IN THE MATTER OF THE ADOPTION OF THE REVISED NEW SET OF FAMILY LAW CIVIL RULES

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ORDER NO. 25700-A-1003

     The Washington State Bar Association having recommended the adoption of the Revised New Set of Family Law Civil Rules, and the Court having approved the proposed amendments for publication;

     Now, therefore, it is hereby

     ORDERED:

     (a) That pursuant to the provisions of GR 9(g), the proposed amendments as shown below hereto are to be published for comment in the Washington Reports, Washington Register, Washington State Bar Association and Administrative Office of the Court's websites in January 2013.

     (b) The purpose statement as required by GR 9(e), is published solely for the information of the Bench, Bar and other interested parties.

     (c) Comments are to be submitted to the Clerk of the Supreme Court by either U.S. Mail or Internet E-Mail by no later than April 30, 2013. Comments may be sent to the following addresses: P.O. Box 40929, Olympia, Washington 98504-0929, or Camilla.Faulk@courts.wa.gov. Comments submitted by e-mail message must be limited to 1500 words.

     DATED at Olympia, Washington this 7th day of June, 2012.

	For the Court Madsen, C.J.
	CHIEF JUSTICE

     In 2006, a coalition of eight Washington State Bar Association sections asked the WSBA Court Rules and Procedures Committee to consider the impact of the proliferation of local rules on litigants and their counsel. The coalition recommended abolishment of all local rules with the exception of those rules governing docket management. The Court Rules and Procedures Committee suggested to the Board of Governors that a special task force be convened to evaluate this issue. In the fall of 2006 the WSBA created and chartered the Local Rules Task Force ("the Task Force") and by early winter 2007 appointed its co-chairs and members.

     The Task Force consists of representatives of various stakeholders concerned with the proper promulgation, amendment, and application of the local rules of Superior Courts, including court administrators, judges, and lawyer-practitioners. The practitioner group has been augmented by representatives of the family law bar, whose procedures have given rise to a distinct body of rules. Practitioners include members of the trial bar from both the public and private sectors. Jurists include both current and former members of the bench. The Task Force is co-chaired by Supreme Court Justice Charles W. Johnson and attorney Lish Whitson.

     The Task Force was created to review the purpose and function of local rules; the impact of local rules on courts, litigants (both pro se and represented) and the trial bar; and possible means to mitigate the detrimental effects of the ever-increasing number of local rules. The Task Force was charged with reviewing the model local rules and practices in other states with non-unified court systems to develop recommendations on possible improvements or modifications to Washington's local rulemaking process and authorizations, in addition to looking at the work product of the earlier efforts in this state to stem the proliferation of local rules. In discharging its mission under this Charter, the Task Force was mindful of the directive in Rule 1 of the Superior Court Civil Rules that the court rules "shall be construed and administered to secure the just, speedy, and inexpensive determination of every action."

     The Task Force spent 18 months reviewing every Superior Court local rule from all 39 counties, and unearthed numerous problems which have contributed to the proliferation of local rules. Some of the concerns that were studied include:

•	Local rules vary greatly from county to county, both in terms of content and numbering.
•	Local rules are often created in reaction to specific incidents. They commonly persist long after their usefulness, without being reviewed or repealed.
•	Often, civil, criminal, and family law rules are commingled in a single set of local rules.
•	The sheer number of local rules, combined with commingling and lack of uniformity, causes problems for litigants by making the rules more difficult to understand and follow, creating traps for the unwary.
•	The burden and cost placed upon counsel and litigants required to comply with different local rules in each county increases the cost of litigation, which has the effect of reducing access to equal justice.
•	In some counties, failure to follow local rules can result in the loss of substantive rights.
•	Some individual judges have established "procedures" for their courts that are not even codified as local rules, such as different colored paper for different pleadings.
•	Some local rules, rather than being purely procedural in nature, contain matters of substantive law. Worse, some local rules may be best described as "legislating via court rule."
•	Some counties include statewide rules, statutes, and even case law in their local rules.
•	Some local rules are outdated, referencing obsolete technology and procedures, or have not been modified to reflect changes in the law or statewide rules.
•	Some local rules are outright contradictory to statewide rules.
•	Local rules differ with regard to the format of pleadings, forms, page limitations, and brief requirements -- some with procedurally significant impacts -- and do not comply with GR 14.
•	There is currently no mechanism for assuring the uniformity of the local rules or for the systematic approval, review, or elimination of local rules from county to county.

     During its work, the Task Force became especially concerned about the complex issues and procedures surrounding family law cases. The Task Force learned that family law is a distinct area of law with its own special problems, and that many counties had enacted both civil and family law local rules in an effort to accommodate the special nature of family law cases. The Task Force's review revealed there is often cross-over between family law rules and civil rules at both the state and local levels, because family law cases are also civil law cases. This forces family law practitioners and pro se litigants to not only be cognizant of local rules that are clearly identified as family law local rules, but also of local civil rules containing provisions applicable to family law cases. At the same time, both practitioners and pro se litigants must also keep in mind state Civil Rules in order to find all the rules that may apply to their family law case.

     The Task Force created a family law subcommittee with special expertise in family law issues. All local rules as they related to family law matters were separately reviewed by this subcommittee. The subcommittee reported serious access to justice issues, such as the practice of some courts to adopt local rules making court services both mandatory and with required service fees. In addition, the subcommittee found that a number of family law related local rules, rather than being purely procedural in nature, contained matters of substantive law or were substantive with no corresponding authority in law. Finally, there are also specific topic areas of interest to family law practitioners and litigants with no counterpart in the Civil Rules.

     As the first step in its ongoing efforts to curb the proliferation of local rules, eliminate sources of confusion and traps for the unwary, and promote and facilitate access to justice, the Task Force promulgated a proposed set of Superior Court Family Law Civil Rules ("FLCR") to both complement and enhance the Superior Court Civil Rules. The Court ordered that the suggested FLCR be published for comment, with a comment period ending April 30, 2010. In response to the comments received, the Task Force formed a workgroup with SCJA representatives. During 2010 and 2011 members of the Task Force met with the SCJA representatives numerous times; these workgroup meetings resulted in a revised set of FLCR.

     The revised FLCR incorporate the language of the FLCR as originally suggested, with a few modifications; however, the revised FLCR also include language from key provisions of the Civil Rules and the General Rules. The revised FLCR are intended to secure the just, speedy, and inexpensive determination of family law matters. The revised proposed FLCR parallel the Superior Court Civil Rules ("CR") and are intended to provide the framework for general management of family law cases.

     Key components of the FLCR include:

•	Specific provisions for timing and scheduling of motions, as well as delivery of responses and replies (FLCR 6(d));
•	Specific language allowing for presentation of telephonic oral argument, at the court's discretion, and imposing page limits and other restrictions on motions (FLCR 7);
•	Format requirements (FLCR 10(d));
•	Provision for information exchange/automatic discovery of documents commonly required for family law actions (FLCR 16(c));
•	Entry of automatic temporary orders to preserve the status quo on petitions to dissolve marriages, relationships, or meretricious relationships (FLCR 16(d));
•	Discussion of tribal court exclusive and concurrent jurisdiction (FLCR 82.5);
•	Provisions addressing the use of courthouse facilitators (FLCR 101); and
•	Authority to require participation in extra-judicial services/parenting seminars (FLCR 102).

     The Task Force anticipates that the FLCR will eliminate the need for many counties' local rules; however, the Task Force also recognizes that different counties have different needs. "Placeholder designations" have therefore been included in the revised FLCR, so that counties can ensure their local rules follow the same numbering sequence as the statewide rules.

     2A Stipulations

     6 Time

     16 Pretrial Procedure and Formulating Issues

     25 Substitution of Parties

     37 Failure To Make Discovery: Sanctions

     53.4 [Reserved.]

     63 Judges

     71 Withdrawal by Attorney

     80 Court Reporters

     86 Effective Dates

     114 Relocation [Reserved.]

     These rules govern the procedure in the superior court in all Title 26 RCW actions subject to exceptions specifically stated hereunder. They shall be construed and administered to secure the just, speedy, and inexpensive determination of every action governed by these rules. The numbering of these rules is intended to be consistent with the Superior Court Civil Rules (CR).

     All references in these rules are intended to be gender neutral and therefore any reference through the use of either a male or female pronoun should be considered to apply equally to the other.

     Except where the context clearly provides a distinction such as in rules 4, 5, and 71, all reference in these rules to the terms attorney or counsel also applies to self represented persons.

RULE 2 ONE FORM OF ACTION

     There shall be one form of action to be known as "family law civil action."

RULE 2A STIPULATIONS

     No agreement or consent between parties or attorneys in respect to the proceedings in a cause, the purport of which is disputed, will be regarded by the court unless the same shall have been made and assented to in open court on the record, or entered in the minutes, or unless the evidence thereof shall be in writing and subscribed by the attorneys denying the same.

     (a) Methods. A family law civil action is commenced by service of a copy of a summons together with a copy of a petition, or by filing a petition. Upon written demand by any other party, the petitioner instituting the action shall pay the filing fee and file the summons and petition within 14 days after service of the demand or the service shall be void. An action shall not be deemed commenced for the purpose of tolling any statute of limitations except as provided in RCW 4.16.170.

     (b) Tolling Statute. [Reserved. See RCW 4.16.170.]

     (c) Obtaining Jurisdiction. [Reserved. See RCW 4.28.020.]

     (d) Lis Pendens. [Reserved. See RCW 4.28.320 and 4.28.160.]

RULE 4 PROCESS

     (a) Summons -- General. Actions authorized by Title 26 RCW, with the exception of actions governed by RCW 26.09.060(3) and 26.50, shall be commenced by filing a petition or by personal service of a copy of a summons together with a copy of the petition on respondent as provided in these rules. Upon written demand by the respondent, the petitioner shall pay the filing fee and file the summons and petition within 14 days after service of the demand or the service shall be void. No summons is necessary if both parties sign a joint petition or if the respondent files a written joinder in the proceeding.

     (1) The summons must be signed and dated by the petitioner or his attorney, and directed to the respondent requiring him to defend the action and to mail or otherwise deliver a copy of his appearance or defense to the person whose name is signed on the summons.

     (2) Unless a statute or rule provides for a different time requirement, the summons shall require the respondent to serve a copy of his defense within 20 days after the service of summons, exclusive of the day of service. If a statute or rule other than this rule provides for a different time to serve a defense, that time shall be stated in the summons.

     (3) A notice of appearance, if made, shall be in writing, shall be signed by the respondent or his attorney, and shall be mailed or otherwise provided to the person whose name is signed on the summons.

     (4) No summons is necessary for a counterclaim or cross claim for any person who previously has been made a party. Counterclaims and cross claims against an existing party may be served as provided in rule 5.

     (b) Summons -- Content, Form.

     (1) Content. The summons shall contain the title of the action, the name of the county and the court in which the action is brought, the names of the parties, as petitioner and respondent, a direction to the respondent to mail or otherwise provide a copy of his or her response onto the person who has signed the summons, the time limit within which the copy of the response must be delivered, notice that failure to deliver a copy of the response within the stated time may result in a judgment by default, the signature and address of the petitioner or petitioner's attorney, and the date.

     (2) Form. The summons for personal service in actions subject to this rule and within this State shall be substantially in the form provided in the pattern forms approved by the Administrative Office of the Courts whose website address is http://www.courts.wa.gov/forms/. The summons for personal service out of state should be adapted from this form and must include the modifications required by statute. See RCW 4.28.180.

     (c) By Whom Served. Service of summons and process, except when service is by publication, shall be by the sheriff of the county wherein the service is made, or by his deputy, or by any person over 18 years of age who is competent to be a witness in the action, other than a party. Subpoenas may be served as provided in RULE 45.

     (d) Service.

     (1) Of Summons and Petition. The summons and petition shall be served together.

     (2) Personal in State. Personal service of summons and other process shall be as provided in RCW 4.28.080 and other statutes which provide for personal service.

     (3) By Publication. Service of summons and other process by publication shall be as provided in RCW 4.28.100, 26.33.310, and other statutes which provide for service by publication.

     (4) Alternative to Service by Publication. In circumstances justifying service by publication, if the serving party files a declaration or an affidavit stating facts from which the court determines that service by mail is just as likely to give actual notice as service by publication, the court may order that service be made by any person over 18 years of age, who is competent to be a witness, other than a party, by mailing copies of the summons and other process to the party to be served at his last known address or any other address determined by the court to be appropriate. Two copies shall be mailed, postage prepaid, one by ordinary first class mail and the other by a form of mail requiring a signed receipt showing when and to whom it was delivered. The envelopes must bear the return address of the sender. The summons shall contain the date it was deposited in the mail and shall require the respondent to appear and answer the petition within 90 days from the date of mailing. Service under this subsection has the same jurisdictional effect as service by publication.

     (5) Appearance. A voluntary appearance of a respondent does not preclude his right to challenge lack of jurisdiction over his person, insufficiency of process, or insufficiency of service of process pursuant to rule 12(b).

     (e) Other Service.

     (1) Generally. Whenever a statute or an order of court there under provides for service of a summons, or of a notice, or of an order in lieu of summons upon a party not an inhabitant of or not found within the state, service may be made under the circumstances and in the manner prescribed by the statute or order, or if there is no provision prescribing the manner of service, in a manner prescribed by this rule.

     (2) Personal Service Out of State -- Generally. Although rule 4 does not generally apply to personal service out of state, the prescribed form of summons may, with the modifications required by statute, be used for that purpose. See RCW 4.28.180.

     (3) Personal Service Out of State -- Acts Submitting Person to Jurisdiction of Courts. [Reserved. See RCW 4.28.185.]

     (4) Nonresident Motorists. [Reserved. Does not apply to Family Law.]

     (f) Territorial Limits of Effective Service. All process other than a subpoena may be served anywhere within the territorial limits of the state, and when a statute or these rules so provide beyond the territorial limits of the state. A subpoena may be served within the territorial limits as provided in RULE 45 and RCW 5.56.010.

     (g) Return of Service. Proof of service shall be as follows:

     (1) If served by the sheriff or his deputy, the return of the sheriff or his deputy endorsed upon or attached to the summons;

     (2) If served by any other person, his affidavit or declaration-of service endorsed upon or attached to the summons; or

     (3) If served by publication, the affidavit or declaration of the publisher, foreman, principal clerk, or business manager of the newspaper showing the same, together with a printed copy of the summons as published; or

     (4) If served as provided in subsection (d)(4), the affidavit or declaration of the serving party stating that copies of the summons and other process were sent by mail in accordance with the rule and directions by the court, and stating to whom, and when, the envelopes were mailed.

     (5) The written acceptance or admission of the respondent his agent or attorney;

     (6) In case of personal service out of the state, the affidavit or declaration of the person making the service, sworn to before a notary public, with a seal attached, or before a clerk of a court of record.

     (7) In case of service otherwise than by publication, the return, acceptance, admission, or affidavit or declaration must state the time, place, and manner of service. Failure to make proof of service does not affect the validity of the service.

     (h) Amendment of Process. At any time in its discretion and upon such terms as it deems just, the court may allow any process or proof of service thereof to be amended, unless it clearly appears that material prejudice would result to the substantial rights of the party against whom the process issued.

     (i) Alternative Provisions for Service in a Foreign Country.

     (1) Manner. When a statute or rule authorizes service upon a party not an inhabitant of or found within the state, and service is to be effected upon the party in a foreign country, it is also sufficient if service of the summons and petition is made: (A) in the manner prescribed by the law of the foreign country for service in that country in an action in any of its courts of general jurisdiction; or (B) as directed by the foreign authority in response to a letter rogatory or a letter of request; or (C) upon an individual, by delivery to him personally, and upon a corporation or partnership or association, by delivery to an officer, a managing or general agent; or (D) by any form of mail, requiring a signed receipt, to be addressed and mailed to the party to be served; or (E) pursuant to the means and terms of any applicable treaty or convention; or (F) by diplomatic or consular officers when authorized by the United States Department of State; or (G) as directed by order of the court. Service under (C) or (G) above may be made by any person who is not a party and is not less than 21 years of age or who is designated by order of the court or by the foreign court. The method for service of process in a foreign country must comply with applicable treaties, if any, and must be reasonably calculated, under all the circumstances, to give actual notice.

     (2) Return. Proof of service may be made as prescribed by section (g) of this rule, or by the law of the foreign country, or by a method provided in any applicable treaty or convention, or by order of the court. When service is made pursuant to subsection (1)(D) of this section, proof of service shall include a receipt signed by the addressee or other evidence of delivery to the addressee satisfactory to the court.

     (j) Other Process. These rules do not exclude the use of other forms of process authorized by law.

     (k) Process - Limited Representation.

     (1) An attorney may undertake to provide limited representation in accordance with RPC 1.2 to a person involved in a court proceeding.

     (2) Providing limited representation of a person under these rules shall not constitute an entry of appearance by the attorney for purposes of rule 5(b) and does not authorize or require the service or delivery of pleadings, papers or other documents upon the attorney under rule 5(b). Representation of the person by the attorney at any proceeding before a judge, magistrate, or other judicial officer on behalf of the person constitutes an entry of appearance pursuant to RCW 4.28.210 and rule 4 (a)(3), except to the extent that a limited notice of appearance as provided for under rule 70.1 is filed and served prior to or simultaneous with the actual appearance. The attorney's violation of this Rule may subject the attorney to the sanctions provided in rule 11(a).

RULE 5 SERVICE AND FILING OF PLEADINGS AND OTHER PAPERS

     (a) Service -- When Required. Except as otherwise provided in these rules, every order required by its terms to be served, every pleading subsequent to the original petition unless the court otherwise orders because of numerous respondents, every paper relating to discovery required to be served upon a party unless the court otherwise orders, every written motion other than one which may be heard ex parte, and every written notice, appearance, demand, offer of judgment, designation of record on appeal, and similar paper shall be served upon each of the parties. No service need be made on parties in default for failure to appear except that pleadings asserting new or additional claims for relief against them shall be served upon them in the manner provided for service of summons in rule 4.

     (b) Service -- How Made.

     (1) On Attorney or Party. Whenever under these rules service is required or permitted to be made upon a party represented by an attorney the service shall be made upon the attorney unless service upon the party himself is ordered by the court. Service upon the attorney or upon a party shall be made by delivering a copy to him or by mailing it to him at his last known address or, if no address is known, filing with the clerk of the court a affidavit or declaration of attempt to serve. Delivery of a copy within this rule means: handing it to the attorney or to the party; or leaving it at his office with his clerk or other person in charge thereof; or, if there is no one in charge, leaving it in a conspicuous place therein; or, if the office is closed or the person to be served has no office, leaving it at his dwelling house or usual place of abode with some person of suitable age and discretion then residing therein. Service on an attorney is subject to the restrictions in subsections (b)(4) and (5) of this rule and in rule 71, Withdrawal by Attorneys.

     (2) Service by Mail.

     (A) How Made. If service is made by mail, the papers shall be deposited in the post office addressed to the person on whom they are being served, with the postage prepaid. The service shall be deemed complete upon the third day following the day upon which they are placed in the mail, unless the third day falls on a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday, in which event service shall be deemed complete on the first day other than a Saturday, Sunday or legal holiday, following the third day.

     (B) Proof of Service by Mail. Proof of service of all papers permitted to be mailed may be by written acknowledgment of service, by affidavit or declaration of the person who mailed the papers, or by certificate of an attorney. The certificate of an attorney may be in form substantially as follows:

Attorney for (Respondent) William Noe

     (3) Service on Nonresidents. Where a petitioner or respondent who has appeared resides outside the state and has no attorney in the action, the service may be made by mail if his residence is known; if not known, on the clerk of the court for him. Where a party, whether resident or nonresident, has an attorney in the action, the service of papers shall be upon the attorney instead of the party. If the attorney does not have an office within the state or has removed his residence from the state, the service may be upon him personally either within or without the state, or by mail to him at either his place of residence or his office, if either is known, and if not known, then by mail upon the party, if his residence is known, whether within or without the state. If the residence of neither the party nor his attorney, nor the office address of the attorney is known, a declaration or an affidavit of the attempt to serve shall be filed with the clerk of the court.

     (4) Service on Attorney Restricted After Final Judgment. A party, rather than the party's attorney, must be served if the final judgment or decree has been entered and the time for filing an appeal has expired, or if an appeal has been taken (i) after the final judgment or decree upon remand has been entered or (ii) after the mandate has been issued affirming the judgment or decree or disposing of the case in a manner calling for no further action by the trial court. This rule is subject to the exceptions defined in subsection (b)(6).

     (5) Required Notice to Party. If a party is served under circumstances described in subsection (b)(4), the paper shall (i) include a notice to the party of the right to file written opposition or a response, the time within which such opposition or response must be filed, and the place where it must be filed; (ii) state that failure to respond may result in the requested relief being granted; and (iii) state that the paper has not been served on that party's lawyer.

     (6) Exceptions. An attorney may be served notwithstanding subsection (b)(4) of this rule if (i) fewer than 63 days have elapsed since the filing of any paper or the issuance of any process in the action or proceeding or (ii) if the attorney has filed a notice of continuing representation.

     (7) Service by Other Means. Service under this rule may be made by delivering a copy by any other means, including facsimile or electronic means, consented to in writing by the person served. Service by facsimile or electronic means is complete on transmission when made prior to 5:00 p.m. on a judicial day. Service made on a Saturday, Sunday, holiday or after 5:00 p.m. on any other day shall be deemed complete at 9:00 a.m. on the first judicial day thereafter service by other consented means is complete when the person making service delivers the copy to the agency designated to make delivery. Service under this subsection is not effective if the party making service learns that the attempted service did not reach the person to be served.

     (c) Service -- Numerous Respondents. In any action in which there are unusually large numbers of respondents, the court, upon motion or of its own initiative, may order that service of the pleadings of the respondents and replies thereto need not be made as between the respondents and that any cross claim, counterclaim, or matter constituting an avoidance or affirmative defense contained therein shall be deemed to be denied or avoided by all other parties and that the filing of any such pleading and service thereof upon the petitioner constitutes due notice of it to the parties. A copy of every such order shall be served upon the parties in such manner and form as the court directs.

     (d) Filing.

     (1) Time. Petitions shall be filed as provided in rule 3(a). Except as provided for discovery materials in section (i) of this rule and for documents accompanying a notice under ER 904(b), all pleadings and other papers after the petition required to be served upon a party shall be filed with the court either before service or promptly thereafter.

     (2) Sanctions. The effect of failing to file a petition is governed by rule 3. If a party fails to file any other pleading or paper under this rule, the court upon 5 days' notice of motion for sanctions may dismiss the action or strike the pleading or other paper and grant judgment against the defaulting party for costs and terms including a reasonable attorney fee unless good cause is shown for, or justice requires, the granting of an extension of time.

     (3) Limitation. No sanction shall be imposed if prior to the hearing the pleading or paper other than the petition is filed.

     (4) Nonpayment. No further action shall be taken in the pending action and no subsequent pleading or other paper shall be filed until the judgment is paid. No subsequent action shall be commenced upon the same subject matter until the judgment has been paid.

     (e) Filing With the Court Defined. The filing of pleadings and other papers with the court as required by these rules shall be made by filing them with the clerk of the court, except that the judge may permit the papers to be filed with him or her, in which event the judge shall note thereon the filing date and forthwith transmit them to the office of the clerk. Papers may be filed by facsimile transmission if permitted elsewhere in these or other rules of court, or if authorized by the clerk of the receiving court. The clerk may refuse to accept for filing any paper presented for that purpose because it is not presented in proper form as required by these rules or any local rules or practices.

     (f) Other Methods of Service. Service of all papers other than the summons and other process may also be made as authorized by statute.

     (g) Certified Mail. Whenever the use of "registered" mail is authorized by statutes relating to judicial proceedings or by rule of court, "certified" mail, with return receipt requested, may be used.

     (h) Service of Papers by Telegraph. [Rescinded.]

     (i) Discovery Material Not To Be Filed; Exceptions. Depositions upon oral examinations, depositions upon written questions, interrogatories and responses thereto, requests for production or inspection and responses thereto, requests for admission and responses thereto, and other discovery requests and responses thereto shall not be filed with the court unless for use in a proceeding or trial or on order of the court.

     (j) Filing by Facsimile. [Reserved. See GR 17 -- Facsimile Transmission.]

RULE 6 TIME

     (a) Computation. In computing any period of time prescribed or allowed by these rules, by the local rules of any superior court, by order of court, or by any applicable statute, the day of the act, event, or default from which the designated period of time begins to run shall not be included. The last day of the period so computed shall be included, unless it is a Saturday, a Sunday or a legal holiday, in which event the period runs until the end of the next day which is neither a Saturday, a Sunday nor a legal holiday. Legal holidays are prescribed in RCW 1.16.050. When the period of time prescribed or allowed is less than 7 days, intermediate Saturdays, Sundays and legal holidays shall be excluded in the computation.

     (b) Enlargement. When by these rules or by a notice given there under or by order of court an act is required or allowed to be done at or within a specified time, the court for cause shown may at any time in its discretion, (1) with or without motion or notice, order the period enlarged if request therefor is made before the expiration of the period originally prescribed or as extended by a previous order or, (2) upon motion made after the expiration of the specified period, permit the act to be done where the failure to act was the result of excusable neglect; but it may not extend the time for taking any action under rules 50(b), 52(b), 59(b), 59(d), and 60(b).

     (c) Proceeding Not to Fail for Want of Judge or Session of Court. No proceeding in a court of justice in any action, suit, or proceeding pending therein, is affected by a vacancy in the office of any or all of the judges or by the failure of a session of the court.

     (d) For Motions - Declarations or Affidavits. A written motion, motion other than one which may be heard ex parte, and notice of the hearing thereof, shall be served not later than 5 days before the time specified for the hearing, unless a different period is fixed by these rules or by order of the court. Such an order may for cause be made on ex parte application. When a motion is supported by affidavits or declarations the affidavits or declarations shall be served with the motion; and, except as otherwise provided in rule 59(c), opposing affidavits may be served not later than 1 day before the hearing, unless the court permits them to be served at some other time. Any county may expand the time frames set forth herein to allow for additional time of up to fourteen (14) days for the original notice as well as for responsive and reply documents.

     (1) Motion to Shorten Time. For good cause shown by motion of a party, the court may alter the time periods set forth in this rule to allow for the hearing of an emergent matter. All such motions shall be supported by a written affidavit or declaration setting forth the basis for the good cause and emergent nature of the matter justifying the waiver of time to allow the granting of the motion to shorten time and setting forth the efforts to provide advance notice to the opposing party. Local courts pursuant to rule 83 may impose procedural requirements associated with such motions, such as before whom the motion must be presented. As soon as the moving party is aware that he or she will be seeking an order shortening time, that party must make reasonable efforts to contact all opposing parties to give notice in the form most likely to provide actual notice.

     (e) Additional Time After Service by Mail. Whenever a party has the right or is required to do some act or take some proceedings within a prescribed period after the service of a notice or other paper upon him and the notice or paper is served upon him by mail, 3 days shall be added to the prescribed period.

     (a) Pleadings. There shall be a Petition and a Response and such other pattern forms as approved by the Administrative Office of the Courts and available online at http://www.courts.wa.gov/forms.

     (b) Motions and Other Papers.

     (1) How Made. An application to the court for an order shall be by motion which, unless made during a hearing or trial, shall be made in writing, shall state with particularity the grounds therefor, and shall set forth the relief or order sought. The requirement of writing is fulfilled if the motion is stated in a written notice of the hearing of the motion.

     (2) Form. The rules applicable to captions and other matters of form of pleadings apply to all motions and other papers provided for by these rules.

     (3) Signing. All motions shall be signed in accordance with rule 11.

     (4) Identification of Evidence. When a motion is supported by declarations or affidavits-or other papers, it shall specify the papers to be used by the moving party.

     (5) Telephonic Argument. Oral argument on motions, may be heard by telephone call in the discretion of the court. The expense of the call shall be shared equally by the parties unless the court directs otherwise in the ruling or decision on the motion. For testimonial proceedings, see rule 43.

     (6) Oral Arguments on Motions. Local rules adopted pursuant to rule 83 may establish a method for the timely and efficient scheduling of oral arguments on motions in cases governed by these rules. Acceptable methods may include: (a) a reasonable limit on the time allocated for oral argument (b) regular calendars with pre-set time slots assigned to the parties for oral argument; and (c) special calendars for oral arguments requiring more time.

     (c) Demurrers, Pleas, etc. Abolished. [Reserved. Does not apply to Family Law.]

     (d) Security for Costs. [Reserved. Does not apply to Family Law.]

     (e) Page Limits. Local rules adopted pursuant to rule 83 may establish page limits for motions in cases governed by these rules. Such rules shall substantially conform to subsections (e)(1) through (5) as follows:

     (1) Issues To Be Decided Without Oral Testimony. In matters where the court will decide an issue or motion for relief without oral testimony, the motion and reply pleadings of the moving party shall be limited to a total of 25 pages, and the responsive pleadings of the responding party shall be limited to a total of 20 pages, including all declarations or affidavits of non-expert witnesses.

     (2) Issues To Be Decided With Oral Testimony. In matters where the court will decide an issue or motion for relief only after oral testimony, the motion and reply pleadings of the moving party and the responsive pleadings of the responding party shall be limited to a total of 10 pages per party, including all declarations or affidavits of non-expert witnesses.

     (3) Increasing Page Limits. A party may move the court for leave to increase the page limits set forth herein. In addition, local rules adopted pursuant to rule 83 may increase the number of pages allowed but all such increases shall be applied equally to all parties.

     (4) Exception to Page Limits. This page limit rule does not apply to trial briefs, memorandums of law, guardian ad litem reports, expert reports and evaluations, excerpts from transcripts, emails, text messages, depositions, other previously filed documents, exhibits other than declarations or affidavits, financial declarations, or any financial or medical documents filed under seal.

     (5) Materials Submitted In Support or Opposition to Motions. Materials that are lengthy or voluminous, such as emails or text messages, shall be marked on all copies so as to indicate the relevant information and the motion or supporting declaration shall indicate how these materials are relevant.

     (f) Use of Pattern Forms. All pleadings shall be on pattern forms approved by the Administrative Office of the Courts or on substantially similar forms. The pattern forms can be found online at http://www.courts.wa.gov/forms/. A party may delete unnecessary portions of the forms according to the rules established by the Administrative Office of the Courts. A party may supplement the mandatory forms with additional material. A party's failure to use the mandatory forms or follow the format rules shall not be a reason to dismiss a case, refuse a filing, or strike a pleading. However, the court may require the party to submit a corrected pleading and may impose terms payable to the opposing party or payable to the court, or both.

RULE 8 GENERAL RULES OF PLEADING

     (a) Claims for Relief. A pleading which sets forth a claim for relief, whether an original claim, counterclaim, cross claim, or third party claim, shall contain (1) a short and plain statement of the claim showing that the pleader is entitled to relief and (2) a demand for judgment for the relief to which he deems himself entitled. Relief in the alternative or of several different types may be demanded.

     (b) Defense/Responses; Form of Denials. A party shall state in short and plain terms his defenses/responses to each claim asserted and shall admit or deny the allegations. If he is without knowledge or information sufficient to form a belief as to the truth of an allegation, he shall so state and this has the effect of a denial. Denials shall fairly meet the substance of the allegations denied. When a pleader intends in good faith to deny only a part or a qualification of an allegation, he shall specify so much of it as is true and material and shall deny only the remainder. Unless the pleader intends in good faith to controvert all the allegations of the preceding pleading, he may make his denials as specific denials of designated allegations or paragraphs, or he may generally deny all the allegations except such designated allegations or paragraphs as he expressly admits; but, when he does so intend to controvert all its allegations, he may do so by general denial subject to the obligations set forth in rule 11.

     (c) Affirmative Defenses. In pleading to a preceding pleading, a party shall set forth affirmatively any matter constituting an avoidance or affirmative defense.

     (d) Effect of Failure to Deny. Allegations in a pleading to which a responsive pleading is required, are admitted when not denied in the responsive pleading. Allegation in a pleading to which no responsive pleading is required or permitted shall be taken as denied or avoided.

     (e) Pleading to Be Concise and Direct.

     (1) Each allegation of a pleading shall be simple, concise, and direct. No technical forms of pleadings or motions are required.

     (2) A party may set forth two or more statements of a claim or defense alternately or hypothetically, either in one count or defense or in separate counts or defenses. When two or more statements are made in the alternative and one of them if made independently would be sufficient, the pleading is not made insufficient by the insufficiency of one or more of the alternative statements. A party may also state as many separate claims or defenses as he has regardless of consistency and whether based on legal or on equitable grounds or on both. All statements shall be made subject to the obligations set forth in rule 11.

     (f) Construction of Pleadings. All pleadings shall be so construed as to do substantial justice.

     (g) Affidavits/Declarations. Whenever, under any law of this state or under any rule herein, any matter is required or permitted to be supported, evidenced, established, or proved by a person's sworn written statement, declaration, verification, certificate, oath, or affidavit, the matter may be supported by an unsworn written statement, declaration, verification, or certificate which recites that it is certified or declared by the person to be true under penalty of perjury, is subscribed by the person, states the date and place of its execution, and states that it is so certified or declared under the laws of the state of Washington. The certification or declaration may be in substantially the following form:

     I certify (or declare) under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of Washington that the foregoing is true and correct.

     Signed at (City, State) on (Date) _______________

                                             (Signature)

     This rule does not apply to writings requiring an acknowledgement, depositions, or oaths required to be taken before a special official other than a notary public.

RULE 9 PLEADING SPECIAL MATTERS

     (a) Capacity. It is not necessary to allege the capacity of a party to sue or be sued or the authority of a party to sue or be sued in a representative capacity. When a party desires to raise an issue as to the legal existence of any party or the capacity of any party to sue or be sued or the authority of a party to sue or be sued in a representative capacity, he shall do so by specific negative allegation which shall include such supporting particulars as are peculiarly within the pleader's knowledge.

     (b) Fraud, Mistake, Condition of the Mind. In all allegation of fraud or mistake, the circumstances constituting fraud or mistake shall be stated with particularity. Malice, intent, knowledge, and other condition of mind of a person may be alleged generally.

     (c) Condition Precedent. In pleading the performance or occurrence of conditions precedent, it is sufficient to allege generally that all conditions precedent have been performed or have occurred. A denial of performance or occurrence shall be made specifically and with particularity.

     (d) Official Document or Act. In pleading an official document or official act, it is sufficient to allege that the document was issued or the act done in compliance with law.

     (e) Judgment. In pleading a judgment or decision of a domestic or foreign court, judicial or quasi-judicial tribunal, or of a board or officer, it is sufficient to allege the judgment or decision without setting forth matter showing jurisdiction to render it.

     (f) Time and Place. For the purpose of testing the sufficiency of a pleading, allegations of time and place are material and shall be considered like all other allegations of material matter.

     (g) Special Damage. [Reserved. Does not apply to Family Law.]

     (h) Pleading Existence of City or Town. [Reserved. Does not apply to Family Law.]

     (i) Pleading Ordinance. [Reserved. Does not apply to Family Law.]

     (j) Pleading Private Statutes. [Reserved. Does not apply to Family Law.]

     (k) Foreign Law.

     (1) United States Jurisdictions. A party who intends to raise an issue concerning the law of a state, territory, or other jurisdiction of the United States shall set forth in his pleading facts which show that the law of another United States jurisdiction may be applicable, or shall state in his pleading or serve other reasonable written notice that the law of another United States jurisdiction may be relied upon.

     (2) Other Jurisdictions. A party who intends to raise an issue concerning the law of a jurisdiction other than a state, territory or other jurisdiction of the United States shall give notice in his pleading of the foreign jurisdiction whose law he contends may be applicable to the facts of the case. The following matters need not be pleaded, but may be discovered pursuant to rule 26:

     (i) the party's contentions as to which issues of law are governed by the foreign law;

     (ii) the substance of such foreign law;

     (iii) the expected effect of such foreign law on the legal issues and on the outcome of the case being tried;

     (iv) the specific foreign statutes, regulations, judicial and administrative decisions, documents and other nonprivileged written materials and translations thereof upon which the party intends to rely.

     (3) Application of Foreign Law. Issues of foreign law may be simplified pursuant to rule 16 and determined in advance of trial pursuant to rule 56.

     (4) Failure to Plead Foreign Law. If no party has requested in his pleadings application of the law of a jurisdiction other than a state, territory or other jurisdiction of the United States, the court at time of trial shall apply the law of the State of Washington unless such application would result in manifest injustice.

     (l) Burden of Proof. Nothing in this rule shall be construed to shift or alter the burden of proof.

RULE 10 FORM OF PLEADINGS AND OTHER PAPERS

     (a) Caption. Every pleading shall contain a caption setting forth the name of the court, the title of the action, the file number if known to the person signing it, and an identification as to the nature of the pleading or other paper.

     (1) Names of Parties. In the petition the title of the action shall include the names of all the parties, but in other pleadings it is sufficient to state the name of the first party on each side with an appropriate indication of other parties.

     (2) Unknown Names. When the petitioner is ignorant of the name of the respondent, it shall be so stated in his pleading, and such respondent may be designated in any pleading or proceeding by any name, and when his true name shall be discovered, the pleading or proceeding may be amended accordingly.

     (b) Paragraphs; Separate Statements. All allegations of claim or defense shall be made in numbered paragraphs, the contents of each of which shall be limited as far as practicable to a statement of a single set of circumstances; and a paragraph may be referred to by number in all succeeding pleadings. Each claim founded upon a separate transaction or occurrence, and each defense other than denials, shall be stated in a separate count or defense whenever a separation facilitates the clear presentation of the matters set forth.

     (c) Adoption by Reference; Exhibits. Statements in a pleading may be adopted by reference in a different part of the same pleading or in another pleading or in any motion. A copy of any written instrument which is an exhibit to a pleading is a part thereof for all purposes.

     (d) Format Requirements.

     (1) General Requirements. All pleadings, motions, and other papers filed with the court shall be legibly written or printed. The use of letter-size paper (8-1/2 by 11 inches) is mandatory. The writing or printing shall appear on only one side of the page. The top margin of the first page shall be a minimum of three inches, the bottom margin shall be a minimum of one inch and the side margins shall be a minimum of one inch. All subsequent pages shall have a minimum of one inch margins. Papers filed shall not include any colored pages. This rule applies to attachments unless the nature of the attachment makes compliance impractical.

     (2) Handwritten Documents. To ensure access to the courts for any party appearing pro se, all courts shall allow the submission of pleadings that are legibly handwritten in black or blue ink using only one side of each page. Declarations shall be appropriately verified and formatted.

     (3) Font Size for Typed or Computer Generated Documents. Except for footnotes and citations from other documents inserted into the pleading, all typed or computer generated documents shall be prepared using a minimum of 11-point fonts and shall be double-spaced. Local rules adopted pursuant to rule 83 may allow or indicate a non-mandatory preference for a larger sized printing but documents prepared using the minimum size set forth herein shall not be disallowed.

     (4) Paper Color. All pleadings and bench copies shall be prepared on white paper.

     (5) Exception for Trial or Hearing Exhibits. This rule is not mandatory for trial or hearing exhibits, but the use of trial or hearing exhibits that comply with this rule is encouraged if it does not impair legibility.

     (6) Citation Format. Citations shall conform with the format prescribed by the Reporter of Decisions. (See GR 14 Appendix 1.]

     (e) Format Recommendations. It is recommended that all pleadings and other papers include or provide for the following:

     (1) Service and Filing. Space should be left at the top of the first page to provide on the right half space for the clerk's filing stamp, and space at the left half for acknowledging the receipt of copies.

     (2) Title. All pleadings under the space under the docket number should contain a title indicating their purpose and party presenting them. For example:

USE	DO NOT USE
Petition for Dissolution	Petition
Respondent's Motion for Support, etc.	Motion
Order for Support Order	Order
Petitioner's Trial Brief	Trial Brief

     (3) Bottom Notation. At the left side of the bottom of each page of all pleadings and other papers an abbreviated name of the pleading or other paper should be repeated, followed by the page number. At the right side of the bottom of the first page of each pleading or other paper the name, mailing address and telephone number of the attorney or firm preparing the paper should be printed or typed.

     (4) Typed Names. The names of all persons signing a pleading or other paper should be typed under their signatures.

     (5) Headings and Subheadings. Headings and subheadings should be used for all paragraphs which shall be numbered with roman and/or arabic numerals.

     (6) Numbered Paper. Use numbered paper.

     (f) Personal Identifiers Prohibited.

     (1) Personal Identifiers Omitted or Redacted from Court Records.

     (a) Except for sealed financial source documents, Confidential Information Forms, Domestic Violence Information Forms, Notices of Intent to Relocate, Vital Statistics Fors, Law Enforcement Information Forms, Foreign Protection Order Information Forms, and any Personal Information Sheet necessary for JIS purposes, parties shall not include, and if present shall redact, the following personal identifiers from all documents filed with the court, whether filed electronically or in paper, unless necessary or otherwise ordered by the Court.

     (i) Social Security Numbers. If the Social Security Number of an individual must be included in a document, only the last four digits of that number shall be used.

     (ii) Financial Account Numbers. If financial account numbers are relevant, only the last four digits shall be recited in the document.

     (iii) Driver's License Numbers.

     (b) The responsibility for redacting personal identifiers rests solely with counsel and the parties. The Court or the Clerk will not review each pleading for compliance with this rule. If a pleading is filed without redaction, the opposing party or identified person may move the Court to order redaction. The court may award the prevailing party reasonable expenses, including attorney fees and court costs, incurred in making or opposing the motion. This rule does not require any party, attorney, clerk, or judicial officer to redact information from a court record that was filed prior to the adoption of this rule.

     (g) Unpublished Opinions.

     (1) Washington Court of Appeals. A party may not cite as an authority an unpublished opinion of the Court of Appeals. Unpublished opinions of the Court of Appeals are those opinions not published in the Washington Appellate Reports.

     (2) Other Jurisdictions. A party may cite as an authority an opinion designated "unpublished," "not for publication," "non-precedential," "not precedent," or the like that has been issued by any court from a jurisdiction other than Washington state, only if citation to that opinion is permitted under the law of the jurisdiction of the issuing court. The party citing the opinion shall file and serve a copy of the opinion with the brief or other paper in which the opinion is cited.

     (h) Electronic or Facsimile Filing. [Reserved.]

RULE 11 SIGNING AND DRAFTING OF PLEADINGS, MOTIONS, AND LEGAL MEMORANDA; SANCTIONS

     (a) Every pleading, motion, and legal memorandum of a party represented by an attorney shall be dated and signed by at least one attorney of record in the attorney's individual name, whose address and Washington State Bar Association membership number shall be stated. A party who is not represented by an attorney shall sign and date the party's pleading, motion, or legal memorandum and state the party's address. Petitions for dissolution of marriage, separation, declarations concerning the validity of a marriage, custody, and modification of decrees issued as a result of any of the foregoing petitions shall be verified. Other pleadings need not, but may be, verified or accompanied by declaration or affidavit. The signature of a party or of an attorney constitutes a certificate by the party or attorney that the party or attorney has read the pleading, motion, or legal memorandum, and that to the best of the party's or attorney's knowledge, information, and belief, formed after an inquiry reasonable under the circumstances: (1) it is well grounded in fact; (2) is warranted by existing law or a good faith argument for the extension, modification, or reversal of existing law or the establishment of new law; (3) it is not interposed for any improper purpose, such as to harass or to cause unnecessary delay or needless increase in the cost of litigation; and (4) the denials of factual contentions are warranted on the evidence or, if specifically so identified, are reasonably based on a lack of information or belief. If a pleading, motion, or legal memorandum is not signed, it shall be stricken unless it is signed promptly after the omission is called to the attention of the pleader or movant. If a pleading, motion, or legal memorandum is signed in violation of this rule, the court, upon motion or upon its own initiative, may impose upon the person who signed it, a represented party, or both, an appropriate sanction, which may include an order to pay to the other party or parties the amount of the reasonable expenses incurred because of the filing of the pleading, motion, or legal memorandum, including a reasonable attorney fee.

     (b) In helping to draft a pleading, motion or document filed by the otherwise self-represented person, the attorney certifies that the attorney has read the pleading, motion, or legal memorandum, and that to the best of the attorney's knowledge, information, and belief, formed after an inquiry reasonable under the circumstances: (1) it is well grounded in fact, (2) it is warranted by existing law or a good faith argument for the extension, modification, or reversal of existing law or the establishment of new law, (3) it is not interposed for any improper purpose, such as to harass or to cause unnecessary delay or needless increase in the cost of litigation, and (4) the denials of factual contentions are warranted on the evidence or, if specifically so identified, are reasonably based on a lack of information or belief. The attorney in providing such drafting assistance may rely on the otherwise self-represented person's representation of facts, unless the attorney has reason to believe that such representations are false or materially insufficient, in which instance the attorney shall make an independent reasonable inquiry into the facts.

RULE 12 DEFENSES & OBJECTIONS

     (a) When Presented. A respondent shall serve his response within the following periods:

     (1) Within 20 days, exclusive of the day of service, after the service of the summons and petition upon him pursuant to rule 4, or within 90 days after service of a summons and petition by mail;

     (2) Within 60 days from the date of the first publication of the summons if the summons is served by publication in accordance with rule 4 (d)(3);

     (3) Within 60 days after the service of the summons upon him if the summons is served upon him personally out of the state in accordance with RCW 4.28.180 and 4.28.185 or on the Secretary of State as provided by RCW 46.64.040.

     (4) Within the period fixed by any other applicable statutes or rules. A party served with a pleading stating a cross claim against him shall serve an answer thereto within 20 days after the service upon him. The petitioner shall serve his reply to a counterclaim in the answer within 20 days after service of the answer or, if a reply is ordered by the court, within 20 days after service of the order, unless the order otherwise directs. The service of a motion permitted under this rule alters these periods of time as follows, unless a different time is fixed by order of the court.

     (A) If the court denies the motion or postpones its disposition until the trial on the merits, the responsive pleading shall be served within 10 days after notice of the court's action.

     (B) If the court grants a motion for a more definite statement, the responsive pleading shall be served within 10 days after the service of the more definite statement.

     (b) How Presented. Every defense, in law or fact, to a claim for relief in any pleading, whether a claim, counterclaim, cross claim, or third party claim, shall be asserted in the responsive pleading thereto if one is required, except that the following defenses may at the option of the pleader be made by motion: (1) lack of jurisdiction over the subject matter, (2) lack of jurisdiction over the person, (3) improper venue, (4) insufficiency of process, (5) insufficiency of service of process, (6) failure to state a claim upon which relief can be granted, (7) failure to join a party under rule 19. A motion making any of these defenses shall be made before pleading if a further pleading is permitted. No defense or objection is waived by being joined with one or more other defenses or objections in a responsive pleading or motion. If a pleading sets forth a claim for relief to which the adverse party is not required to serve a responsive pleading, he may assert at the trial any defense in law or fact to that claim for relief. If, on a motion asserting the defense numbered (6) to dismiss for failure of the pleading to state a claim upon which relief can be granted, matters outside the pleading are presented to and not excluded by the court, the motion shall be treated as one for summary judgment and disposed of as provided in rule 56, and all parties shall be given reasonable opportunity to present all material made pertinent to such a motion by rule 56.

     (c) Motion for Judgment on the Pleadings. [Reserved. Does not apply to Family Law.]

     (d) Preliminary Hearings. The defenses specifically enumerated (1)-(7) in section (b) of this rule, whether made in a pleading or by motion, shall be heard and determined before trial on application of any party, unless the court orders that the hearing and determination thereof be deferred until the trial.

     (e) Motion for More Definite Statement. If a pleading to which a responsive pleading is permitted is so vague or ambiguous that a party cannot reasonably be required to frame a responsive pleading, or if more particularity in that pleading will further the efficient economical disposition of the action, he may move for a more definite statement before interposing his responsive pleading. The motion shall point out the defects complained of and the details desired. If the motion is granted and the order of the court is not obeyed within 10 days after the notice of the order or within such other time as the court may fix, the court may strike the pleading to which the motion was directed or make such order as it deems just.

     (f) Motion To Strike. Upon motion made by a party before responding to a pleading or, if no responsive pleading is permitted by these rules, upon motion made by a party within 20 days after the service of the pleading upon him or upon the court's own initiative at any time, the court may order stricken from any pleading any insufficient defense or any redundant, immaterial, impertinent, or scandalous matter.

     (g) Consolidation of Defenses in Motion. A party who makes a motion under this rule may join with it any other motions herein provided for and then available to him. If a party makes a motion under this rule but omits there from any defense or objection then available to him which this rule permits to be raised by motion, he shall not thereafter make a motion based on the defense or objection so omitted, except a motion as provided in subsection (h)(2) hereof on any of the grounds there stated.

     (h) Waiver or Preservation of Certain Defenses.

     (1) A defense of lack of jurisdiction over the person, improper venue, insufficiency of process, or insufficiency of service of process is waived (A) if omitted from a motion in the circumstances described in section (g), or (B) if it is neither made by motion under this rule nor included in a responsive pleading or an amendment thereof permitted by rule 15(a) to be made as a matter of course.

     (2) A defense of failure to state a claim upon which relief can be granted, a defense of failure to join a party indispensable under rule 19, and an objection of failure to state a legal defense to a claim may be made in any pleading permitted or ordered under rule 7(a), or by motion for judgment on the pleadings, or at the trial on the merits.

     (3) Whenever it appears by suggestion of the parties or otherwise that the court lacks jurisdiction of the subject matter, the court shall dismiss the action.

RULE 13 COUNTERCLAIM AND CROSS CLAIMS

     (a) Compulsory Counterclaims. A pleading shall state as a counterclaim any claim which at the time of serving the pleading the pleader has against any opposing party, if it arises out of the transaction or occurrence that is the subject matter of the opposing party's claim and does not require for its adjudication the presence of third parties of whom the court cannot acquire jurisdiction. But the pleader need not state the claim if (1) at the time the action was commenced the claim was the subject of another pending action, or (2) the opposing party brought suit upon his claim by attachment or other process by which the court did not acquire jurisdiction to render a personal judgment on that claim, and the pleader is not stating any counterclaim under this rule.

     (b) Permissive Counterclaims. A pleading may state as a counterclaim any claim against an opposing party not arising out of the transaction or occurrence that is the subject matter of the opposing party's claim.

     (c) Counterclaim Exceeding Opposing Claim. A counterclaim may or may not diminish or defeat the recovery sought by the opposing party. It may claim relief exceeding in amount or different in kind from that sought in the pleading of the opposing party.

     (d) Counterclaim Against the State. These rules shall not be construed to enlarge beyond the limits now fixed by law the right to assert counterclaims, or to claim credits against the State or an officer or agency thereof.

     (e) Counterclaim Maturing or Acquired After Pleading. A claim which either matured or was acquired by the pleader after serving his pleading may, with the permission of the court, be presented as a counterclaim by supplemental pleading.

     (f) Omitted Counterclaim. When a pleader fails to set up a counterclaim through oversight, inadvertence, or excusable neglect, or when justice requires, he may by leave of court set up the counterclaim by amendment.

     (g) Cross Claim Against Coparty. A pleading may state as a cross claim any claim by one party against a coparty arising out of the transaction or occurrence that is the subject matter either of the original action or of a counterclaim therein or relating to any property that is the subject matter of the original action. Such cross claim may include a claim that the party against whom it is asserted is or may be liable to the cross claimant for all or part of a claim asserted in the action against the cross claimant.

     (h) Joinder of Additional Parties. Persons other than those made parties to the original action may be made parties to a counterclaim or cross claim in accordance with the provisions of rules 19 and 20.

     (i) Separate Trials; Separate Judgment. If the court orders separate trials as provided in rule 42(b), judgment on a counterclaim or cross claim may be rendered in accordance with the terms of rule 54(b), even if the claims of the opposing party have been dismissed or otherwise disposed of.

     (j) Setoff Against Assignee. [Reserved. Does not apply to Family Law.]

     (k) Other Setoff Rules. [Reserved. Does not apply to Family Law.]

RULE 14 THIRD PARTY PRACTICE

     (a) When Respondent May Bring in Third Party. At any time after commencement of the action a defending party, as a third party petitioner, may cause a summons and petition to be served upon a person not a party to the action who is or may be liable to him for all or part of the petitioner's claim against him. The third party petitioner need not obtain leave to make the service if he files the third party petition not later than 10 days after he serves his original response. Otherwise he must obtain leave on motion upon notice to all parties to the action. The person served with the summons and third party petition, hereinafter called the third party respondent, shall make his defenses to the third party petitioner's claim as provided in rule 12 and his counterclaims against the third party petitioner and cross claims against other third party respondents as provided in rule 13. The third party respondent may assert against the petitioner any defenses which the third party petitioner has to the petitioner's claim. The third party respondent may also assert any claim against the petitioner arising out of the transaction or occurrence that is the subject matter of the petitioner's claim against the third party petitioner. The petitioner may assert any claim against the third party respondent arising out of the transaction or occurrence that is the subject matter of the petitioner's claim against the third party petitioner, and the third party respondent thereupon shall assert his defenses as provided in rule 12 and his counterclaims and cross claims as provided in rule 13. Any party may move to strike the third party claim, or for its severance or separate trial. A third party respondent may proceed under this rule against any person not a party to the action who is or may be liable to him for all or part of the claim made in the action against the third party respondent.

     (b) When Petitioner May Bring in Third Party. When a counterclaim is asserted against a petitioner, he may cause a third party to be brought in under circumstances which under this rule would entitle a respondent to do so.

RULE 15 AMENDED & SUPPLEMENTAL PLEADINGS

     (a) Amendments. A party may amend the party's pleading once as a matter of course at any time before a responsive pleading is served or, if the pleading is one to which no responsive pleading is permitted and the action has not been placed upon the trial calendar, the party may so amend it at any time within 20 days after it is served. Otherwise, a party may amend the party's pleading only by leave of court or by written consent of the adverse party; and leave shall be freely given when justice so requires. If a party moves to amend a pleading, a copy of the proposed amended pleading, denominated "proposed" and unsigned, shall be attached to the motion. If a motion to amend is granted, the moving party shall thereafter file the amended pleading and, pursuant to rule 5, serve a copy thereof on all other parties. A party shall plead in response to an amended pleading within the time remaining for response to the original pleading or within 10 days after service of the amended pleading, whichever period may be the longer, unless the court otherwise orders.

     (b) Amendments to Conform to the Evidence. When issues not raised by the pleadings are tried by express or implied consent of the parties, they shall be treated in all respects as if they had been raised in the pleadings. Such amendment of the pleadings as may be necessary to cause them to conform to the evidence and to raise these issues may be made upon motion of any party at any time, even after judgment; but failure so to amend does not affect the result of the trial of these issues. If evidence is objected to at the trial on the ground that it is not within the issues made by the pleadings, the court may allow the pleadings to be amended and shall do so freely when the presentation of the merits of the action will be subserved thereby and the objecting party fails to satisfy the court that the admission of such evidence would prejudice him in maintaining his action or defense upon the merits. The court may grant a continuance to enable the objecting party to meet such evidence.

     (c) Relation Back of Amendments. Whenever the claim or defense asserted in the amended pleading arose out of the conduct, transaction, or occurrence set forth or attempted to be set forth in the original pleading, the amendment relates back to the date of the original pleading. An amendment changing the party against whom a claim is asserted relates back if the foregoing provision is satisfied and, within the period provided by law for commencing the action against him, the party to be brought in by amendment (1) has received such notice of the institution of the action that he will not be prejudiced in maintaining his defense on the merits, and (2) knew or should have known that, but for a mistake concerning the identity of the proper party, the action would have been brought against him.

     (d) Supplemental Pleadings. Upon motion of a party the court may, upon reasonable notice and upon such terms as are just, permit him to serve a supplemental pleading setting forth transactions or occurrences or events which have happened since the date of the pleading sought to be supplemented. Permission may be granted even though the original pleading is defective in its statement of a claim for relief or defense. If the court deems it advisable that the adverse party plead to the supplemental pleading, it shall so order, specifying the time therefor.

     (e) Interlineations. No amendments shall be made to any pleading by erasing or adding words to the original on file, without first obtaining leave of court.

RULE 16 PRETRIAL PROCEDURE & FORMULATING ISSUES

     (a) Hearing Matters Considered. By order, or on the motion of any party, the court may in its discretion direct the attorneys for the parties to appear before it for a conference to consider:

     (1) The simplification of the issues;

     (2) The necessity or desirability of amendments to the pleadings;

     (3) The possibility of obtaining admissions of fact and of documents which will avoid unnecessary proof;

     (4) The limitation of the number of expert witnesses;

     (5) Such other matters as may aid in the disposition of the action.

     (b) Pretrial Order. The court shall make an order which recites the action taken at the conference, the amendments allowed to the pleadings, and the agreements made by the parties as to any of the matters considered, and which limits the issues for trial to those not disposed of by admissions or agreements of counsel; and such order when entered controls the subsequent course of the action, unless modified at the trial to prevent manifest injustice. The court in its discretion may establish by rule a pretrial calendar on which actions may be placed for consideration as above provided.

     (c) Information Exchange/Automatic Discovery. At least fourteen days prior to settlement conference or thirty days prior to trial, whichever is sooner, for any case involving a dissolution of marriage or domestic partnership or the setting of child support, the parties shall exchange to the extent such records exist, are reasonably available, and are relevant to the pending proceedings:

     (1) Complete individual and business tax returns with all schedules and applicable W-2 and 1099 forms for the past two years;

     (2) Pay stubs for the last six months;

     (3) Balance statements for mortgages, installment purchase contracts, credit cards or other debts from the date of separation to the current date;

     (4) Statements for retirement accounts, bank accounts, brokerage or investment accounts or other accounts of assets from the date of separation to the current date;

     (5) Appraisals of real or personal property;

     (6) Blue book valuations or appraisals of automotive and recreational vehicles;

     (7) Summary of tracing of separate property;

     (8) Life insurance documents;

     (9) Business valuations;

     (10) Disclosure of expert witnesses; and

     (11) Any other documents required by the local court or similar documentation, if any, including financial declarations wherever any request for monetary relief is present.

     (d) Automatic Temporary Orders Preserving Status Quo. Upon the filing of any petition under Title 26 RCW to dissolve a marriage or domestic partnership, the court may upon its own initiative issue a temporary order that includes any or all of the following non-exclusive provisions:

     (1) Restrains the parties from transferring or disposing of any property except in the usual course of business or for necessities of life absent written agreement or court order;

     (2) Restrains the parties from changing any automobile, health or other insurance absent written agreement or court order;

     (3) Makes each party responsible for his/her debts incurred subsequent to the filing of the petition;

     (4) Requires notification of extraordinary expenditures or liabilities incurred after issuance of the automatic temporary order;

     (5) Requires each party to grant the opposing party access to all tax, financial, legal and household records;

     (6) Authorizes each parent to have full access to the children's education and medical records absent a court order to the contrary; and

     (7) Restrains parents from exposing the children to negative or derogatory commentary about the other parent.

     (-) Designation of Parties. The party commencing the action shall be known as the petitioner and the opposite party as the respondent.

     (a) Real Party in Interest. Every action shall be prosecuted in the name of the real party in interest. An executor, administrator, guardian, bailee, trustee of an express trust, a party with whom or in whose name a contract has been made for the benefit of another, or a party authorized by statute may sue in his own name without joining with him the party for whose benefit the action is brought. No action shall be dismissed on the ground that it is not prosecuted in the name of the real party in interest until a reasonable time has been allowed after objection for ratification of commencement of the action by, or joinder or substitution of, the real party in interest; and such ratification, joinder, or substitution shall have the same effect as if the action had been commenced in the name of the real party in interest.

     (b) Capacity to Sue or Be Sued. [Reserved.]

     (c) Infants, or Incompetent Persons. [Reserved.]

     (1) Scope. Generally this rule does not affect statutes and rules concerning the capacity of infants and incompetents to sue or be sued. This rule only addresses representation for minors who are named as a party to an action.

     (2) Guardian ad Litem for Infant. [Reserved. See RCW 4.08.050.]

     (3) Guardian ad Litem for Incompetents. [Reserved. See RCW 4.08.060.]

     (d) Actions on Assigned Choses in Action. [Reserved. Does not apply to Family Law.]

     (e) Public Corporations. [Reserved. Does not apply to Family Law.]

     (f) Tort Actions Against State. [Reserved. Does not apply to Family Law.]

RULE 18 JOINDER OF CLAIMS & REMEDIES [Reserved. Does not apply to Family Law.]

RULE 19 JOINDER OF PERSONS NEEDED FOR JUST ADJUDICATION

     (a) Persons To Be Joined if Feasible. A person who is subject to service of process and whose joinder will not deprive the court of jurisdiction over the subject matter of the action shall be joined as a party in the action if (1) in his absence complete relief cannot be accorded among those already parties, or (2) he claims an interest relating to the subject of the action and is so situated that the disposition of the action in his absence may (A) as a practical matter impair or impede his ability to protect that interest or (B) leave any of the persons already parties subject to a substantial risk of incurring double, multiple, or otherwise inconsistent obligations by reason of his claimed interest. If he has not been so joined, the court shall order that he be made a party. If he should join as a petitioner but refuses to do so, he may be made a respondent, or, in a proper case, an involuntary petitioner. If the joined party objects to venue and his joinder would render the venue of the action improper, he shall be dismissed from the action.

     (b) Determination by Court Whenever Joinder Not Feasible. If a person joinable under (1) or (2) of section (a) hereof cannot be made a party, the court shall determine whether in equity and good conscience the action should proceed among the parties before it, or should be dismissed, the absent person being thus regarded as indispensable. The factors to be considered by the court include: (1) to what extent a judgment rendered in the person's absence might be prejudicial to him or those already parties; (2) the extent to which, by protective provisions in the judgment, by the shaping of relief, or other measures, the prejudice can be lessened or avoided; (3) whether a judgment rendered in the persons absence will be adequate; (4) whether the petitioner will have an adequate remedy if the action is dismissed for nonjoinder.

     (c) Pleading Reasons for Nonjoinder. A pleading asserting a claim for relief shall state the names, if known to the pleader, of any persons joinable under (1) or (2) of section (a) hereof who are not joined, and the reasons why they are not joined.

     (d) Exception of Class Actions. [Reserved. Does not apply to Family Law.]

     (e) Husband and Wife Must Join -- Exceptions. [Reserved. See RCW 4.08.030.]

RULE 20 PERMISSIVE JOINDER OF PARTIES

     (a) Permissive Joinder. All persons may join in one action as petitioners if they assert any right to relief jointly, severally, or in the alternative in respect of or arising out of the same transaction, occurrence, or series of transactions or occurrences and if any question of law or fact common to all of these persons will arise in the action. All persons may be joined in one action as respondents if there is asserted against them jointly, severally, or in the alternative, any right to relief in respect of or arising out of the same transaction, occurrence, or series of transactions or occurrences and if any question of law or fact common to all respondents will arise in the action. A petitioner or respondent need not be interested in obtaining or defending against all the relief demanded. Judgment may be given for one or more of the petitioners according to their respective rights to relief, and against one or more respondents according to their respective liabilities.

     (b) Separate Trials. The court may make such orders as will prevent a party from being embarrassed, delayed, or put to expense by the inclusion of a party against whom he asserts no claim and who asserts no claim against him, and may order separate trials or make other orders to prevent delay or prejudice.

     (c) When Husband and Wife May Join. [Reserved. See RCW 4.08.040.]

     (d) Service on Joint Respondents; Procedure After Service. When the action is against two or more respondents and the summons is served on one or more but not on all of them, the petitioner may proceed as follows:

     (1) If the action is against the respondents jointly indebted upon a contract, he may proceed against the respondents served unless the court otherwise directs; and if he recovers judgment it may be entered against all the respondents thus jointly indebted so far only as it may be enforced against the joint property of all and the separate property of the respondents served.

     (2) If the action is against respondents severally liable, he may proceed against the respondents served in the same manner as if they were the only respondents.

     (3) Though all the respondents may have been served with the summons, judgment may be taken against any of them severally, when the petitioner would be entitled to judgment against such respondents if the action had been against them alone.

     (e) Procedure To Bind Joint Debtor. [Reserved. See RCW 4.68.]

RULE 21 MISJOINDER AND NONJOINDER OF PARTIES

     Misjoinder of parties is not ground for dismissal of an action. Parties may be dropped or added by order of the court on motion of any party or of its own initiative at any stage of the action and on such terms as are just. Any claim against a party may be severed and proceeded with separately.

RULE 22 [Reserved.]

RULE 23 [Reserved.]

RULE 23.1 [Reserved.]

RULE 23.2 [Reserved.]

RULE 24 INTERVENTION

     (a) Intervention of Right. Upon timely application anyone shall be permitted to intervene in an action: (1) when a statute confers an unconditional right to intervene; or (2) when the applicant claims an interest relating to the property or transaction which is the subject of the action and he is so situated that the disposition of the action may as a practical matter impair or impede his ability to protect that interest, unless the applicant's interest is adequately represented by existing parties.

     (b) Permissive Intervention. Upon timely application, anyone may be permitted to intervene in an action:

     (1) When a statute confers a conditional right to intervene; or

     (2) When an applicant's claim or defense and the main action have a question of law or fact in common. When a party to an action relies for ground of claim or defense upon any statute or executive order administered by a federal or state governmental officer or agency or upon any regulation, order, requirements, or agreement issued or made pursuant to the statute or executive order, the officer or agency upon timely application may be permitted to intervene in the action. In exercising its discretion the court shall consider whether the intervention will unduly delay or prejudice the adjudication of the rights of the original parties.

     (c) Procedure. A person desiring to intervene shall serve a motion to intervene upon all the parties as provided in rule 5. The motion shall state the grounds therefor and shall be accompanied by a pleading setting forth the claim or defense for which intervention is sought.

RULE 25 SUBSTITUTION OF PARTIES

     (a) Death.

     (1) Procedure. If a party dies and the claim is not thereby extinguished, the court may order substitution of the proper parties. The motion for substitution may be made by the successors or representatives of the deceased party or by any party and, together with the notice of hearing, shall be served on the parties as provided by rule 5 for service of notices, and upon persons not parties in the manner provided by statute or by rule for the service of a summons. If substitution is not made within the time authorized by law, the action may be dismissed as to the deceased party.

     (2) Partial Abatement. In the event of the death of one or more of the petitioners or of one or more of the respondents in an action in which the right sought to be enforced survives only to the surviving petitioners or only against the surviving respondents, the action does not abate. The death shall be suggested upon the record and the action shall proceed in favor of or against the surviving parties.

     (b) Incompetency. If a party becomes incompetent, the court upon motion served as provided in section (a) of this rule may allow the action to be continued by or against his representative.

     (c) Transfer of Interest. In case of any transfer of interest, the action may be continued by or against the original party unless the court upon motion directs the person to whom the interest is transferred to be substituted in the action or joined with the original party. Service of the motion shall be made as provided in section (a) of this rule.

     (d) [Reserved.]

     (a) Discovery Methods. Parties may obtain discovery by one or more of the following methods: depositions upon oral examination or written questions; written interrogatories; production of documents or things or permission to enter upon land or other property, for inspection and other purposes; physical and mental examinations; and requests for admission.

     (b) Discovery Scope and Limits. Unless otherwise limited by order of the court in accordance with these rules, the scope of discovery is as follows:

     (1) In General. Parties may obtain discovery regarding any matter, not privileged, which is relevant to the subject matter involved in the pending action, whether it relates to the claim or defense of the party seeking discovery or to the claim or defense of any other party, including the existence, description, nature, custody, condition and location of any books, documents, or other tangible things and the identity and location of persons having knowledge of any discoverable matter. It is not ground for objection that the information sought will be inadmissible at the trial if the information sought appears reasonably calculated to lead to the discovery of admissible evidence. The frequency or extent of use of the discovery methods set forth in section (a) shall be limited by the court if it determines that: (A) the discovery sought is unreasonably cumulative or duplicative, or is obtainable from some other source that is more convenient, less burdensome, or less expensive; (B) the party seeking discovery has had ample opportunity by discovery in the action to obtain the information sought; or (C) the discovery is unduly burdensome or expensive, taking into account the needs of the case, the amount in controversy, limitations on the parties' resources, and the importance of the issues at stake in the litigation. The court may act upon its own initiative after reasonable notice or pursuant to a motion under section (c).

     (2) Insurance Agreements. A party may obtain discovery and production of: (i) the existence and contents of any insurance agreement under which any person carrying on an insurance business may be liable to satisfy part or all of a judgment which may be entered in the action or to indemnify or reimburse for payments made to satisfy the judgment; and (ii) any documents affecting coverage (such as denying coverage, extending coverage, or reserving rights) from or on behalf of such person to the covered person or the covered person's representative. Information concerning the insurance agreement is not by reason of disclosure admissible in evidence at trial. For purposes of this section, an application for insurance shall not be treated as part of an insurance agreement.

     (3) Structured Settlements and Awards. In a case where a settlement or final award provides for all or part of the recovery to be paid in the future, a party entitled to such payments may obtain disclosure of the actual cost to the respondent of making such payments. This disclosure may be obtained during settlement negotiations upon written demand by a party entitled to such payments. If disclosure of cost is demanded, the respondent may withdraw the offer of a structured settlement at any time before the offer is accepted.

     (4) Trial Preparation: Materials. Subject to the provisions of subsection (b)(5) of this rule, a party may obtain discovery of documents and tangible things otherwise discoverable under subsection (b)(1) of this rule and prepared in anticipation of litigation or for trial by or for another party or by or for that other party's representative (including his attorney, consultant, surety, indemnitor, insurer, or agent) only upon a showing that the party seeking discovery has substantial need of the materials in the preparation of his case and that he is unable without undue hardship to obtain the substantial equivalent of the materials by other means. In ordering discovery of such materials when the required showing has been made, the court shall protect against disclosure of the mental impressions, conclusions, opinions, or legal theories of an attorney or other representative of a party concerning the litigation. A party may obtain without the required showing a statement concerning the action or its subject matter previously made by that party. Upon request, a person not a party may obtain without the required showing a statement concerning the action or its subject matter previously made by that person. If the request is refused, the person may move for a court order. The provisions of rule 37 (a)(4) apply to the award of expenses incurred in relation to the motion. For purposes of this section, a statement previously made is: (A) a written statement signed or otherwise adopted or approved by the person making it; or (B) a stenographic, mechanical, electrical, or other recording, or a transcription thereof, which is substantially verbatim recital of an oral statement by the person making it and contemporaneously recorded.

     (5) Trial Preparation: Experts. Discovery of facts known and opinions held by experts, otherwise discoverable under the provisions of subsection (b)(1) of this rule and acquired or developed in anticipation of litigation or for trial, may be obtained only as follows:

     (A)(i) A party may through interrogatories require any other party to identify each person whom the other party expects to call as an expert witness at trial, to state the subject matter on which the expert is expected to testify, to state the substance of the facts and opinions to which the expert is expected to testify and a summary of the grounds for each opinion, and to state such other information about the expert as may be discoverable under these rules. (ii) A party may, subject to the provisions of this rule and of rules 30 and 31, depose each person whom any other party expects to call as an expert witness at trial.

     (B) A party may discover facts known or opinions held by an expert who is not expected to be called as a witness at trial, only as provided in rule 35(b) or upon a showing of exceptional circumstances under which it is impracticable for the party seeking discovery to obtain facts or opinions on the same subject by other means.

     (C) Unless manifest injustice would result, (i) the court shall require that the party seeking discovery pay the expert a reasonable fee for time spent in responding to discovery under subsections (b)(5)(A)(ii) and (b)(5)(B) of this rule; and (ii) with respect to discovery obtained under subsection (b)(5)(A)(ii) of this rule the court may require, and with respect to discovery obtained under subsection (b)(5)(B) of this rule the court shall require the party seeking discovery to pay the other party a fair portion of the fees and expenses reasonably incurred by the latter party in obtaining facts and opinions from the expert.

     (6) Claims of Privilege or Protection as Trial-Preparation Materials for Information Produced. If information produced in discovery is subject to a claim of privilege or of protection as trial-preparation material, the party making the claim may notify any party that received the information of the claim and the basis for it. After being notified, a party must promptly return, sequester, or destroy the specified information and any copies it has; must not use or disclose the information until the claim is resolved; and must take reasonable steps to retrieve the information if the party disclosed it before being notified. Either party may promptly present the information in camera to the court for a determination of the claim. The producing party must preserve the information until the claim is resolved.

     (7) Discovery From Treating Health Care Providers. The party seeking discovery from a treating health care provider shall pay a reasonable fee for the reasonable time spent in responding to the discovery. If no agreement for the amount of the fee is reached in advance, absent an order to the contrary under section (c), the discovery shall occur and the health care provider or any party may later seek an order setting the amount of the fee to be paid by the party who sought the discovery. This subsection shall not apply to the provision of records under RCW 70.02 or any similar statute, nor to discovery authorized under any rules for criminal matters.

     (8) Treaties or Conventions. If the methods of discovery provided by applicable treaty or convention are inadequate or inequitable and additional discovery is not prohibited by the treaty or convention, a party may employ the discovery methods described in these rules to supplement the discovery method provided by such treaty or convention.

     (c) Protective Orders. Upon motion by a party or by the person from whom discovery is sought, and for good cause shown, the court in which the action is pending or alternatively, on matters relating to a deposition, the court in the county where the deposition is to be taken may make any order which justice requires to protect a party or person from annoyance, embarrassment, oppression, or undue burden or expense, including one or more of the following:

     (1) that the discovery not be had;

     (2) that the discovery may be had only on specified terms and conditions, including a designation of the time or place;

     (3) that the discovery may be had only by a method of discovery other than that selected by the party seeking discovery;

     (4) that certain matters not be inquired into, or that the scope of the discovery be limited to certain matters;

     (5) that discovery be conducted with no one present except persons designated by the court;

     (6) that the contents of a deposition not be disclosed or be disclosed only in a designated way;

     (7) that a trade secret or other confidential research, development, or commercial information not be disclosed or be disclosed only in a designated way;

     (8) that the parties simultaneously file specified documents or information enclosed in sealed envelopes to be opened as directed by the court.

     If the motion for a protective order is denied in whole or in part, the court may, on such terms and conditions as are just, order that any party or person provide or permit discovery. The provisions of rule 37 (a)(4) apply to the award of expenses incurred in relation to the motion.

     (d) Sequence and Timing of Discovery. Unless the court upon motion, for the convenience of parties and witnesses and in the interests of justice, orders otherwise, methods of discovery may be used in any sequence and the fact that a party is conducting discovery, whether by deposition or otherwise, shall not operate to delay any other party's discovery.

     (e) Supplementation of Responses. A party who has responded to a request for discovery with a response that was complete when made is under no duty to supplement his response to include information thereafter acquired, except as follows:

     (1) A party is under a duty seasonably to supplement his response with respect to any question directly addressed to: (A) the identity and location of persons having knowledge of discoverable matters; and (B) the identity of each person expected to be called as an expert witness at trial, the subject matter on which he is expected to testify, and the substance of his testimony.

     (2) A party is under a duty seasonably to amend a prior response if he obtains information upon the basis of which: (A) he knows that the response was incorrect when made; or (B) he knows that the response though correct when made is no longer true and the circumstances are such that a failure to amend the response is in substance a knowing concealment.

     (3) A duty to supplement responses may be imposed by order of the court, agreement of the parties, or at any time prior to trial through new requests for supplementation of prior responses.

     (4) Failure to seasonably supplement in accordance with this rule will subject the party to such terms and conditions as the trial court may deem appropriate.

     (f) Discovery Conference. At any time after commencement of an action the court may direct the attorneys for the parties to appear before it for a conference on the subject of discovery. The court shall do so upon motion by the attorney for any party if the motion includes:

     (1) A statement of the issues as they then appear;

     (2) A proposed plan and schedule of discovery;

     (3) Any limitations proposed to be placed on discovery;

     (4) Any other proposed orders with respect to discovery; and

     (5) A statement showing that the attorney making the motion has made a reasonable effort to reach agreement with opposing attorneys on the matters set forth in the motion.

     Each party and his attorney are under a duty to participate in good faith in the framing of a discovery plan if a plan is proposed by the attorney for any party. Notice of the motion shall be served on all parties. Objections or additions to matters set forth in the motion shall be served not later than 10 days after service of the motion. Following the discovery conference, the court shall enter an order tentatively identifying the issues for discovery purposes, establishing a plan and schedule for discovery, setting limitations on discovery, if any, and determining such other matters, including the allocation of expenses, as are necessary for the proper management of discovery in the action. An order may be altered or amended whenever justice so requires. Subject to the right of a party who properly moves for a discovery conference to prompt convening of the conference, the court may combine the discovery conference with a pretrial conference authorized by rule 16.

     (g) Signing of Discovery Requests, Responses, and Objections. Every request for discovery or response or objection thereto made by a party represented by an attorney shall be signed by at least one attorney of record in his individual name, whose address shall be stated. A party who is not represented by an attorney shall sign the request, response, or objection and state his address. The signature of the attorney or party constitutes a certification that he has read the request, response, or objection, and that to the best of his knowledge, information, and belief formed after a reasonable inquiry it is:

     (1) consistent with these rules and warranted by existing law or a good faith argument for the extension, modification, or reversal of existing law;

     (2) not interposed for any improper purpose, such as to harass or to cause unnecessary delay or needless increase in the cost of litigation; and

     (3) not unreasonable or unduly burdensome or expensive, given the needs of the case, the discovery already had in the case, the amount in controversy, and the importance of the issues at stake in the litigation. If a request, response, or objection is not signed, it shall be stricken unless it is signed promptly after the omission is called to the attention of the party making the request, response, or objection and a party shall not be obligated to take any action with respect to it until it is signed.

     If a certification is made in violation of the rule, the court, upon motion or upon its own initiative, shall impose upon the person who made the certification, the party on whose behalf the request, response, or objection is made, or both, an appropriate sanction, which may include an order to pay the amount of the reasonable expenses incurred because of the violation, including a reasonable attorney fee.

     (h) Use of Discovery Materials. A party filing discovery materials on order of the court or for use in a proceeding or trial shall file only those portions upon which the party relies and may file a copy in lieu of the original.

     (i) Motions; Conference of Counsel Required. The court will not entertain any motion or objection with respect to rules 26 through 37 unless counsel have conferred with respect to the motion or objection. Counsel for the moving or objecting party shall arrange for a mutually convenient conference in person or by telephone. If the court finds that counsel for any party, upon whom a motion or objection in respect to matters covered by such rules has been served, has willfully refused or failed to confer in good faith, the court may apply the sanctions provided under rule 37(b). Any motion seeking an order to compel discovery or obtain protection shall include counsel's certification that the conference requirements of this rule have been met.

     (j) Access to Discovery Materials Under RCW 4.24 [Reserved. Does not Apply to Family Law.]

     (k) Information Exchange/Automatic Discovery. The parties shall comply with FLCR 16(c) with respect to exchanging information prior to a settlement conference or trial.

RULE 27 PERPETUATION OF TESTIMONY

     (a) Perpetuation Before Action.

     (1) Petition. A person who desires to perpetuate his own testimony or that of another person regarding any matter that may be cognizable in any superior court may file a verified petition in the superior court in the county of the residence of any expected adverse party. The petition shall be entitled in the name of the petitioner and shall show:

     (A) that the petitioner expects to be a party to an action cognizable in a superior court but is presently unable to bring it or cause it to be brought;

     (B) the subject matter of the expected action and his interest therein;

     (C) the facts which he desires to establish by the proposed testimony and his reasons for desiring to perpetuate it;

     (D) the names or a description of the persons he expects will be adverse parties and their addresses so far as known; and

     (E) the names and addresses of the persons to be examined and the substance of the testimony which he expects to elicit from each, and shall ask for an order authorizing the petitioner to take the depositions of the persons to be examined named in the petition, for the purpose of perpetuating their testimony.

     (2) Notice and Service. The petitioner shall thereafter serve a notice upon each person named in the petition as an expected adverse party, together with a copy of the petition, stating that the petitioner will apply to the court, at a time and place named therein, for the order described in the petition. At least 20 days before the date of hearing the notice shall be served in the manner provided by law for service of summons; but if such service cannot with due diligence be made upon any expected adverse party named in the petition, the court may make such order as is just for service by publication or otherwise, and shall appoint, for persons not served personally in the manner provided by law, an attorney who shall represent them and, in case they are not otherwise represented, shall cross-examine the deponent. If any expected adverse party is a minor or incompetent, the court shall make such order as deemed appropriate for the protection of the minor or incompetent as provided in RCW 4.08.050 and 4.08.060.

     (3) Order and Examination. If the court is satisfied that the perpetuation of the testimony may prevent a failure or delay of justice, it shall make an order designating or describing the persons whose depositions may be taken and specifying the subject matter of the examination and whether the depositions shall be taken upon oral examination or written interrogatories. The depositions may then be taken in accordance with these rules; and the court may make orders of the character provided for by rules 34 and 35. For the purpose of applying these rules to depositions for perpetuating testimony, each reference therein to the court in which the action is pending shall be deemed to refer to the court in which the petition for such deposition was filed.

     (4) Use of Deposition. If a deposition to perpetuate testimony is taken under these rules or if, although not so taken, it would be admissible in evidence in the courts of the state in which it is taken, it may be used in any action involving the same subject matter subsequently brought in a superior court of this state, in accordance with the provisions of rule 32(a).

     (b) Perpetuation Pending Appeal. If an appeal has been taken from a judgment of a superior court or before the taking of an appeal if the time therefor has not expired, the superior court in which the judgment was rendered may allow the taking of the depositions of witnesses to perpetuate their testimony for use in the event of further proceedings in the superior court. In such case the party who desires to perpetuate the testimony may make a motion in the superior court for leave to take the depositions, upon the same notice and service thereof as if the action was pending in the superior court. The motion shall show (1) the names and addresses of the persons to be examined and the substance of the testimony which he expects to elicit from each; (2) the reasons for perpetuating their testimony. If the court finds that the perpetuation of the testimony is proper to avoid a failure or delay of justice, it may make an order allowing the depositions to be taken and may make orders of the character provided for by rules 34 and 35, and thereupon the depositions may be taken and used in the same manner and under the same conditions as are prescribed in these rules for depositions taken in actions pending in the superior court.

     (c) Perpetuation by Action. This rule does not limit the power of a court to entertain an action to perpetuate testimony.

RULE 28 PERSONS BEFORE WHOM DEPOSITIONS MAY BE TAKEN

     (-) Within the State. Depositions within the state may be taken before the following officers:

     (1) Court Commissioners. [Reserved. See RCW 2.24.040 (9) and (10).]

     (2) Superior Courts. [Reserved. See RCW 2.28.010(7).]

     (3) Judicial Officers. [Reserved. See RCW 2.28.060.]

     (4) Judges of Supreme and Superior Courts. [Reserved. See RCW 2.28.080(3).]

     (5) Judicial Officers of Courts of Limited Jurisdiction. [Reserved. See RCW 2.28.090.]

     (6) Notaries Public. [Reserved. See RCW 5.28.010 and 42.44.010.]

     (7) Special Commissions. [Reserved. See RCW 11.20.030.]

     (a) Within the United States. Within the United States or within a territory or insular possession subject to the dominion of the United States, depositions shall be taken before an officer authorized to administer oaths by the laws of the United States or of the place where the examination is held, or before a person appointed by the court in which the action is pending. A person so appointed has power to administer oaths and take testimony. The term "officer" as used in rules 30, 31, and 32 includes a person appointed by the court or designated by the parties under rule 29.

     (b) In Foreign Countries. In a foreign country, depositions may be taken (1) on notice before a person authorized to administer oaths in the place in which the examination is held, either by the law thereof or by the law of the United States, or (2) before a person commissioned by the court, and the person so commissioned shall have the power by virtue of his commission to administer any necessary oath and take testimony, or (3) pursuant to a letter rogatory or a letter of request, or (4) pursuant to the means and terms of any applicable treaty or convention. A commission, a letter rogatory, or a letter of request shall be issued on application and notice, and on terms that are just and appropriate. It is not requisite to the issuance of a commission, a letter rogatory, or a letter of request that the taking of the deposition in any other manner is impracticable or inconvenient; and a commission, a letter rogatory, and a letter of request may all be issued in proper cases. A notice or commission may designate the person before whom the deposition is to be taken either by name or by descriptive title. A letter rogatory may be addressed "To the Appropriate Authority in (here name the country)." A letter of request or any other device permitted by any applicable treaty or convention shall be styled in the form prescribed by that treaty or convention. Evidence obtained in response to a letter rogatory or a letter of request need not be excluded merely for the reason that it is not a verbatim transcript or that the testimony was not taken under oath or for any similar departure from the requirements for depositions taken within the United States under these rules.

     (c) Disqualification for Interest. No deposition shall be taken before a person who is a relative or employee or attorney or counsel of any of the parties, or is a relative or employee of such attorney or counsel, or is financially interested in the action.

     (d) Equal Terms Required. Any arrangement concerning court reporting services or fees in a case shall be offered to all parties on equal terms. This rule applies to any arrangement or agreement between the person before whom a deposition is taken or a court reporting firm, consortium or other organization providing a court reporter, and any party or any person arranging or paying for court reporting services in the case, including any attorney, law firm, person or entity with a financial interest in the outcome of the litigation, or person or entity paying for court reporting services in the case.

RULE 29 STIPULATIONS REGARDING DISCOVERY PROCEDURE

     Unless the court orders otherwise, the parties may by written stipulation (1) provide that depositions may be taken before any person, at any time or place, upon any notice and in any manner and when so taken may be used like other depositions, and (2) modify the procedures provided by these rules for other methods of discovery.

RULE 30 DEPOSITIONS UPON ORAL EXAMINATION

     (a) When Depositions May Be Taken. After the summons and a copy of the petition are served, or the petition is filed, whichever shall first occur, any party may take the testimony of any person, including a party, by deposition upon oral examination. Leave of court, granted with or without notice, must be obtained only if the petitioner seeks to take a deposition prior to the expiration of 30 days after service of the summons and petition upon any respondent or service made under rule 4(e), except that leave is not required (1) if a respondent has served a notice of taking deposition or otherwise sought discovery, or (2) if special notice is given as provided in subsection (b)(2) of this rule. The attendance of witnesses may be compelled by subpoena as provided in Rule 45. The deposition of a person confined in prison may be taken only by leave of court on such terms as the court prescribes.

     (b) Notice of Examination: General Requirements; Special Notice; Nonstenographic Recording; Production of Documents and Things; Deposition of Organization; Video Tape Recording.

     (1) A party desiring to take the deposition of any person upon oral examination shall give reasonable notice in writing of not less than 5 days (exclusive of the day of service, Saturdays, Sundays and court holidays) to every other party to the action and to the deponent, if not a party or a managing agent of a party. Notice to a deponent who is not a party or a managing agent of a party may be given by mail or by any means reasonably likely to provide actual notice. The notice shall state the time and place for taking the deposition and the name and address of each person to be examined, if known, and, if the name is not known, a general description sufficient to identify him or the particular class or group to which he belongs. If a subpoena duces tecum is to be served on the person to be examined, the designation of the materials to be produced as set forth in the subpoena shall be attached to or included in the notice. A party seeking to compel the attendance of a deponent who is not a party or a managing agent of a party must serve a subpoena on that deponent in accordance with rule 45. Failure to give 5 days notice to a deponent who is not a party or a managing agent of a party may be grounds for the imposition of sanctions in favor of the deponent, but shall not constitute grounds for quashing the subpoena.

     (2) Leave of court is not required for the taking of a deposition by petitioner if the notice (A) states that the person to be examined is about to go out of the state and will be unavailable for examination unless his deposition is taken before expiration of the 30-day period, and (B) sets forth facts to support the statement. The petitioner's attorney shall sign the notice, and his signature constitutes a certification by him that to the best of his knowledge, information, and belief the statement and supporting facts are true. The sanctions provided by rule 11 are applicable to the certification. If a party shows that when he was served with notice under this subsection (b)(2) he was unable through the exercise of diligence to obtain counsel to represent him at the taking of the deposition, the deposition may not be used against him.

     (3) The court may for cause shown enlarge or shorten the time for taking the deposition.

     (4) The parties may stipulate in writing or the court may upon motion order that the testimony at a deposition be recorded by other than stenographic means. The stipulation or the order shall designate the person before whom the deposition shall be taken, the manner of recording, preserving, and filing the deposition, and may include other provisions to assure that the recorded testimony will be accurate and trustworthy. A party may arrange to have a stenographic transcription made at his own expense. Any objections under section (c), any changes made by the witness, his signature identifying the deposition as his own or the statement of the officer that is required if the witness does not sign, as provided in section (e), and the certification of the officer required by section (f) shall be set forth in a writing to accompany a deposition recorded by nonstenographic means.

     (5) The notice to a party deponent may be accompanied by a request made in compliance with rule 34 for the production of documents and tangible things at the taking of the deposition. The procedure of rule 34 shall apply to the request, including the time established by rule 34(b) for the party to respond to the request.

     (6) A party may in his notice and in a subpoena name as the deponent a public or private corporation or a partnership or association or governmental agency and designate with reasonable particularity the matters on which examination is requested. In that event the organization so named shall designate one or more officers, directors, or managing agents, or other persons who consent to testify on its behalf, and may set forth, for each person designated, the matters known on which he will testify. A subpoena shall advise a nonparty organization of its duty to make such a designation. The persons so designated shall testify as to the matters known or reasonably available to the organization. This subsection (b)(6) does not preclude taking a deposition by any other procedure authorized in these rules.

     (7) The parties may stipulate in writing or the court may upon motion order that a deposition be taken by telephone or by other electronic means. For the purposes of this rule and rules 28(a), 37 (a)(1), 37 (b)(1), and 45(d), a deposition taken by telephone or by other electronic means is taken at the place where the deponent is to answer questions propounded to him.

     (8) Videotaping of depositions.

     (A) Any party may videotape the deposition of any party or witness without leave of court provided that written notice is served on all parties not less than 20 days before the deposition date, and specifically states that the deposition will be recorded on videotape. Failure to so state shall preclude the use of videotape equipment at the deposition, absent agreement of the parties or court order.

     (B) No party may videotape a deposition within 120 days of the later of the date of filing or service of the lawsuit, absent agreement of the parties or court order.

     (C) On motion of a party made prior to the deposition, the court shall order that a videotape deposition be postponed or begun subject to being continued, on such terms as are just, if the court finds that the deposition is to be taken before the moving party has had an adequate opportunity to prepare, by discovery deposition of the deponent or other means, for cross examination of the deponent.

     (D) Unless otherwise stipulated to by the parties, the expense of videotaping shall be borne by the noting party and shall not be taxed as costs. Any party, at that party's expense, may obtain a copy of the videotape.

     (E) A stenographic record of the deposition shall be made simultaneously with the videotape at the expense of the noting party.

     (F) The area to be used for videotaping testimony shall be suitable in size, have adequate lighting and be reasonably quiet. The physical arrangements shall be fair to all parties. The deposition shall begin by a statement on the record of: (a) the operators name, address and telephone number, (b) the name and address of the operator's employer, (c) the date, time and place of the deposition, (d) the caption of the case, (e) the name of the deponent, and (f) the name of the party giving notice of the deposition. The officer before whom the deposition is taken shall be identified and swear the deponent on camera. At the conclusion of the deposition, it shall be stated on the record that the deposition is concluded. When more than one tape is used, the operator shall announce on camera the end of each tape and the beginning of the next tape.

     (G) Absent agreement of the parties or court order, if all or any part of the videotape will be offered at trial, the party offering it must order the stenographic record to be fully transcribed at that party's expense. A party intending to offer a videotaped recording of a deposition in evidence shall notify all parties in writing of that intent and the parts of the deposition to be offered within sufficient time for a stenographic transcript to be prepared, and for objections to be made and ruled on before the trial or hearing. Objections to all or part of the deposition shall be made in writing within sufficient time to allow for rulings on them and for editing of the tape. The court shall permit further designations of testimony and objections as fairness may require. In excluding objectionable testimony or comments or objections of counsel, the court may order that an edited copy of the videotape be made, or that the person playing the tape at trial suppress the objectionable portions of the tape. In no event, however, shall the original videotape be affected by any editing process.

     (H) After the deposition has been taken, the operator of the videotape equipment shall attach to the videotape a certificate that the recording is a correct and complete record of the testimony by the deponent. Unless otherwise agreed by the parties on the record, the operator shall retain custody of the original videotape. The custodian shall store it under conditions that will protect it against loss or destruction or tampering, and shall preserve as far as practicable the quality of the tape and the technical integrity of the testimony and images it contains. The custodian of the original videotape shall retain custody of it until 6 months after final disposition of the action, unless the court, on motion of any party and for good cause shown, orders that the tape be preserved for a longer period.

     (I) The use of videotaped depositions shall be subject to rule 32.

     (c) Examination and Cross Examination; Record of Examination; Oath; Objections. Examination and cross examination of witnesses may proceed as permitted at the trial under the provisions of the Washington Rules of Evidence (ER). The officer before whom the deposition is to be taken shall put the witness on oath and shall personally, or by someone acting under the officer's direction and in the officer's presence, record the testimony of the witness. The testimony shall be taken stenographically or recorded by any other means ordered in accordance with subsection (b)(4) of this rule. If requested by one of the parties, the testimony shall be transcribed. All objections made at the time of the examination to the qualifications of the officer taking the deposition, or to the manner of taking it, or to the evidence presented, or to the conduct of any party, and any other objection to the proceedings, shall be noted by the officer upon the deposition. Evidence objected to shall be taken subject to the objections. A judge of the superior court, or a special master if one is appointed pursuant to rule 53.3, may make telephone rulings on objections made during depositions. In lieu of participating in the oral examination, parties may serve written questions in a sealed envelope on the party taking the deposition and he shall transmit them to the officer, who shall propound them to the witness and record the answers verbatim.

     (d) Motion To Terminate or Limit Examination. At any time during the taking of the deposition, on motion of a party or of the deponent and upon a showing that the examination is being conducted in bad faith or in such manner as unreasonably to annoy, embarrass, or oppress the deponent or party, the court in which the action is pending or the court in the county where the deposition is being taken may order the officer conducting the examination to cease forthwith from taking the deposition, or may limit the scope and manner of the taking of the deposition as provided in rule 26(c). If the order made terminates the examination, it shall be resumed thereafter only upon the order of the court in which the action is pending. Upon demand of the objecting party or deponent, the taking of the deposition shall be suspended for the time necessary to make a motion for an order. The provisions of rule 37 (a)(4) apply to the award of expenses incurred in relation to the motion.

     (e) Submission to Witness; Changes; Signing. When the testimony is fully transcribed the deposition shall be submitted to the witness for examination and shall be read to or by the witness, unless such examination and reading are waived by the witness and by the parties. Any changes in form or substance which the witness desires to make shall be entered upon the deposition by the officer with a statement of the reasons given by the witness for making them. The deposition shall then be signed by the witness, unless the parties by stipulation waive the signing or the witness is ill or cannot be found or refuses to sign. If the deposition is not signed by the witness within 30 days of its submission to the witness, the officer shall sign it and state on the record the fact of the waiver or of the illness or absence of the witness or the fact of the refusal to sign together with the reason, if any, given therefor; and the deposition may then be used as fully as though signed unless on a motion to suppress under rule 32 (d)(4) the court holds that the reasons given for the refusal to sign require rejection of the deposition in whole or in part.

     (f) Certification and Service by Officer; Exhibits; Copies; Notice.

     (1) The officer shall certify on the deposition transcript that the witness was duly sworn and that the transcript is a true record of the testimony given by the witness. The officer shall then secure the transcript in an envelope endorsed with the title of the action and marked "Deposition of (here insert name of witness)" and shall promptly serve it on the person who ordered the transcript, unless the court orders otherwise. Documents and things produced for inspection during the examination of the witness, shall, upon the request of a party, be marked for identification and annexed to and returned with the deposition, and may be inspected and copied by any party, except that (A) the person producing the materials may substitute copies to be marked for identification, if the person affords to all parties fair opportunity to verify the copies by comparison with the originals, and (B) if the person producing the materials requests their return, the officer shall mark them, give each party an opportunity to inspect and copy them, and return them to the person producing them, and the materials may then be used in the same manner as if annexed to and returned with the deposition. Any party may move for an order that the original be annexed to the deposition transcript and filed with the court, pending final disposition of the case.

     (2) Upon payment of reasonable charges therefor, the officer shall furnish a copy of the deposition transcript to any party or the deponent.

     (3) The officer serving or filing the deposition transcript shall give prompt notice of such action to all parties and file such notice with the clerk of the court.

     (g) Failure To Attend or To Serve Subpoena; Expenses.

     (1) If the party giving the notice of the taking of a deposition fails to attend and proceed therewith and another party attends in person or by attorney pursuant to the notice, the court may order the party giving the notice to pay to such other party the reasonable expenses incurred by him and his attorney in attending, including reasonable attorney fees.

     (2) If the party giving the notice of the taking of a deposition of a witness fails to serve a subpoena upon him and the witness because of such failure does not attend, and if another party attends in person or by attorney because he expects the deposition of that witness to be taken, the court may order the party giving the notice to pay to such other party the reasonable expenses incurred by him and his attorney in attending, including reasonable attorney fees.

     (h) Conduct of Depositions. The following shall govern deposition practice:

     (1) Conduct of Examining Counsel. Examining counsel will refrain from asking questions he or she knows to be beyond the legitimate scope of discovery, and from undue repetition.

     (2) Objections. Only objections which are not reserved for time of trial by these rules or which are based on privileges or raised to questions seeking information beyond the scope of discovery may be made during the course of the deposition. All objections shall be concise and must not suggest or coach answers from the deponent. Argumentative interruptions by counsel shall not be permitted.

     (3) Instructions Not To Answer. Instructions to the deponent not to answer questions are improper, except when based upon privilege or pursuant to rule 30(d). When a privilege is claimed the deponent shall nevertheless answer questions related to the existence, extent, or waiver of the privilege, such as the date of communication, identity of the declarant, and in whose presence the statement was made.

     (4) Responsiveness. Witnesses shall be instructed to answer all questions directly and without evasion to the extent of their testimonial knowledge, unless properly instructed by counsel not to answer.

     (5) Private Consultation. Except where agreed to, attorneys shall not privately confer with deponents during the deposition between a question and an answer except for the purpose of determining the existence of privilege. Conferences with attorneys during normal recesses and at adjournment are permissible unless prohibited by the court.

     (6) Courtroom Standard. All counsel and parties shall conduct themselves in depositions with the same courtesy and respect for the rules that are required in the courtroom during trial.

RULE 31 DEPOSITIONS UPON WRITTEN QUESTIONS

     (a) Serving Questions; Notice. After the summons and a copy of the petition are served, or the petition is filed, whichever shall first occur, any party may take the testimony of any person, including a party, by deposition upon written questions. The attendance of witnesses may be compelled by the use of subpoena as provided in rule 45. The deposition of a person confined in prison may be taken only by leave of court on such terms as the court prescribes. A party desiring to take a deposition upon written questions shall serve them upon every other party with a notice stating (1) the name and address of the person who is to answer them, if known, and if the name is not known, a general description sufficient to identify him or the particular class or group to which he belongs, and (2) the name or descriptive title and address of the officer before whom the deposition is to be taken. A deposition upon written questions may be taken of a public or private corporation or a partnership or association or governmental agency in accordance with the provisions of rule 30 (b)(6). Within 15 days after the notice and written questions are served, a party may serve cross questions upon all other parties. Within 10 days after being served with cross questions, a party may serve redirect questions upon all other parties. Within 10 days after being served with redirect questions, a party may serve recross questions upon all other parties. The court may for cause shown enlarge or shorten the time.

     (b) Officer To Take Responses and Prepare Record. A copy of the notice and copies of all questions served shall be delivered by the party taking the deposition to the officer designated in the notice, who shall proceed promptly, in the manner provided by rule 30 (c), (e), and (f), to take the testimony of the witness in response to the questions and to prepare, certify, and serve the deposition transcript, attaching thereto the copy of the notice and the questions received by the officer, on the party taking the deposition, unless the court orders otherwise.

     (c) Notice of Service. When the deposition has been served, the officer shall promptly give notice of its service to all other parties and file such notice with the clerk of the court.

RULE 32 USE OF DEPOSITIONS IN COURT PROCEEDINGS

     (a) Use of Depositions. At the trial or upon the hearing of a motion or an interlocutory proceeding, any part or all of a deposition, so far as admissible under the Rules of Evidence applied as though the witness were then present and testifying, may be used against any party who was present or represented at the taking of the deposition or who had reasonable notice thereof, in accordance with any of the following provisions:

     (1) Any deposition may be used by any party for the purpose of contradicting or impeaching the testimony of deponent as a witness or for any purpose permitted by the Rules of Evidence.

     (2) The deposition of a party or of anyone who at the time of taking the deposition was an officer, director, or managing agent, or a person designated under rule 30 (b)(6) or 31(a) to testify on behalf of a public or private corporation, partnership or association or governmental agency which is a party may be used by an adverse party for any purpose.

     (3) The deposition of a witness, whether or not a party, may be used by any party for any purpose if the court finds: (A) that the witness is dead; or (B) that the witness resides out of the county and more than 20 miles from the place of trial, unless it appears that the absence of the witness was procured by the party offering the deposition or unless the witness is an out-of-state expert subject to subsection (a)(5)(A) of this rule; or (C) that the witness is unable to attend or testify because of age, illness, infirmity, or imprisonment; or (D) that the party offering the deposition has been unable to procure the attendance of the witness by subpoena; or (E) upon application and notice, that such exceptional circumstances exist as to make it desirable, in the interest of justice and with due regard to the importance of presenting the testimony of witnesses orally in open court, to allow the deposition to be used.

     (4) If only part of a deposition is offered in evidence by a party, an adverse party may require him to introduce any other part which ought in fairness to be considered with the part introduced, and any party may introduce any other parts.

     (5) The deposition of an expert witness may be used as follows:

     (A) The discovery deposition of an opposing party's rule 26 (b)(5) expert witness, who resides outside the state of Washington, may be used if reasonable notice before the trial date is provided to all parties and any party against whom the deposition is intended to be used is given a reasonable opportunity to depose the expert again.

     (B) The deposition of a health care professional, even though available to testify at trial, taken with the expressly stated purpose of preserving the deponents testimony for trial, may be used if, before the taking of the deposition, there has been compliance with discovery requests made pursuant to rules 26 (b)(5)(A)(i), 33, 34, and 35 (as applicable) and if the opposing party is afforded an adequate opportunity to prepare, by discovery deposition of the deponent or other means, for cross examination of the deponent. Substitution of parties pursuant to rule 25 does not affect the right to use depositions previously taken; and, when an action has been brought in any court of the United States or of any state and another action involving the same issues and subject matter is afterward brought between the same parties or their representatives or successors in interest, all depositions lawfully taken and duly filed in the former action may be used in the latter as if originally taken therefor. A deposition previously taken may also be used as permitted by the Rules of Evidence.

     (b) Objections to Admissibility. Subject to the provisions of rule 28(b) and subsection (d)(3) of this rule, objection may be made at the trial or hearing to receiving in evidence any deposition or part thereof for any reason which would require the exclusion of the evidence if the witness were then present and testifying.

     (c) Effect of Taking or Using Depositions. A party does not make a person his own witness for any purpose by taking his deposition. The introduction in evidence of the deposition or any part thereof for any purpose other than that of contradicting or impeaching the deponent makes the deponent the witness of the party introducing the deposition, but this shall not apply to the use by an adverse party of a deposition under subsection (a)(2) of this rule. At the trial or hearing any party may rebut any relevant evidence contained in a deposition whether introduced by him or by any other party.

     (d) Effect of Errors and Irregularities in Depositions.

     (1) As to Notice. All errors and irregularities in the notice for taking a deposition are waived unless written objection is promptly served upon the party giving the notice.

     (2) As to Disqualification of Officer. Objection to taking a deposition because of disqualification of the officer before whom it is to be taken is waived unless made before the taking of the deposition begins or as soon thereafter as the disqualification becomes known or could be discovered with reasonable diligence.

     (3) As to Taking of Deposition.

     (A) Objections to the competency of a witness or to the competency, relevancy, or materiality of testimony are not waived by failure to make them before or during the taking of the deposition, unless the ground of the objection is one which might have been obviated or removed if presented at that time.

     (B) Errors and irregularities occurring at the oral examination in the manner of taking the deposition, in the form of the questions or answers, in the oath or affirmation, or in the conduct of parties, and errors of any kind which might be obviated, removed, or cured if promptly presented, are waived unless seasonable objection thereto is made at the taking of the deposition.

     (C) Objections to the form of written questions submitted under rule 31 are waived unless served in writing upon the party propounding them within the time allowed for serving the succeeding cross or other questions and within 5 days after service of the last questions authorized.

     (4) As to Completion and Return of Deposition. Errors and irregularities in the manner in which the testimony is transcribed or the deposition is prepared, signed, certified, sealed, endorsed, transmitted, filed, or otherwise dealt with by the officer under rules 30 and 31 are waived unless a motion to suppress the deposition or some part thereof is made with reasonable promptness after such defect is, or with due diligence might have been, ascertained.

RULE 33 INTERROGATORIES TO PARTIES

     (a) Availability; Procedures for Use. Any party may serve upon any other party written interrogatories to be answered by the party served or, if the party served is a public or private corporation or a partnership or association or governmental agency, by any officer or agent, who shall furnish such information as is available to the party. Interrogatories may, without leave of court, be served upon the petitioner after the summons and a copy of the petition are served upon the respondent, or the petition is filed, whichever shall first occur, and upon any other party with or after service of the summons and petition upon that party.

     Interrogatories shall be so arranged that after each separate question there shall appear a blank space reasonably calculated to enable the answering party to place the written response. In the event the responding party either chooses to place the response on a separate page or pages or must do so in order to complete the response, the responding party shall clearly denote the number of the question to which the response relates, including the subpart thereof if applicable. Each interrogatory shall be answered separately and fully in writing under oath, unless it is objected to, in which event the reasons for objection shall be stated in lieu of an answer. The answers are to be signed by the person making them, and the objections signed by the attorney making them. The party upon whom the interrogatories have been served shall serve a copy of the answers, and objections if any, within 30 days after the service of the interrogatories, except that a respondent may serve answers or objections within 40 days after service of the summons and petition upon that respondent. The parties may stipulate or any party may move for an order under rule 37(a) with respect to any objection to or other failure to answer an interrogatory.

     (b) Scope; Use at Trial. Interrogatories may relate to any matters which can be inquired into under rule 26(b), and the answers may be used to the extent permitted by the Rules of Evidence. An interrogatory otherwise proper is not necessarily objectionable merely because an answer to the interrogatory involves an opinion or contention that relates to fact or the application of law to fact, but the court may order that such an interrogatory need not be answered until after designated discovery has been completed or until a pretrial conference or other later time. An interrogatory otherwise proper is not objectionable merely because the propounding party may have other access to the requested information or has the burden of proof on the subject matter of the interrogatory at trial.

     (c) Option To Produce Business Records. Where the answer to an interrogatory may be derived or ascertained from the business records of the party upon whom the interrogatory has been served or from an examination, audit or inspection of such business records, or from a compilation, abstract or summary based thereon, and the burden of deriving or ascertaining the answer is substantially the same for the party serving the interrogatory as for the party served, it is sufficient answer to such interrogatory to specify the records from which the answer may be derived or ascertained and to afford to the party serving the interrogatory reasonable opportunity to examine, audit or inspect such records and to make copies, compilations, abstracts or summaries. A specification shall be in sufficient detail to permit the interrogating party to locate and to identify, as readily as can the party served, the records from which the answer may be ascertained.

RULE 34 PRODUCTION OF DOCUMENTS & THINGS AND ENTRY UPON LAND FOR INSPECTION AND OTHER PURPOSES

     (a) Scope. Any party may serve on any other party a request (1) to produce and permit the party making the request, or someone acting on his behalf, to inspect and copy, any designated documents (including writings, drawings, graphs, charts, photographs, phonorecords, and other data compilations from which information can be obtained, translated, if necessary, by the respondent through detection devices into reasonably usable form), or to inspect and copy, test, or sample any tangible things which constitute or contain matters within the scope of rule 26(b) and which are in the possession, custody or control of the party upon whom the request is served; or (2) to permit entry upon designated land or other property in the possession or control of the party upon whom the request is served for the purpose of inspection and measuring, surveying, photographing, testing, or sampling the property or any designated object or operation thereon, within the scope of rule 26(b).

     (b) Procedure. The request may, without leave of court, be served upon the petitioner after the summons and a copy of the petition are served upon the respondent, or the petition is filed, whichever shall first occur, and upon any other party with or after service of the summons and petition upon that party. The request shall set forth the items to be inspected either by individual item or by category, and describe each item and category with reasonable particularity. The request shall specify a reasonable time, place and manner of making the inspection and performing the related acts.

     The party upon whom the request is served shall serve a written response within 30 days after the service of the request, except that a respondent may serve a response within 40 days after service of the summons and petition upon that respondent. The parties may stipulate or the court may allow a shorter or longer time. The response shall state, with respect to each item or category, that inspection and related activities will be permitted as requested, unless the request is objected to, in which event the reasons for objection shall be stated. If objection is made to part of an item or category, the part shall be specified and inspection permitted of the remaining parts. The party submitting the request may move for an order under rule 37(a) with respect to any objection to or other failure to respond to the request or any part thereof, or any failure to permit inspection as requested.

     A party who produces documents for inspection shall produce them as they are kept in the usual course of business or shall organize and label them to correspond with the categories in the request.

     (c) Persons Not Parties. This rule does not preclude an independent action against a person not a party for production of documents and things and permission to enter upon land.

RULE 35 PHYSICAL AND MENTAL EXAMINATION OF PERSONS

     (a) Examination.

     (1) Order for Examination. When the mental or physical condition (including the blood group) of a party, or of a person in the custody or under the legal control of a party, is in controversy, the court in which the action is pending may order the party to submit to a physical examination by a physician, or mental examination by a physician or psychologist or to produce for examination the person in the party's custody or legal control. The order may be made only on motion for good cause shown and upon notice to the person to be examined and to all parties and shall specify the time, place, manner, conditions, and scope of the examination and the person or persons by whom it is to be made.

     (2) Representative at Examination. The party being examined may have a representative present at the examination, who may observe but not interfere with or obstruct the examination.

     (3) Recording of Examination. Unless otherwise ordered by the court, the party being examined or that party's representative may make an audiotape recording of the examination which shall be made in an unobtrusive manner. A videotape recording of the examination may be made on agreement of the parties or by order of the court.

     (b) Report of Examining Physician or Psychologist. The party causing the examination to be made shall deliver to the party or person examined a copy of a detailed written report of the examining physician or psychologist setting out the examiner's findings, including results of all tests made, diagnosis and conclusions, together with like reports of all earlier examinations of the same condition, regardless of whether the examining physician or psychologist will be called to testify at trial. The report shall be delivered within 45 days of the examination and in no event less than 30 days prior to trial. These deadlines may be altered by agreement of the parties or by order of the court. If a physician or psychologist fails or refuses to make a report in compliance herewith the court shall exclude the examiner's testimony if offered at the trial, unless good cause for noncompliance is shown.

     (c) Examination by Agreement. Subsections (a) (2) and (3) and (b) apply to examinations made by agreement of the parties, unless the agreement expressly provides otherwise.

RULE 36 REQUESTS FOR ADMISSION

     (a) Request for Admission. A party may serve upon any other party a written request for the admission, for purposes of the pending action only, of the truth of any matters within the scope of rule 26(b) set forth in the request that relate to statements or opinions of fact or of the application of law to fact, including the genuineness of any documents described in the request. Copies of documents shall be served with the request unless they have been or are otherwise furnished or made available for inspection and copying. The request may, without leave of court, be served upon the petitioner after the summons and a copy of the petition are served upon the respondent, or the petition is filed, whichever shall first occur, and upon any other party with or after service of the summons and petition upon that party. Requests for admission shall not be combined in the same document with any other form of discovery.

     Each matter of which an admission is requested shall be separately set forth. The matter is admitted unless, within 30 days after service of the request, or within such shorter or longer time as the court may allow, the party to whom the request is directed serves upon the party requesting the admission a written answer or objection addressed to the matter, signed by the party or by his attorney, but, unless the court shortens the time, a respondent shall not be required to serve answers or objections before the expiration of 40 days after service of the summons and petition upon him. If objection is made, the reasons therefor shall be stated. The answer shall specifically deny the matter or set forth in detail the reasons why the answering party cannot truthfully admit or deny the matter. A denial shall fairly meet the substance of the requested admission, and when good faith requires that a party qualify his answer or deny only a part of the matter of which an admission is requested, he shall specify so much of it as is true and qualify or deny the remainder. An answering party may not give lack of information or knowledge as a reason for failure to admit or deny unless he states that he has made reasonable inquiry and that the information known or readily obtainable by him is insufficient to enable him to admit or deny. A party who considers that a matter of which an admission has been requested presents a genuine issue for trial or a central fact in dispute may not, on that ground alone, object to the request; he may, subject to the provisions of rule 37(c), deny the matter or set forth reasons why he cannot admit or deny it. The party who has requested the Admissions may move to determine the sufficiency of the answers or objections. Unless the court determines that an objection is justified, it shall order that an answer be served. If the court determines that an answer does not comply with the requirements of this rule, it may order either that the matter is admitted or that an amended answer be served. The court may, in lieu of these orders, determine that final disposition of the request be made at a pretrial conference or at a designated time prior to trial. The provisions of rule 37 (a)(4) apply to the award of expenses incurred in relation to the motion.

     (b) Effect of Admission. Any matter admitted under this rule is conclusively established unless the court on motion permits withdrawal or amendment of the admission. Subject to the provisions of rule 16 governing amendment of a pretrial order, the court may permit withdrawal or amendment when the presentation of the merits of the action will be subserved thereby and the party who obtained the admission fails to satisfy the court that withdrawal or amendment will prejudice him in maintaining his action or defense on the merits. Any admission made by a party under this rule is for the purpose of the pending action only and is not an admission by him for any other purpose nor may it be used against him in any other proceeding.

RULE 37 FAILURE TO MAKE DISCOVERY -- SANCTIONS

     (a) Motion for Order Compelling Discovery. A party, upon reasonable notice to other parties and all persons affected thereby, and upon a showing of compliance with rule 26(i), may apply to the court in the county where the deposition was taken, or in the county where the action is pending, for an order compelling discovery as follows:

     (1) Appropriate Court. An application for an order to a party may be made to the court in which the action is pending, or on matters relating to a deposition, to the court in the county where the deposition is being taken. An application for an order to a deponent who is not a party shall be made to the court in the county where the deposition is being taken.

     (2) Motion. If a deponent fails to answer a question propounded or submitted under rules 30 or 31, or a corporation or other entity fails to make a designation under rule 30 (b)(6) or 31(a), or a party fails to answer an interrogatory submitted under rule 33, or if a party, in response to a request for inspection submitted under rule 34, fails to respond that inspection will be permitted as requested or fails to permit inspection as requested, any party may move for an order compelling an answer or a designation, or an order compelling inspection in accordance with the request. When taking a deposition on oral examination, the proponent of the question may complete or adjourn the examination before he applies for an order. If the court denies the motion in whole or in part, it may make such protective order as it would have been empowered to make on a motion made pursuant to rule 26(c).

     (3) Evasive or Incomplete Answer. For purposes of this section an evasive or incomplete answer is to be treated as a failure to answer.

     (4) Award of Expenses of Motion. If the motion is granted, the court shall, after opportunity for hearing, require the party or deponent whose conduct necessitated the motion or the party or attorney advising such conduct or both of them to pay to the moving party the reasonable expenses incurred in obtaining the order, including attorney fees, unless the court finds that the opposition to the motion was substantially justified or that other circumstances make an award of expenses unjust. If the motion is denied, the court shall, after opportunity for hearing, require the moving party or the attorney advising the motion or both of them to pay to the party or deponent who opposed the motion the reasonable expenses incurred in opposing the motion, including attorney fees, unless the court finds that the making of the motion was substantially justified or that other circumstances make an award of expenses unjust. If the motion is granted in part and denied in part, the court may apportion the reasonable expenses incurred in relation to the motion among the parties and persons in a just manner.

     (b) Failure To Comply With Order.

     (1) Sanctions by Court in County Where Deposition Is Taken. If a deponent fails to be sworn or to answer a question after being directed to do so by the court in the county in which the deposition is being taken, the failure may be considered a contempt of that court.

     (2) Sanctions by Court in Which Action Is Pending. If a party or an officer, director, or managing agent of a party or a person designated under rule 30 (b)(6) or 31(a) to testify on behalf of a party fails to obey an order to provide or permit discovery, including an order made under section (a) of this rule or rule 35, or if a party fails to obey an order entered under rule 26(f), the court in which the action is pending may make such orders in regard to the failure as are just, and among others the following:

     (A) An order that the matters regarding which the order was made or any other designated facts shall be taken to be established for the purposes of the action in accordance with the claim of the party obtaining the order;

     (B) An order refusing to allow the disobedient party to support or oppose designated claims or defenses, or prohibiting him from introducing designated matters in evidence;

     (C) An order striking out pleadings or parts thereof, or staying further proceedings until the order is obeyed, or dismissing the action or proceedings or any part thereof, or rendering a judgment by default against the disobedient party;

     (D) In lieu of any of the foregoing orders or in addition thereto, an order treating as a contempt of court the failure to obey any orders except an order to submit to physical or mental examination;

     (E) Where a party has failed to comply with an order under rule 35(a) requiring him to produce another for examination such orders as are listed in sections (A), (B), and (C) of this subsection, unless the party failing to comply shows that he is unable to produce such person for examination.

     In lieu of any of the foregoing orders or in addition thereto, the court shall require the party failing to obey the order or the attorney advising him or both to pay the reasonable expenses, including attorney fees, caused by the failure, unless the court finds that the failure was substantially justified or that other circumstances make an award of expenses unjust.

     (c) Expenses on Failure To Admit. If a party fails to admit the genuineness of any document or the truth of any matter as requested under rule 36, and if the party requesting the admissions thereafter proves the genuineness of the document or the truth of the matter, he may apply to the court for an order requiring the other party to pay him the reasonable expenses incurred in making that proof, including reasonable attorney fees. The court shall make the order unless it finds that:

     (1) the request was held objectionable pursuant to rule 36(a); or

     (2) the admission sought was of no substantial importance; or

     (3) the party failing to admit had reasonable ground to believe the fact was not true or the document was not genuine; or

     (4) there was other good reason for the failure to admit.

     (d) Failure of Party To Attend at Own Deposition or Serve Answers to Interrogatories or Respond to Request for Production or Inspection. If a party or an officer, director, or managing agent of a party or a person designated under rule 30 (b)(6) or 31(a) to testify on behalf of a party fails;

     (1) to appear before the officer who is to take his or her deposition, after being served with a proper notice; or

     (2) to serve answers or objections to interrogatories submitted under rule 33, after proper service of the interrogatories; or

     (3) to serve a written response to a request for production of documents or inspection submitted under rule 34, after proper service of the request, the court in which the action is pending on motion may make such orders in regard to the failure as are just, and among others it may take any action authorized under sections (A), (B), and (C) of subsection (b)(2) of this rule. In lieu of any order or in addition thereto, the court shall require the party failing to act or the attorney advising the party or both to pay the reasonable expenses, including attorney fees, caused by the failure, unless the court finds that the failure was substantially justified or that other circumstances make an award of expenses unjust. The failure to act described in this subsection may not be excused on the ground that the discovery sought is objectionable unless the party failing to act has applied for a protective order as provided by rule 26(c). For purposes of this section, an evasive or misleading answer is to be treated as a failure to answer.

     (e) Failure To Participate in the Framing of a Discovery Plan. If a party or his attorney fails to participate in good faith in the framing of a discovery plan by agreement as is required by rule 26(f), the court may, after opportunity for hearing, require such party or his attorney to pay to any other party the reasonable expenses, including attorney fees, caused by the failure.

RULE 39 TRIAL BY THE COURT

     All Family Law cases shall be tried by the Court without a jury.

RULE 40 ASSIGNMENT OF CASES

     (a) Notice of Trial -- Note of Issue.

     (1) Of Fact. At any time after the issues of fact are completed in any case by the service of complaint and answer or reply when necessary, as herein provided, either party may cause the issues of fact to be brought on for trial, by serving upon the opposite party a notice of trial at least 3 days before any day provided by rules of court for setting causes for trial, which notice shall give the title of the cause as in the pleadings, and notify the opposite party that the issues in such action will be brought on for trial at the time set by the court; and the party giving such notice of trial shall, at least 5 days before the day of setting such causes for trial, file with the clerk of the court a note of issue containing the title of the action, the names of the attorneys and the date when the last pleading was served; and the clerk shall thereupon enter the cause upon the trial docket according to the date of the issue.

     (2) Of Law. In case an issue of law raised upon the pleadings is desired to be brought on for argument, either party shall, at least 5 days before the day set apart by the court under its rules for hearing issues of law, serve upon the opposite party a like notice of trial and furnish the clerk of the court with a note of issue as above provided, which note of issue shall specify that the issue to be tried is an issue of law; and the clerk of the court shall thereupon enter such action upon the motion docket of the court.

     (3) Adjournments. When a cause has once been placed upon either docket of the court, if not tried or argued at the time for which notice was given, it need not be noticed for a subsequent session or day, but shall remain upon the docket from session to session or from law day to law day until final disposition or stricken off by the court.

     (4) Filing Note by Opposite Party. The party upon whom notice of trial is served may file the note of issue and cause the action to be placed upon the calendar without further notice on his part.

     (5) Issue May Be Brought to Trial by Either Party. Either party, after the notice of trial, whether given by himself or the adverse party, may bring the issue to trial, and in the absence of the adverse party, unless the court for good cause otherwise directs, may proceed with his case, and take a dismissal of the action, or a judgment, as the case may require.

     (b) Methods. Each superior court may provide by local rule for placing of actions upon the trial calendar (1) without request of the parties or (2) upon request of a party and notice to the other parties or (3) in such other manner as the court deems expedient.

     (c) Preferences. In setting cases for trial, unless otherwise provided by statute, preference shall be given to criminal over civil cases, and cases where the defendant or a witness is in confinement shall have preference over other cases.

     (d) Trials. When a cause is set and called for trial, it shall be tried or dismissed, unless good cause is shown for a continuance. The court may in a proper case, and upon terms, reset the same.

     (e) Continuances. A motion to continue a trial on the ground of the absence of evidence shall only be made upon affidavit showing the materiality of the evidence expected to be obtained, and that due diligence has been used to procure it, and also the name and address of the witness or witnesses. The court may also require the moving party to state upon affidavit the evidence which he expects to obtain; and if the adverse party admits that such evidence would be given, and that it be considered as actually given on the trial, or offered and overruled as improper, the trial shall not be continued. The court, upon its allowance of the motion, may impose terms or conditions upon the moving party.

     (f) Change of Judge. Any right under RCW 4.12.050 to seek disqualification of a judge will be deemed waived unless, in addition to the limitations in the statute, the motion and affidavit is filed with the court no later than thirty days prior to trial before a pre-assigned judge. For purposes of this rule, "trial" includes any review or appeal from an administrative body. If a case is reassigned to a different judge less than forty days prior to trial, a party may then move for a change of judge within ten days of such reassignment, unless the moving party has previously made such a motion.

     (g) Local rules adopted pursuant to rule 83 may establish a system that creates case schedules and the assignment of judicial teams for the efficient management of cases.

RULE 41 DISMISSAL OF ACTIONS

     (a) Voluntary Dismissal.

     (1) Mandatory. Subject to the provisions of rules 23(e) and 23.1, any action shall be dismissed by the court:

     (A) By stipulation. When all parties who have appeared so stipulate in writing; or

     (B) By petitioner before resting. Upon motion of the petitioner at any time before petitioner rests at the conclusion of his opening case.

     (2) Permissive. After petitioner rests after his opening case, petitioner may move for a voluntary dismissal without prejudice upon good cause shown and upon such terms and conditions as the court deems proper.

     (3) Counterclaim. If a counterclaim has been pleaded by a respondent prior to the service upon him of petitioner's motion for dismissal, the action shall not be dismissed against the respondent's objection unless the counterclaim can remain pending for independent adjudication by the court.

     (4) Effect. Unless otherwise stated in the order of dismissal, the dismissal is without prejudice, except that an order of dismissal operates as an adjudication upon the merits when obtained by a petitioner who has once dismissed an action based on or including the same claim in any court of the United States or of any state.

     (b) Involuntary Dismissal; Effect. For failure of the petitioner to prosecute or to comply with these rules or any order of the court, a respondent may move for dismissal of an action or of any claim against him or her.

     (1) Want of Prosecution on Motion of Party. Any civil action shall be dismissed, without prejudice, for want of prosecution whenever the petitioner, counterclaimant, cross claimant, or third party petitioner neglects to note the action for trial or hearing within 1 year after any issue of law or fact has been joined, unless the failure to bring the same on for trial or hearing was caused by the party who makes the motion to dismiss. Such motion to dismiss shall come on for hearing only after 10 days' notice to the adverse party. If the case is noted for trial before the hearing on the motion, the action shall not be dismissed.

     (2) Dismissal on Clerk's Motion.

     (A) Notice. In all civil cases in which no action of record has occurred during the previous 12 months, the clerk of the superior court shall notify the attorneys of record by mail that the court will dismiss the case for want of prosecution unless, within 30 days following the mailing of such notice, a party takes action of record or files a status report with the court indicating the reason for inactivity and projecting future activity and a case completion date. If the court does not receive such a status report, it shall, on motion of the clerk, dismiss the case without prejudice and without cost to any party.

     (B) Mailing Notice; Reinstatement. The clerk shall mail notice of impending dismissal not later than 30 days after the case becomes eligible for dismissal because of inactivity. A party who does not receive the clerk's notice shall be entitled to reinstatement of the case, without cost, upon motion brought within a reasonable time after learning of the dismissal.

     (C) Discovery in Process. The filing of a document indicating that discovery is occurring between the parties shall constitute action of record for purposes of this rule.

     (D) Other Grounds for Dismissal and Reinstatement. This rule is not a limitation upon any other power that the court may have to dismiss or reinstate any action upon motion or otherwise.

     (3) Respondent's Motion After Petitioner Rests. After the petitioner has completed the presentation of his evidence, the respondent, without waiving his right to offer evidence in the event the motion is not granted, may move for a dismissal on the ground that upon the facts and the law the petitioner has shown no right to relief. The court as trier of the facts may then determine them and render judgment against the petitioner or may decline to render any judgment until the close of all the evidence. If the court renders judgment on the merits against the petitioner, the court shall make findings as provided in rule 52(a). Unless the court in its order for dismissal otherwise specifies, a dismissal under this subsection and any dismissal not provided for in this rule, other than a dismissal for lack of jurisdiction, for improper venue, or for failure to join a party under rule 19, operates as an adjudication upon the merits.

     (c) Dismissal of Counterclaim, Cross Claim, or Third Party Claim. The provisions of this rule apply to the dismissal of any counterclaim, cross claim, or third party claim. A voluntary dismissal by the claimant alone pursuant to subsection (a)(1) of this rule shall be made before a responsive pleading is served or, if there is none, before the introduction of evidence at the trial or hearing.

     (d) Costs of Previously Dismissed Action. If a petitioner who has once dismissed an action in any court commences an action based upon or including the same claim against the same respondent, the court may make such order for the payment of taxable costs of the action previously dismissed as it may deem proper and may stay the proceedings in the action until the petitioner has complied with the order.

     (e) Notice of Settlements. If a case is settled after it has been assigned for trial, it shall be the duty of the attorneys or of any party appearing pro se to notify the court promptly of the settlement. If the settlement is made within 5 days before the trial date, the notice shall be made by telephone or in person. All notices of settlement shall be confirmed in writing to the clerk.

RULE 42 CONSOLIDATIONS; SEPARATE TRIALS

     (a) Consolidation. When actions involving a common question of law or fact are pending before the court, it may order a joint hearing or trial of any or all the matters in issue in the actions; it may order all the actions consolidated; and it may make such orders concerning proceedings therein as may tend to avoid unnecessary costs or delay.

     (b) Separate Trials. The court, in furtherance of convenience or to avoid prejudice, or when separate trials will be conducive to expedition and economy, may order a separate trial of any claim, cross claim, counterclaim, or third party claim, or of any separate issue or of any number of claims, cross claims, counterclaims, third party claims, or issues.

RULE 43 TAKING OF TESTIMONY

     (a) Testimony.

     (1) Generally. In all trials the testimony of witnesses shall be taken orally in open court, unless otherwise directed by the court or provided by rule or statute. For good cause in compelling circumstances and with appropriate safeguards, the court may permit testimony in open court by contemporaneous transmission from a different location.

     (2) Multiple Examinations. When two or more attorneys are on the same side trying a case, the attorney conducting the examination of a witness shall continue until the witness is excused from the stand; and all objections and offers of proof made during the examination of such witness shall be made or announced by the attorney who is conducting the examination or cross examination.

     (b) [Reserved. See ER 103 and 611.]

     (c) [Reserved. See ER 103 and 611.]

     (d) Oaths of Witnesses.

     (1) Administration. The oaths of all witnesses in the superior court

     (A) shall be administered by the judge;

     (B) shall be administered to each witness individually; and

     (C) the witness shall stand while the oath is administered.

     (2) Applicability. This rule shall not apply to civil ex parte proceedings or default dissolution of marriage or domestic partnership cases and in such cases the manner of swearing witnesses shall be as each superior court may prescribe.

     (3) Affirmation in Lieu of Oath. Whenever under these rules an oath is required to be taken, a solemn affirmation may be accepted in lieu thereof.

     (e) Evidence on Motions.

     (1) Generally. When a motion is based on facts not appearing of record the court may hear the matter on affidavits or declarations presented by the respective parties, but the court may direct that the matter be heard wholly or partly on oral testimony or depositions.

     (2) For injunctions, etc. On application for injunction or motion to dissolve an injunction or discharge an attachment, or to appoint or discharge a receiver, the notice thereof shall designate the kind of evidence to be introduced on the hearing. If the application is to be heard on affidavits or declarations, copies thereof must be served by the moving party upon the adverse party at least 3 days before the hearing. Oral testimony shall not be taken on such hearing unless permission of the court is first obtained and notice of such permission served upon the adverse party at least 3 days before the hearing. This rule shall not be construed as pertaining to applications for restraining orders or for appointment of temporary receivers.

     (f) Adverse Party as Witness.

     (1) Party or Managing Agent as Adverse Witness. A party, or anyone who at the time of the notice is an officer, director, or other managing agent (herein collectively referred to as "managing agent") of a public or private corporation, partnership or association which is a party to an action or proceeding may be examined at the instance of any adverse party. Attendance of such deponent or witness may be compelled solely by notice (in lieu of a subpoena) given in the manner prescribed in rule 30 (b)(1) to opposing counsel of record. Notices for the attendance of a party or of a managing agent at the trial shall be given not less than 10 days before trial (exclusive of the day of service, Saturdays, Sundays, and court holidays). For good cause shown in the manner prescribed in rule 26(c), the court may make orders for the protection of the party or managing agent to be examined.

     (2) Effect of Discovery, etc. A party who has served interrogatories to be answered by the adverse party or who has taken the deposition of an adverse party or of the managing agent of an adverse party shall not be precluded for that reason from examining such adverse party or managing agent at the trial. Matters admitted by the adverse party or managing agent in interrogatory answers, deposition testimony, or trial testimony are not conclusively established and may be rebutted.

     (3) Refusal To Attend and Testify; Penalties. If a party or a managing agent refuses to attend and testify before the officer designated to take his deposition or at the trial after notice served as prescribed in rule 30 (b)(1), the petition, answer, or reply of the party may be stricken and judgment taken against the party, and the contumacious party or managing agent may also be proceeded against as in other cases of contempt. This rule shall not be construed:

     (A) to compel any person to answer any question where such answer might tend to incriminate him;

     (B) to prevent a party from using a subpoena to compel the attendance of any party or managing agent to give testimony by deposition or at the trial; nor

     (C) to limit the applicability of any other sanctions or penalties provided in rule 37 or otherwise for failure to attend and give testimony.

     (g) Attorney as Witness. If any attorney offers himself as a witness on behalf of his client and gives evidence on the merits, he shall not argue the case, unless by permission of the court.

     (h) Report or Transcript as Evidence. Whenever the testimony of a witness at a trial or hearing which was reported is admissible in evidence at a later trial, it may be proved by the transcript thereof duly certified by the person who reported the testimony.

     (i) [Reserved. See ER 804.]

     (j) Report of Proceedings in Retrial. In the event a cause has been remanded by the court for a new trial or the taking of further testimony, and the testimony in such cause shall have been taken in full and used as the report of proceedings upon review, either party upon the retrial of such cause or the taking of further testimony therein shall have the right, provided the court shall so order after an application on 10 days' notice to the opposing party or parties, to submit said report of proceedings as the testimony in said cause upon its second hearing, to the same effect as if the witnesses called by him in the earlier hearing had been called, sworn, and testified in the further hearing; but no party shall be denied the right to submit other or further testimony upon such retrial or further hearing, and the party having the right of cross examination shall have the privilege of subpoenaing any witness whose testimony is contained in such report of proceedings for further cross examination.

     (k) Juror Questions for Witnesses. [Reserved. Does not apply to Family Law.]

RULE 44 PROOF OF OFFICIAL RECORD

     (a) Authentication.

     (1) Domestic. An official record kept within the United States, or any state, district, or commonwealth, territory, or within a territory subject to the administrative or judicial jurisdiction of the United States, or an entry therein, when admissible for any purpose, may be evidenced by an official publication thereof or by a copy attested by the officer having the legal custody of the record, or by the officer's deputy, and accompanied by a certificate that such officer has the custody. The certificate may be made by a judge of a court of record of the district or political subdivision in which the record is kept, authenticated by the seal of the court, or may be made by any public officer having a seal of office or official custody of the seal of the political subdivision and having official duties in the district or political subdivision in which the record is kept, authenticated by the seal of the officer's office or the seal of the political subdivision.

     (2) Foreign. A foreign official record, or an entry therein, when admissible for any purpose, may be evidenced by an official publication thereof; or a copy thereof, attested by a person authorized to make the attestation, and accompanied by a final certification as to the genuineness of the signature and official position (A) of the attesting person, or (B) of any foreign official whose certificate of genuineness of signature and official position relates to the attestation or is in a chain of certificates of genuineness of signature and official position relating to the attestation. A final certification may be made by a secretary of embassy or legation, consul general, consul, vice-consul, or consular agent of the United States, or a diplomatic or consular official of the foreign country assigned or accredited to the United States. If reasonable opportunity has been given to all parties to investigate the authenticity and accuracy of the documents, the court may, for good cause shown, either admit an attested copy without final certification or permit the foreign official record to be evidenced by an attested summary with or without a final certification. The final certification is unnecessary if the record and the attestation are certified as provided in a treaty or convention to which the United States and the foreign country in which the official record is located are parties.

     (b) Lack of Record. A written statement that after diligent search no record or entry of a specified tenor is found to exist in the records, designated by the statement, authenticated as provided in subsection (a)(1) of this rule in the case of a domestic record, or complying with the Requirements of subsection (a)(2) of this rule for a summary in the case of a foreign record, is admissible as evidence that the records contain no such record or entry.

     (c) Other Proof. This rule does not prevent the proof of official records or of entry or lack of entry therein by any other method authorized by law.

RULE 44.1 DETERMINATION OF FOREIGN LAW

     (a) Pleading. A party who intends to raise an issue concerning the law of a state, territory, or other jurisdiction of the United States, or a foreign country shall give notice in his pleadings in accordance with rule 9(k).

     (b) United States Jurisdiction. The law of a state, territory, or other jurisdiction of the United States shall be determined as provided in RCW 5.24.

     (c) Other Jurisdictions. The court, in determining the law of any jurisdiction other than a state, territory, or other jurisdiction of the United States, may consider any relevant written material or other source, including testimony, having due regard for their trustworthiness, whether or not submitted by a party and whether or not admissible under the Rules of Evidence. If the court considers any material or source not received in open court, prior to its determination the court shall:

     (1) Identify in the record such material or source;

     (2) Summarize in the record any unwritten information received; and

     (3) Afford the parties an opportunity to respond thereto. The court's determination shall be treated as a ruling on a question of law.

RULE 45 SUBPOENA

     (a) Form; Issuance.

     (1) Every subpoena shall:

     (A) state the name of the court from which it is issued;

     (B) state the title of the action, the name of the court in which it is pending, and its case number;

     (C) command each person to whom it is directed to attend and give testimony or to produce and permit inspection and copying of designated books, documents or tangible things in the possession, custody or control of that person, or to permit inspection of premises, at a time and place therein specified; and

     (D) set forth the text of subsections (c) and (d) of this rule.

     (2) A subpoena for attendance at a deposition shall state the method for recording the testimony.

     (3) A command to a person to produce evidence or to permit inspection may be joined with a command to appear at trial or hearing or at deposition, or may be issued separately. A party may be compelled to produce evidence at a deposition or permit inspection only in accordance with rule 34.

     (4) A subpoena may be issued by the court in which the action is pending under the seal of that court or by the clerk in response to a praecipe. An attorney of record of a party or other person authorized by statute may issue and sign a subpoena, subject to RCW 5.56.010.

     (b) Service.

     (1) A subpoena may be served by any suitable person over 18 years of age by giving the person named therein a copy thereof, or by leaving a copy at such person's dwelling house or usual place of abode with some person of suitable age and discretion then residing therein. When service is made by any person other than an officer authorized to serve process, proof of service shall be made by affidavit or declaration.

     (2) A subpoena commanding production of documents and things, or inspection of premises, without a command to appear for deposition, hearing or trial, shall be served on each party in the manner prescribed by rule 5(b). Such service shall be made no fewer than five days prior to service of the subpoena on the person named therein, unless the parties otherwise agree or the court otherwise orders for good cause shown. A motion for such an order may be made ex parte.

     (c) Protection of Persons Subject to Subpoenas.

     (1) A party or an attorney responsible for the issuance and service of a subpoena shall take reasonable steps to avoid imposing undue burden or expense on a person subject to that subpoena. The court shall enforce this duty and impose upon the party or attorney in breach of this duty an appropriate sanction, which may include, but is not limited to, lost earnings and a reasonable attorney's fee.

     (2)(A) A person commanded to produce and permit inspection and copying of designated books, papers, documents or tangible things, or inspection of premises need not appear in person at the place of production or inspection unless commanded to appear for deposition, hearing or trial.

     (B) Subject to subsection (d)(2) of this rule, a person commanded to produce and permit inspection and copying may, within 14 days after service of the subpoena or before the time specified for compliance if such time is less than 14 days after service, serve upon the party or attorney designated in the subpoena written objection to inspection or copying of any or all of the designated materials or of the premises. If objection is made, the party serving the subpoena shall not be entitled to inspect and copy the materials or inspect the premises except pursuant to an order of the court by which the subpoena was issued. If objection has been made, the party serving the subpoena may, upon notice to the person commanded to produce and all other parties, move at any time for an order to compel the production. Such an order to compel production shall protect any person who is not a party or an officer of a party from significant expense resulting from the inspection and copying commanded.

     (3)(A) On timely motion, the court by which a subpoena was issued shall quash or modify the subpoena if it:

     (i) fails to allow reasonable time for compliance;

     (ii) fails to comply with RCW 5.56.010 or subsection (e)(2) of this rule;

     (iii) requires disclosure of privileged or other protected matter and no exception or waiver applies; or

     (iv) subjects a person to undue burden, provided that the court may condition denial of the motion upon a requirement that the subpoenaing party advance the reasonable cost of producing the books, papers, documents, or tangible things.

     (B) If a subpoena

     (i) requires disclosure of a trade secret or other confidential research, development, or commercial information, or

     (ii) requires disclosure of an unretained expert's opinion or information not describing specific events or occurrences in dispute and resulting from the expert's study made not at the request of any party, the court may, to protect a person subject to or affected by the subpoena, quash or modify the subpoena or, if the party in whose behalf the subpoena is issued shows a substantial need for the testimony or material that cannot be otherwise met without undue hardship and assures that the person to whom the subpoena is addressed will be reasonably compensated, the court may order appearance or production only upon specified conditions.

     (d) Duties in Responding to Subpoena.

     (1) A person responding to a subpoena to produce documents shall produce them as they are kept in the usual course of business or shall organize and label them to correspond with the categories in the demand.

     (2)(A) When information subject to a subpoena is withheld on a claim that it is privileged or subject to protection as trial preparation materials, the claim shall be made expressly and shall be supported by a description of the nature of the documents, communications, or things not produced that is sufficient to enable the demanding party to contest the claim.

     (B) If information produced in response to a subpoena is subject to a claim of privilege or of protection as trial-preparation material, the person making the claim may notify any party that received the information of the claim and the basis for it. After being notified, a party must promptly return, sequester, or destroy the specified information and any copies it has; must not use or disclose the information until the claim is resolved; must take reasonable steps to retrieve the information if the party disclosed it before being notified; and may promptly present the information in camera to the court for a determination of the claim. The person responding to the subpoena must preserve the information until the claim is resolved.

     (e) Subpoena for Taking Deposition, Producing Documents, or Permitting Inspection.

     (1) Witness Fees and Mileage. [Reserved. See RCW 2.40.020.]

     (2) Place of Examination. A resident of the state may be required to attend an examination, produce documents, or permit inspection only in the county where the person resides or is employed or transacts business in person, or at such other convenient place as is fixed by an order of the court. A nonresident of the state may be required to attend an examination, produce documents, or permit inspection only in the county where the person is served with a subpoena, or within 40 miles from the place of service, or at such other convenient place as is fixed by an order of the court.

     (3) Foreign Proceedings for Local Actions. When the place of examination, production, or inspection is in another state, territory, or country, the party desiring to take the deposition, obtain production, or conduct inspection may secure the issuance of a subpoena or equivalent process in accordance with the laws of such state, territory, or country.

     (4) Local Depositions for Foreign Actions. When any officer or person is authorized to take depositions in this state by the law of another state, territory, or country, with or without a commission, a subpoena to require attendance before such officer or person may be issued by any court of this state for attendance at any place within its jurisdiction.

     (f) Subpoena For Hearing or Trial.

     (1) When Witnesses Must Attend -- Fees and Allowances. [Reserved. See RCW 5.56.010.]

     (2) When Excused. A witness subpoenaed to attend in a civil case is dismissed and excused from further attendance as soon as the witness has given testimony in chief and has been cross-examined thereon, unless either party moves in open court that the witness remain in attendance and the court so orders. Witness fees will not be allowed any witness after the day on which the witness' testimony is given, except when the witness has in open court been required to remain in further attendance, and when so required the clerk shall note that fact.

     (g) Contempt. Failure by any person without adequate excuse to obey a subpoena served upon that person may be deemed a contempt of the court from which the subpoena issued. An adequate cause for failure to obey exists when a subpoena purports to require a non-party to attend a deposition, produce documents, or permit inspection at a place not within the limits provided by subsection (e)(2).

     (h) Form. A subpoena should be substantially in the form below.

Issued by the SUPERIOR COURT FOR THE STATE OF WASHINGTON COUNTY
		SUBPOENA IN A CIVIL CASE
		CAUSE NUMBER:
v.
TO:
YOU ARE COMMANDED to appear in the Superior Court of the State of Washington at the place, date, and time specified below to testify in the above case.
PLACE OF TESTIMONY	COURTROOM
	DATE AND TIME
YOU ARE COMMANDED to appear at the place, date, and time specified below to testify at the taking of a deposition in the above case.      Any organization not a party to this suit that is subpoenaed for the taking of a deposition shall designate one or more officers, directors, or managing agents, or other persons who consent to testify on its behalf, and may set forth, for each person designated, the matters on which the person will testify. FLCR 30 (b)6).
PLACE OF DEPOSITION	DATE AND TIME
	METHOD OF RECORDING
YOU ARE COMMANDED to produce and permit inspection and copying of the following documents or tangible things at the place, date, and time specified below (list documents or objects):
PLACE		DATE AND TIME
YOU ARE COMMANDED to permit inspection of the following premises at the date and time specified below.
PREMISES		DATE AND TIME
ISSUING OFFICER SIGNATURE AND TITLE (INDICATE IF ATTORNEY FOR PETITIONER OR RESPONDENT		DATE
ISSUING OFFICER'S NAME, ADDRESS AND PHONE NUMBER
PROOF OF SERVICE
DATE		PLACE SERVED
SERVED ON (PRINT NAME)		MANNER OF SERVICE
SERVED BY (PRINT NAME)		TITLE
DECLARATION OF SERVER
I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of Washington that the foregoing information contained in the Proof of Service is true and correct.
Executed on _____________________________		___________________________
DATE/PLACE		SIGNATURE OF SERVER
_______________________________________
ADDRESS OF SERVER

RULE 46 EXCEPTIONS UNNECESSARY

     Formal exceptions to rulings or orders of the court are unnecessary; but for all purposes for which an exception has heretofore been necessary it is sufficient that a party, at the time the ruling or order of the court is made or sought, makes known to the court the action which he desires the court to take or his objection to the action of the court and his grounds therefor; and, if a party has no opportunity to object to a ruling or order at the time it is made, the absence of an objection does not thereafter prejudice him.

RULE 47 [Reserved.]

RULE 48 [Reserved.]

RULE 49 [Reserved.]

RULE 50 [Reserved.]

RULE 51 [Reserved.]

RULE 52 DECISIONS, FINDINGS AND CONCLUSIONS

     (a) Requirements.

     (1) Generally. In all actions tried upon the facts, the court shall find the facts specially and state separately its conclusions of law. Judgment shall be entered pursuant to rule 58 and may be entered at the same time as the entry of the findings of fact and the conclusions of law.

     (2) Specifically Required. Without in any way limiting the requirements of subsection (1), findings and conclusions are required:

     (A) Temporary injunctions. In granting or refusing temporary injunctions.

     (B) In connection with all final decisions in adoption, parenting plan, custody, or dissolution of marriage or domestic partnership proceedings, whether heard ex parte or not.

     (C) Other. In connection with any other decision where findings and conclusions are specifically required by statute, by another rule, or by a local rule of the superior court.

     (3) Proposed. Requests for proposed findings of fact are not necessary for review.

     (4) Form. If a written opinion or memorandum of decision is filed, it will be sufficient if formal findings of fact and conclusions of law are included.

     (5) When Unnecessary. Findings of fact and conclusions of law are not necessary:

     (A) Stipulation. Where all parties stipulate in writing that there will be no appeal.

     (B) Decision on motions. On decisions of motions under rules 12 or 56 or any other motion, except as provided in rules 41 (b)(3) and 55 (b)(2).

     (C) Temporary restraining orders. On the issuance of temporary restraining orders issued ex parte.

     (b) Amendment of Findings. Upon motion of a party filed not later than 10 days after entry of judgment the court may amend its findings or make additional findings and may amend the judgment accordingly. The motion may be made with a motion for a new trial pursuant to rule 59. When findings of fact are made, the question of the sufficiency of evidence to support the findings may thereafter be raised whether or not the party raising the question has made in the court an objection to such findings or has made a motion to amend them or a motion for judgment.

     (c) Presentation. Unless an emergency is shown to exist, or a party has failed to appear at a hearing or trial, the court shall not sign findings of fact or conclusions of law until the defeated party or parties have received 5 days' notice of the time and place of the submission, and have been served with copies of the proposed findings and conclusions. Persons who have failed to appear at a hearing or trial after notice, may, in the discretion of the trial court, be deemed to have waived their right to notice of presentation or previous review of the proposed findings and conclusions.

     (d) Judgment Without Findings, etc. A judgment entered in a case tried to the court where findings are required, without findings of fact having been made, is subject to a motion to vacate within the time for the taking of an appeal. After vacation, the judgment shall not be reentered until findings are entered pursuant to this rule.

     (e) Time Limit for Decision. [Reserved. See RCW 2.08.240.]

RULE 53 MASTERS [RESERVED]

RULE 53.1 REFEREES

     (a) Referees -- Definition and Powers. [Reserved. See RCW 2.24.060.]

     (b) Reference by Consent -- Right to Trial. [Reserved. Does Not Apply To Family Law.]

     (c) Reference Without Consent. [Reserved. See RCW 4.48.020.]

     (d) To Whom Reference May Be Ordered. [Reserved. See RCW 4.48.030.]

     (e) Qualifications of Referees. [Reserved. See RCW 4.48.040.]

     (f) Challenges to Referees. [Reserved. See RCW 4.48.050.]

     (g) Trial Procedure -- Powers of Referee. [Reserved. See RCW 4.48.060.]

     (h) Referee's Report -- Contents -- Evidence, Filing of, Frivolous. [Reserved. See RCW 4.48.070.]

     (i) Proceedings on Filing of Report. [Reserved. See RCW 4.48.080.]

     (j) Judgment on Referees Report. [Reserved. See RCW 4.48.090.]

     (k) Fees of Referees. [Reserved. See RCW 4.48.100.]

RULE 53.2 COURT COMMISSIONERS

     (a) Appointment of Court Commissioners -- Qualifications -- Term of Office. [Reserved. See RCW 2.24.010.]

     (b) Oath. [Reserved. See RCW 2.24.020.]

     (c) Salary. [Reserved. See RCW 2.24.030.]

     (d) Powers of Commissioners -- Fees. [Reserved. See RCW 2.24.040.]

     (e) Revision by Court. [Reserved. See RCW 2.24.050.]

RULE 53.3 APPOINTMENT OF MASTERS IN DISCOVERY MATTERS

     (a) Appointment. The court in which any action is pending may appoint a special master either to preside at depositions or to adjudicate discovery disputes, or both. Such appointment may be made, for good cause shown, upon the request of any party in pending litigation or upon the court's own motion.

     (b) Qualifications. The master shall be a lawyer admitted to practice in the state of Washington.

     (c) Compensation. The compensation of the master shall be fixed by the court. Payment of the master's compensation shall be charged to such of the parties or paid out of such other available funds as the court shall direct, but in determining payment of compensation the court shall take into account the relative financial resources of the parties and such other factors as the court deems appropriate.

     (d) Powers. The order of reference to the master may specify the duties of the master. It may direct that the master preside at depositions and make rulings on issues arising at the depositions. It may direct the master to hear and report to the court on unresolved discovery disputes and to make recommendations as to the resolution of such disputes, as to the imposition of terms or sanctions to be assessed against any party, and as to which party or parties shall bear the costs of the master. If directed by the court, the master shall prepare a report upon the matters submitted to the master by the order of reference. A party may request that the report be sealed pursuant to rule 26(c). The report with the rulings and recommendations of the master shall be reviewed by the court and may be adopted or revised as the court deems just.

RULE 53.4 [Reserved.]

     (a) Definitions.

     (1) Judgment. A judgment is the final determination of the rights of the parties in the action and includes any decree and order from which an appeal lies. A judgment shall be in writing and signed by the judge and filed forthwith as provided in rule 58.

     (2) Order. Every direction of a court or judge, made or entered in writing, not included in a judgment, is denominated an order.

     (b) Judgment Upon Multiple Claims or Involving Multiple Parties. When more than one claim for relief is presented in an action, whether as a claim, counterclaim, cross claim, or third party claim, or when multiple parties are involved, the court may direct the entry of a final judgment as to one or more but fewer than all of the claims or parties only upon an express determination in the judgment, supported by written findings, that there is no just reason for delay and upon an express direction for the entry of judgment. The findings may be made at the time of entry of judgment or thereafter on the court's own motion or on motion of any party. In the absence of such findings, determination and direction, any order or other form of decision, however designated, which adjudicates fewer than all the claims or the rights and liabilities of fewer than all the parties shall not terminate the action as to any of the claims or parties, and the order or other form of decision is subject to revision at any time before the entry of judgment adjudicating all the claims and the rights and liabilities of all the parties.

     (c) Demand for Judgment. A judgment by default shall not be different in kind from or exceed in amount that prayed for in the demand for judgment. Except as to a party against whom a judgment is entered by default, every final judgment shall grant the relief to which the party in whose favor it is rendered is entitled, even if the party has not demanded such relief in his pleadings.

     (d) Costs, Disbursements, Attorney's Fees, and Expenses.

     (1) Costs and Disbursements. Costs and disbursements shall be fixed and allowed as provided in RCW 4.84 or by any other applicable statute. If the party to whom costs are awarded does not file a cost bill or an affidavit or declaration detailing disbursements within 10 days after the entry of the judgment, the clerk shall tax costs and disbursements pursuant to rule 78(e).

     (2) Attorney's Fees and Expenses. Claims for attorney's fees and expenses, other than costs and disbursements, shall be made by motion unless the substantive law governing the action provides for the recovery of such fees and expenses as an element of damages to be proved at trial. Unless otherwise provided by statute or order of the court, the motion must be filed no later than 10 days after entry of judgment.

     (e) Preparation of Order or Judgment. The attorney of record for the prevailing party shall prepare and present a proposed form of order or judgment not later than 15 days after the entry of the decision, or at any other time as the court may direct. Where the prevailing party is represented by an attorney of record, no order or judgment may be entered for the prevailing party unless presented or approved by the attorney of record. If both the prevailing party and his attorney of record fail to prepare and present the form of order or judgment within the prescribed time, any other party may do so, without the approval of the attorney of record of the prevailing party upon notice of presentation as provided in subsection (f)(2).

     (f) Presentation.

     (1) Time. Judgments may be presented at the same time as the findings of fact and conclusions of law under rule 52.

     (2) Notice of Presentation. No order or judgment shall be signed or entered until opposing counsel have been given 5 days' notice of presentation and served with a copy of the proposed order or judgment unless:

     (A) Emergency. An emergency is shown to exist.

     (B) Approval. Opposing counsel has approved in writing the entry of the proposed order or judgment or waived notice of presentation.

     (C) After findings. If presentation is made after entry of findings and while opposing counsel is in open court.

RULE 55 DEFAULT AND JUDGMENT

     (a) Entry of Default.

     (1) Motion. When a party against whom a judgment for affirmative relief is sought has failed to appear, plead, or otherwise defend as provided by these rules and that fact is made to appear by motion and affidavit or declaration, a motion for default may be made.

     (2) Pleading After Default. Any party may respond to any pleading or otherwise defend at any time before a motion for default and supporting affidavit or declaration is filed, whether the party previously has appeared or not. If the party has appeared before the motion is filed, he may respond to the pleading or otherwise defend at any time before the hearing on the motion. If the party has not appeared before the motion is filed he may not respond to the pleading nor otherwise defend without leave of court. Any appearances for any purpose in the action shall be for all purposes under this rule 55.

     (3) Notice. Any party who has appeared in the action for any purpose shall be served with a written notice of motion for default and the supporting affidavit or declaration at least 5 days before the hearing on the motion. Any party who has not appeared before the motion for default and supporting affidavit or declaration are filed is not entitled to a notice of the motion, except as provided in rule 55 (f)(2)(A).

     (4) Venue. A motion for default shall include a statement of the basis for venue in the action. A default shall not be entered if it clearly appears to the court from the papers on file that the action was brought in an improper county.

     (b) Entry of Default Judgment. As limited in rule 54(c), judgment after default may be entered as follows, if proof of service is on file as required by subsection (b)(4):

     (1) When Amount Certain. When the claim against a party, whose default has been entered under section (a), is for a sum certain or for a sum which can by computation be made certain, the court upon motion and affidavit or declaration of the amount due shall enter judgment for that amount and costs against the party in default, if he is not an infant or incompetent person. No judgment by default shall be entered against an infant or incompetent person unless represented by a general guardian or guardian ad litem. Findings of fact and conclusions of law are not necessary under this subsection even though reasonable attorney fees are requested and allowed.

     (2) When Amount Uncertain. If, in order to enable the court to enter judgment or to carry it into effect, it is necessary to take an account or to determine the amount of damages or to establish the truth of any allegation by evidence or to make an investigation of any other matter, the court may conduct such hearings as are deemed necessary. Findings of fact and conclusions of law are required under this subsection.

     (3) When Service by Publication or Mail. In an action where the service of the summons was by publication, or by mail under rule 4 (d)(4), the petitioner, upon the expiration of the time for answering, may, upon proof of service, apply for judgment. The court must hereupon require proof of the demand mentioned in the petition, and must require the petitioner or his agent to be examined on oath respecting any payments that have been made to the petitioner, or to anyone for his use on account of such demand, and may render judgment for the amount which he is entitled to recover, or for such other relief as he may be entitled to.

     (4) Costs and Proof of Service. Costs shall not be awarded and default judgment shall not be rendered unless proof of service is on file with the court.

     (c) Setting Aside Default.

     (1) Generally. For good cause shown and upon such terms as the court deems just, the court may set aside an entry of default and, if a judgment by default has been entered, may likewise set it aside in accordance with rule 60(b).

     (2) When Venue Is Improper. A default judgment entered in a county of improper venue is valid but will on motion be vacated for irregularity pursuant to rule 60 (b)(1). A party who procures the entry of the judgment, shall in the vacation proceedings, be required to pay to the party seeking vacation the costs and reasonable attorney fees incurred by the party in seeking vacation if the party procuring the judgment could have determined the county of proper venue with reasonable diligence. This subsection does not apply if either (a) the parties stipulate in writing to venue after commencement of the action, or (b) the respondent has appeared, has been given written notice of the motion for an order of default, and does not object to venue before the entry of the default order.

     (d) Petitioners, Counterclaimants, Cross Claimants. The provisions of this rule apply whether the party entitled to the judgment by default is a petitioner, a third party petitioner, or a party who has pleaded a cross claim or counterclaim. In all cases a judgment by default is subject to the limitations of rule 54(c).

     (e) Judgment Against State. [Reserved.]

     (f) How Made After Elapse of Year.

     (1) Notice. When more than 1 year has elapsed after service of summons with no appearance being made, the court shall not sign an order of default or enter a judgment until a notice of the time and place of the application for the order or judgment is served on the party in default, not less than 10 days prior to the entry. Proof by affidavit or declaration of the service of the notice shall be filed before entry of the judgment.

     (2) Service. Service of notice of the time and place on the application for the order of default or default judgment shall be made as follows:

     (A) by service upon the attorney of record;

     (B) if there is no attorney of record, then by service upon the respondent by certified mail with return receipt of said service to be attached to the affidavit or declaration in support of the application; or

     (C) by a personal service upon the respondent in the same manner provided for service of process.

     (D) If service of notice cannot be made under subsections (A) and (C), the notice may be given by publication in a newspaper of general circulation in the county in which the action is pending for one publication, and by mailing a copy to the last known address of each respondent. Both the publication and mailing shall be done 10 days prior to the hearing.

RULE 56 SUMMARY JUDGMENT

     (a) For Claimant. A party seeking to recover upon a claim, counterclaim, or cross claim, or to obtain a declaratory judgment may, after the expiration of the period within which the respondent is required to appear, or after service of a motion for summary judgment by the adverse party, move with or without supporting affidavits or declarations for a summary judgment in his favor upon all or any part thereof.

     (b) For Defending Party. A party against whom a claim, counterclaim, or cross claim is asserted or a declaratory judgment is sought may move with or without supporting affidavits or declarations for a summary judgment in his favor as to all or any part thereof.

     (c) Motion and Proceedings. The motion and any supporting affidavits or declarations, memoranda of law, or other documentation shall be filed and served not later than 28 calendar days before the hearing. The adverse party may file and serve opposing affidavits or declarations, memoranda of law or other documentation not later than 11 calendar days before the hearing. The moving party may file and serve any rebuttal documents not later than 5 calendar days prior to the hearing. If the date for filing either the response or rebuttal falls on a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday, then it shall be filed and served not later than the next day nearer the hearing which is neither a Saturday, Sunday, or legal holiday. Summary judgment motions shall be heard more than 14 calendar days before the date set for trial unless leave of court is granted to allow otherwise. Confirmation of the hearing may be required by local rules. The judgment sought shall be rendered forthwith if the pleadings, depositions, answers to interrogatories, and admissions on file, together with the affidavits or declarations, if any, show that there is no genuine issue as to any material fact and that the moving party is entitled to a judgment as a matter of law. A summary judgment, interlocutory in character, may be rendered on the issue of liability alone although there is a genuine issue as to the amount of damages.

     (d) Case Not Fully Adjudicated on Motion. If on motion under the rule judgment is not rendered upon the whole case or for all the relief asked and a trial is necessary, the court at the hearing of the motion, by examining the pleadings and the evidence before it and by interrogating counsel, shall if practicable ascertain what material facts exist without substantial controversy and what material facts are actually and in good faith controverted. It shall thereupon make an order specifying the facts that appear without substantial controversy, including the extent to which the amount of damages or other relief is not in controversy, and directing such further proceedings in the action as are just. Upon the trial of the action, the facts so specified shall be deemed established, and the trial shall be conducted accordingly.

     (e) Form of Affidavits or declarations; Further Testimony; Defense Required. Supporting and opposing affidavits or declarations shall be made on personal knowledge, shall set forth such facts as would be admissible in evidence, and shall show affirmatively that the declarant or affiant is competent to testify to the matters stated therein. Sworn or certified copies of all papers or parts thereof referred to in a declaration or an affidavit shall be attached thereto or served therewith. The court may permit affidavits or declarations to be supplemented or opposed by depositions, answers to interrogatories, or further affidavits or declarations. When a motion for summary judgment is made and supported as provided in this rule, an adverse party may not rest upon the mere allegations or denials of his pleading, but his response, by affidavits or declarations or as otherwise provided in this rule, must set forth specific facts showing that there is a genuine issue for trial. If he does not so respond, summary judgment, if appropriate, shall be entered against him.

     (f) When Affidavits or Declarations Are Unavailable. Should it appear from the affidavits or declarations of a party opposing the motion that he cannot, for reasons stated, present by affidavit or declaration facts essential to justify his opposition, the court may refuse the application for judgment or may order a continuance to permit affidavits or declarations to be obtained or depositions to be taken or discovery to be had or may make such other order as is just.

     (g) Affidavits or Declarations Made in Bad Faith. Should it appear to the satisfaction of the court at any time that any of the affidavits or declarations presented pursuant to this rule are presented in bad faith or solely for the purpose of delay, the court shall forthwith order the party employing them to pay to the other party the amount of the reasonable expenses which the filing of the affidavits or declarations caused him to incur, including reasonable attorney fees, and any offending party or attorney may be adjudged guilty of contempt.

     (h) Form of Order. The order granting or denying the motion for summary judgment shall designate the documents and other evidence called to the attention of the trial court before the order on summary judgment was entered.

RULE 57. DECLARATORY JUDGMENTS.

     The procedure for obtaining a declaratory judgment pursuant to the Uniform Declaratory Judgments Act, RCW 7.24, shall be in accordance with these rules. The existence of another adequate remedy does not preclude a judgment for declaratory relief in cases where it is appropriate. The court may order a speedy hearing of an action for a declaratory judgment and may advance it on the calendar.

RULE 58 ENTRY OF JUDGMENT

     (a) When. Unless the court otherwise directs and subject to the provisions of rule 54(b), all judgments shall be entered immediately after they are signed by the judge.

     (b) Effective Time. Judgments shall be deemed entered for all procedural purposes from the time of delivery to the clerk for filing, unless the judge earlier permits the judgment to be filed with him as authorized by rule 5(e).

     (c) Notice of Entry. [Reserved. See rule 54(f).]

     (d) [Reserved.]

     (e) Judgment by Confession. [Reserved. See RCW 4.60.]

     (f) Assignment of Judgment. [Reserved. See RCW 4.56.090.]

     (g) Interest on Judgment. [Reserved. See RCW 4.56.110.]

     (h) Satisfaction of Judgment. [Reserved. See RCW 4.56.100.]

     (i) Lien of Judgment. [Reserved. See RCW 4.56.190.]

     (j) Commencement of Lien on Real Estate. [Reserved. See RCW 4.56.200.]

     (k) Cessation of Lien -- Extension Prohibited. [Reserved. See RCW 4.56.210.]

     (l) Revival of Judgments. [Reserved.]

RULE 59 NEW TRIAL, RECONSIDERATION, AND AMENDMENT OF JUDGMENTS

     (a) Grounds for New Trial or Reconsideration. On the motion of the party aggrieved, a new trial granted to all or any of the parties, and on all issues, or on some of the issues when such issues are clearly and fairly separable and distinct, or any other decision or order may be vacated and reconsideration granted. Such motion may be granted for any one of the following causes materially affecting the substantial rights of such parties:

     (1) Irregularity in the proceedings of the court, or adverse party, or any order of the court, or abuse of discretion, by which such party was prevented from having a fair trial.

     (2) Misconduct of prevailing party;

     (3) Accident or surprise which ordinary prudence could not have guarded against;

     (4) Newly discovered evidence, material for the party making the application, which he could not with reasonable diligence have discovered and produced at the trial;

     (5) [Reserved.]

     (6) Error in the assessment of the amount of recovery whether too large or too small, or for the injury or detention of property;

     (7) That there is no evidence or reasonable inference from the evidence to justify the decision, or that it is contrary to law;

     (8) Error in law occurring at the trial and objected to at the time by the party making the application; or

     (9) That substantial justice has not been done.

     (b) Time for Motion; Contents of Motion. A motion for a new trial or for reconsideration shall be filed not later than 10 days after the entry of the judgment, order, or other decision. The motion shall be noted at the time it is filed, to be heard or otherwise considered within 30 days after the entry of the judgment, order, or other decision, unless the court directs otherwise. A motion for a new trial or for reconsideration shall identify the specific reasons in fact and law as to each ground on which the motion is based.

     (c) Time for Serving Affidavits or Declarations. When a motion for new trial is based on affidavits or declarations, they shall be filed with the motion. The opposing party has 10 days after service to file opposing affidavits or declarations, but that period may be extended for up to 20 days, either by the court for good cause or by the parties' written stipulation. The court may permit reply affidavits or declarations.

     (d) On Initiative of Court. Not later than 10 days after entry of judgment, the court on its own initiative may order a hearing on its proposed order for a new trial for any reason for which it might have granted a new trial on motion of a party. After giving the parties notice and opportunity to be heard, the court may grant a timely motion for a new trial for a reason not stated in the motion. When granting a new trial on its own initiative or for a reason not stated in a motion, the court shall specify the grounds in its order.

     (e) Hearing on Motion. When a motion for reconsideration or for a new trial is filed, the judge by whom it is to be heard may on the judge's own motion or on application determine:

     (1) Time of Hearing. Whether the motion shall be heard before the entry of judgment;

     (2) Consolidation of Hearings. Whether the motion shall be heard before or at the same time as the presentation of the findings and conclusions and/or judgment, and the hearing on any other pending motion; and/or

     (3) Nature of Hearing. Whether the motion or motions and presentation shall be heard on oral argument or submitted on briefs, and if on briefs, shall fix the time within which the briefs shall be served and filed.

     (f) Statement of Reasons. In all cases where the trial court grants a motion for a new trial, it shall, in the order granting the motion, state whether the order is based upon the record or upon facts and circumstances outside the record that cannot be made a part thereof. If the order is based upon the record, the court shall give definite reasons of law and facts for its order. If the order is based upon matters outside the record, the court shall state the facts and circumstances upon which it relied.

     (g) Reopening Judgment. On a motion for a new trial, the court may open the judgment if one has been entered, take additional testimony, amend findings of fact and conclusions of law or make new findings and conclusions, and direct the entry of a new judgment.

     (h) Motion To Alter or Amend Judgment. A motion to alter or amend the judgment shall be filed not later than 10 days after entry of the judgment.

     (i) Alternative Motions, etc. Alternative motions for judgment as a matter of law and for a new trial may be made in accordance with rule 50(c).

     (j) Limit on Motions. If a motion for reconsideration, or for a new trial, or for judgment as a matter of law, is made and heard before the entry of the judgment, no further motion may be made without leave of the court first obtained for good cause shown: (1) for a new trial, (2) pursuant to sections (g), (h), and (i) of this rule, or (3) under rule 52(b).

RULE 60 RELIEF FROM JUDGMENT OR ORDER

     (a) Clerical Mistakes. Clerical mistakes in judgments, orders or other parts of the record and errors therein arising from oversight or omission may be corrected by the court at any time of its own initiative or on the motion of any party and after such notice, if any, as the court orders. Such mistakes may be so corrected before review is accepted by an appellate court, and thereafter may be corrected pursuant to RAP 7.2(e).

     (b) Mistakes; Inadvertence; Excusable Neglect; Newly Discovered Evidence; Fraud; etc. On motion and upon such terms as are just, the court may relieve a party or his legal representative from a final judgment, order, or proceeding for the following reasons:

     (1) Mistakes, inadvertence, surprise, excusable neglect or irregularity in obtaining a judgment or order;

     (2) For erroneous proceedings against a minor or person of unsound mind, when the condition of such respondent does not appear in the record, nor the error in the proceedings;

     (3) Newly discovered evidence which by due diligence could not have been discovered in time to move for a new trial under rule 59(b);

     (4) Fraud (whether heretofore denominated intrinsic or extrinsic), misrepresentation, or other misconduct of an adverse party;

     (5) The judgment is void;

     (6) The judgment has been satisfied, released, or discharged, or a prior judgment upon which it is based has been reversed or otherwise vacated, or it is no longer equitable that the judgment should have prospective application;

     (7) If the respondent was served by publication, relief may be granted as prescribed in RCW 4.28.200;

     (8) Death of one of the parties before the judgment in the action;

     (9) Unavoidable casualty or misfortune preventing the party from prosecuting or defending;

     (10) Error in judgment shown by a minor, within 12 months after arriving at full age; or

     (11) Any other reason justifying relief from the operation of the judgment. The motion shall be made within a reasonable time and for reasons (1), (2) or (3) not more than 1 year after the judgment, order, or proceeding was entered or taken. If the party entitled to relief is a minor or a person of unsound mind, the motion shall be made within 1 year after the disability ceases. A motion under this section (b) does not affect the finality of the judgment or suspend its operation.

     (c) Other Remedies. This rule does not limit the power of a court to entertain an independent action to relieve a party from a judgment, order, or proceeding.

     (d) Writs Abolished -- Procedure. Writs of coram nobis, coram vobis, audita querela, and bills of review and bills in the nature of a bill of review are abolished. The procedure for obtaining any relief from a judgment shall be by motion as prescribed in these rules or by an independent action.

     (e) Procedure on Vacation of Judgment.

     (1) Motion. Application shall be made by motion filed in the cause stating the grounds upon which relief is asked, and supported by the affidavit or declaration of the applicant or his attorney setting forth a concise statement of the facts or errors upon which the motion is based, and if the moving party be a respondent, the facts constituting a defense to the action or proceeding.

     (2) Notice. Upon the filing of the motion and affidavit or declaration, the court shall enter an order fixing the time and place of the hearing thereof and directing all parties to the action or proceeding who may be affected thereby to appear and show cause why the relief asked for should not be granted.

     (3) Service. The motion, affidavit or declaration, and the order to show cause shall be served upon all parties affected in the same manner as in the case of summons in a civil action at such time before the date fixed for the hearing as the order shall provide; but in case such service cannot be made, the order shall be published in the manner and for such time as may be ordered by the court, and in such case a copy of the motion, affidavit or declaration, and order shall be mailed to such parties at their last known post office address and a copy thereof served upon the attorneys of record of such parties in such action or proceeding such time prior to the hearing as the court may direct.

     (4) Statutes. Except as modified by this rule, RCW 4.72.010-.090 shall remain in full force and effect.

RULE 61 HARMLESS ERROR [RESERVED]

RULE 62 STAY OF PROCEEDINGS TO ENFORCE A JUDGMENT

     (a) Automatic Stays. Except as to a judgment of a district court filed with the superior court pursuant to RCW 4.56.200, no execution shall issue upon a judgment nor shall proceedings be taken for its enforcement until the expiration of 10 days after its entry. Upon the filing of a notice of appeal, enforcement of judgment is stayed until the expiration of 14 days after entry of judgment. Unless otherwise ordered by the trial court or appellate court, an interlocutory or final judgment in an action for an injunction or in a receivership action, shall not be stayed during the period after its entry and until appellate review is accepted or during the pendency of appellate review.

     (b) Stay on Motion for New Trial or for Judgment. In its discretion and on such conditions for the security of the adverse party as are proper, the court may stay the execution of or any proceedings to enforce a judgment pending the disposition of a motion for a new trial or to alter or amend a judgment made pursuant to rule 59, or of a motion for relief from a judgment or order made pursuant to rule 60 or of a motion for amendment to the findings or for additional findings made pursuant to rule 52(b).

     (c) Injunction Pending Appeal. [Rescinded]

     (d) Stay Upon Appeal. [Rescinded]

     (e) Stay in Favor of State. [Rescinded]

     (f) Other Stays. This rule does not limit the right of a party to a stay otherwise provided by statute or rule.

     (g) Power of Supreme Court Not Limited. [Rescinded]

     (h) Multiple Claims or Multiple Parties. When a court has ordered a final judgment under the conditions stated in rule 54(b), the court may stay enforcement of that judgment until the entering of a subsequent judgment or judgments and may prescribe such conditions as are necessary to secure the benefit thereof to the party in whose favor the judgment is entered.

RULE 63 JUDGES

     (a) Powers. See rule 77.

     (b) Disability of a Judge. If by reason of death, sickness, or other disability, a judge before whom an action has been tried is unable to perform the duties to be performed by the court under these rules after findings of fact and conclusions of law are filed, then any other judge regularly sitting in or assigned to the court in which the action was tried may perform those duties; but if such other judge is satisfied that he cannot perform those duties because he did not preside at the trial or for any other reason, he may in his discretion grant a new trial.

     At the commencement of and during the course of an action, all remedies providing for seizure of person or property for the purpose of securing satisfaction of the judgment ultimately to be entered in the action are available under the circumstances and in the manner provided by the law existing at the time the remedy is sought. The remedies thus available include arrest, attachment, garnishment, replevin, sequestration, and other corresponding or equivalent remedies, however designated and regardless of whether the remedy is ancillary to an action or must be obtained by an independent action.

RULE 65 INJUNCTIONS

     (a) Preliminary Injunction.

     (1) Notice. No preliminary injunction shall be issued without notice to the adverse party.

     (2) Consolidation of Hearing With Trial on Merits. Before or after the commencement of the hearing of an application for a preliminary injunction, the court may order the trial of the action on the merits to be advanced and consolidated with the hearing of the application. Even when this consolidation is not ordered, any evidence received upon an application for a preliminary injunction which would be admissible upon the trial on the merits becomes part of the record on the trial and need not be repeated upon the trial.

     (b) Temporary Restraining Order; Notice; Hearing; Duration. A temporary restraining order may be granted without written or oral notice to the adverse party or his attorney only if (1) it clearly appears from specific facts shown by affidavit or declaration or by the verified petition that immediate and irreparable injury, loss, or damage will result to the applicant before the adverse party or his attorney can be heard in opposition, and (2) the applicant's attorney certifies to the court in writing the efforts, if any, which have been made to give the notice and the reasons supporting his claim that notice should not be required. Every temporary restraining order granted without notice shall be endorsed with the date and hour of issuance; shall be filed forthwith in the clerk's office and entered of record; shall define the injury and state why it is irreparable and why the order was granted without notice; and shall expire by its terms within such time after entry, not to exceed 14 days, as the court fixes, unless within the time so fixed the order, for good cause shown, is extended for a like period or unless the party against whom the order is directed consents that it may be extended for a longer period. The reasons for the extension shall be entered of record. In case a temporary restraining order is granted without notice, the motion for a preliminary injunction shall be set down for hearing at the earliest possible time and takes precedence over all matters except older matters of the same character; and when the motion comes on for hearing the party who obtained the temporary restraining order shall proceed with the application for a preliminary injunction and, if he does not do so, the court shall dissolve the temporary restraining order.

     On 2 days' notice to the party who obtained the temporary restraining order without notice or on such shorter notice to that party as the court may prescribe, the adverse party may appear and move its dissolution or modification and in that event the court shall proceed to hear and determine such motion as expeditiously as the ends of justice require.

     (c) Security. Except as otherwise provided by statute, no restraining order or preliminary injunction shall issue except upon the giving of security by the applicant, in such sum as the court deems proper, for the payment of such costs and damages as may be incurred or suffered by any party who is found to have been wrongfully enjoined or restrained. No such security shall be required of the United States or of an officer or agency thereof. Pursuant to RCW 4.92.080 no security shall be required of the State of Washington, municipal corporations or political subdivisions of the State of Washington. The provisions of rule 65.1 apply to a surety upon a bond or undertaking under this rule.

     (d) Form and Scope. Every order granting an injunction and every restraining order shall set forth the reasons for its issuance; shall be specific in terms; shall describe in reasonable detail, and not by reference to the petition or other document, the act or acts sought to be restrained; and is binding only upon the parties to the action, their officers, agents, servants, employees, and attorneys, and upon those persons in active concert or participation with them who receive actual notice of the order by personal service or otherwise.

     (e) Statutes. These rules are intended to supplement and not to modify any statute prescribing the basis for obtaining injunctive relief. These rules shall prevail over statutes if there are procedural conflicts.

RULE 65.1 SECURITY -- PROCEEDINGS AGAINST SURETIES

     Whenever these rules require or permit the giving of security by a party, and security is given in the form of a bond or stipulation or other undertaking with one or more sureties, each surety submits himself to the jurisdiction of the court and irrevocably appoints the clerk of the court as his agent upon whom any papers affecting his liability on the bond or undertaking may be served. His liability may be enforced on motion without the necessity of an independent action. The motion and such notice of the motion as the court prescribes may be served on the clerk of the court, who shall forthwith mail copies to the sureties if their addresses are known.

RULE 66 [RESERVED]

RULE 67 DEPOSIT IN COURT

     In an action in which any part of the relief sought is a judgment for a sum of money or the disposition of a sum of money or the disposition of any other thing capable of delivery, a party, upon notice to every other party, and by leave of court, may deposit with the court all or any part of such sum or thing, whether or not that party claims all or any part of the sum or thing. The party making the deposit shall serve the order permitting deposit on the clerk of the court. Money paid into court under this rule shall be deposited and withdrawn in accordance with the provisions of RCW 4.44.480 through 4.44.500 or any like statute or rule.

RULE 68 OFFER OF JUDGMENT

     At any time more than 10 days before the trial begins, a party defending against a claim may serve upon the adverse party an offer to allow judgment to be taken against him for the money or property or to the effect specified in his offer, with costs then accrued. If within 10 days after the service of the offer the adverse party serves written notice that the offer is accepted, either party may then file the offer and notice of acceptance together with proof of service thereof and thereupon the court shall enter judgment. An offer not accepted shall be deemed withdrawn and evidence thereof is not admissible except in a proceeding to determine costs. If the judgment finally obtained by the offeree is not more favorable than the offer, the offeree must pay the costs incurred after the making of the offer. The fact that an offer is made but not accepted does not preclude a subsequent offer. When the liability of one party to another has been determined by order or judgment, but the amount or extent of the liability remains to be determined by further proceedings, the party adjudged liable may make an offer of judgment, which shall have the same effect as an offer made before trial if it is served within a reasonable time not less than 10 days prior to the commencement of hearings to determine the amount or extent of liability.

RULE 69 EXECUTION

     (a) Procedure. The procedure on execution, in proceedings supplementary to and in aid of a judgment, and in proceedings on and in aid of execution shall be in accordance with the practice and procedure of the State as authorized in RCW 6.13, 6.15, 6.17, 6.19, 6.21, 6.23, 6.32, 6.36, and any other applicable statutes.

     (b) Supplemental Proceedings. In aid of the judgment or execution, the judgment creditor or his successor in interest when that interest appears of record, may examine any person, including the judgment debtor, in the manner provided in these rules for taking depositions or in the manner provided by RCW 6.32.

RULE 70 JUDGMENT FOR SPECIFIC ACTS; VESTING TITLE

     If a judgment directs a party to execute a conveyance of land or to deliver deeds or other documents or to perform any other specific act and the party fails to comply within the time specified, the court may direct the act to be done at the cost of the disobedient party by some other person appointed by the court and the act when so done has like effect as if done by the party. On application of the party entitled to performance, the clerk shall issue a writ of attachment or sequestration against the property of the disobedient party to compel obedience to the judgment. The court may also in proper cases adjudge the party in contempt. If real or personal property is within the state, the court in lieu of directing a conveyance thereof may enter a judgment divesting the title of any party and vesting it in others and such judgment has the effect of a conveyance executed in due form of law. When any order or judgment is for the delivery of possession, the party in whose favor it is entered is entitled to a writ of execution or assistance upon application to the clerk.

RULE 70.1 APPEARANCE BY ATTORNEY

     (a) Notice of Appearance. An attorney admitted to practice in this state may appear for a party by serving a notice of appearance.

     (b) Notice of Limited Appearance. If specifically so stated in a notice of limited appearance filed and served prior to or simultaneous with the proceeding, an attorney's role may be limited to one or more individual proceedings in the action. Service on an attorney who has made a limited appearance for a party shall be valid (to the extent permitted by statute and rule 5(b)) only in connection with the specific proceedings for which the attorney has appeared, including any hearing or trial at which the attorney appeared and any subsequent motions for presentation of orders. At the conclusion of such proceedings the attorney's role terminates without the necessity of leave of court, upon the attorney filing notice of completion of limited appearance which notice shall include the client information required by rule 71 (c)(1).

RULE 71 WITHDRAWAL OF ATTORNEY

     (a) Withdrawal by Attorney. Service on an attorney who has appeared for a party in a civil proceeding shall be valid to the extent permitted by statute and rule 5(b) only until the attorney has withdrawn in the manner provided in sections (b), (c), and (d). Nothing in this rule defines the circumstances under which a withdrawal might be denied by the court.

     (b) Withdrawal by Order. A court appointed attorney may not withdraw without an order of the court. The client of the withdrawing attorney must be given notice of the motion to withdraw and the date and place the motion will be heard.

     (c) Withdrawal by Notice. Except as provided in sections (b) and (d), an attorney may withdraw by notice in the manner provided in this section.

     (1) Notice of Intent To Withdraw. The attorney shall file and serve a Notice of Intent To Withdraw on all other parties in the proceeding. The notice shall specify a date when the attorney intends to withdraw, which date shall be at least 10 days after the service of the Notice of Intent To Withdraw. The notice shall include a statement that the withdrawal shall be effective without order of court unless an objection to the withdrawal is served upon the withdrawing attorney prior to the date set forth in the notice. If notice is given before trial, the notice shall include the date set for trial. The notice shall include the names and last known addresses of the persons represented by the withdrawing attorney, unless disclosure of the address would violate the Rules of Professional Conduct, in which case the address may be omitted. If the address is omitted, the notice must contain a statement that after the attorney withdraws, and so long as the address of the withdrawing attorney's client remains undisclosed and no new attorney is substituted, the client may be served by leaving papers with the clerk of the court pursuant to rule 5 (b)(1).

     (2) Service on Client. Prior to service on other parties, the Notice of Intent To Withdraw shall be served on the persons represented by the withdrawing attorney or sent to them by certified mail, postage prepaid, to their last known mailing addresses. Proof of service or mailing shall be filed, except that the address of the withdrawing attorney's client may be omitted under circumstances defined by subsection (c)(1) of this rule.

     (3) Withdrawal Without Objection. The withdrawal shall be effective, without order of court and without the service and filing of any additional papers, on the date designated in the Notice of Intent To Withdraw, unless a written objection to the withdrawal is served by a party on the withdrawing attorney prior to the date specified as the day of withdrawal in the Notice of Intent To Withdraw.

     (4) Effect of Objection. If a timely written objection is served, withdrawal may be obtained only by order of the court.

     (d) Withdrawal and Substitution. Except as provided in section (b), an attorney may withdraw if a new attorney is substituted by filing and serving a Notice of Withdrawal and Substitution. The notice shall include a statement of the date on which the withdrawal and substitution are effective and shall include the name, address, Washington State Bar Association membership number, and signature of the withdrawing attorney and the substituted attorney. If an attorney changes firms or offices, but another attorney in the previous firm or office will become counsel of record, a Notice of Withdrawal and Substitution shall nevertheless be filed.

     (a) Original Jurisdiction. [Reserved. See RCW 2.08.010.]

     (b) Powers of Superior Courts.

     (1) Powers of Court in Conduct of Judicial Proceedings. [Reserved. See RCW 2.28.010.]

     (2) Punishment for Contempt. [Reserved. See RCW 2.28.020.]

     (3) Implied Powers. [Reserved. See RCW 2.28.150.]

     (c) Powers of Judicial Officers.

     (1) Judges Distinguished From Court. [Reserved. See RCW 2.28.050.]

     (2) Judicial Officers Defined -- When Disqualified. [Reserved. See RCW 2.28.030.]

     (3) Powers of Judicial Officers. [Reserved. See RCW 2.28.060.]

     (4) Judicial Officer May Punish for Contempt. [Reserved. See RCW 2.28.070.]

     (5) Powers of Judges of Supreme and Superior Courts. [Reserved. See RCW 2.28.080.]

     (6) Powers of Judicial Officers of Courts of Limited Jurisdiction. [Reserved. See RCW 2.28.090.]

     (7) Powers of Judge in Counties of His District. [Reserved. See RCW 2.08.190.]

     (8) Visiting Judges.

     (A) Assignments.

     (i) Visiting Judges at Direction of Governor. [Reserved. See RCW 2.08.140.]

     (ii) Visiting Judges at Request of Judge or Judges. [Reserved. See RCW 2.08.140 and 2.08.150.]

     (iii) Court Administrator -- Make Recommendations. [Reserved. See RCW 2.56.030(3).]

     (iv) Duty of Judges to Comply with Chief Justices Direction. [Reserved. See RCW 2.56.040.]

     (B) Powers. Whenever a visiting judge has heard or tried any case or matter and has departed from the county, he may require the argument on any post trial motion to be submitted to him on briefs at such place within the state as he may designate and he may sign findings of fact, conclusions of law, judgments and post trial orders anywhere within the state. See also RCW 2.08.140 and 2.08.150.

     (9) Judges Pro Tempore. [Reserved. See RCW 2.08.180.]

     (10) Change of Judge. [Reserved. See RCW 4.12.040 and 4.12.050.]

     (11) Court May Fix Amount of Bond in Civil Actions. [Reserved. See RCW 4.44.470.]

     (d) Superior Courts Always Open. The superior courts are courts of record, and shall be always open, except on nonjudicial days.

     (e) No Court on Legal Holidays -- Exceptions. [Reserved. See RCW 2.28.100.]

     (f) Sessions. The superior court shall hold regular and special sessions at the county seats of the several counties at such times as the judges may determine and at such other places within the county as are designated by the judge or judges thereof with the approval of the chief justice of the supreme court of this state and of the governing body of the county. Special sessions, i.e., mental illness hearings, juvenile hearings, and proceedings which are authorized to be held before a court commissioner may be held at such times and places as the judges may authorize.

     (g) Adjournments.

     (1) Power. [Reserved. See RCW 2.28.120.]

     (2) Automatic. [Reserved. See RCW 2.28.110.]

     (3) Effect. [Reserved. See RCW 2.08.040.]

     (h) [Reserved.]

     (i) Sessions Where More Than One Judge Sits -- Effect of Decrees, Orders, etc. [Reserved. See RCW 2.08.160.]

     (j) Trials and Hearings; Orders in Chambers. Except as otherwise authorized by these rules or by statute, all trials upon the merits shall be conducted in open court and so far as convenient in a regular courtroom. All other acts or proceedings may be done or conducted by a judge in chambers, without the attendance of the clerk or other court officials and at any place either within or without the county; but no hearing, other than one ex parte, shall be conducted outside the county in which the cause or proceedings are pending without the consent of all parties affected thereby.

     (k) Motion Day-Local Rules. Unless local conditions make it impracticable, the superior court in each county shall establish regular times and places, at intervals sufficiently frequent for the prompt dispatch of business, at which motions requiring notice and hearing may be heard and disposed of; but the judge at any time or place and on such notice, if any, as he considers reasonable may make orders for the advancement, conduct, and hearing of actions.

     (l) Submission on Briefs. To expedite its business, the court may make provision by rule or order for the submission and determination of motions without oral hearing upon brief written statements of reasons in support and opposition.

     (m) Stipulations. See rule 16.

     (n) Seal of Court. [Reserved. See RCW 2.08.050.]

     (o) Court Schedules and Locations. [Reserved.]

RULE 78 CLERKS

     (a) Powers and Duties of Clerks. [Reserved. See RCW 2.32.050.]

     (b) Office Hours. The clerk's office with the clerk or a deputy in attendance shall be open during business hours on all days except Saturdays, Sundays, and legal holidays.

     (c) Orders by Clerk. All motions and applications in the clerk's office for issuing mesne process, for issuing final process to enforce and execute judgments, and for other proceedings which do not require allowance or order of the court are grantable of course by the clerk; but his action may be suspended or altered or rescinded by the court upon cause shown.

     (d) Filing of Depositions. Upon the filing of a deposition transcript in any case pursuant to rule 5(i), the clerk shall forthwith endorse the date of the filing upon the envelope, and shall enter the same upon the case history docket.

     (e) Entry of Judgments and Costs. The clerk shall enter judgment or decree pursuant to the provisions of rule 58 and the same shall then be entered for the sum found due or the relief awarded, with costs and disbursements, if any, to be taxed. Entry of judgment shall not be delayed for the taxing of costs. If no cost bill is filed by the party to whom costs are awarded within 10 days after the entry of the judgment or decree, the clerk shall proceed to tax the following costs and disbursements, namely:

     (1) The statutory attorney fee;

     (2) The clerk's fee; and

     (3) The sheriff's fee.

     If a cost bill is filed, the clerk shall enter as the amount to be recovered the amount claimed in such cost bill, and no motion to retax costs shall be considered unless the same be filed within 6 days after the filing of the cost bill. For purposes of this subsection (e), "cost bill" also includes affidavit or declaration detailing disbursements.

     (f) Bonds. The clerk shall at once upon the filing of a bond (except bond for costs) enter the same at large upon the journal. The clerk shall endorse upon every affidavit or declaration or undertaking filed to procure a writ of attachment, the day, hour, and minute of filing thereof.

RULE 79 BOOKS AND RECORDS KEPT BY THE CLERK

     (a) Civil Docket. [Reserved.]

     (b) Civil Judgments and Orders.

     (1) Generally. [Reserved.]

     (2) Entry of Judgment in Journal. [Reserved. See RCW 4.64.030.]

     (3) Judgment Roll. [Reserved. See RCW 4.64.040.]

     (4) Identification of Judgment Roll. [Reserved. See RCW 4.64.050.]

     (5) Execution Docket. [Reserved. See RCW 4.64.060.]

     (6) Entry of Verdict in Execution Docket. [Reserved. See RCW 4.64.020.]

     (7) Entries in Execution Docket. [Reserved. See RCW 4.64.080.]

     (8) Transcript of Justice Docket. [Reserved. See RCW 4.64.110.]

     (9) Entry of Abstract or Transcript of Judgment. [Reserved. See RCW 4.64.120.]

     (10) Abstract of Judgment. [Reserved. See RCW 4.64.090.]

     (11) Abstract of Verdict -- Cessation of Lien. [Reserved. See RCW 4.64.100.]

     (c) Indices; Calendars. [Reserved.]

     (d) Other Books and Records of Clerk. [Reserved.]

     (e) Destruction of Records. [Reserved. See RCW 36.23.065 and GR 15.]

     (f) List of Pending Decisions. The clerk of each county shall maintain a permanent, public record showing each case submitted to a judge and not yet decided. Said list shall clearly show what, if any, further action is to be taken by any party or counsel and when said action should be taken. Said list shall be called to the attention of every judge in said county on the first Monday of each calendar month. Any case which shall have been submitted to any visiting judge and not yet decided shall be called to the attention of such visiting judge by mail on said dates.

RULE 80 COURT REPORTERS

     (a) [Reserved.]

     (b) Electronic Recording. In any civil or criminal proceedings, electronic or mechanical recording devices approved by the Administrator for the Courts may be used to record oral testimony and other oral proceedings in lieu of or supplementary to causing shorthand notes thereof to be taken. In all matters the use of such devices shall rest within the sole discretion of the court.

     (c) Recording Proceedings in Superior Court by Means of Videotape. All superior courts that elect to use video equipment to record proceedings shall comply with courtroom procedures published by the Office of the Administrator for the Courts.

     Except where inconsistent with rules or statutes applicable to special proceedings or Title 26 RCW proceedings, these rules shall govern all family law proceedings. Where statutes relating to special proceedings or Title 26 RCW proceedings provide for procedure under former statutes applicable generally to family law actions, the procedure shall be governed by these rules.

RULE 82 VENUE

     (a) Nonresident. An action against a nonresident of this state may be brought:

     (1) In any county in which service of process may be had; or

     (2) In a county in which the acts, or any of them, were done which gave rise to service under RCW 4.28.180 and 4.28.185; or

     (3) In the county in which the petitioners, or any of them, reside.

     (b) Request-Waiver. If an action is brought in the wrong county, the action may nevertheless be tried therein unless the respondent, pursuant to the provisions of rule 12, requests that the trial be held in the proper county and files an affidavit or declaration of merits.

     (c) Default. See rule 55(c). No order of default shall be entered if it clearly appears to the court from the papers on file that the action was brought in an improper county, except as provided in rule 55 (c)(2)(a) or (b).

     (d) Change of Venue-Fees. Any fees or costs required to be paid by a party pursuant to RCW 4.12.090 shall be to the clerk of the county from which the case is being transferred by check or money order made payable to the clerk of the county to which the case is being transferred.

RULE 82.5 TRIBAL COURT JURISDICTION

     (a) Indian Tribal Court; Exclusive Jurisdiction. Where an action is brought in the superior court of any county of this state, and where, under the Laws of the United States, exclusive jurisdiction over the matter in controversy has been granted or reserved to an Indian tribal court of a federally recognized Indian tribe, the superior court shall, upon motion of a party or upon its own motion, dismiss such action pursuant to Rule 12 (b)(1), unless transfer is required under federal law.

     (b) Indian Tribal Court; Concurrent Jurisdiction. Where an action is brought in the superior court of any county of this state, and where, under the Laws of the United States, concurrent jurisdiction over the matter in controversy has been granted or reserved to an Indian tribal court of a federally recognized Indian tribe, the superior court may, if the interests of justice require, cause such action to be transferred to the appropriate Indian tribal court. In making such determination, the superior court shall consider, among other things, the nature of the action, the interests and identities of the parties, the convenience of the parties and witnesses, whether state or tribal law will apply to the matter in controversy, and the remedy available in such Indian tribal court.

     (c) Enforcement of Indian Tribal Court Orders, Judgments or Decrees. The superior courts of the State of Washington shall recognize, implement and enforce the orders, judgments and decrees of Indian tribal courts in matters in which either the exclusive or concurrent jurisdiction has been granted or reserved to an Indian tribal court of a federally recognized tribe under the Laws of the United States, unless the superior court finds the tribal court that rendered the order, judgment or decree (1) lacked jurisdiction over a party or the subject matter, (2) denied due process as provided by the Indian Civil Rights Act of 1968, or (3) does not reciprocally provide for recognition and implementation of orders, judgments and decrees of the superior courts of the State of Washington.

RULE 83 LOCAL RULES OF COURT

     (a) Adoption. Each court, in accordance with GR 7, may from time to time make and amend local rules that are not inconsistent with these rules and that govern that court's practice in cases governed by these rules. Local rules shall conform to the same numbering and index system as these rules. Local rules shall be denoted as Local Family Law Civil Rules (with the official abbreviation of LFLCR).

     (b) Scope and Limitations. Local court rules shall be limited to procedural matters and shall not address substantive legal issues. Statutes and case law rulings shall not be restated and set forth in local rules but may be cited for purposes of reference pointers only.

RULE 84 FORMS [Reserved]

RULE 85 TITLE OF RULES

     These rules shall be known and cited as the Family Law Civil Rules. FLCR is the official abbreviation.

RULE 86 EFFECTIVE DATES

     These rules and amendments promulgated pursuant to authority granted to the Supreme Court shall govern all proceedings in all Title 26 RCW actions after the rules and amendments take effect and also all further proceedings in actions pending on their effective dates except to the extent that in the opinion of the superior court, expressed by its order, the application of these rules in a particular action pending when the rules take effect would not be feasible or would work injustice, in which event the procedure existing at the time the action was brought applies.

RULES 87 - 99 [Reserved.]

     Any court may refer parties in any case governed by these rules to mediation or settlement conferences prior to setting the matter for trial. In cases where either of the parties is indigent or such referral would pose a significant financial hardship on either party, the court shall not require participation in such services without also providing a waiver or funding to pay for the service.

RULE 101 COURTHOUSE FACILITATORS

     A court may require a party appearing pro se to meet with a GR 27 courthouse facilitator or may require review by a GR 27 courthouse facilitator of certain documents prepared by a party appearing pro se prior to submission of those documents to a judicial officer. In cases where either party is indigent or use of a GR 27 courthouse facilitator would pose a significant financial hardship on either party, or where a lawyer has signed documents to indicate review of documents prepared by a party appearing pro se, the court shall not require the use of a GR 27 courthouse facilitator without also providing a waiver or providing funding to pay for that use.

RULE 102 PARENTING SEMINARS AND OTHER INFORMATIONAL SERVICES

     Subject to the following provisions, a court may require parties to participate in parenting seminars prior to entry of a final parenting plan as set forth in RCW 26.12.172:

     (a) In no case shall opposing parties be required to attend parenting seminars together;

     (b) In cases where either of the parties is indigent or such participation in a parenting seminar would pose a significant financial hardship on either party, the court shall not require participation in a parenting seminar without also providing a waiver or providing funding to pay for the seminar;

     (c) The court must provide a means of waiving the requirement to participate in a parenting seminar for good cause shown; and

     (d) Failure of a party to participate in a parenting seminar shall not be the basis for the court denying a request of a compliant party for entry of a final order in the action.

RULE 103 ADOPTION PROCEEDINGS

     Disposition of Reports. In an adoption proceeding, any report prepared pursuant to RCW 26.33 shall be open to inspection by the adoptive parents and the attorney for the adoptive parents. Such report at the close of the entire proceeding shall be sealed in accordance with RCW 26.33.330.

RULE 104 ACCESS TO COURT RECORDS [Reserved. See GR 22 and 31]

RULE 105 FINANCIAL PROVISIONS [Reserved.]

RULE 106 PARENTING PLAN AND NONPARENTAL CUSTODY PROVISIONS [Reserved.]

RULE 107 PROTECTION ORDERS [Reserved.]

RULE 108 MARRIAGE AGE WAIVERS [Reserved.]

RULE 109 EMANCIPATION OF MINORS [Reserved.]

RULE 110 UNIFIED FAMILY COURTS [Reserved.]

RULE 111 TITLE 26 RCW GUARDIANS AD LITEM [Reserved. See GALR 1-7.]

RULE 112 PARENTING AND PSYCHOLOGICAL EVALUATIONS [Reserved.]

RULE 113 BANKRUPTCY

     When any party to a pending Title 26 RCW proceeding in which assets or liabilities are before the trial court for disposition files for bankruptcy protection with the Federal Courts, the party seeking bankruptcy protection shall file notice with the trial court of such proceedings and of any stays authorizing the trial court to dispose of the subject assets or liabilities.

RULE 114 RELOCATION [Reserved.]

     Reviser's note: The brackets and enclosed material in the text of the above section occurred in the copy filed by the agency and appear in the Register pursuant to the requirements of RCW 34.08.040.

     Reviser's note: The typographical errors in the above material occurred in the copy filed by the State Supreme Court and appear in the Register pursuant to the requirements of RCW 34.08.040.

     Reviser's note: The spelling errors in the above section occurred in the copy filed by the agency and appear in the Register pursuant to the requirements of RCW 34.08.040.

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