Court is authorized by state law to assist plaintiffs to recover money or other damages whose amount may not exceed $10,000. Filing the Claim:   Plaintiff must sign claim form in presence of the court clerk. A trial date is set and a copy of the claim is given to the plaintiff. The plaintiff must identify the defendant and provide the defendant's address and phone number (if possible).    Service of Claim Notice:   Plaintiff has the responsibility of serving notice upon the defendant not less than five days from trial date; plaintiff may not personally serve the notice, but it can be served by one of the following:   -  The Sheriff's Office -  A process server -  A person of legal age not connected to the case -  A registered or certified mail-return receipt with defendant's signature   Server must sign before a Notary Public.    Hearing: Attorneys and paralegals are excluded from appearing or participating with the plaintiff or defendant in a small claims suit unless the judge grants permission. One may consult an attorney before or after a court appearance. Parties should bring witnesses or other evidence (documents, pictures) to substantiate their claims. Default judgment may be granted to plaintiff if defendant fails to appear in court. Collection of Judgment:   If appeal is not made nor judgment paid within 20 days, plaintiff may request that the judgment be entered in the civil docket of District Court. The plaintiff may then proceed with garnishment of wages or bank accounts or place liens on personal property and real estate of the defendant (call for procedural details). Small Claims Court has no power to enforce judgments.    Appeals:  The party who filed a claim or counterclaim cannot appeal unless the amount claimed exceeds $1,000. No party may appeal a judgment where the amount claimed is less than $250.   The following steps must be taken within 30 days of the entry judgment:   -  1) Prepare a written Notice of Appeal and file it with the District Court -  2) Serve a copy of that notice to the other parties; file acknowledgement or affidavit of service in District Court   -  3) Deposit supervisor court filing fee ($110) either in cash, money order, or cashier's check payable to the Clerk of the Superior Court -  4) Deposit $40 preparation fee to the District Court

Operates legal clinics providing free 30 minute consultations with an attorney at multiple locations across King County. As of 9/2024, most clinics are telephonic, but there may be limited in-person availability in Seattle and Kent. Details will be provided to clients during intake screening. Clinic attorneys can: - Determine whether the client has a legal problem - Suggest possible options - Help answer papers, summons and requests - Provide appropriate referrals Neighborhood Legal Clinic attorneys may not have expertise in all areas of the law, but they will make every attempt to answer questions accurately. Attorneys CANNOT give advice on criminal legal issues or provide representation on any legal matters.

Provides legal information and advice for the following issues depending on attorney availability:   -  Auto accidents - Birth injuries -  Consumer law - Criminal defense -  Family law -  Finance -  Immigration -  Landlord-tenant law -  Medical negligence -  Personal injury -  Property law -  Worker's rights/wage claims

Provides comprehensive rental and ownership housing counseling services, certified by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Counseling services address topics of delinquency and landlord/tenant mediation; and financial planning and pre-purchase. Also provides general information about HUD-subsidized programs, insurance and fair housing. Additionally, offers a foreclosure prevention program that combines mortgage, reverse mortgage and pre-foreclosure counseling, stabilization loans and repayment plans, to help low-income families in danger of losing their homes. Rather than being forced into a sale by the mortgage holder and thus forfeiting their equity, program offers borrowers two alternative options: avoiding default by working through a repayment plan to stay in their home, or gaining enough time to sell their homes on their own terms. Provides foreclosure mediation services as part of the Foreclosure Fairness Program.

Operates legal clinics providing free 30 minute consultations with an attorney. Focus is on Korean and Korean-speaking clients. Clinic attorneys can: -  Determine whether the client has a legal problem -  Suggest possible options -  Help answer papers, summons and requests -  Provide appropriate referrals   Neighborhood legal clinic attorneys may not have expertise in all areas of the law, but they will make every attempt to answer questions accurately. Attorneys CANNOT give advice on criminal legal issues or provide representation on any legal matters.

Services are provided by trained professional mediators who volunteer their time. Services include: - Face to Face Mediation - Coaching for problems - Some simple negotiation over the telephone TYPES OF PROBLEMS THE CENTER WILL HANDLE: - Divorce mediation - Parenting Plan mediation - Neighborhood problems (noise, pets, parking, lawn & garden, property line problems and other nuisances) - Landlord-tenant issues (deposits, repairs, damages, etc.) - Real estate or personal property - Business consumer problems (faulty merchandise, refunds, exchanges, etc.) - Employer/employee grievances - School problems involving faculty or administration, students or parents - Family issues such as problems related to divorce and parenting plans - Other domestic problems not involving violence or other factors that require professional intervention or assistance TYPES OF PROBLEMS NOT HANDLED: Any problem requiring legal assistance, such as filing lawsuits (criminal defenses, will preparation, etc.); issues involving drug/alcohol abuse, domestic violence, abuse to children, or issues where one or more parties fears abuse; or problems where a party cannot speak adequately on their own behalf, although can work with clients who have a case manager. Other Services Provided: - Offers workshop of varying lengths to organizations, businesses, and groups on a range of topics including: conflict resolution, negotiation, communication, conflict styles, and dealing with difficult people. - Victim Offender Meeting Program: Brings together victims of juvenile crime with the offenders to talk about the impact of the crime and for the youth to make amends. - Assists senior citizens to resolve disputes with family members, businesses, landlords, neighbors and others through mediation. - Parent Youth Mediation Service: Allows parents and teenagers or pre-teens to sit down together to talk about how things are going within the family and develop agreements on behaviors, level of independence, respectful communication and consequences. Co-mediators assist the mediating parties.

Provides legal advice for the following issues for low-income debtors: -  Lawsuits and issues related to debt collection -  Collection agency abuse -  Supplemental proceedings -  Garnishment -  Auto purchase or auto loan disputes -  Consumer scams -  Contracts/warranties -  Identity theft -  Predatory lending -  Student loans (federally subsidized or private) -  Overpayments to debt creditors -  Poor credit -  Debts to a landlord, or client is considering breaking their lease Does not assist clients with bankruptcy, but can help a client decide if bankruptcy is a good option. Interpreter services are available to assist non-English-speaking clients.

Court is authorized by state law to assist plaintiffs to recover money or other damages whose amount may not exceed $10,000. Filing the Claim:   Plaintiff must sign claim form in presence of the court clerk. A trial date is set and a copy of the claim is given to the plaintiff. The plaintiff must identify the defendant and provide the defendant's address and phone number (if possible).    Service of Claim Notice:   Plaintiff has the responsibility of serving notice upon the defendant not less than five days from trial date; plaintiff may not personally serve the notice, but it can be served by one of the following:   -  The Sheriff's Office -  A process server -  A person of legal age not connected to the case -  A registered or certified mail-return receipt with defendant's signature   Server must sign before a Notary Public.    Hearing: Attorneys and paralegals are excluded from appearing or participating with the plaintiff or defendant in a small claims suit unless the judge grants permission. One may consult an attorney before or after a court appearance. Parties should bring witnesses or other evidence (documents, pictures) to substantiate their claims. Default judgment may be granted to plaintiff if defendant fails to appear in court. Collection of Judgment:   If appeal is not made nor judgment paid within 20 days, plaintiff may request that the judgment be entered in the civil docket of District Court. The plaintiff may then proceed with garnishment of wages or bank accounts or place liens on personal property and real estate of the defendant (call for procedural details). Small Claims Court has no power to enforce judgments.    Appeals:  The party who filed a claim or counterclaim cannot appeal unless the amount claimed exceeds $1,000. No party may appeal a judgment where the amount claimed is less than $250.   The following steps must be taken within 30 days of the entry judgment:   -  1) Prepare a written Notice of Appeal and file it with the District Court -  2) Serve a copy of that notice to the other parties; file acknowledgement or affidavit of service in District Court   -  3) Deposit supervisor court filing fee ($110) either in cash, money order, or cashier's check payable to the Clerk of the Superior Court -  4) Deposit $40 preparation fee to the District Court

Hosts a legal clinic specifically designed to address the needs of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals and couples. This clinic is run by QLaw Foundation in partnership with the King County Bar Association. The clinic is open to everyone regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. At the clinic, an attorney will meet with clients for 30 minutes and provide individualized legal advice and information. Clinic attorneys will answer questions and provide information in a variety of areas including family law, immigration, debt and bankruptcy, divorce/dissolution, employment discrimination, and transgender legal issues.

- Offers free legal assistance to low-income tenants involved in residential eviction court proceedings. Legal assistants interview tenants and attorneys review all relevant documents. - Attorneys will representation in court and to resolve filed eviction lawsuit; attorneys will also negotiate with the landlord and represent the tenant. - Attorneys are unable to assist with evictions from emergency shelters or residential care facilities (such as nursing homes). They are able to assist those being evicted from permanent, transitional, and manufactured (mobile home) housing. - Drop-in child care provided by the Children's Home Society at the Regional Justice Center for parents while they appear in court.

Vancouver Housing Authority (VHA) offers the Section 8 program and fields complaints about rental practices and properties. VHA offers two types of vouchers:   - Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8): Provides assistance to very-low-income families, older adults, and persons needing special features or accommodations to afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private rental market. Voucher holders may choose their own housing in the private rental market, including single family homes, townhouses and apartments that meet minimum standards of health and safety. - Project-Based Vouchers: Provides assistance for low-income households. The rental subsidy stays with the building/unit; and when a household relocates, the rental assistance ends.

Provides civil legal advocacy to youth primarily between 12-24 years old. TeamChild attorneys work to secure community-based services, helping youth access appropriate education, healthcare, mental/behavioral health resources, safe and stable housing, and navigate school discipline and criminal/juvenile justice matters. Advocacy efforts focus on education and school-related issues such as enrollment, school discipline and access to special education; securing safe and stable housing for youth; emancipation; and helping clients access public benefits, including health care, mental health services, DDA and other support.   Advocacy also includes post-conviction relief, including records sealing, restitution modifications, and assisting youth with reentry supports when returning to community from incarceration. Does not provide criminal defense representation to youth or adults involved in either the juvenile delinquency system or the adult criminal system.

Provides free 45-minute to 1-hour appointments with an attorney for advice on civil legal issues such as: Federal and state benefits (social security, veteran's, Medicare and Medicaid), employment, contracts, debt/consumer/finance, landlord/tenant. Appointments are required. Clinics are currently telephonic. Attorneys at the clinic are not able to provide representation.

Provides civil legal advocacy to youth primarily between 12-24 years old. TeamChild attorneys work to secure community-based services, helping youth access appropriate education, healthcare, mental/behavioral health resources, safe and stable housing, and navigate school discipline and criminal/juvenile justice matters. Advocacy efforts focus on education and school-related issues such as enrollment, school discipline and access to special education; securing safe and stable housing for youth; emancipation; and helping clients access public benefits, including health care, mental health services, DDA and other support.   Advocacy also includes post-conviction relief, including records sealing, restitution modifications, and assisting youth with reentry supports when returning to community from incarceration. Does not provide criminal defense representation to youth or adults involved in either the juvenile delinquency system or the adult criminal system.

Services are provided by trained professional mediators who volunteer their time. Services include:   -  Face-to-face mediation -  Coaching for problems   -  Some simple negotiation over the telephone    TYPES OF PROBLEMS THE CENTER WILL HANDLE:   -  Neighborhood problems (noise, pets, parking, lawn & garden, property line problems and other nuisances) -  Landlord-tenant issues (deposits, repairs, damages, eviction prevention due to COVID, etc. ) -  Real estate or personal property -  Foreclosure mediation -  Business consumer problems (faulty merchandise, refunds, exchanges, etc. ) -  Employer/employee grievances -  School problems involving faculty or administration, students or parents -  Family issues such as problems related to divorce and parenting plans -  Other domestic problems not involving violence or other factors that require professional intervention or assistance.    TYPES OF PROBLEMS NOT HANDLED:   -  Any problem requiring legal assistance, such as filing lawsuits, criminal defenses, will preparation, etc.   -  Issues involving drug/alcohol abuse, domestic violence, abuse to children, or issues where one or more parties fears abuse -  Problems where a party cannot speak adequately on their own behalf, although can work with clients who have a case manager.    Clients must be able to keep agreements made.

Enforces several ordinances of the city of Auburn. Ensures that the proper permits have been issued for construction of projects, land clearing, grading and filing of property, placement of signs, and that businesses are operating in compliance with the City of Auburn Zoning Code.   Common violations include the following: -  Overgrown grass and weeds -  Junk accumulation -  Vegetation encroachment -  Trash, litter and debris -  Inoperable vehicles -  Illegal parking -  Graffiti -  Nuisance Animals -  Operating a business without a license   Taking enforcement action may be in the form of fines, penalties and challenges in obtaining permits or licenses in the future. Staff conducts routine inspections throughout the city to note the condition of residences and businesses.

Court is authorized by state law to assist plaintiffs to recover money or other damages whose amount may not exceed $10,000. Filing the Claim:   Plaintiff must sign claim form in presence of the court clerk. A trial date is set and a copy of the claim is given to the plaintiff. The plaintiff must identify the defendant and provide the defendant's address and phone number (if possible).    Service of Claim Notice:   Plaintiff has the responsibility of serving notice upon the defendant not less than five days from trial date; plaintiff may not personally serve the notice, but it can be served by one of the following:   -  The Sheriff's Office -  A process server -  A person of legal age not connected to the case -  A registered or certified mail-return receipt with defendant's signature   Server must sign before a Notary Public.    Hearing: Attorneys and paralegals are excluded from appearing or participating with the plaintiff or defendant in a small claims suit unless the judge grants permission. One may consult an attorney before or after a court appearance. Parties should bring witnesses or other evidence (documents, pictures) to substantiate their claims. Default judgment may be granted to plaintiff if defendant fails to appear in court. Collection of Judgment:   If appeal is not made nor judgment paid within 20 days, plaintiff may request that the judgment be entered in the civil docket of District Court. The plaintiff may then proceed with garnishment of wages or bank accounts or place liens on personal property and real estate of the defendant (call for procedural details). Small Claims Court has no power to enforce judgments.    Appeals:  The party who filed a claim or counterclaim cannot appeal unless the amount claimed exceeds $1,000. No party may appeal a judgment where the amount claimed is less than $250.   The following steps must be taken within 30 days of the entry judgment:   -  1) Prepare a written Notice of Appeal and file it with the District Court -  2) Serve a copy of that notice to the other parties; file acknowledgement or affidavit of service in District Court   -  3) Deposit supervisor court filing fee ($110) either in cash, money order, or cashier's check payable to the Clerk of the Superior Court -  4) Deposit $40 preparation fee to the District Court

Advocates for residents of nursing homes, adult family homes, and assisted living facilities. The purpose is to protect and promote the Residents Rights guaranteed these residents under Federal and State law and regulations. Ombudsman are trained to receive complaints and resolve problems in situations involving quality of care, use of restraints, transfer and discharge, abuse and other aspects of resident dignity and rights.

Provides information on landlord-tenant laws and legal rights and options for tenants with immediate housing problems, including eviction. One-on-one counseling is available. Assists in organizing groups of tenants to bring about landlord compliance with the Landlord/Tenant Act and existing housing codes. Provides community education on tenant issues, advocates for tenants' rights and offers referrals for rent assistance. Does not provide legal counsel, but does provide referrals to appropriate counsel.

Provides civil legal advocacy to youth primarily between 12-24 years old. TeamChild attorneys work to secure community-based services, helping youth access appropriate education, healthcare, mental/behavioral health resources, safe and stable housing, and navigate school discipline and criminal/juvenile justice matters. Advocacy efforts focus on education and school-related issues such as enrollment, school discipline and access to special education; securing safe and stable housing for youth; emancipation; and helping clients access public benefits, including health care, mental health services, DDA and other support.   Advocacy also includes post-conviction relief, including records sealing, restitution modifications, and assisting youth with reentry supports when returning to community from incarceration. Does not provide criminal defense representation to youth or adults involved in either the juvenile delinquency system or the adult criminal system.

Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI) housing and zoning inspectors respond to complaints about:   -  Minimum housing standards -  Land use violations -  Shorelines -  "Just cause" eviction -  Vacant and unfit buildings -  Lock-outs -  Rent increases without proper notice -  Landlord or property manager retaliation -  Landlord or property manager entering a unit without both notice and consent -  Prohibiting tenant organizing -  Landlord or property manager harassment Health and safety are the department's first priorities for investigation and resolution of reported violations.    Health concerns include tenant complaints about conditions that may cause mold in rental units, such as excessive moisture. Seattle’s Housing and Building Maintenance Code (HBMC) contains requirements designed to keep building occupants dry and warm. In a building maintained in compliance with code requirements, all components of the building including foundation, roof, walls and windows are reasonably weather tight, watertight and damp-free.   SDCI conducts inspections of the property named in the complaint and contacts the landlord. SDCI sets a time frame for voluntary resolution.   Code compliance specialists will take cases that violate housing codes, and will require rescission of bad eviction notices and correction of unsafe or unpermitted housing conditions. The law department will eventually sue violators if necessary. Also performs investigations of illegal evictions.   New enforcement for leases entered into after 1/15/17. Refer if: -  The landlord requires security deposit/nonrefundable move-in fees that are more than first month's rent   -  The landlord requires nonrefundable move-in fees other than for tenant screening report, cleaning at termination of tenancy, criminal background check, or credit report   -  The landlord requires a pet deposit that is more than 25% of first month's rent or any other pet fee/rent -  The landlord refuses to enter payment plan for security deposit/nonrefundable move-in fees, pet deposit, or last month's rent -  The deposit not returned and no move-in checklist was signed by landlord and tenant at move-in -  No statement of deposit or deposit returned 21 days after tenant moved out   Advance notice may be needed for an interpreter.

The Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Section 8 program provides affordable housing, free from discrimination to those with barriers due to income, disability, or age. The HCV program provides tenant-based assistance, meaning that assistance follows the tenant as long as they remain eligible for the program.

Chinese Information and Service Center, Asian Bar Association of Washington, and Asian Counseling and Referral Service partner with the King County Bar Association to provide a free legal clinic. Pro bono attorneys work with staff and volunteer interpreters to give consultation and legal advice around family law, immigration law, landlord-tenant disputes, employment law, and other areas. As of 9/2024, most consults are virtual but in-person appointments may be available if needed (more information provided to clients during intake phone call). Call (206) 957-8544 for an appointment. Appointments are typically Tuesdays, 5:30-7:30 PM. International District Legal Clinic Chinese Information and Services Center 611 S Lane St. Seattle, WA 98144

Provides MEDIATION services only. Does NOT mediate dissolutions (divorce) or child custody matters. Does NOT offer any legal advice. Parties voluntarily negotiate the settlement of their disputes with an impartial third party. The parties decide the outcome of the mediation, rather than a judge or arbitrator. The mediator serves to guide the process, mediators are second- and third-year law students under the supervision of law faculty. Typical mediation cases include: - Buyer/Seller - Real Estate Issues - Consumer/Business - Co-workers - Employer/Employee - Housemates/Roommates - Landlord/Tenant - Neighbors - Student/Staff - General Civil Litigation

Provides civil legal aid services to low-income tenants with pending eviction, subsidy terminations and requests for reasonable accommodation in King County. Tenant Law Center attorneys can assist with evictions from permanent and subsidized housing. A notice is not required Tenant Law Center can assist with: - Pending evictions for residents who have not yet received a Summons and Complaint. - Preventing Section 8 subsidy terminations for King County residents (cannot do reinstatements); must have written notice of pending subsidy termination. - Helps tenants in King County get reasonable accommodations after the initial request was denied.