Small claims court in Adams County, Washington
In Adams County, small claims cases up to $10,000 are heard by more than one court: Two locations. You must file with the one that serves the right area. Below is one of them, the Adams County District Court, with a link to the official list.
Where to file in Adams County
One of several courts in Adams County: Two locations. Find the right one: Official court directory.
Adams County District Court
Address: 425 E. Main St., Suite 400, Othello, WA 99344 · Map
Phone: 509-488-3935
Two locations: Othello (425 E. Main St., Suite 400; 509-488-3935) and Ritzville (210 W. Broadway Ave.; 509-659-1002). Ask the clerk which one serves the defendant's area.
Court addresses, phones and hours change. Call the clerk before you go, and ask whether small claims are filed at this location.
Is this the right county?
Usually the District Court of the county where the defendant lives; for a business, also where it does business.
If the person or business you are suing is in another county, use that county's court instead. See all Washington counties.
How to file in Adams County
Ask for payment in writing
Washington doesn't require a demand letter, but sending one is a good idea and can lead to a settlement. Make a free demand letter.
Fill in the claim (MISC 05.0100)
Notice of Small Claim Get the form.
File it with the right court and pay the fee
$35 or $50, depending on whether your county adds a dispute resolution surcharge (King County $50, Spokane County $35). Service by a sheriff or process server costs extra. Fee waiver: Ask the clerk for a fee waiver; in King County, a Motion and Declaration for Waiver of Civil Fees.
Have the papers served
You can't serve the papers yourself. The sheriff, a process server or any adult not in the case delivers them, or you send them by certified mail with a receipt signed by the defendant.
Go to the hearing
The clerk sets the date when you file; in King County cases are heard 40 to 90 days after filing, and many counties hold mediation first. Bring receipts, photos, messages, the contract and your demand letter, with copies.
Want every detail? The full Washington filing guide covers each stage with a checklist.
Open the filing guideCommon questions
Where is small claims court in Adams County?
Adams County has more than one small claims court (Two locations). File with the one that serves the area where the defendant lives or where the problem happened, as the venue rules say. One of them is the Adams County District Court, 425 E. Main St., Suite 400, Othello, WA 99344. Phone: 509-488-3935. Official list of all of them: Official court directory, https://www.courts.wa.gov/court_dir/?fa=court_dir.county
How much can I sue for in Adams County small claims court?
Up to $10,000. A person can sue for up to $10,000; businesses and other non-individuals for up to $5,000. Small claims handles money claims only and can't order someone to return property or do work.
How much does it cost to file in Adams County?
$35 or $50, depending on whether your county adds a dispute resolution surcharge (King County $50, Spokane County $35). Service by a sheriff or process server costs extra. Fee waiver: Ask the clerk for a fee waiver; in King County, a Motion and Declaration for Waiver of Civil Fees.