Washington § 6.32.010 - Order for examination of judgment debtor — Plaintiff entitled to costs — Additional fees if debtor fails to answer or appear — When warrants permitted.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 6.32.010 — Order for examination of judgment debtor — Plaintiff entitled to costs — Additional fees if debtor fails to answer or appear — When warrants permitted., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 6.32.010. Order for examination of judgment debtor — Plaintiff entitled to costs — Additional fees if debtor fails to answer or appear — When warrants permitted.

(1) At any time within ten years after entry of a judgment for the sum of twenty-five dollars or over, unless the time is extended in accordance with RCW 6.17.020(3), upon application by the judgment creditor such court or judge may, by an order, require the judgment debtor to appear at a specified time and place before the judge granting the order, or a referee appointed by the judge, to answer concerning the same.

(2) Except as provided in subsection (4) of this section, the judge to whom application is made under this chapter may, if it is made to appear to him or her by the affidavit of the judgment creditor, his or her agent or attorney that there is danger of the debtor absconding, order the sheriff to arrest the debtor and bring him or her before the judge granting the order. Upon being brought before the judge, he or she may be ordered to enter into a bond, with sufficient sureties, that he or she will attend from time to time before the judge or referee, as shall be directed, during the pendency of the proceedings and until the final termination thereof.

(3) If the judgment debtor or other persons against whom the special proceedings are instituted has been served with these proceedings, the plaintiff shall be entitled to costs of service, notary fees, and an appearance fee of twenty-five dollars. If the judgment debtor or other persons fail to answer or appear, the plaintiff shall additionally be entitled to reasonable attorney fees. If a plaintiff institutes special proceedings and fails to appear, a judgment debtor or other person against whom the proceeding was instituted who appears is entitled to an appearance fee of twenty-five dollars and reasonable attorney fees.

(4) A plaintiff may not seek a warrant for the arrest of a judgment debtor for any act or failure to act that arises out of or relates to a judgment for medical debt, unless the act or failure to act constitutes a crime under state law.

[ 2019 c 227 s 2; 1994 c 189 s 4; 1985 c 215 s 1; 1983 1st ex.s. c 45 s 6; 1980 c 105 s 5; 1971 ex.s. c 211 s 1; 1957 c 8 s 7; 1899 c 93 s 1; 1893 c 133 s 1; RRS s 613.]

Notes

Application—1980 c 105: See note following RCW 4.16.020.

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 6.32.010

What does Revised Code of Washington § 6.32.010 cover?

Section 6.32.010 ("Order for examination of judgment debtor — Plaintiff entitled to costs — Additional fees if debtor fails to answer or appear — When warrants permitted.") 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 § 6.32.010?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 6.32.010" (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 § 6.32.010 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

Official text of § 6.32.010 at the Washington source

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