Walla Walla County Superior Court
Court-Level Rules, Filing Procedures & Policies
- Rules last changed:
Limits & Logistics
Document Limits
Courtesy Copies
Courtesy copies
- No Later Than 4 00 Pm Two Judicial Days Before Scheduled Hearing Proceeding or Trial
Digital Exhibit Bench Copy
- 1 copy • No Later Than Two Court Days Before Hearing
Motion, Supporting Documents
- 1 copy
New Trial Motions, Reconsideration Motions, Judgment Nov Motions
- Upon Filing
Page & Word Limits5 rules
Parties may not circumvent this rule by filing several motions in the same matter on the same day, or in such proximity that matters are likely to be continued to be heard together.
A counter-motion filed requesting the same or related relief and scheduled to be heard with the opposing motion shall not provide parties with additional pages.
Supporting declarations, affidavits, and exhibits are limited to 20 pages total, and responsive materials are separately limited to 20 pages total; simultaneous motions are counted together, subject to stated exclusions and exceptions.
- Supporting motion materials
- Up to 20 pages in total
- Motion response materials
- Up to 20 pages in total
Court's wording
C. Page Limits: Absent prior authorization from the court, the entirety of all declarations, affidavits, and exhibits from the party and any non-expert witness in support of motions shall be limited to a total of twenty (20) pages. The entirety of all declarations, affidavits, and exhibits submitted in response to motions shall be limited to a total of twenty (20) pages. If more than one motion is to be heard at the same time, the page limit applies to the entirety – not each individual motion. 1. Exhibits: Exhibits that consist of declarations or affidavits of parties or witnesses shall count toward the above page limit. Photographs, text messages, email, screen shots, electronic communications, depositions, and similar materials shall count toward the page limit. 2. Financial Declarations: Financial declarations and financial documents do not count toward the page limit. 3. Expert Reports and Evaluations: Declarations, affidavits, reports from GALs, investigators, police reports, substance use evaluations or compliance reports, psychological evaluations and other expert witness reports do not count toward the page limitation. 4. Mandatory forms or legal memorandum/briefs (without declarations) do not count toward the page limit. 5. Miscellaneous exceptions: Copies of declarations or affidavits previously filed for a motion already ruled upon and supplied only as a convenience to the court and not expected to be reviewed prior to the hearing do not count toward the page limit. Any such copies shall be provided under coversheet indexing same by original filing date. 6. Multi-Language: For documents submitted in more than one language, only the English language portion will count toward page limits.
Generally, the length of the summary will be 1 - 5 pages.
- Page limit
- Up to 5 pages
Parties may bring a later motion if it is based on a demonstrated change in circumstances or qualifying newly discovered information.
Court's wording
Parties are not prohibited from bringing additional motions at a later date, so long as the subsequent motion is based on a demonstrated change of circumstances or newly discovered information that could not have been reasonably known at the time of the initial motion.
Document Format Requirements7 rules
Except for digital exhibits submitted under section C, filings must be capable of legible digitization, and the Clerk’s office may reject submissions that are not.
Court's wording
Except digital exhibits submitted pursuant to section C of this rule, all pleadings, motions, and other papers filed with the court shall be of such quality as to be capable of legible digitization. The Clerk’s office may reject or decline to accept any submission which cannot be digitized legibly.
All pleadings, motions, and other papers filed with the court shall comply with GR 14 and be typed or legibly handwritten and double spaced. Print in any format must appear as 12 point or larger type.
- Font size
- At least 12 points
- Line spacing
- Double
- Pleading
- Motion
- Other paper
The party seeking the admission of a digital exhibit shall bring a true and complete copy of the digital exhibit to the applicable hearing on a USB flash drive or similar digital storage device.
b. Jury instructions shall be formatted on 8.5” x 11” paper with one-inch margins on all sides, except the verdict form which should have a three-inch top margin on the first page, and be typed in Times New Roman or similar 12 point font, and double spaced.
- Font
- Times New Roman
- Font size
- 12 points
- Line spacing
- Double
- Margins
- 1 inch
- Paper size
- Letter
- Jury instructions
Citations, as required by the rule, shall include applicable WPI or WPIC numbers and shall appear on the bottom of the proposed instructions.
A party wishing to play or show a digital exhibit during a proceeding is responsible for bringing a device capable of connecting to the courtroom digital media system and playing the digital exhibit. The presiding judicial officer has discretion to determine if the digital exhibit shall be played or shown in open court.
The summary should take the form of a letter that begins with a reference to the name of the case and the cause number. It should not be in the form of a pleading.
Document Filing Requirements73 rules
A digital exhibit must be filed contemporaneously with a Notice of Digital Exhibit Declaration describing the exhibit and explaining its contents and relevance.
Court's wording
No digital exhibit will be accepted without a contemporaneous filing of a Notice of Digital Exhibit Declaration. The Notice of Digital Exhibit Declaration shall contain a description of the type of digital exhibit, its size or length if applicable, an offer of proof explaining the contents and relevance of the digital exhibit.
The party shall file a certificate of service with the court.
- Document
- Digital exhibit service
Must include
- •Certificate of service
Any party appearing pro se shall file in the matter a Notice of Appearance (For a Party Without a Lawyer) form which shall include an address at which they agree to accept legal papers, a contact email address and/or a phone number. The pro se party shall also indicate on this form if they agree to accept legal papers for the case at the listed email address.
A self-represented party must file an updated notice-of-appearance form after a change to the contact information listed on the form.
Court's wording
Any party appearing pro se shall notify the court and the opposing party or attorney the next judicial day after any change of contact information listed in their Notice of Appearance (For a Party Without a Lawyer) form and shall file an updated form in the matter.
A motion to shorten time must be written and supported by a declaration or affidavit stating the exigency or compelling reason and demonstrating due diligence in notifying or attempting to notify all other parties.
Court's wording
All motions to shorten time must be in writing and supported by declaration or affidavit that; (a) states exigent circumstances or other compelling reasons why the matter must be heard on shortened time, and (b) demonstrates due diligence in the manner and method by which notice, or attempted notice, was provided to all other parties regarding the presentation of the motion to shorten time.
The court file must be presented along with the motion to shorten time, declaration or affidavit, and the proposed order to the judicial officer considering the request.
- Document
- Motion to shorten time
Must include
- •Proposed order
Each party must prepare and timely deliver a settlement position statement that is a summary, excludes copies of exhibits and specified reports, and includes the listed case, liability, relief, damages, and settlement-offer information; it is not filed in the court file.
Court's wording
Each party shall prepare a position statement and shall deliver it by 4:00 p.m. two (2) Judicial days in advance to the Department hearing the settlement conference. Position statements shall not be filed in the court file. The position statement is to be a summary only. It is not to include a copy of any exhibits, medical reports, expert witness reports, etc. The position statement shall include the following: a. A brief non-argumentative summary of the case; b. A statement of whether liability is admitted, and if not, the parties’ theory or theories of liability or non-liability; c. A list of the relief requested, including all items of special damages claimed by the plaintiff and a statement of whether any or all of those are admitted by the defendant; d. An explanation of the general damages, including a summary of the nature and extent of any claimed disability or impairment; and e. A statement of what settlement offers have been made thus far, if any.
All motions shall be supported by affidavit or declaration, and the affidavit or declaration shall be served with the motion.
A party seeking trial of an issue of fact must file a notice for trial setting with the Clerk containing the listed case, counsel, scheduling, readiness, and discovery information.
Court's wording
Any party desiring to bring any issue of fact to trial shall file with the Clerk a notice for trial setting which shall contain: 1. The title of the court; 2. The Clerk’s file number; 3. A brief title of the case; 4. The names of the attorneys representing each party; 5. The nature of the case; 6. An estimate of the time that will be required for hearing said case; 7. Whether the case is to be tried by the court or jury; 8. Dates on which counsel is unavailable; 9. A statement that the issue of fact has actually been joined and that no affirmative pleading remains unanswered and all pleadings are on file; 10. That the parties have completed all necessary discovery, or that they will have an opportunity to complete all necessary discovery prior to the date the case is set for trial; and 11. That the case is in all respects at issue and ready for trial.
Cases which have been set for trial and then stricken or continued for any reason will not automatically be reset. The stricken or continued cases must be noted for resetting as provided above, unless at the time of striking or continuing the case the court sets a later trial date with the approval of all parties to the case.
When two or more cases are consolidated for trial only, all documents shall be submitted with an original for each file so consolidated.
Objections to a proposed document must be written; proposed substitutions may be included if deemed appropriate.
Court's wording
B. Any party objecting to the proposed document shall within ten (10) days after receipt thereof serve opposing counsel, and mail/deliver to the judge, objections thereto in writing, together with any proposed substitutions if deemed appropriate.
C. Verdict Forms. Each verdict form shall be headed with title and cause number of the proceeding. This shall also apply to special interrogatories. A date line shall be included on the same line as the signature for the presiding juror.
proposing the instruction must cite the instruction as follows: "WPI or WPIC Modified."
- Document
- Jury instruction
Must include
- •WPI or WPIC Modified
D. The preceding shall be the exclusive method for presenting judgments and findings of facts and conclusions of law. Orders and other documents also may be presented pursuant to CR 54(f)(2), without oral argument.
The parties may stipulate that the jury shall consist of any number of persons less than twelve but not less than three. Counsel shall call the stipulation to the attention of the Judge when the case is called for trial. The stipulation, if in writing, shall be filed in the cause; if oral, it shall be noted by the clerk in the minutes of the trial.
A responding party must file a written response and provide copies to all other parties and the court.
Court's wording
C. Notice. A copy of the motion and all supporting documents shall be provided to all other parties to the proceedings at the time of filing. The responding party shall have five (5) judicial days from the receipt of the motion to file a written response with the Clerk and provide copies to all other parties and to the court.
A motion for revision must identify each claimed error and related court-file document, include supporting argument and legal authorities, and include a copy of the order being challenged.
Court's wording
D. Form and Scope of Motion. The motion for revision shall specify each claimed error and identify each document in the court file related to the issues raised and include argument and legal authorities in support thereof. The motion shall be accompanied by a copy of the order for which revision is sought, along with copies
Sets of proposed instructions shall be prepared and distributed as follows: a. Original, which shall be assembled and numbered and contain citations, shall be filed with the clerk; b. One copy, which shall be assembled, numbered and contain citations, shall be provided to counsel for each other party; c. One copy, which shall be assembled and numbered, shall be retained by the counsel preparing them; d. One copy, which shall be assembled, numbered and contain citations, shall be provided to the trial judge; e. One copy, without numbers or citations, shall be provided to the trial judge.
Plaintiff's counsel shall prepare and present to the court a cover instruction containing the title and file number of proceedings, the name of the attorney for each party properly designated, and appropriate blank space where the name of the judge hearing the case can be inserted, and entitled "Instructions of the Court."
A transcript shall be required for all motions for revision in which there was live testimony. A party moving for revision is responsible for ensuring that the transcript of the proceeding is filed with the court.
Briefs, or statements of points and authorities, shall be mandatory with respect to all motions for summary judgment.
A waiver of speedy trial by the defendant accompanies the proposed order which accommodates the proposed new hearing dates;
At the time of filing the motion, the moving party shall serve and file a memorandum of authorities
A party who wishes to make a published videotaped deposition part of the court file must submit a certified transcript of the deposition.
C. Scheduling Trial Date: If a matter is not continued at or before the status hearing, a trial date shall be scheduled. When a trial date is set, the parties shall file an agreed omnibus order or the court shall schedule an omnibus hearing within two (2) weeks.
An arresting officer’s certification statement using an electronic signature must contain substantially the specified perjury certification, date-and-place line, and signature line.
Court's wording
The certification statement provided by the arresting officer utilizing an electronic signature shall contain substantially the following language: I certify under penalty of perjury under the laws of the state of Washington that all statements made herein are true and accurate and that I am entering my authorized user ID and password to authenticate it. ______________________________ Date and Place of Signing _______________________________ Signature
A party may seek court authorization to exceed the page limit. Such authorization shall be requested in writing explaining with specificity the need to exceed the page limits and how many additional pages are requested.
No contested domestic relations matter shall be set for trial without proof of commencement of mediation proceedings.
The court shall be advised by the mediator of the results of mediation in writing. The mediator shall advise the court only whether an agreement has been reached on some or all of the issues.
All agreements reached at mediation shall be reduced to writing and signed by the parties.
Within seven (7) days of completion of mediation, a declaration of completion shall be filed with the court by the mediator.
The issue of costs shall be addressed in the order requiring said services and shall contain an hourly rate and maximum payment if costs are to be at public expense.
If distribution of assets or liabilities is an issue, each party shall file and serve a list of assets and liabilities known to the party, together with the position statement, and shall indicate the party’s good faith opinion as to the fair market value of any asset as of the date of separation. The parties may also indicate the current fair market value if there is a significant difference. This list shall be signed by the party under penalty of perjury.
Each party shall prepare his or her position statement and mail or deliver the same to the opposing party and the court seven (7) days prior to the status hearing.
If spousal maintenance or attorney’s fees are at issue, each party must file and serve a statement listing income, assets, retirement benefits, living expenses, specified debt information, and needs-and-abilities information, signed under penalty of perjury.
Court's wording
If spousal maintenance or attorney’s fees are at issue, each party shall file and serve a statement containing a list of all income and assets, including any retirement benefits, together with a list of current monthly living expenses. The information regarding liabilities shall indicate the total amount owed as of the date of separation, the amount the party has paid on the debts since the separation, and the monthly payment on the debt. The statement shall also include information concerning the needs and abilities of the party, including age, education, training, work experience, and mental and physical health. This statement of assets, liabilities, needs, and abilities shall be signed by the party under penalty of perjury.
3. Partnership and Corporate Tax Returns. Complete partnership and/or corporate tax returns for the past 2 years together with all schedules and attachments for all partnerships and corporations in which a party has had an interest of 5% or greater;
7. Personal Property Appraisals. A written appraisal of any real estate, antiques, jewelry or other items of special, unusual or extraordinary value or a summary of the evidence which will be relied upon;
1. Support Worksheet. If child support is an issue, Washington State Child Support Worksheets (all pages), signed by the submitting party;
2. Tax Returns. Complete tax returns for the past two calendar years together with all schedules and W-2’s;
4. Pay Stubs. All pay stubs showing income for the past 6 months or since January 1 of the calendar year, whichever period is greater;
Copies of the most recent balance statements for the listed debts and accounts owed by or to the parties must be provided.
Court's wording
5. Debts. A copy of the most recent statements of balances due on mortgages, real estate purchase contracts, deeds of trust, installment purchase contracts, credit cards and other time payment accounts owed by or to the parties;
8. Vehicles. A verified extract or copy of the most recent N.A.D.A. Official Used Car Guide or other appraisal guide showing both average loan or wholesale and retail values for any automobiles;
6. Pension Plans. The most recent employers’ ERISA statement and a statement of contributions since that statement, of any pension plan of either party;
A written appraisal of any proprietorship, partnership, or closely held corporation of the parties, or a summary of the evidence which will be relied upon;
If a proposed parenting plan is filed, it need not be initialed or approved by the court Facilitator, but any agreed parenting plan submitted for court approval must be so initialed and approved.
A statement from each life insurance company issuing a policy of insurance on the life of either party as to its cash value and any loans on the cash value;
No ex parte orders shall be issued changing the custody of minor children without a clear showing of present danger to a child (children) and/or that the custodial person will, unless custody change is immediate, remove the said child (children) from the State of Washington.
Expert witnesses shall be disclosed at or before the pretrial conference to the extent required by CR 26.
In any action in which child support or residential care of a minor child or children is an issue and in which none of the parties are represented by counsel, the parenting plan and child support documents shall first be reviewed, approved, and initialed by the court Facilitator.
A summary of the source and tracing of any property asserted to be the separate property or obligation of either party;
No decree of dissolution shall be entered unless the decree disposes of all issues over which the court has jurisdiction, including child custody, visitation and child support
a conformed copy of the decree with the date of filing the original indicated on each copy so delivered or mailed.
Ex parte orders in domestic relations matters which restrain one party from the family home or from contact with the other party or children shall not be entered unless the court finds (and the order provides) that irreparable injury could result if the order is not entered.
If the parenting plan or child support order is the result of mediation, the mediator shall affix their signature and WSBA number if applicable to the parenting plan or child support order submitted for court approval, indicating that the parenting plan/child support order is the result of mediation, the date that such mediation occurred, and the name of the mediator and/or mediation service.
The applicant shall submit their signed application, Code of Conduct and Release of Information on the forms provided by the Department of Court Services. All requested items must be filled out and attached with the application when submitted.
The applicant shall submit their signed application, Code of Conduct and Release of Information (attachments A, B, C) of this document. All requested items must be filled out and attached with the application when submitted.
Each order appointing a GAL/CV shall set forth the hourly rate of compensation for the investigative/legal work; source of payment, if determined; and in all cases where the county shall be responsible for some or all of the costs, unless waived, shall require the GAL/CV to seek court authorization to provide services in excess of $1,750.00 per case.
Filing & Service rules
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
Unless CR 59(c) provides otherwise, opposing documents, affidavits, and declarations must be filed by 4:00 p.m. three judicial days before the hearing.
Except as otherwise provided in CR 59(c), opposing documents, affidavits, or declarations shall be served and filed by 4:00 p.m. three (3) judicial days before the scheduled hearing
Page 12 | WWLCR 7 – Pleadings Allowed; Form of Motions, A. Law and Motion Practice, 2. Timing
Any reply must be filed by 4:00 p.m. two judicial days before the scheduled hearing.
any reply shall be served and filed by 4:00 p.m. two (2) judicial days before the scheduled hearing.
Page 12 | WWLCR 7 – Pleadings Allowed; Form of Motions, A. Law and Motion Practice, 2. Timing
A notice for the Law and Motion docket must be filed in the Clerk’s Office at the same time as the motion.
Notices for the Law and Motion docket shall be filed in the Clerk’s Office at the same time as the motion.
Page 12 | WWLCR 7 – Pleadings Allowed; Form of Motions, A. Law and Motion Practice, 6. Time for Filing Notice of Argument
Written motions, hearing notices, and trial settings must be filed and served by 4:00 p.m. seven judicial days before the requested consideration date, unless an exception or different period applies.
All written motions, hearing notices, and trial settings, other than issues which may be heard ex parte, shall be filed and served not later than 4:00 p.m. seven (7) judicial days before the date the party wishes the motion to be considered unless a different period is fixed by the Civil Rules for Superior Court or by order of the court or by state statute.
Page 12 | WWLCR 7 – Pleadings Allowed; Form of Motions, A. Law and Motion Practice, 1. Notice Requirement
Notices for the Domestic and Juvenile Dockets must be filed in the Clerk’s Office by 4:00 p.m. four judicial days before the hearing.
Notices for the Domestic Docket and the Juvenile Docket shall be filed in the Clerk’s Office no later than 4:00 p.m. four (4) judicial days prior to the hearing.
Page 12 | WWLCR 7 – Pleadings Allowed; Form of Motions, A. Law and Motion Practice, 6. Time for Filing Notice of Argument
A party wishing to submit proposed findings, a judgment, an order, or another appropriate document must do so within ten days after the decision, serving opposing counsel or the opposing party and delivering the original and proof of service to the trial judge at the same time.
A. Within ten (10) days after a decision is rendered, any party desiring to submit Findings of Facts and Conclusions of Law, a Judgment, Order or other appropriate document proposed for the entry shall serve opposing counsel/party with a copy of the same and provide the original thereof to the trial judge together with proof of service. Service shall be made on opposing counsel/party and delivered to the trial judge at the same time.
Page 18 | WWLCR 52 – Presentation of Findings/Conclusions, Judgments and Orders
Unless the trial judge requests them earlier, jury instructions must be submitted at pretrial and no later than the beginning of the first trial day, with prior court approval.
3. Time for Serving Instructions. Unless requested earlier by the trial judge, all instructions shall be submitted at pretrial but in no event later than the beginning of the first day of trial with the prior approval of the court.
Page 18 | Jury Instructions
A party objecting to a proposed document must, within ten days after receipt, serve opposing counsel and mail or deliver written objections to the judge; proposed substitutions may be included if appropriate.
B. Any party objecting to the proposed document shall within ten (10) days after receipt thereof serve opposing counsel, and mail/deliver to the judge, objections thereto in writing, together with any proposed substitutions if deemed appropriate.
Page 18 | WWLCR 52 – Presentation of Findings/Conclusions, Judgments and Orders
The responding party has five judicial days after receiving the motion to file a written response with the Clerk and provide copies to all other parties and the court.
C. Notice. A copy of the motion and all supporting documents shall be provided to all other parties to the proceedings at the time of filing. The responding party shall have five (5) judicial days from the receipt of the motion to file a written response with the Clerk and provide copies to all other parties and to the court.
Page 19 | WWLCR 53.2 – Revision of Commissioner’s Order
A motion for revision must be filed within ten days of entry; an oral order is entered when placed in the record, and a written order when the signed order is delivered to the clerk for filing.
A. Time allowed for filing motion for revision. A motion for revision must be filed within ten (10) days of entry of the order sought to be revised. B. Date of Entry defined. If a party seeks revision of an oral order, the date of entry shall be the date the order was placed in the record. If a party seeks revision of a written order, the date of entry shall be the date the signed order was delivered to the clerk for filing.
Page 19 | WWLCR 53.2 – Revision of Commissioner’s Order
Upon settlement, a judgment of dismissal must be entered forthwith, and the applicable department’s court administrator must be notified immediately if trial has been set.
Upon settlement of any action a judgment of dismissal shall be entered forthwith, and the applicable department’s court administrator shall be notified immediately if trial has been set.
Page 24 | WWLCR 58 – Entry of Judgment
A signed order, judgment, or decree must be filed forthwith with the Clerk's Office or courtroom deputy clerk and may not be taken from the courthouse; if signed outside the courthouse, it must be mailed to the appropriate clerk that day or filed by the next judicial day.
Any order, judgment or decree which has been signed by the court shall not be taken from the courthouse, but must be filed forthwith by the attorney or party obtaining it with the Clerk's Office or with the deputy clerk in the courtroom. If signed outside the courthouse, the attorney or party procuring the order shall mail it to the appropriate clerk the same day, or file it by the next judicial day.
Page 24 | WWLCR 58 – Entry of Judgment
When a trial date is set, the court must schedule an omnibus hearing within two weeks if the parties do not file an agreed omnibus order.
When a trial date is set, the parties shall file an agreed omnibus order or the court shall schedule an omnibus hearing within two (2) weeks.
Page 26 | C. Scheduling Trial Date
The declaration of completion is due within seven days of mediation's completion.
Within seven (7) days of completion of mediation, a declaration of completion shall be filed with the court by the mediator.
Page 31 | D. Mandatory Mediation
All discovery must be completed 10 days before the status hearing.
All discovery shall be completed ten (10) days prior to the status hearing.
Page 35 | H. Status Hearings
The listed automatic-discovery documents must be filed and exchanged as appropriate no later than 10 days before the status hearing.
The parties are required to file and exchange as appropriate the following documents no later than ten (10)days prior to the status hearing:
Page 36 | H. Status Hearings
The dissolution decree must be filed forthwith after the dissolution is granted.
The decree shall be filed forthwith upon granting the dissolution.
Page 37 | Copy of Decree to be Delivered
The Department of Court Services must receive all required application information by April 30 each year.
All required information must be received by the Department of Court Services no later than April 30 of each year.
Page 38 | WWLGALR 2 - Policy
The registry accepts new applications between February 1 and April 30 each year.
The registry shall be open for new applications, between February 1st and April 30th of each year.
Page 38 | WWLGALR 2 - Policy
People listed on a registry must recertify updated background information annually by the date specified for that registry.
A person listed on a registry or registries shall re-certify updated background information annually on a date specified for each registry.
Page 38 | WWLGALR 2 - Policy
The Department of Court Services, Presiding Judge, or Court Administrator must provide a written response within 45 business days after receiving the complaint.
The Department of Court Services or the Presiding Judge or the Court Administrator shall provide written response to the complainant within 45 business days of receipt of the complaint.
Page 44 | WWLGALR 5 – Appointment of Guardian Ad Litem/Court Visitor from Registry, D
Complaints filed while a case is pending must be resolved within 25 days.
Complaints filed while a case is pending shall be resolved within twenty-five (25) days.
Page 47
Complaints not involving a pending or recently concluded case must be resolved within 60 days.
Complaints not involving a pending or recently concluded case shall be resolved within 60 days.
Page 47
Complaints about a GAL/CV visitor must be received by the Court Services Director within one year of the alleged violation.
Any complaints about the GAL/CV visitor must be received by the Court Services Director within one (1) year from the date of the alleged violation.
Page 48 | F. Time Limit for Complaints
The court may shorten the preceding presentation deadlines when appropriate and must notify counsel and parties.
E. If deemed appropriate in some circumstances, the court may shorten the preceding time frames for presentation and shall so notify all counsel/parties.
Page 19 | WWLCR 52 – Presentation of Findings/Conclusions, Judgments and Orders
Service and Proof of Service Rules
The party seeking admission must serve the opposing party with complete copies of the digital exhibit and its notice, as required by law.
The party seeking admission of digital exhibits(s) shall be responsible for serving the opposing party with a true and complete copy of the digital exhibit as well as a copy of the Notice of Digital Exhibit Declaration as required by law.
Page 6 | C. Digital Exhibits
The order shortening time must specify the minimum notice to the responding party, ordinarily at least 48 hours, unless extraordinary circumstances are set out in the supporting declaration or affidavit.
The judicial officer shall indicate on the order shortening time the minimum amount of notice to be provided the responding party, which, barring extraordinary circumstances as set forth in the declaration or affidavit supporting the motion, shall not be less than 48 hours.
Page 10 | Motions to Shorten Time
A self-represented party must notify the court and opposing party or attorney of a listed contact-information change by the next judicial day and file an updated form.
Any party appearing pro se shall notify the court and the opposing party or attorney the next judicial day after any change of contact information listed in their Notice of Appearance (For a Party Without a Lawyer) form and shall file an updated form in the matter.
Page 10 | WWLCR 11 – Signing of Pleadings
The specified briefs, declarations, affidavits, and other supporting documents must be served and filed in the cause, except for an agency-transferred record.
All briefs, declarations, affidavits, and other supporting written documentation pertaining to trials, summary judgment motions, lower court appeals and appeals from decisions of administrative agencies (except the record transferred by the agency) and any other motions and documents submitted for hearings, such as pre-trial position statements in domestic cases, proposed findings of fact and conclusions of law and judgments, motions and sentencing position statements in criminal matters, and guardian ad litem reports, shall be served and filed in the cause.
Page 11 | WWLCR 5 – Pleadings and Other Papers, A. Filing
The supporting affidavit or declaration must be served with the motion.
the affidavit or declaration shall be served with the motion.
Page 12 | WWLCR 7 – Pleadings Allowed; Form of Motions, A. Law and Motion Practice, 3. Supporting Documents
Unless CR 59(c) provides otherwise, opposing documents, affidavits, and declarations must be served by 4:00 p.m. three judicial days before the hearing.
Except as otherwise provided in CR 59(c), opposing documents, affidavits, or declarations shall be served and filed by 4:00 p.m. three (3) judicial days before the scheduled hearing
Page 12 | WWLCR 7 – Pleadings Allowed; Form of Motions, A. Law and Motion Practice, 2. Timing
Any reply must be served by 4:00 p.m. two judicial days before the scheduled hearing.
any reply shall be served and filed by 4:00 p.m. two (2) judicial days before the scheduled hearing.
Page 12 | WWLCR 7 – Pleadings Allowed; Form of Motions, A. Law and Motion Practice, 2. Timing
Written motions, hearing notices, and trial settings must be served by 4:00 p.m. seven judicial days before the requested consideration date, subject to stated exceptions.
All written motions, hearing notices, and trial settings, other than issues which may be heard ex parte, shall be filed and served not later than 4:00 p.m. seven (7) judicial days before the date the party wishes the motion to be considered unless a different period is fixed by the Civil Rules for Superior Court or by order of the court or by state statute.
Page 12 | WWLCR 7 – Pleadings Allowed; Form of Motions, A. Law and Motion Practice, 1. Notice Requirement
A notice for trial setting must show that it was served on all counsel representing the opposing party or parties.
The notice for trial setting must show that service was made on all counsel representing the other party or parties to the said action.
Page 13 | WWLCR 40 – Assignment of Cases for Trial
When submitting a proposed document, the submitting party must serve opposing counsel or the opposing party, provide the original and proof of service to the trial judge, and do both at the same time.
A. Within ten (10) days after a decision is rendered, any party desiring to submit Findings of Facts and Conclusions of Law, a Judgment, Order or other appropriate document proposed for the entry shall serve opposing counsel/party with a copy of the same and provide the original thereof to the trial judge together with proof of service. Service shall be made on opposing counsel/party and delivered to the trial judge at the same time.
Page 18 | WWLCR 52 – Presentation of Findings/Conclusions, Judgments and Orders
Objections must be in writing; proposed substitutions may accompany them when appropriate, and the objections must be served on opposing counsel and mailed or delivered to the judge.
B. Any party objecting to the proposed document shall within ten (10) days after receipt thereof serve opposing counsel, and mail/deliver to the judge, objections thereto in writing, together with any proposed substitutions if deemed appropriate.
Page 18 | WWLCR 52 – Presentation of Findings/Conclusions, Judgments and Orders
Copies of a motion for revision and all supporting documents must be provided to every other party when the motion is filed.
C. Notice. A copy of the motion and all supporting documents shall be provided to all other parties to the proceedings at the time of filing.
Page 19 | WWLCR 53.2 – Revision of Commissioner’s Order
The responding party must provide copies of its response to all other parties and the court.
C. Notice. A copy of the motion and all supporting documents shall be provided to all other parties to the proceedings at the time of filing. The responding party shall have five (5) judicial days from the receipt of the motion to file a written response with the Clerk and provide copies to all other parties and to the court.
Page 19 | WWLCR 53.2 – Revision of Commissioner’s Order
A copy of the proposed instructions must be provided to counsel for each other party.
One copy, which shall be assembled, numbered and contain citations, shall be provided to counsel for each other party;
Page 20 | WWLCR 51 – Instructions to Jury and Deliberations, B. Submission of Instructions, 1. Distribution
The motion and supporting documents must be provided to all other parties, and a bench copy must be provided to the court.
A copy of the motion and all supporting documents shall be provided to all other parties to the proceedings with a bench copy provided to the court.
Page 23
Motions for new trial, reconsideration, or judgment NOV must be served and filed as provided in CR 59(b).
The motion shall be served and filed as provided in CR 59(b).
Page 25 | WWLCR 59 – New Trial, Reconsideration, and Amendment of Judgments
The memorandum of authorities must be served when the motion is filed.
At the time of filing the motion, the moving party shall serve and file a memorandum of authorities
Page 25 | WWLCR 59 – New Trial, Reconsideration, and Amendment of Judgments
Before a hearing on disposing of physical evidence that cannot be retained because of its bulk or weight, all parties of record must be given thirty days’ written notice.
After final disposition of a civil cause, the court after a hearing may order the clerk to destroy or otherwise dispose of physical evidence which cannot, because of bulk or weight, be retained in the case file, provided that all parties of record are given thirty (30) days written notice of any such hearing.
Page 26 | WWLCR 79 – Books and Records Kept by the Clerk
The Petitioner must serve the order on the Respondent, who becomes subject to it when served.
The Petitioner shall serve a copy of the order on the Respondent. The Respondent is subject to the order from the time that it is served.
Page 32 | WWLSPR 90.04 – Domestic Relations, B.2. Effective Date
If asset or liability distribution is at issue, each party must file and serve the asset and liability list with the position statement.
If distribution of assets or liabilities is an issue, each party shall file and serve a list of assets and liabilities known to the party, together with the position statement, and shall indicate the party’s good faith opinion as to the fair market value of any asset as of the date of separation.
Page 35 | H. Status Hearings
Position statements must be mailed or delivered to the opposing party and court 7 days before the status hearing.
Each party shall prepare his or her position statement and mail or deliver the same to the opposing party and the court seven (7) days prior to the status hearing.
Page 35 | H. Status Hearings
If spousal maintenance or attorney’s fees are at issue, each party must file and serve a needs-and-abilities statement; the service method and a separate service deadline are not specified here.
If spousal maintenance or attorney’s fees are at issue, each party shall file and serve a statement containing a list of all income and assets, including any retirement benefits, together with a list of current monthly living expenses.
Page 35 | H. Status Hearings
Trial exhibits must be disclosed and a copy provided to the opposing party at or before the status hearing.
At the time of the status hearing or before, all exhibits intended to be used at trial will be disclosed and a copy provided to the opposing party.
Page 36 | H. Status Hearings
The listed automatic-discovery documents must be filed and exchanged as appropriate; the exchange method is not specified.
The parties are required to file and exchange as appropriate the following documents no later than ten (10)days prior to the status hearing:
Page 36 | H. Status Hearings
When filing a decree in a default dissolution case, the attorney must immediately deliver a conformed copy to the client and deliver or mail a copy to the other party at the known address or to that party’s attorney.
In default dissolution cases, at the time of filing the decree, the attorney whose decree was entered shall immediately deliver to his or her client and deliver to or mail to the other party, at his or her address, if known, or to his or her attorney, a conformed copy of the decree
Page 37 | Copy of Decree to be Delivered
The time records supporting a GAL/CV fee request must be served on all parties.
which shall be served upon all the parties.
Page 49 | D. Record Keeping
After the moving party demonstrates due diligence but cannot notify all parties, the judicial officer may proceed with the motion to shorten time.
If the moving party, after showing due diligence, has been unable to notify all parties of the motion to shorten time, it is within the judicial officer’s discretion to proceed with the motion to shorten time.
Page 10 | Motions to Shorten Time
Parties are not required to provide their settlement position statement to another party.
No party shall be required to provide a copy of the position statement to any other party.
Page 11 | WWLCR 16 – Pre-Trial Procedure; Settlement Conferences
Filing Fees and Waivers
The court may impose an application fee, a training-program fee, or both.
The court may impose an application fee and/or charge a fee for training programs.
Page 38 | WWLGALR 2 - Policy
Courtesy Copy Requirements
A complete digital exhibit and its notice must be submitted as a bench copy at least two court days before the admission hearing, by secure-folder upload or on a USB or similar storage device.
A true and complete copy of the digital exhibit with a copy of the Notice of Digital Exhibit Declaration shall be submitted as a bench copy no later than two court days prior to the hearing in which the party will seek admission of the exhibit. Parties may submit bench copies of digital exhibits via upload to a secure folder as provided by the court or via a USB flash drive or similar digital storage device.
Page 6 | C. Digital Exhibits
Bench or working copies are required for specified proposed orders and materials related to motions not noted for hearing, by 4:00 p.m. two judicial days before the hearing, proceeding, or trial; materials generally must already have been filed and served.
Parties shall submit bench or working copies in the following circumstances: (1) a copy of a clean proposed order when the party is appearing remotely or otherwise unavailable to provide to the court at the time of hearing, and (2) all materials related to motions not noted for hearing at the time of filing, including but not limited to, motions for reconsideration, motions for revision, and motions for new trial. Parties may submit bench or working copies of other materials as desired. Bench or working copies must be submitted no later than 4:00 p.m. two (2) judicial days prior to the scheduled hearing, proceeding or trial. For example, for a hearing scheduled for Monday morning, bench or working copies shall be submitted by 4:00 p.m. the preceding Thursday. No bench copies, except settlement position statements, shall be submitted to the court unless the materials have been contemporaneously or previously filed with the court and served on the opposing party or attorney.
Page 11 | WWLCR 5 – Pleadings and Other Papers, B. Bench or Working Copies
All parties must provide bench or working copies as required by WWLCR 5(B).
All parties shall provide a bench or working copy of documents as required by WWLCR 5(B).
Page 19 | WWLCR 53.2 – Revision of Commissioner’s Order
A bench copy of the motion and supporting documents must be provided to the court.
A copy of the motion and all supporting documents shall be provided to all other parties to the proceedings with a bench copy provided to the court.
Page 23
When filing the motion, the moving party must deliver a bench or working copy of the motion and memorandum to the trial judge and opposing counsel.
At the time of filing the motion, the moving party shall serve and file a memorandum of authorities and deliver a bench or working copy of the motion and memorandum to the trial judge and to opposing counsel.
Page 25 | WWLCR 59 – New Trial, Reconsideration, and Amendment of Judgments
Parties may submit bench or working copies of other materials at their discretion.
Parties may submit bench or working copies of other materials as desired.
Page 11 | WWLCR 5 – Pleadings and Other Papers, B. Bench or Working Copies
Sealing & Redaction Procedures
Complaints must remain confidential unless the court finds merit.
All complaints shall be confidential unless merit is found.
Page 48 | G. Confidentiality
Pre-Motion Conference Requirements
The judge may call for a written response or oral argument, but must call for a written response before granting the motion.
The trial judge may (1) deny the motion, (2) grant the motion, (3) call for a written response from opposing counsel, and/or (4) call for oral argument. A trial judge shall not grant the motion without first calling for a written response from opposing counsel.
Page 25 | WWLCR 59 – New Trial, Reconsideration, and Amendment of Judgments
Motions for new trial, reconsideration, or judgment NOV are submitted without oral argument unless the court orders otherwise.
Motions for New Trial, Reconsideration or Judgment NOV shall be submitted without oral argument unless the court orders otherwise.
Page 25 | WWLCR 59 – New Trial, Reconsideration, and Amendment of Judgments
Review is de novo on the submitted pleadings and transcript, without oral argument unless the reviewing judge requests it.
Review of the Commissioner’s order shall be de novo based on the pleadings and transcript submitted and without oral argument unless requested by the reviewing judge.
Page 23 | De Novo Review
Adjournment & Extension Requirements
Only the court may authorize a continuance of a settlement conference, and the application must be timely.
Continuances of settlement conferences may be authorized only by the court on timely application.
Page 12
A non-moving party seeking a continuance of a summary judgment hearing must file a motion supported by sworn pleadings; absent good cause, the motion must be heard at least two weeks before the hearing.
In the event a motion for summary judgment or partial summary judgment is noted, and the non-moving party believes that a continuance is warranted, the non-moving party shall file a motion for a continuance, supporting the same with sworn pleadings. Said motion shall, absent the showing of good cause therefore, be heard at least two weeks before the scheduled date of the summary judgment hearing.
Page 23 | WWLCR 56 – Summary Judgment
The parties may submit an agreed order continuing a status hearing at or before the hearing only if the matter is not set for trial, RCW 10.46.085 does not apply, and the defendant’s speedy-trial waiver accompanies the order and accommodates the new hearing dates.
At or prior to a status hearing, the parties may submit an agreed proposed case scheduling order continuing the status hearing under the following circumstances: 1. The matter is not currently scheduled for trial; and 2. RCW 10.46.085 does not apply; and 3. A waiver of speedy trial by the defendant accompanies the proposed order which accommodates the proposed new hearing dates;
Page 25 | WWLCRR 3.3 – Time for Trial and Case Scheduling
For all other matters, a status hearing must be held in open court, and an agreed order continuing the matter cannot be filed without a hearing.
For all other matters, a status hearing must be held in open court and no agreed orders continuing the matter may be filed without a hearing.
Page 26
The court may assess terms if the moving party unreasonably refuses to continue the case or the opposing party is unreasonably unprepared for the hearing.
In the event the moving party unreasonably refuses to continue the case or the opposing party unreasonably is not prepared for the hearing, terms may be assessed.
Page 24 | WWLCR 56 – Summary Judgment
Chambers Communication Rules
Attorneys awaiting a verdict must keep the clerk informed of where they can be reached by phone.
Attorneys awaiting a verdict shall keep the clerk advised of where they may be reached by phone.
Page 18 | Duties Relating to Return of Verdict
If trial has been set, the applicable department’s court administrator must be notified immediately when an action settles.
Upon settlement of any action a judgment of dismissal shall be entered forthwith, and the applicable department’s court administrator shall be notified immediately if trial has been set.
Page 24 | WWLCR 58 – Entry of Judgment
The moving party must confirm with the court reporter at least three business days before the hearing that the motion will proceed as scheduled.
Not less than three (3) business days before the hearing the moving party shall confirm with the court reporter that the motion will be heard on the date set.
Page 24 | WWLCR 56 – Summary Judgment
The attorney presenting the order must specifically advise the court that the order contains the required provision.
The attorney presenting the order shall specifically advise the court that the order presented contains such a provision.
Page 37 | Orders Pendente Lite
In Title 11 cases, the party seeking appointment must obtain the next name from the Department of Court Services, contact that GAL or Court Visitor about availability, and request the next name if unavailable.
The party seeking appointment of a GAL or CV shall contact the Department of Court Services for the next name on the register. The party shall be responsible for contacting that GAL or CV to determine if the GAL or Court Visitor is able to take the case. If the GAL or CV is unavailable, the party shall contact the Department of Court Services for the name of the next GAL or CV on the register.
Page 44 | WWLGALR 5 – Appointment of Guardian Ad Litem/Court Visitor from Registry, C
Applicants must arrange with the Department of Court Services to provide fingerprints before they will be considered for appointment as a Guardian ad Litem.
The applicant must make arrangements with the Department of Court Services to provide fingerprints before the applicant will be considered for appointment as a Guardian ad Litem.
Page 44 | WWLGALR 4 – Family Law Registry, B. Application
A proposed document may be presented ex parte only if opposing counsel has approved its entry in writing or waived notice of presentment in writing.
Any proposed document may be presented ex parte to the court if opposing counsel has approved in writing entry of the proposed document or notice of presentment has been waived in writing.
Page 19 | WWLCR 52 – Presentation of Findings/Conclusions, Judgments and Orders
A party may seek authorization on the ex-parte calendar without notice, but must notify the opposing party if authorization is granted.
Authorization may be sought on the ex-parte calendar without notice to the opposing party. The party requesting authorization shall inform the opposing party if such authorization is granted.
Page 30 | Authorization
Complaints must be delivered to the Superior Court Program Administrator or their designee.
Complaints shall be delivered to the Superior Court Program Administrator or their designee.
Page 46 | WWLGALR 6 – Retention of Registries
Registry members must promptly notify the court of temporary unavailability to serve or an intent to resign.
A. Unavailability. Persons on each registry shall promptly inform the court of any temporary unavailability to serve or of their intent to resign from the registry.
Page 46 | WWLGALR 6 – Retention of Registries
General correspondence directed to the court shall be referred to the Presiding Judge who may respond or direct it to the appropriate judge for response.
General correspondence directed to the court shall be referred to the Presiding Judge who may respond or direct it to the appropriate judge for response.
Page 5 | WWLAR 3 – Presiding Judge: Election, Term, Responsibilities, C. Responsibilities
The Notice of Digital Exhibit Declaration form is available on the Superior Court website or by contacting the court or Clerk’s office.
The Notice of Digital Exhibit Declaration form can be found on the Superior court website or by contacting the court or Clerk’s office.
Page 6 | C. Digital Exhibits