Washington § 4.74.040 - Complaints — Consumer notice. (Effective January 1, 2027.)

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 4.74.040 — Complaints — Consumer notice. (Effective January 1, 2027.), with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 4.74.040. Complaints — Consumer notice. (Effective January 1, 2027.)

(1) A default judgment may be entered in an action to which this chapter applies only if the complaint or amended complaint served on the consumer includes, or is accompanied by, a notice warning that a default judgment may be awarded against the consumer in no less than 10 point type.
(2) The notice must be substantially similar to the form in subsection (3) of this section that states:
(a) If the consumer does not file an answer to the complaint or amended complaint, a default judgment may be entered against the consumer;
(b) If a judgment is entered against the consumer, the amount of the judgment, plus interest on the judgment as provided by other laws of this state, could remain in effect for up to 20 years, even if the judgment is not credit reported or no longer remains on the consumer's credit report;
(c) After entry of a judgment, the plaintiff may, but will not necessarily, take steps to sell real estate owned by the consumer, sell personal property owned by the consumer, attach the consumer's bank accounts, or garnish the consumer's wages;
(d) Entry of a judgment may in some circumstances impair access to employment, insurance, credit, or housing;
(e) An attorney may provide assistance in understanding the complaint or amended complaint and advice about what action to take in response to the complaint or amended complaint; and
(f) Contact information for a legal aid or attorney referral service that may be able to help the consumer find an attorney, and if the consumer cannot afford an attorney, may be able to provide free or reduced-cost legal services.
(3) The following notice meets the requirements of this section:
Consumer Notice
This notice is required to be given to you by law and its content is prescribed by law; this notice and its content are not statements, representations, or threats by, nor advice from, the plaintiff or the plaintiff's attorney.
1. Why Am I Getting This Notice?
The plaintiff named in the complaint has filed a lawsuit against you to collect money that the plaintiff says you owe.
2. What Will Happen If I Do Nothing?
A judgment may be entered against you if you do not file a response to the lawsuit.
3. What Happens If A Judgment Is Entered Against Me?
Your personal property may be taken and sold. Money may be taken directly from your bank account or wages. A lien may be put on your house or other real estate and the house or real estate may be sold. These are things that could happen, although they won't necessarily happen.
If the judgment is not paid in full, the amount due may grow because of interest charges.
You could owe the amount of any unpaid judgment for up to 20 years, even if it is not credit reported or it no longer appears on your credit report.
The judgment may make it harder for you to get a job or insurance and more expensive for you to get a loan or credit card, rent an apartment, or buy a house or car.
4. Is Help Available?
If you talk with a lawyer, the lawyer can explain the situation and help you decide what to do. If you cannot afford a lawyer, you may be able to obtain one for free or reduced cost. You may call 211 for a referral to legal counsel.
[ 2026 c 107 s 6.]

Notes

Effective date—2026 c 107: See note following RCW 4.74.900.

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

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Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 4.74.040

What does Revised Code of Washington § 4.74.040 cover?

Section 4.74.040 ("Complaints — Consumer notice. (Effective January 1, 2027.)") 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 § 4.74.040?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 4.74.040" (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 § 4.74.040 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.