Judge S. Kate Vaughan

The Clerk’s Office window is open to the public Monday-Friday from 9am to 4pm. Please make sure you have completed and signed all of the required forms before submitting them to the court.

If you arrive outside of those hours, documents may be filed via the locked drop box located in the lobby of both courthouses.

Documents may also be mailed to the Seattle or Tacoma courthouse. Where you mail them is based on the county where the incident took place or where the defendant(s) reside (see page 6).

You also have the option of submitting new case documents electronically. Where you email them is based on the county where the incident took place or where the defendant(s) reside (see page 6).

We can:  Answer general questions about how the court works, including providing you with the required forms to open a new case.  Provide general information about court policies and procedures.

The CM/ECF system allows you to receive and view via email everything that has been filed by you, the judge, the defendants, or any other parties in your case.

Information about how to directly file documents into CM/ECF, the rules and procedures that must be followed and the ECF User Manual can be found on our website at www.wawd.uscourts.gov/representing-yourself-pro-se/how-to-e-file.

For questions, please contact the ECF Support Team at (206) 370-8440, option#2 or via email at cmecf@wawd.uscourts.gov.

You are not required to use the court’s electronic filing system. If you are not computer savvy or do not have access to a computer, we recommend that you file your documents in person or through the mail.

To receive service of documents and notice of electronic filings to your email address, chose the FIRST option. This option does not allow you to file documents electronically. Instead, you must file a paper copy either in person or through the mail.

documents and be notified via email when a document has been filed, check the SECOND option. With this option, you waive your right to file and receive documents in your case in person or by other means. You will receive all documents electronically from the court and other parties. A paper copy will not be mailed to you.

Once you have completed the form, you can return it via email or through the mail. The court's email address and mailing address can be found at the bottom of the registration form.

Electronic Filing Assistance If you have questions about electronic filing, the CM/ECF support desk can be contacted by phone or email. (206) 370-8440 cmecf@wawd.uscourts.gov Monday – Friday, 8am to 5pm

You may view a document once without being charged by clicking on the document number in the email you receive. This is known as the “free look.” Make sure you click on the document once (not twice) or you may be charged a viewing fee by PACER, which is currently .10 cents per page.

If your case has been assigned to a district court judge, he or she may refer your case to a magistrate judge to handle different stages of your case leading up to trial. A magistrate judge may preside over a civil action or proceeding, including a jury or bench trial, pursuant to FRCP 73(a).

If you have questions after your case has been assigned a case number and judge, you may contact the Clerk’s Office at the Seattle or Tacoma office (based on case assignment) and ask to speak with a case administrator.

The judge assigned to your case may schedule a “pretrial conference” after discovery has been completed. A pretrial conference is a meeting between the judge and the parties to narrow down the issues and resolve matters necessary to the disposition of the case, as established by LCR 16(a)(1).