In King County, small claims cases up to $10,000 are heard by the King County District Court. Here is where it is, how to reach it and how to file.
Address: King County Courthouse, 516 Third Ave E-327, Seattle, WA 98104 · Map
Phone: 206-205-9200
Online filing: available, per the court
King County District Court has small claims filing locations in Seattle (Seattle), Shoreline (Kenmore, Lake Forest Park, north Seattle, Shoreline), Burien (south King County cities and unincorporated areas) and Redmond (eastside cities); all use 206-205-9200. You can also file online through the court's e-filing portal. Mediation is required before trial.
Court addresses, phones and hours change. Call the clerk before you go, and ask whether small claims are filed at this location.
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.
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.
Notice of Small Claim Get the form.
$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.
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.
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 guideSmall claims in King County are filed with the King County District Court, King County Courthouse, 516 Third Ave E-327, Seattle, WA 98104. Phone: 206-205-9200.
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.
$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.
Yes. The court says online filing is available for small claims. Check the court website for the e-filing system and any fees.