There are several ways to do this and how you go about it depends on several things.
If you already know the case number then simply follow this link. Enter the case number in the search field and press the submit button. (NOTE: Only enter the numbers, no dashes or spaces) The case docket will be displayed. A docket is simply a list of the documents filed in the case. Select the document you want and it will be displayed. At this point you can’t print the document but if you press the PDF button on the toolbar the document will be converted into a Adobe Acrobat PDF which you can easily print.
The best thing about this process is that, unlike most other counties, it is completely free!
This link will take you to a great document which explains a debtor’s rights in a lawsuit.
Follow this link for a complete set of instructions and forms used to vacate certain types of criminal records.
Follow this link for a complete set of forms used to vacate or seal court records.
Go to Washington Administrator of Courts Website by following this link: http://dw.courts.wa.gov/index.cfm?fa=home.home
Click on “Find My Court Date,” accept the disclaimer, select the court, and enter your first and last names. You must hit the “Submit” button for it to work, it won’t work if you only hit the enter/return key.
Posted May 11, 2016 by
Kathleen J. Marshall, PLLC
119 N. Commercial St., Ste. 310
Bellingham, WA 98225-4447
Telephone: (360) 676-0355
Toll Free Fax: (888) 880-8310
Email: Kathy@KJMarshallLaw.com
All civil filing fees are cash, money order or cashier check. No personal checks are allowed; however, business and practicing attorney checks are acceptable.
Fees
- Civil filing: $83
- Small Claims: $29
- Counterclaim: Civil $83
- Small Claims $29
- Writ of Garnishment $12
- Supplemental $20
- Jury Demand $125
- Ex parte fee $15
- Impounds/ Dangerous Dog $83
- AH Protection Orders $83
- CD’s $10
- Name Changes $166
Appeal Fees
- Filing fee: $230
- Prep fee $40
- Transcript $20
Civil Motions
Civil Motions are heard every Friday @ 1:30p.m. Aside from DV, antiharassment/Stalking and Sexual Assault Protection Order Petitions, any civil motions may be calendared for hearing, including defaults judgments, supplemental proceedings, summary judgments, exparte motions.
Civil Trials
Trials are heard on the 1st and 3rd Wednesday of the month at 9 a.m. Non Jury or Jury trials expecting to be one full day or more will need to set a trial setting hearing on the Friday motion calendar. Trial dates less than one full day (for example, brief debt collection cases) can be obtained by calling the civil coordinator at (360) 778-5408 Trial dates for Judges Grant and Elich must be confirmed by noon the Friday of the week before the scheduled trial date.
Small Claims
Small claims are heard every Thursday @ 9:00 a.m. Motions for reconsideration, new trial, to vacate a default, removal, to allow appearance of counsel, etc. which relate to a small claims matters are also heard on that Thursday morning calendar (unless otherwise authorized to be heard at a different time and date by order of the court.) Please note that mediators from the Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center are usually available each Thursday Small Claims session to provide free mediation services, if both parties agree. If mediation fails, there is often still time available to have a Small Claims trial conducted the same morning. Additional information concerning mediation can be obtained at http://www.whatcomdrc.org/
Information Source: Whatcom County District Court website
Updated: 03-25-2016
Legal Advice
The District Court staff is not permitted, by law, to give legal advice. The staff cannot help you complete your paperwork. Please consult with one of the community resources noted below or an attorney for assistance.
Superior Court
If you think that your case should be processed through Superior Court, contact:
Office of Assigned Counsel / Court Services
Whatcom County Courthouse
311 Grand Avenue
3rd Floor
Bellingham, WA 98225
Phone: 360-676-6803
Shelters
If your case involves domestic violence or sexual assault, and you are not in, or in need of, shelter, call this agency first:
Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services
1407 Commercial Street
Bellingham, WA 98225
Phone: 360-715-1563 or 877-715-1563 (24-Hour Hotline)
Phone: 360-671-5714 (business Line)
Other Agencies
Other agencies that may be able to assist you:
Whatcom County Law Library
311 Grand Avenue
Basement
Bellingham, WA 98225
Phone: 360-676-6556
Library staff can assist in using legal research materials but cannot help with completing paperwork nor provide legal advice. Open part-time; call ahead for current schedule.
Northwest Justice Project
Project Safer
Phone: 888-201-1014 (CLEAR line)
You must call the CLEAR line to be screened for services
Information source: Whatcom County District Court website
Updated: 03-18-2016
Types of Cases Superior Court handles:
- Adult Felonies
- Civil cases – (includes cases involving real property and/or claims in excess of $35,000)
- Divorce/Child Custody/Child Support matters
- Probate/guardianships
- Paternity actions
- Adoptions
- Juvenile cases
- Mental Illness cases
Information source: Whatcom County Superior Court website
Updated: 03-25-2016
About the Court
The Whatcom County District Court consists of 2 Judges, elected for 4 years, 1 appointed Commissioner, and professional and paraprofessional staff. The court hears criminal, civil, infraction and miscellaneous cases.
Criminal Cases
Criminal misdemeanor cases carry a maximum penalty of up to 90 days in jail and a $1,000 fine. Criminal gross misdemeanor cases carry a maximum penalty of up to 1 year in jail and a $5,000 fine. Some examples of criminal cases heard by the court are:
- Assault (Including Domestic Violence)
- Driving While License Suspended
- DUI
- Theft and Miscellaneous Property Crimes
Civil Cases
Civil cases including both general civil actions and small claims actions. General civil actions with damage claims in the maximum amount of $100,000. The court does not hear cases involving title to or possession of real property. Small claims actions with money claims in the maximum amount of $5,000. The small claims court may only grant a judgment for monetary damages. The court may not order the other party to return property or do any action except the payment of money.
Infractions
Infractions including traffic and code violations.
Miscellaneous
Miscellaneous proceedings including:
- Anti-harassment Petitions
- Domestic Violence Petitions
- Name Change Petitions
- Vehicle Impound Hearings
Information source: Whatcom County District Court website
Updated here: 03-25-2016