Washington Superior Court Civil Case Information Cover Sheet

WASHINGTON SUPERIOR COURT CIVIL CASE INFORMATION COVER SHEET

Washington Superior Court — Case Information Cover Sheet (CICS)

FILING INSTRUCTIONS

The Case Information Cover Sheet (CICS) is required when filing a new civil case in Washington Superior Court. The CICS provides essential information for administrative and record-keeping purposes, including the case type code used in the state Judicial Information System (JIS/SCOMIS).

Key Requirements:

• File the CICS with the Complaint or Petition at the time of initiating a new civil case
• If filing electronically, the e-filing system may generate the CICS automatically — check with your county
• If filing in person, you must submit a completed CICS form
• Each county may have supplemental local requirements — always check with the specific county superior court
• The CICS form is available in Word format from the Washington Courts website
• Case type 2 is for civil matters; case types 3-6 cover other superior court matter types

County-Specific Notes:

• King County has specific civil case assignment designations and local requirements
• Many counties have mandatory arbitration programs for cases under certain dollar thresholds
• Business court designations are available in some counties (e.g., King County)

SECTION 1: COURT AND CAPTION

County: [________________________________]

SUPERIOR COURT OF WASHINGTON
COUNTY OF _____________________________

_________________________________,
                    Plaintiff(s),
                                            Case No.: ________________
v.                                          (Assigned by Clerk)

_________________________________,
                    Defendant(s).

Date of Filing: [__/__/____]

SECTION 2: PARTY INFORMATION

Plaintiff(s)

Additional Plaintiff(s): ☐ See attached list

Defendant(s)

Additional Defendant(s): ☐ See attached list

SECTION 3: ATTORNEY / SELF-REPRESENTED PARTY INFORMATION

☐ Self-Represented Party (Pro Se) — If checked, provide personal contact information above.

Attorney For: ☐ Plaintiff ☐ Defendant ☐ Other: [________________________________]

SECTION 4: CASE TYPE — SCOMIS CIVIL CAUSE CODES

Select the primary case type. Washington uses SCOMIS (Superior Court Management Information System) cause codes for case classification. Civil cases are filed under Case Type 2. Select the cause code that most closely matches the nature of the action.

Contract / Commercial

Real Property

Tort — Motor Vehicle

Tort — Other Personal Injury

Professional Liability

Employment

Administrative / Appeals

Declaratory / Equitable / Other Civil

Protection Orders (separate CICS form may be required)

Local Case Category / SCOMIS Code (if different): [________________________________]

Note: Probate, guardianship, and domestic/family matters use separate CICS forms and case type codes (Types 3-6). Do not use this civil cover sheet for those filings.

SECTION 5: AMOUNT IN CONTROVERSY

Monetary Relief Sought

• ☐ Under $10,000
• ☐ $10,000 to $49,999
• ☐ $50,000 to $99,999 (may be subject to mandatory arbitration in some counties)
• ☐ $100,000 to $299,999
• ☐ $300,000 to $999,999
• ☐ $1,000,000 or more

Specific Amount (if stated): $ [________________________________]

Non-Monetary Relief Sought

• ☐ Injunctive Relief
• ☐ Declaratory Judgment
• ☐ Specific Performance
• ☐ Restitution
• ☐ Other Equitable Relief: [________________________________]

SECTION 6: JURY DEMAND

• ☐ Jury trial demanded pursuant to CR 38 and Wash. Const. Art. I, § 21
• ☐ Non-jury / Bench trial
• ☐ Jury demand to be filed later

Note: Under CR 38(b), a jury demand must be served no later than the date of the call of the case for trial. However, under CR 38(d), the court may require an earlier demand. Best practice is to include the demand with the initial filing. A jury fee of $125 must be paid at the time of demand (RCW 36.18.016(3)).

SECTION 7: MANDATORY ARBITRATION

Many Washington counties require mandatory arbitration for civil cases under a specified dollar threshold (typically $50,000 or $100,000, depending on the county). See RCW 7.06 and local court rules.

• ☐ This case IS subject to mandatory arbitration
• ☐ This case is NOT subject to mandatory arbitration
• ☐ Unknown / To be determined

County mandatory arbitration threshold: $ [________________________________]

Basis for exemption (if claimed): [________________________________]

SECTION 8: RELATED CASES

Are there any related cases pending or previously filed in any Washington court?

• ☐ No related cases
• ☐ Yes — Provide details below:

Consolidation Requested: ☐ Yes ☐ No

SECTION 9: SERVICE INFORMATION

Method of Service (CR 4, RCW 4.28)

• ☐ Personal Service by Sheriff or Deputy (RCW 4.28.080)
• ☐ Personal Service by Authorized Process Server (RCW 4.28.080)
• ☐ Service by Certified Mail / Return Receipt (where authorized)
• ☐ Service by Publication (RCW 4.28.100, requires court order)
• ☐ Service on Secretary of State (RCW 4.28.080(9), for non-resident defendants)
• ☐ Service on Registered Agent (for entities registered with WA Secretary of State)
• ☐ Acceptance / Waiver of Service
• ☐ Other Authorized Method: [________________________________]

Service Addresses

SECTION 10: SPECIAL DESIGNATIONS

Business Court / Complex Litigation

• ☐ Business court designation requested (available in King County and other participating counties)
• ☐ Complex litigation designation requested

Case Track Assignment

• ☐ Standard track
• ☐ Expedited track
• ☐ Complex track
• ☐ As determined by court

SECTION 11: SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

Interpreter / Language Access

• ☐ Interpreter needed — Language: [________________________________]

ADA / Disability Accommodations

• ☐ Accommodation needed — Describe: [________________________________]

Confidential / Sealed Filing

• ☐ Motion to seal or restrict access filed pursuant to GR 15
• ☐ Minor name confidentiality applies (GR 22)

SECTION 12: FILING FEE INFORMATION

Per RCW 36.18.020 — Clerk's Fees and Surcharges (confirm current fees with clerk):

Surcharges under RCW 36.18.020(5): $40 surcharge on most filing fees; $50 surcharge on civil, probate, and certain other filing fees. Fees are subject to change. Fee waivers are available for indigent parties under RCW 36.18.022 and GR 34.

Fee Paid: $ [________________________________]
Receipt Number: [________________________________]
Fee Waiver Granted: ☐ Yes ☐ No ☐ Pending (under GR 34 / RCW 36.18.022)

SECTION 13: ATTORNEY / PARTY CERTIFICATION

I certify that the information provided on this Civil Case Information Cover Sheet is true and accurate to the best of my knowledge, information, and belief, formed after a reasonable inquiry under the circumstances, consistent with CR 11.

Date: ___/___/______

_______________________________________________
Signature

_______________________________________________
Printed Name

_______________________________________________
WSBA Number (if applicable)

_______________________________________________
Attorney for: ☐ Plaintiff  ☐ Defendant  ☐ Other: ____________

SECTION 14: FOR CLERK'S USE ONLY

WASHINGTON-SPECIFIC PRACTICE NOTES

1. County Variations: Washington has 39 counties, each with its own superior court and potentially different local rules. Always check the local rules for the specific county where you are filing. King County, Pierce County, Snohomish County, and Clark County have particularly detailed local requirements.

2. King County Specific Requirements:
   - Civil Case Assignment Designation form may be required
   - Business court track available for qualifying commercial disputes
   - Mandatory arbitration applies to cases with amounts in controversy of $100,000 or less
   - Check King County Local Civil Rules (KCLCR)

3. Mandatory Arbitration (RCW 7.06): Counties with populations over a certain threshold must offer mandatory arbitration. The dollar threshold varies by county (typically $50,000 to $100,000). Cases subject to mandatory arbitration must be arbitrated before proceeding to trial.

4. Medical Malpractice — Special Requirements (RCW 7.70): Washington medical malpractice claims are governed by RCW 7.70, which requires:
   - A certificate of merit in certain cases
   - Compliance with the informed consent statute (RCW 7.70.050)
   - Mediation may be required under local rules

5. Products Liability (RCW 7.72): Washington's Product Liability Act governs product liability claims and provides specific standards for manufacturer, seller, and product supplier liability.

6. Long-Arm Statute (RCW 4.28.185): Personal jurisdiction over non-residents may be exercised when the defendant transacts business in Washington, commits a tortious act in Washington, owns real property in Washington, or contracts to insure a person or property in Washington.

7. Statute of Limitations — Common Periods:
   - Personal Injury: 3 years (RCW 4.16.080(2))
   - Written Contract: 6 years (RCW 4.16.040(1))
   - Oral Contract: 3 years (RCW 4.16.080(3))
   - Property Damage: 3 years (RCW 4.16.080(1))
   - Medical Malpractice: 3 years from act or 1 year from discovery (RCW 4.16.350)
   - Products Liability: 3 years (RCW 7.72.060)
   - Wrongful Death: 3 years (RCW 4.20.010)

8. Electronic Filing: Most Washington superior courts accept electronic filing. The statewide system and county-specific e-filing portals may vary. When e-filing, the CICS may be generated automatically by the system.

9. Washington Law Against Discrimination (WLAD, RCW 49.60): Employment discrimination claims may be filed in superior court. The statute provides broader protections than federal law in some respects.

10. Consumer Protection Act (RCW 19.86): Washington's CPA provides a private right of action for unfair or deceptive business practices, with potential treble damages and attorney fees.

Sources and References

• Washington Courts — Cover Sheet Forms: https://www.courts.wa.gov/forms/?fa=forms.contribute&formID=59
• Washington Civil Case Cover Sheet (PDF): https://www.courts.wa.gov/forms/documents/CIVIL%20Case%20Cover%20Sheet%20Superior%20Court.pdf
• Superior Court Case Coversheet (PDF): https://www.courts.wa.gov/forms/documents/cover.pdf
• SCOMIS Case Type Codes: https://www.courts.wa.gov/jislink/public/codes/Shared/casetype.htm
• SCOMIS Cause Codes: https://www.courts.wa.gov/jislink/?fa=jislink.codeview&dir=scomis_manual&file=SCOcause
• RCW 36.18.020 — Clerk's Fees, Surcharges: https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=36.18.020
• RCW 36.18.022 — Filing Fee Waivers: https://app.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=36.18.022
• RCW 4.28 — Commencement of Actions; Service of Process
• RCW 7.06 — Mandatory Arbitration
• RCW 7.70 — Actions for Injuries Resulting from Health Care
• RCW 7.72 — Product Liability Act
• RCW 4.28.185 — Long-Arm Statute
• King County Superior Court Forms: https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/dja/courts-jails-legal-system/court-forms-document-filing/forms
• King County Filing Requirements: https://kingcounty.gov/en/dept/dja/courts-jails-legal-system/court-forms-document-filing/filing/filing-req-info
• GR 22 — Case Information Cover Sheets
• GR 34 — Waiver of Civil Filing Fees