Washington § 12.04.020 - Action to recover debt — Summons — Service.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 12.04.020 — Action to recover debt — Summons — Service., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 12.04.020. Action to recover debt — Summons — Service.

A party desiring to commence an action before a justice of the peace, for the recovery of a debt by summons, shall file his or her claim with the justice of the peace, verified by his or her own oath, or that of his or her agent or attorney, and thereupon the justice of the peace shall, on payment of his or her fees, if demanded, issue a summons to the opposite party, which summons shall be in the following form, or as nearly as the case will admit, viz:
The State of Washington,
 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . County.
ss.
To the sheriff or any constable of said county:
In the name of the state of Washington, you are hereby commanded to summon  . . . . . . if he or she (or they) be found in your county to be and appear before me at  . . . . . . on  . . . . day of  . . . . . . at  . . . . o'clock p.m. or a.m., to answer the complaint of  . . . . . . for a failure to pay him or her a certain demand, amounting to  . . . . . . dollars and  . . . . cents, upon  . . . . . . . . . . . (here state briefly the nature of the claim) and of this writ make due service and return.
Given under my hand this  . . . . day of  . . . . . (year) . . . .
 
 . . . . . . . . . . . ., Justice of the Peace.
And the summons shall specify a certain place, day and hour for the appearance and answer of the defendant, not less than six nor more than twenty days from the date of filing plaintiff's claim with the justice, which summons shall be served at least five days before the time of trial mentioned therein, and shall be served by the officer delivering to the defendant, or leaving at his or her place of abode with some person over twelve years of age, a true copy of such summons, certified by the officer to be such.
[ 2016 c 202 s 10; 2010 c 8 s 3001; Code 1881 s 1713; 1873 p 335 s 20; 1860 p 245 s 29; RRS s 1758.]

Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27

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Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 12.04.020

What does Revised Code of Washington § 12.04.020 cover?

Section 12.04.020 ("Action to recover debt — Summons — Service.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Washington § 12.04.020?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 12.04.020" (Washington). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Washington law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Washington official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Washington attorney.

How does Washington § 12.04.020 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Washington can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Washington.