# CR 3: Rule 3. Commencement of Action

> Washington · Court rules · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_WA_CR_R3

## Section

- **Citation:** CR 3
- **Heading:** Rule 3. Commencement of Action
- **Jurisdiction:** Washington
- **Kind:** Court rules
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Washington Court Rules / Rules for Superior Court / Superior Court Civil Rules / CR 3

## 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.]

(c) Obtaining Jurisdiction. [Reserved. See RCW 4.28.020.]

(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.]

## Nearby sections

- [CR 1 Rule 1. Scope of Rules](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_WA_CR_R1.md)
- [CR 2 Rule 2. One Form of Action](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_WA_CR_R2.md)
- [CR 2A Rule 2A. Stipulations](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_WA_CR_R2A.md)
- [CR 3 Rule 3. Commencement of Action](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_WA_CR_R3.md)
- [CR 4 Rule 4. Process](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_WA_CR_R4.md)
- [CR 4.1 Rule 4.1. Process--Domestic Relations Actions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_WA_CR_R4_1.md)
- [CR 4.2 Rule 4.2. Process - Limited Representation](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_WA_CR_R4_2.md)
- [CR 5 Rule 5. Service and Filing of Pleadings and Other Papers](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_WA_CR_R5.md)
- [CR 6 Rule 6. Time](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_WA_CR_R6.md)
- [CR 7 Rule 7. Pleadings Allowed; Form of Motions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_WA_CR_R7.md)
- [CR 8 Rule 8. General Rules of Pleading](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_WA_CR_R8.md)
- [CR 9 Rule 9. Pleading Special Matters](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_WA_CR_R9.md)
- [CR 10 Rule 10. Form of Pleadings and Other Papers](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_WA_CR_R10.md)
- [CR 11 Rule 11. Signing and Drafting of Pleadings, Motions, and Legal Memoranda: Sanctions](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_WA_CR_R11.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/SRULES_WA_CR_R3. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.