Washington § 4.28.100 - Service of summons by publication — When authorized.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 4.28.100 — Service of summons by publication — When authorized., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 4.28.100. Service of summons by publication — When authorized.

When the defendant cannot be found within the state, and upon the filing of an affidavit of the plaintiff, his or her agent, or attorney, with the clerk of the court, stating that he or she believes that the defendant is not a resident of the state, or cannot be found therein, and that he or she has deposited a copy of the summons (substantially in the form prescribed in RCW 4.28.110) and complaint in the post office, directed to the defendant at his or her place of residence, unless it is stated in the affidavit that such residence is not known to the affiant, and stating the existence of one of the cases hereinafter specified, the service may be made by publication of the summons, by the plaintiff or his or her attorney in any of the following cases:
(1) When the defendant is a nonregistered foreign entity as defined in RCW 23.95.105, and has property within the state;
(2) When the defendant, being a resident of this state, has departed therefrom with intent to defraud his or her creditors, or to avoid the service of a summons, or keeps himself or herself concealed therein with like intent;
(3) When the defendant is not a resident of the state, but has property therein and the court has jurisdiction of the subject of the action;
(4) When the action is for (a) establishment or modification of a parenting plan or residential schedule; or (b) dissolution of marriage, legal separation, or declaration of invalidity, in the cases prescribed by law;
(5) When the action is for nonparental custody under *chapter 26.10 RCW and the child is in the physical custody of the petitioner;
(6) When the subject of the action is real or personal property in this state, and the defendant has or claims a lien or interest, actual or contingent, therein, or the relief demanded consists wholly, or partly, in excluding the defendant from any interest or lien therein;
(7) When the action is to foreclose, satisfy, or redeem from a mortgage, or to enforce a lien of any kind on real estate in the county where the action is brought, or satisfy or redeem from the same;
(8) When the action is against any corporation, whether private or municipal, organized under the laws of the state, and the proper officers on whom to make service do not exist or cannot be found;
(9) When the action is brought under RCW 4.08.160 and 4.08.170 to determine conflicting claims to property in this state.
[ 2025 c 40 s 2; 2011 c 336 s 97; 2005 c 117 s 1; 1981 c 331 s 13; 1953 c 102 s 1. Prior: 1929 c 81 s 1; 1915 c 45 s 1; 1893 c 127 s 9; RRS s 228.]

Notes

*Reviser's note: Chapter 26.10 RCW, with the exception of RCW 26.10.115, was repealed by 2020 c 312 s 905. RCW 26.10.115 was repealed by 2021 c 215 s 170.
Court Congestion Reduction Act of 1981—Purpose—Severability—1981 c 331: See notes following RCW 2.32.070.

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 4.28.100

What does Revised Code of Washington § 4.28.100 cover?

Section 4.28.100 ("Service of summons by publication — When authorized.") 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 § 4.28.100?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 4.28.100" (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 § 4.28.100 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.