Wash. Rev. Code » Title 12 · Chapter 12.40
Revised Code of Washington

Wash. Rev. Code § 12.40.090 (2026)

Informal pleadings

✓ current as of May 2026
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A formal pleading, other than the claim and notice, shall not be necessary to define the issue between the parties. The hearing and disposition of the actions shall be informal, with the sole object of dispensing speedy and quick justice between the litigants. An attachment, garnishment or execution shall not issue from the small claims department on any claim except as provided in this chapter.
[ 1984 c 258 s 66; 1919 c 187 s 9; RRS s 1777-9.]

Notes:

Court Improvement Act of 1984—Effective dates—Severability—Short title—1984 c 258: See notes following RCW 3.30.010.
Notes of Decisions
Cited in 4 cases, 1975–2014 · leading case: Speer v. Roney, 758 P.2d 10 (Wash. Ct. App. 1988).
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Speer v. Roney, 758 P.2d 10 (Wash. Ct. App. 1988). “After a judgment, the party against whom judgment is entered may appeal, only if the adverse judgment is in excess of $100.”
State Ex Rel. McCool v. Small Claims Court, 532 P.2d 1191 (Wash. Ct. App. 1975). “See RCW 12.40.090 and .110. To accomplish that purpose, the legislature limited the procedural rights afforded a party.”
Filipino Am. League v. Carino, 332 P.3d 1150 (Wash. Ct. App. 2014). “Since responsive pleadings are not required in the small claims department under RCW 12.40.090, Carino did not need to file an answer and did not default until she failed to appear at the hearing.”
Tari Jane Anderson v. Jane Hession (Wash. Ct. App. 2014). “" RCW 12.40.090. "The judge may infonnally consult witnesses or otherwise investigate the controversy between the parties and give judgment or make such orders as the judge may deem to be right, just, and equitable for the disposition of the controversy.”
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