Sued in Washington? You may have only 20 days to answer
District or Superior Court: 20 days. Superior court, served in person outside Washington: 60 days.
Checked against official sources: Oct 24, 2026. · Free letters and forms ↓
Count your answer deadline in Washington
Pick your court and the day you were served (got the court papers). We show the last day to answer and what to do next.
Washington guides by topic
How to answer in Washington
Your deadline by court, the official form, fees and defenses.
Default judgment in Washington
What a default means and how to set it aside, with a calculator.
After a judgment in Washington
Wage garnishment, bank levies and how to claim an exemption.
Debt buyer lawsuits in Washington
What a debt buyer must prove, and old debts as a defense.
Which court hears debt cases in Washington
District Court
Most credit card, medical, personal loan and debt-buyer lawsuits are filed here. It hears contract claims for money of $100,000 or less (not counting interest, costs and lawyer fees).
Law: RCW 3.66.020(1)
Superior Court
Hears larger debt cases (no upper limit) and can also hear smaller ones.
Law: RCW 3.66.020 (district court limit); CR 12
Small Claims Department of District Court
Up to $10,000 if the person suing is an individual, $5,000 for a business. Collectors usually use regular district court.
Law: RCW 12.40.010
How to answer in Washington
- How to answer
Write an answer that responds to each claim in the complaint and lists your defenses. Serve (deliver or mail) a copy on the plaintiff's lawyer and file the original with the clerk of the court named on the summons. A debt collector must file the case with the court before serving you, so your papers should already show a case number.
- Fee to answer
District court: no fee to answer. A counterclaim costs $43 plus a $30 state surcharge, and the county may add up to $10 more. Superior court: the $200 filing fee, plus $90 in required surcharges ($290 total), is paid by the party who files the first document in the case and by anyone who files a counterclaim.
Law: RCW 3.62.060(1)(a), (2)(a); RCW 7.75.035; RCW 36.18.020(2)(a), (5)(c), (6)
- If you can't pay the fees
Motion and Declaration for Waiver of Civil Fees and Surcharges (GR 34), with the Financial Statement and proposed Order: https://www.courts.wa.gov/forms/?fa=forms.contribute&formID=87
- How you must be served
The summons and complaint must be handed to you personally, or left at your home with a person of suitable age and discretion who lives there. A collection agency may not serve you until the case has been filed with the court and has a case number.
Law: RCW 4.28.080(14); CR 4; CRLJ 4; RCW 19.16.250(27); CR 3(e)
Law: CR 12(a); CRLJ 12(a); CR 3(e); RCW 19.16.250(27); RCW 3.62.060; RCW 7.75.035; RCW 36.18.020; GR 34
Defenses to know in Washington
- Defenses in Washington law
Defenses must be raised in your answer, and some (such as lack of jurisdiction, improper venue, or bad service) can be raised by motion. Defenses from Washington law include: the 6-year time limit for written contracts and accounts receivable has run, and suing on a time-barred debt is a prohibited practice for collection agencies; the debt buyer did not attach the required documents or proof of ownership; the collection agency is not licensed; and you were served before the case was filed.
Law: CR 12(b); CRLJ 12(b); RCW 4.16.040; RCW 19.16.250(23); RCW 19.16.260(2); from 2027, RCW 4.74.030; RCW 19.16.260(1); RCW 19.16.250(27)
- Debt buyer lawsuits
- Until December 31, 2026: a debt buyer must attach to the complaint the signed contract (or, for a credit card without one, the last monthly statement showing a purchase, payment or other credit, plus the terms and conditions if it sues for breach of contract), and must state in the complaint that it buys charged-off debts, the date it bought the debt, who sold it, that it may have paid less than the amount claimed, and that the suit is within the time limit. Debt buyer lawsuits in Washington: the full rules
- Time limit to sue (written contract)
- 6 years · More on old debts at Debt Collector Map
If you missed the deadline in Washington
A default judgment means the court decides against you because you didn't answer. You may be able to ask the court to set it aside (cancel it), but time limits are short.
- What happens
If you do not answer or appear in time, the plaintiff can ask for a default and a default judgment. If you have appeared in the case (for example, by filing a notice of appearance or an answer), you must get written notice of the default motion at least 5 days before the hearing. If more than 1 year has passed since you were served with no appearance, you must be given at least 10 days' notice before a default is entered.
- How to set it aside (cancel it)
File a motion to vacate (set aside) the default judgment with a declaration stating the facts and your defense; the court sets a hearing (order to show cause). The motion must be made within a reasonable time, and no more than 1 year after the judgment if the reason is mistake, inadvertence, surprise, excusable neglect or irregularity. A default entered in the wrong district must be vacated on motion. A void judgment (for example, if you were never properly served) can be challenged later.
Law: CR 55; CRLJ 55(a)(3), (c), (f); CR 60(b), (e); CRLJ 60(b), (e)
Count your deadline to set aside a default
If there is a judgment in Washington
A judgment is the court's decision that you owe money. Then the creditor can ask the court to take money from your pay or bank account.
- Interest after the judgment
A judgment for consumer debt earns 9% a year, unless a written contract sets a specific interest rate and that rate is stated in the judgment. For private student loan debt it is 2 points above the prime rate.
Law: RCW 4.56.110(1), (4), (5)
- How long it lasts
A creditor can collect for 10 years from the date of judgment. Within the 90 days before it expires, the creditor can ask the court for one more 10 years. No judgment can be enforced for more than 20 years.
Law: RCW 4.56.110; RCW 6.17.020(1), (3), (7)
Garnishment, bank levy and exemptions in Washington
Exempt means protected by law: money or property the creditor can't take. Often you must claim it yourself, fast.
- Wage garnishment (taking part of your pay)
For consumer debt you keep the greater of 80% of disposable earnings or 35 times the Washington minimum hourly wage per week. For private student loans you keep the greater of 85% or 50 times the highest minimum wage in the state.
Law: RCW 6.27.150(3), (4)
- Bank levy (freezing and taking money in your bank account)
The creditor gets a writ of garnishment and serves it on your bank. The bank must hold money that is not automatically exempt. You get a Notice of Garnishment and of Your Rights and an Exemption Claim form. For consumer debt, $2,000 in bank accounts is protected automatically ($500 for most other debts; $1,000 automatic, up to $2,500, for private student loans). Accounts with only benefits such as Social Security, SSI or unemployment can be claimed as fully exempt.
Law: RCW 6.15.010(1)(d)(iii); RCW 6.27.140
- How to claim an exemption
Fill out the Exemption Claim form you receive with the writ. Mail or deliver the original to the court clerk and a copy to the plaintiff or its lawyer as quickly as possible, but no later than 28 days after the date on the writ. If the plaintiff does not object, the money must be released within 10 days after it gets your claim. If it objects, a hearing must be held within 14 days after it got your claim. You must prove the source and amount of exempt money.
Law: RCW 6.27.140, 6.27.160; RCW 6.27.150; RCW 6.15.010
These garnishment limits are from our sister site, which checks them against official sources: Debt Collector Map: Washington
Count your deadline to claim an exemption
Free help in Washington
- WashingtonLawHelp.org (free legal information from Washington legal aid)
- Northwest Justice Project (free civil legal aid)
- Find free legal help at LawHelp.org
Court self-help
Free letters and forms
Ask the plaintiff's lawyer for the debt documents
The contract, the chain of ownership and an itemization of what they claim.
Exemption claim cover letter
A letter to the court clerk to file with your exemption claim form.
Good to know in Washington
- A collection agency cannot serve you with a lawsuit until it has been filed with the court and has a case number. (RCW 19.16.250(27); CR 3(e))
- Judgments for consumer debt earn 9% interest a year, unless a written contract rate is stated in the judgment. (RCW 4.56.110(5))
- From January 1, 2027, every consumer debt complaint must include a Consumer Notice warning about default judgment and listing where to get help, or the court may refuse a default judgment. (RCW 4.74.040, 4.74.050)
Changes in 2024–2026
2026: Washington adopted the Uniform Consumer Debt Default Judgments Act. It applies to consumer debt lawsuits filed on or after January 1, 2027: new required complaint details and attachments, a required Consumer Notice, and the court may deny a default judgment or give the plaintiff 30 days to amend. The old debt-buyer rules in RCW 19.16.260(2) are moved into the new law on that date. 2025: CRLJ 55 was amended (effective July 22, 2025). 2025: medical debt may not be reported to credit bureaus and bank account exemption amounts in RCW 6.15.010 were updated (2025 c 391). The bank-account exemption amounts in RCW 6.15.010(1)(d)(iii) will be adjusted for inflation every three years starting July 1, 2027. 2025: superior court filing surcharges in RCW 36.18.020 were changed (2025 c 357).
Law: Laws 2026, ch. 107; chapter 4.74 RCW; Laws 2025, ch. 145
Federal rules in every state
- Where a collector must sue. A debt collector that sues you over a consumer debt must file where you signed the contract or where you live when the suit starts. Law: 15 U.S.C. 1692i(a)(2)
- Old debts. A debt collector must not sue you, or threaten to sue you, on a debt that is too old to sue on. Law: 12 CFR 1006.26(b)
- Before a default judgment. Before the court gives the plaintiff a default judgment, the plaintiff must file a sworn statement saying whether you are in military service. Law: 50 U.S.C. 3931(b)(1)
- Your pay. For an ordinary debt, a creditor can take at most 25% of your take-home pay, or the part above 30 times the federal minimum wage if that is less. Many states protect more. Law: 15 U.S.C. 1673(a)
- Federal benefits in the bank. Your bank must protect up to two months of Social Security, SSI, VA and some other federal benefits that were paid into your account by direct deposit. You don't have to ask. Law: 31 CFR 212.5, 212.6
Questions about debt lawsuits in Washington
How long do I have to answer a debt lawsuit in Washington?
20 days after you are served, not counting the day you were served. In superior court, it is 60 days if you were served in person outside Washington. If you were served by publication, it is 60 days from the first publication.
How do I answer a debt lawsuit in Washington?
Write an answer that responds to each claim in the complaint and lists your defenses. Serve (deliver or mail) a copy on the plaintiff's lawyer and file the original with the clerk of the court named on the summons. A debt collector must file the case with the court before serving you, so your papers should already show a case number.
Does it cost money to answer in Washington?
District court: no fee to answer. A counterclaim costs $43 plus a $30 state surcharge, and the county may add up to $10 more. Superior court: the $200 filing fee, plus $90 in required surcharges ($290 total), is paid by the party who files the first document in the case and by anyone who files a counterclaim.
What if I can't afford the court fees in Washington?
Motion and Declaration for Waiver of Civil Fees and Surcharges (GR 34), with the Financial Statement and proposed Order: https://www.courts.wa.gov/forms/?fa=forms.contribute&formID=87
What happens if I don't answer in Washington?
If you do not answer or appear in time, the plaintiff can ask for a default and a default judgment. If you have appeared in the case (for example, by filing a notice of appearance or an answer), you must get written notice of the default motion at least 5 days before the hearing. If more than 1 year has passed since you were served with no appearance, you must be given at least 10 days' notice before a default is entered.
Can I cancel a default judgment in Washington?
File a motion to vacate (set aside) the default judgment with a declaration stating the facts and your defense; the court sets a hearing (order to show cause). The motion must be made within a reasonable time, and no more than 1 year after the judgment if the reason is mistake, inadvertence, surprise, excusable neglect or irregularity. A default entered in the wrong district must be vacated on motion. A void judgment (for example, if you were never properly served) can be challenged later.
How much interest does a judgment add in Washington?
A judgment for consumer debt earns 9% a year, unless a written contract sets a specific interest rate and that rate is stated in the judgment. For private student loan debt it is 2 points above the prime rate.
How long does a judgment last in Washington?
A creditor can collect for 10 years from the date of judgment. Within the 90 days before it expires, the creditor can ask the court for one more 10 years. No judgment can be enforced for more than 20 years.
Can my wages be garnished in Washington?
For consumer debt you keep the greater of 80% of disposable earnings or 35 times the Washington minimum hourly wage per week. For private student loans you keep the greater of 85% or 50 times the highest minimum wage in the state.
Can a creditor take money from my bank account in Washington?
The creditor gets a writ of garnishment and serves it on your bank. The bank must hold money that is not automatically exempt. You get a Notice of Garnishment and of Your Rights and an Exemption Claim form. For consumer debt, $2,000 in bank accounts is protected automatically ($500 for most other debts; $1,000 automatic, up to $2,500, for private student loans). Accounts with only benefits such as Social Security, SSI or unemployment can be claimed as fully exempt.
How do I claim an exemption in Washington?
Fill out the Exemption Claim form you receive with the writ. Mail or deliver the original to the court clerk and a copy to the plaintiff or its lawyer as quickly as possible, but no later than 28 days after the date on the writ. If the plaintiff does not object, the money must be released within 10 days after it gets your claim. If it objects, a hearing must be held within 14 days after it got your claim. You must prove the source and amount of exempt money.
More help on our sister sites
Sources
- RCW 3.66.020 District court civil jurisdiction
- RCW 12.40.010 Small claims jurisdiction
- CR 12 (Superior Court) Defenses and objections
- CRLJ 12 (Courts of Limited Jurisdiction) Defenses and objections
- CR 3 Commencement of action
- CRLJ 55 Default
- CRLJ 60 Relief from judgment or order
- CR 60 Relief from judgment or order
- RCW 4.28.080 Summons, how served
- RCW 19.16.250 Prohibited practices
- RCW 19.16.260 Licensing prerequisite to suit; debt buyers
- Chapter 4.74 RCW Uniform Consumer Debt Default Judgments Act (effective Jan. 1, 2027)
- RCW 3.62.060 District court filing fees
- RCW 36.18.020 Superior court clerk's fees
- RCW 4.56.110 Interest on judgments
- RCW 6.17.020 Execution within 10 years; extension
- RCW 6.27.140 Notice of garnishment and exemption claim form
- RCW 6.27.160 Claiming exemptions; hearing
- Washington Courts: Exemption Claim (funds held by financial institution), GARN 01.0500 (rev. 2026-06)
- Washington Courts: GR 34 fee waiver forms
- RCW 7.75.035 Dispute resolution center surcharge
- RCW 6.15.010 Personal property exemptions (bank accounts)
Last checked: Oct 24, 2026.
- Venue for debt collection suits, 15 U.S.C. 1692i
- Time-barred debts, 12 CFR 1006.26 (Regulation F)
- Default judgments and servicemembers, 50 U.S.C. 3931
- Restrictions on garnishment, 15 U.S.C. 1673
- Federal benefit payments in bank accounts, 31 CFR part 212
- CFPB: What should I do if I'm sued by a debt collector or creditor?