Washington § 12.04.100 - Service by publication.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 12.04.100 — Service by publication., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 12.04.100. Service by publication.

In case personal service cannot be had by reason of the absence of the defendant from the county in which the action is sought to be commenced, it shall be proper to publish the summons or notice with a brief statement of the object and prayer of the claim or complaint, in some newspaper of general circulation in the county wherein the action is commenced, which notice shall be published not less than once a week for three weeks prior to the time fixed for the hearing of the cause, which shall not be less than four weeks from the first publication of the notice.
The notice may be substantially as follows:
The State of Washington,
County of  . . . . . . . . . .
ss.
In justice's court,  . . . . . . justice.
To  . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
You are hereby notified that  . . . . . . has filed a complaint (or claim as the case may be) against you in said court which will come on to be heard at my office in  . . . . . . . ., in  . . . . . . county, state of Washington, on the  . . . . day of  . . . . . ., A.D. (year) . . . ., at the hour of  . . . . o'clock  . . . .m., and unless you appear and then and there answer, the same will be taken as confessed and the demand of the plaintiff granted. The object and demand of said claim (or complaint, as the case may be) is (here insert a brief statement).
Complaint filed  . . . . . ., A.D. (year) . . . .
 
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ., J. P.
[ 2016 c 202 s 12; 1985 c 469 s 6; Code 1881 s 1720; 1873 p 337 s 27; RRS s 1766.]

Notes

Legal publications: Chapter 65.16 RCW.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 12.04.100

What does Revised Code of Washington § 12.04.100 cover?

Section 12.04.100 ("Service by publication.") 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 § 12.04.100?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 12.04.100" (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 § 12.04.100 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.