(1) Format Requirements. All pleadings, motions, and other papers and digital images filed with the court shall be legibly written or printed.  The use of letter-size paper (8-1/2 by 11 inches) is mandatory.  The writing or printing shall appear on only one side of the page.  The top margin of the first page shall be a minimum of one and a half inches, the bottom margin shall be a minimum of one inch and the side margins shall be a minimum of one inch.  All subsequent pages shall have a minimum of one-inch margins.  Papers filed shall not include any colored pages, highlighting or other colored markings.

(a) Format Recommendations, Bottom Notation, and Signatures Required. Every order presented for a Judge’s signature shall include a portion of the text on the signature page and shall be signed by the individual attorney presenting it on the lower left-hand corner of the page to be signed. Every page shall include the case number. (Note: e-mail address needs to be included.)

(b) Pleading to be Dated and Names Typed. All pleadings, motions, and other papers to be filed with the clerk shall be dated by the person preparing the same. The names of all persons signing a pleading or other paper should be typed under the signature. If signed by an attorney, the attorney’s Washington Bar Association number must be set forth.

(c) Pro se pleadings shall be typewritten or neatly printed, shall conform to the format recommendations of CRLJ 10(e), and shall contain the party’s mailing address and street address where service of process and other papers may be made upon him/her or the same may be rejected for filing by the clerk.

[Adopted April 26, 2007]

(d) Audio/Visual Exhibits. When testimony or evidence is to be given via video tape or motion pictures, it is the responsibility of the party introducing the testimony or evidence to provide the proper equipment for viewing such testimony or evidence, or to provide the court the testimony or evidence in CD or DVD format.

[Adopted June 24, 2008]

(e)  Small Claims and Name Change Format Requirements.  All Small Claims and Name Change pleadings must conform to Clark County District Court forms.  Prescribed forms are available on the court’s website.  Any pleadings not meeting such requirements may be rejected for filing and returned, then resubmitted after compliance with this rule.

[Adopted June 20, 2012]

(2)   Other papers.  In addition to the format requirements of GR14 and CR10, all pleadings motions and other papers filed with the District Court shall be legibly written or printed with numbered lines, double-spaced type except for generally recognized exceptions such as lengthy quotes or exhibits, twelve (12) point type , and using bonded or at least 20 lb. grade of paper.  Any submission not meeting such requirements may be returned for resubmission in compliance with the rule. 

(3) Required Forms. The following pleadings will not be accepted unless they are on the most current District Court form or the most recent Washington Courts form:

(a)  Statement of Defendant on Plea of Guilty;

(b) Petition for Deferred Prosecution; and

(c) Order for Deferred Prosecution (no Washington Courts standard form available).

District Court forms are available at District Court Administration or on second floor of courthouse.  Washington Courts forms are available at www.courts.wa.org/forms.

[Adopted March 5, 2002; Amended September 1, 2019]