[WSBAPT] unfiled unlawful detainer

[Jennifer L White]

I just looked this up - Here you go:
RCW 4.16.170<http://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=4.16.170>
Tolling of statute-Actions, when deemed commenced or not commenced.
For the purpose of tolling any statute of limitations an action shall be deemed commenced when the complaint is filed or summons is served whichever occurs first. If service has not been had on the defendant prior to the filing of the complaint, the plaintiff shall cause one or more of the defendants to be served personally, or commence service by publication within ninety days from the date of filing the complaint. If the action is commenced by service on one or more of the defendants or by publication, the plaintiff shall file the summons and complaint within ninety days from the date of service. If following service, the complaint is not so filed, or following filing, service is not so made, the action shall be deemed to not have been commenced for purposes of tolling the statute of limitations.


Jennifer L. White, Esq.
[cid:image001.jpg at 01D87F0D.28B4F580]

jen at appletreelaw.com<mailto:jen at appletreelaw.com>
PO Box 11037
Yakima, WA 98909
509.225.9813

From: wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com <wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com> On Behalf Of Diane J. Kiepe
Sent: Monday, June 13, 2022 9:55 AM
To: WSBA Probate & Trust Listserv <wsbapt at lists.wsbarppt.com>; Roger Hawkes <Roger at law-hawks.com>; wsajgeneralpractice at lists.washingtonjustice.org <wsajgeneralpractice at lists.membercentral.org>
Subject: Re: [WSBAPT] unfiled unlawful detainer

So, there is something I think that is called "pocket service" in a lawsuit and I just know enough to know I would look into it more - here is a blurb below from online article Duty & The Breach  - Savitt Bruce & Willey -


In Washington, a party does not have to actually file a complaint in Superior Court to start a lawsuit and trigger the time period within which the defendant must respond.[1]<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.sbwllp.com_washingtons-2Dpocket-2Dservice-2Drule-2Da-2Dunique-2Dand-2Duseful-2Dtool-2Dfor-2Dcertain-2Dplaintiffs_-23-5Fftn1&d=DwMFAg&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=kDcM-fraYQNOZ1rCslLoMSSRXJQXmQVvRJbE6ymQGho&m=YBf_8dPcGsZBqQ7FImYDcx0EQL1SCAkbKnMQq3IT1r0&s=RMql9TplXmDfLilKs7GEDZZ01x_x5h1hg3DiE_-QCGo&e=>  Instead, a party can commence a lawsuit by serving a complaint and summons on the defendant.[2]<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.sbwllp.com_washingtons-2Dpocket-2Dservice-2Drule-2Da-2Dunique-2Dand-2Duseful-2Dtool-2Dfor-2Dcertain-2Dplaintiffs_-23-5Fftn2&d=DwMFAg&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=kDcM-fraYQNOZ1rCslLoMSSRXJQXmQVvRJbE6ymQGho&m=YBf_8dPcGsZBqQ7FImYDcx0EQL1SCAkbKnMQq3IT1r0&s=zOY5s-UNk5VW2goCzKhvhAvX9HlDZw7H6zkx0dgcZHQ&e=>  This process is commonly called "pocket service."  It is different from the procedure in federal court and most state courts, where a party must file a complaint in court to commence a lawsuit.[3]<https://urldefense.proofpoint.com/v2/url?u=https-3A__www.sbwllp.com_washingtons-2Dpocket-2Dservice-2Drule-2Da-2Dunique-2Dand-2Duseful-2Dtool-2Dfor-2Dcertain-2Dplaintiffs_-23-5Fftn3&d=DwMFAg&c=euGZstcaTDllvimEN8b7jXrwqOf-v5A_CdpgnVfiiMM&r=kDcM-fraYQNOZ1rCslLoMSSRXJQXmQVvRJbE6ymQGho&m=YBf_8dPcGsZBqQ7FImYDcx0EQL1SCAkbKnMQq3IT1r0&s=CZAaGIZJc8l-_xOCUfHg2cV6YioJWWgGgJhhySmbEmM&e=>

Pocket service can be a useful tool for plaintiffs.  Because the complaint is not filed, it is not in the public record.  Thus, plaintiffs seeking an early resolution to their dispute while keeping the matter private may want to utilize pocket service and engage in early settlement discussions.


Diane J. Kiepe

Diane J. Kiepe
Douglas Eden
717 W. Sprague Ave.
Suite 1500
Spokane, WA  99201
djkiepe at depdslaw.com<mailto:djkiepe at depdslaw.com>
509-455-5300

From: wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com<mailto:wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com> <wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com<mailto:wsbapt-bounces at lists.wsbarppt.com>> On Behalf Of Roger Hawkes
Sent: Monday, June 13, 2022 9:45 AM
To: Roger Hawkes <Roger at law-hawks.com<mailto:Roger at law-hawks.com>>; Probate and Trust Listserve <wsbapt at lists.wsbarppt.com<mailto:wsbapt at lists.wsbarppt.com>>; wsajgeneralpractice at lists.washingtonjustice.org<mailto:wsajgeneralpractice at lists.washingtonjustice.org> <wsajgeneralpractice at lists.membercentral.org<mailto:wsajgeneralpractice at lists.membercentral.org>>
Subject: [WSBAPT] unfiled unlawful detainer

Current client, long time friend, has been 'served' by posting of unlawful detainer action in commercial case.  The case is unfiled, per Odyssey.  Does that mean he does not need to reply yet?  I am unsure if unlawful detainer can be filed last minute before hearing and still be effective?

Roger Hawkes, WSBA # 5173
Sky Valley Lawyers, PLLC
Physical Address: 423 Main Street
Mailing Address:   Box 351
Both in Sultan, WA 98294
Phone 360 799 6438
Email: roger at skyvalleylawyers.com<mailto:roger at skyvalleylawyers.com>

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