To add agents under an existing justification order, the petitioner must file a Notice of Intent to Add Agent(s) with the court clerk, serve it on the prosecuting attorney’s Civil Division, and provide the supporting information required by paragraphs (E)(6) and (7).

During the period an order of justification is in effect, a petitioner may seek to add additional agents by filing with the Snohomish County Superior Court Clerk and serving on the Civil Division of the Snohomish County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office a Notice of Intent to Add Agent(s) together with supporting information as required in paragraphs (E)(6) and (7) of this order.

Applies to

Order

Orders submitted in the ex parte process must not bear additional markings such as “Proposed,” “Copy,” or “Working Copies.”

• Orders must not have additional markings, such as ‘Proposed’, ‘Copy’, or ‘Working Copies’

Applies to

Show cause order

A Show Cause Order submitted in the ex parte process must not include a hearing date.

• Show Cause Orders must not include a date for the hearing

Applies to

Updated background check

When a hearing is continued, the parties must obtain an updated background check if the court requires it.

If the hearing date is continued, the parties are responsible for obtaining an updated background check if required by the court.

Applies to

Extended special set sentencing email

The email requesting an extended special-set sentencing slot should identify the attorneys, case name, cause number, anticipated sentencing length, and requested hearing timeframe.

The e-mail should include the attorneys, case name, cause number, length of sentencing, and the time frame requested for the hearing.

Applies to

Reply brief

A party may request oral argument by placing the words “oral argument requested” on the first page of its opposition materials.

D. Any party may request that the motion be heard with oral argument by clearly noting “oral argument requested” on the first page of their opposition materials.

Applies to

Working copy coversheet

Must include

caption

Hard-copy tangible working-copy materials should be placed in an appropriate container with a coversheet stating the caption, item description, and hearing details.

In these instances, the items should be placed in a manila envelope or other appropriate container and attached to a coversheet that contains the complete caption, a description of the items provided, and the date, time, and location of the hearing.

Applies to

Working copy

Attached working-copy documents must follow the email subject-line naming rules, but they may omit the calendar color.

The attached working copy document(s) shall follow the same naming rules, except that inclusion of the calendar color is optional.

Applies to

Bail motion

Bail motions submitted for criminal hearings calendar review must include transportation information.

Agreed orders or calendar notes to be submitted to this calendar for review via criminalhearings@snoco.org: voluntary dismissal orders, agreed orders per SCLCrR 7.8, calendar notes for hearings set on the criminal hearings calendars (transport should be included on bail motions).

Applies to

Supplemental order appointing guardian ad litem

When multiple GALs are named, GAL Programs staff must contact them and determine the appointed GAL within one business day.

In the event that multiple Guardians ad Litem are named in the order, the GAL Programs staff will contact the Guardians ad Litem and, determine who will be appointed within one (1) business day.

Applies to

Supplemental order appointing guardian ad litem

If the GALs named in the order are unavailable, GAL Programs staff must assign a GAL and notify the parties before the information-form deadline.

In the event the GALs named in the Order are not available, GAL Program staff will assign and notify the parties prior to the deadline stated in #2;

Applies to

Supplemental order appointing guardian ad litem

The GAL must report compliance to GAL Programs staff.

The Guardian ad Litem will report compliance to GAL Programs staff;

Applies to

Supplemental order appointing guardian ad litem

Compliance Hearings are typically scheduled for the third Wednesday after the order and must be confirmed by the court.

Compliance Hearings are typically held on the 3rd Wednesday following the date of the order and are court confirmed;

Applies to

Supplemental order appointing guardian ad litem

The GAL may require parties to complete an evaluation, assessment, or other testing for the issues designated in the referenced order section.

The Guardian ad Litem is authorized to require that parties comply with an evaluation, assessment or other testing for issues designated in section 3.2, page, 2, Order Appointing Guardian ad Litem.

Applies to

Proposed final order

Proposed final orders should be submitted electronically in editable format to the assigned trial judge after assignment.

Proposed Final Orders should be provided electronically, in an editable format, to the assigned trial judge after assignment.

Applies to

Petition for justification

The petition must include other proof of financial, corporate, and agent responsibility that the Presiding Judge finds sufficient to justify the surety or property bond agent.

Such other proof of financial, corporate and agent responsibility as the Presiding Judge of the Superior Court shall find to be sufficient to justify the surety or property bond agent.

Applies to

Property ownership and division documents

If property must be divided, each party should provide the trial judge with documents concerning ownership or fair division of the disputed property.

If the court is required to divide real or personal property, each party should provide to the judge assigned for trial any documents related to the ownership or fair division of the property involved in the disputed division.

Applies to

Domestic violence or criminal activity documentation

A party asserting domestic violence or other criminal activity should provide supporting documentation, such as police reports, protection orders, or conviction evidence, to the trial judge.

If a party is asserting claims of domestic violence or other criminal activity against the opposing party, the party should provide to the judge assigned for trial any documentation related to the claim – such as police reports, protection orders, evidence documenting a conviction, etc.

Applies to

Informal family law trial selection and waiver form

Before trial, the parties may select an IFLT by filing the designated form with the clerk, either separately or jointly.

The parties may select an IFLT before trial by filing an Informal Family Law Trial Selection and Waiver form with the clerk. Each party may file the form and request the IFLT separately, or the parties my jointly request the IFLT.

Applies to

Rehabilitative program compliance documents

A party seeking consideration of rehabilitative-program participation should provide the trial judge with related records or documents demonstrating completed or ongoing compliance.

If a party has undertaken any rehabilitative programs and wants their participation considered by the court, the party should provide to the judge assigned for trial any related documents such as counseling records, substance abuse treatment, anger management/domestic violence classes, assessments, etc., that demonstrates completed or ongoing compliance in said programs.

Applies to

Proposed order

Unrepresented parties are encouraged but not required to submit a proposed order.

Unrepresented parties are urged and encouraged, but not required, to submit a proposed order.

Applies to

Trial exhibits

The parties are encouraged, but not required, to offer only the documents necessary to prove or defend the claims or issues.

The parties are encouraged to offer only those documents necessary to prove or defend the claims/issues.