Rule 3. Commencement of Action

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Washington Court Rules › Rules for Superior Court › Superior Court Civil Rules › CR 3

This text was captured on Aug 14, 2026. It is a snapshot, not a live feed, so check the official code before relying on it.

Text

CR 3

COMMENCEMENT OF ACTION

(a) Methods. Except as provided in rule 4.1, a civil action is commenced by service of a

copy of a summons together with a copy of a complaint, as provided in rule 4 or by filing a

complaint. Upon written demand by any other party, the plaintiff instituting the action shall pay

the filing fee and file the summons and complaint within 14 days after service of the demand or

the service shall be void. An action shall not be deemed commenced for the purpose of tolling

any statute of limitations except as provided in RCW 4.16.170.

(b) Tolling Statute. [Reserved. See RCW 4.16.170.]

(d) Lis Pendens. [Reserved. See RCW 4.28.320 and 4.28.160.]

(e) Debt Collection. No debtor shall be served with a summons and complaint unless the

summons and complaint have been filed with the court and bear the case number assigned by the

court. [Reserved. See RCW 19.16.250.]

This is a copy of a public record, reproduced as it was published. It is not legal advice, and it may not be the version a court would rely on. Check the official source before you cite it.