King County Superior Court Service and Proof of Service Rules
41 rules from official source documents
E-service, mail, personal service, proof of service, certificate, and timing requirements.
CRITICAL
- Applies to
- Motion in limine order
Witnesses must be given copies of all orders on motions in limine, along with an explanation of the orders and their limitations, before they testify.
All witnesses are to be provided with copies of any Orders on Motions in Limine prior to their testimony, and an explanation regarding those Orders and their limitations on testimony.
CRITICAL
- Applies to
- Pleadings
Email may not be used to serve pleadings on opposing parties absent agreement of opposing counsel or express permission of the court, even if the court accepts working copies by email.
Absent agreement of opposing counsel or express permission of the court, email may not be used for service of pleadings on opposing parties, even in those situations where the court has agreed to accept working copies by email.
CRITICAL
Emails to court staff containing substantive information must also be sent to opposing counsel and indicate on their face that opposing counsel was copied.
If an attorney is communicating substantive information to court staff, the email must also be sent to opposing counsel and so indicate on its face. Substantive information includes information regarding the likelihood of settlement, the timing of witnesses, anticipated problems with scheduling, concerns regarding security and other case-specific issues.
CRITICAL
- Service
- Electronic service
Counsel should review LGR 30, which requires e-filing of most documents and requires attorneys to “promptly register to accept e-service via the Clerk’s eFiling application” unless a waiver is obtained.
Counsel should review LGR 30, which requires e-filing of most documents and requires attorneys to “promptly register to accept e-service via the Clerk’s eFiling application” unless a waiver is obtained.
CRITICAL
The requesting party must serve the notice and motion documents on all parties and file a proof of service listing all served documents.
The Party requesting the hearing must serve a copy of this notice, with motion documents, on all parties and file a proof of service outlining all the documents served on the other party or parties.
CRITICAL
- Applies to
- Motion to withdraw or substitute counsel
Motions to withdraw or substitute counsel filed after the first omnibus must be heard by the Chief Criminal Judge or Chief MRJC Judge with notice to opposing counsel.
A Motion to Withdraw or Substitute Counsel after the first omnibus hearing shall be heard by the Chief Criminal Judge or Chief MRJC Judge, with notice to opposing counsel.
CRITICAL
DV and SAU bond hearings require six days' notice; other bond hearings may be set in fewer than six days with notice, and the Court will strike hearings set without notice.
Bond hearings may be set on the bond calendar as soon as possible (shorter than six days), as long as notice is given. If a party needs more time, they may ask for more time. DV or SAU hearings will still require six days' notice. The Court will strike hearings where there is no notice.
CRITICAL
- Applies to
- Notice of change of sentencing date
A copy of the Notice of Change of Sentencing Date form must be provided to the Criminal Department Sentencing Coordinator to prevent oversetting the sentencing judge.
A copy of the Notice of Change of Sentencing Date form must be given to the Criminal Department Sentencing Coordinator to avoid oversetting the sentencing judge.
CRITICAL
Counsel must notify opposing counsel of the rescheduled sentencing time and date.
Notify opposing counsel of the rescheduled time and date.
CRITICAL
The party who schedules an expedited motion must notify opposing counsel as required by CrR 8.2 and CR 7(b).
The party who schedules the motion must notify opposing counsel, CrR 8.2, CR 7(b).
CRITICAL
The moving party must provide notice of the criminal motion to opposing counsel.
The moving party must file a Note for Criminal Motion and must provide notice to opposing counsel.
CRITICAL
The moving party must notify opposing counsel of the bond hearing date and time, or PAO Records, the EPU deputies, or supervisors if no prosecutor is assigned or known.
The moving party shall notify opposing counsel of the date and time for the bond hearing, CrR 8.1, CR 6; CrR 8.2, CR 7. If there is no assigned prosecutor, or the assigned prosecutor is unknown, notice shall be provided to PAO Records, the EPU deputies, or supervisors.
CRITICAL
- Applies to
- Motion to withdraw counsel
Counsel may withdraw without a hearing after arraignment and before the first omnibus if notice is given to the court and opposing counsel.
Counsel may withdraw as the attorney of record after arraignment and prior to the first omnibus without a hearing upon notice to the court and to opposing counsel.
CRITICAL
Proof of service must be filed with the court through KC SCRIPT.
File proof of service with the court (KC SCRIPT)
CRITICAL
- Applies to
- Motion
Motions must be served on all relevant parties.
Serve the motion to all relevant parties
CRITICALCivil cases
Proof of service must be filed with the court via KC SCRIPT.
File proof of service with the court (via KC SCRIPT)
CRITICALCivil cases
- Applies to
- Motion
The motion must be served on all legal parties.
Serve the Motion to all legal parties.
CRITICAL
All parties must be copied on any email sent to the court.
You must copy all parties on any email to the court.
CRITICAL
Motions set without oral argument must comply with KCLR 7, including providing and filing proof of service of the motion.
Parties must comply with all the requirements of KCLR 7 when setting motions without oral argument, including providing and filing proof of service of the motion.
CRITICAL
- Service
- Electronic service
All attorneys and unrepresented parties who e-file must register to accept e-service via the Clerk's e-Filing application unless granted a waiver, or they may not receive court orders.
Pursuant to Local General Rule 30, all attorneys and unrepresented parties who E-file documents must register to accept e-service via the Clerk's e-Filing application, unless they have been granted a waiver. IF YOU FAIL TO REGISTER FOR E-SERVICE, IT IS POSSIBLE YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE A COPY OF A COURT ORDER.
CRITICAL
- Deadline
- 48 hours
If an attorney seeks to have the attorney, party, witness, advocate or victim appear for a hearing via Zoom, the attorney should make a request by notifying court and the opposing counsel at least 48 hours in advance of the hearing, absent extenuating circumstances.
If an attorney seeks to have the attorney, party, witness, advocate or victim appear for a hearing via Zoom, the attorney should make a request by notifying court and the opposing counsel at least 48 hours in advance of the hearing, absent extenuating circumstances.
CRITICAL
- Service
- Electronic service
Counsel should review LGR 30, which requires e-filing of most documents and requires attorneys to “promptly register to accept e-service via the Clerk’s eFiling application” unless a waiver is obtained.
Counsel should review LGR 30, which requires e-filing of most documents and requires attorneys to “promptly register to accept e-service via the Clerk’s eFiling application” unless a waiver is obtained.
CRITICAL
- Service
- Electronic service to all parties
All attorneys and unrepresented parties who e-file must register for e-service via the Clerk's eFiling application unless granted a waiver, or they may not receive court orders.
Pursuant to Local General Rule 30, all attorneys and unrepresented parties who E-file documents must register to accept e-service via the Clerk's eFiling application, unless they have been granted a waiver. IF YOU FAIL TO REGISTER FOR E-SERVICE, IT IS POSSIBLE YOU WILL NOT RECEIVE A COPY OF A COURT ORDER
CRITICAL
- Applies to
- Non dispositive motion
When setting non-dispositive motions without oral argument, parties must comply with KCLR 7, including providing and filing proof of service.
Parties must comply with all the requirements of KCLR 7 when setting motions without oral argument, including providing and filing proof of service of the motion.
WARNING
- Applies to
- Motion
The opposing party must receive copies of the proposed order and motion.
Please remember that the opponent must also receive a copy of your proposed order, as well as a copy of your motion.
WARNING
If the defendant expresses a desire to withdraw his/her plea before or at sentencing, the sentencing court should continue the sentencing to give defense time to file a written motion and declaration to be served on the judge who took the guilty plea or the sentencing judge if the plea judge is not available or was a judge pro tempore.
If the defendant expresses a desire to withdraw his/her plea before or at sentencing, the sentencing court should continue the sentencing to give defense time to file a written motion and declaration to be served on the judge who took the guilty plea or the sentencing judge if the plea judge is not available or was a judge pro tempore.
WARNING
After a hung jury, the prosecutor must re-calendar the case for new omnibus, trial and expiration dates and notify defense counsel of those hearings.
If the case is to be re-tried, it is the prosecutor’s responsibility to place the case back on the calendar for new omnibus, trial and expiration dates, and to notify defense counsel of such hearings.
WARNING
- Applies to
- Signed order
- Service
Signed orders are delivered electronically when an email address is on file; parties without an email address on file must provide preaddressed, stamped envelopes for mail delivery.
Copies of signed orders will be delivered to counsel or the parties electronically if email addresses have been provided to the Court. If no email address is available for an attorney or a party, please provide preaddressed, stamped envelopes to the Court for its use in sending the order by mail.
WARNING
- Applies to
- Orders
- Service
- Electronic service
Orders are e-signed and e-served electronically, and parties are responsible for signing up for e-service through the Clerk's Office.
Judge Berns will then e-sign and e-serve orders electronically. Parties are responsible for signing up for e-service, through the Clerk’s Office.
WARNING
- Applies to
- Signed order
- Service
If no email address is available for an attorney or a party, please provide preaddressed, stamped envelopes to the Court for its use in sending the order by mail.
If no email address is available for an attorney or a party, please provide preaddressed, stamped envelopes to the Court for its use in sending the order by mail.
WARNING
- Applies to
- Signed order
Signed orders are delivered electronically when an email address is on file; parties without an email address must provide preaddressed stamped envelopes for mail delivery.
Copies of signed orders will be delivered to counsel or the parties electronically if email addresses have been provided to the Court. If no email address is available for an attorney or a party, please provide preaddressed, stamped envelopes to the Court for its use in sending the order by mail.
WARNINGCivil cases
- Applies to
- Signed order
- Service
- Electronic service
Signed orders are delivered electronically when an email address is on file; if none exists, the party must give the Court preaddressed stamped envelopes for mailing.
Copies of signed orders will be delivered to counsel or the parties electronically if email addresses have been provided to the Court. If no email address is available for an attorney or a party, please provide preaddressed, stamped envelopes to the Court for its use in sending the order by mail.
WARNING
- Service
- Email to all parties
Please include all counsel and pro se litigants on your email.
Please include all counsel and pro se litigants on your email.
INFO
- Service
Copies of orders are mailed only when pre-addressed stamped envelopes are provided; otherwise they may be obtained from the Clerk's Office about 5 days after the ruling.
Copies of orders will not be mailed unless pre-addressed stamped envelopes are provided. If no envelopes were provided, copies of orders may be obtained from the Clerk's Office approximately 5 days after a ruling has been issued.
INFO
When a defendant appears through counsel, notices given to counsel are presumed to have been given to the defendant.
If a Defendant appears through counsel, notices provided to counsel are presumed to be provided to the Defendant.
INFO
- Applies to
- Signed order
Signed orders are delivered electronically to counsel or parties who have provided email addresses to the Court.
Copies of signed orders will be delivered to counsel or the parties electronically if email addresses have been provided to the Court.
INFO
- Applies to
- Signed orders
Signed orders are delivered electronically to counsel or parties who have provided email addresses to the Court.
Copies of signed orders will be delivered to counsel or the parties electronically if email addresses have been provided to the Court.
INFO
- Applies to
- Signed order
- Service
- Electronic service
Signed orders are distributed through e-filing to parties who sign up for e-service.
Courtesy copies of signed orders will be provided through e-filing for those who sign up for e-service.
INFO
- Applies to
- Signed order
- Service
Self-represented parties not enrolled in e-service may receive signed orders at an email address they provide to the bailiff.
If a self-represented party has not signed up for e-service, they may receive orders via an email address they provide to the bailiff.
INFO
- Applies to
- Signed order
Signed orders are delivered electronically when email addresses are on file; otherwise parties may retrieve them via KCScript within 24-48 hours of filing.
Copies of signed orders will be delivered to counsel or the parties electronically if email addresses have been provided to the Court. If no email address is available for an attorney or a party, parties/counsel may access the order through KCScript within 24-48 hours of the order being filed.
INFO
- Applies to
- Signed order
Signed orders are delivered electronically to counsel or parties who have provided email addresses to the Court.
Copies of signed orders will be delivered to counsel or the parties electronically if email addresses have been provided to the Court.
What rule applies to service for motion in limine order in King County Superior Court?
Witnesses must be given copies of all orders on motions in limine, along with an explanation of the orders and their limitations, before they testify.
What rule applies to service for pleadings in King County Superior Court?
Details: recipient: the opposing party. Email may not be used to serve pleadings on opposing parties absent agreement of opposing counsel or express permission of the court, even if the court accepts working copies by email.
What service or proof of service rules apply in King County Superior Court?
King County Superior Court: Emails to court staff containing substantive information must also be sent to opposing counsel and indicate on their face that opposing counsel was copied.
Judge Nelson K.H. Lee: Details: timing: 48 hours before hearing. If an attorney seeks to have the attorney, party, witness, advocate or victim appear for a hearing via Zoom, the attorney should make a request by notifying court and the opposing counsel at least 48 hours in advance of the hearing, absent extenuating circumstances.
Judge Brian McDonald: Details: timing: before hearing. DV and SAU bond hearings require six days' notice; other bond hearings may be set in fewer than six days with notice, and the Court will strike hearings set without notice.
6 more rules answer this question.
What rule applies to service by mail in King County Superior Court?
Details: method: service by mail. Copies of orders are mailed only when pre-addressed stamped envelopes are provided; otherwise they may be obtained from the Clerk's Office about 5 days after the ruling.
What rule applies to e-service in King County Superior Court?
Judge Aimée Sutton and Judge Paul M. Crisalli: Details: method: e-service. Counsel should review LGR 30, which requires e-filing of most documents and requires attorneys to “promptly register to accept e-service via the Clerk’s eFiling application” unless a waiver is obtained.
Judge Mark Larrañaga: Details: method: e-service. All attorneys and unrepresented parties who e-file must register to accept e-service via the Clerk's e-Filing application unless granted a waiver, or they may not receive court orders.
What rule applies to service for motion to withdraw or substitute counsel in King County Superior Court?
Judge Brian McDonald: Details: recipient: the opposing party. Motions to withdraw or substitute counsel filed after the first omnibus must be heard by the Chief Criminal Judge or Chief MRJC Judge with notice to opposing counsel.
Related categories
Back to all rules for this courtPage & Word Limits
Maximum page counts and word limits for motions, briefs, and other filings by judge.
Courtesy Copy Requirements
When and how to deliver courtesy copies to chambers, including triggers, timing, and formatting.
Electronic Filing Rules
Electronic filing requirements, permitted filing channels, EFSP portals, and exceptions.
Filing Timing and Cure Windows
Filing cutoffs, deemed-filed rules, rejection handling, cure periods, and outage procedures.