Washington case paths

I was served with a lawsuit

Twenty days in-state, sixty out-of-state or by publication — and the first response decides which defenses survive (CR 12(g)/(h)).

I'm considering filing

Filing or service only tentatively commences — RCW 4.16.170's completion window is the first gate.

Suing a government body

Claim presentment first; sixty calendar days must elapse; the limitations period tolls meanwhile (RCW 4.96.020).

The discovery fight

The conference comes first — the court will not entertain a rules-26-37 motion without it.

A money case under the arbitration line

Counties over 100,000 SHALL require arbitration of qualifying claims ($15k base; $100k by judge vote) — the de novo exit has fee-shift stakes (RCW 7.06; SCCAR).

Eviction papers (either side)

The RLTA show-cause lane runs on compressed clocks — the deadlines on the papers control (RCW 59.12; 59.18).

A claim touching public expression

The special motion, its 14-day notice, the stay, and fee-shifting (RCW 4.105) — screen before filing, both directions.

After judgment

Thirty days to appeal; an unsuperseded judgment is enforceable meanwhile (RAP 5.2; RAP 8.1).