This packet contains the forms and instructions needed to start a civil lawsuit in Superior Court.

The instructions are for informational purposes only and are not legal advice. If you do not understand this information, please contact an attorney. If your specific situation is beyond the scope of this packet, please contact an attorney.

A civil lawsuit can be a long and complicated process. There are many steps involved in a civil lawsuit and there are many court rules to follow. It is important to be prepared and organized.

Washington law requires you to complete several steps to start a civil lawsuit:

• Complete a Summons
• Complete a Complaint
• Complete a Superior Court Clerk’s Case Information Coversheet
• File the Summons, Complaint, and Information Coversheet with the Superior Court Clerk
• Serve the Summons, Complaint, and Order Setting Civil Case Schedule on the person(s) being sued
• Have the person who served the documents on the Defendant complete a Proof of Service
• File the Proof of Service with the Superior Court Clerk

The King County Law Library has helpful videos summarizing and explaining the process on the Law Library’s website, located here: https://kcll.org.