# RCW 59.12.080: RCW 59.12.080: Summons—Contents—Service

> Washington · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T59_C12_S080

## Section

- **Citation:** RCW 59.12.080
- **Heading:** RCW 59.12.080: Summons—Contents—Service
- **Jurisdiction:** Washington
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Washington Code / Title 59 / Chapter 12 / Section 080

## Text

The summons must state the names of the parties to the proceeding, the court in which the same is brought, the nature of the action, in concise terms, and the relief sought, and also the return day; and must notify the defendant to appear and answer within the time designated or that the relief sought will be taken against him or her. The summons must be directed to the defendant, and in case of summons by publication, be served at least five days before the return day designated therein. The summons must be served and returned in the same manner as summons in other actions is served and returned.

## Nearby sections

- [RCW 59.12.010 RCW 59.12.010: Forcible entry defined.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T59_C12_S010.md)
- [RCW 59.12.020 RCW 59.12.020: Forcible detainer defined.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T59_C12_S020.md)
- [RCW 59.12.032 RCW 59.12.032: Unlawful detainer action—Compliance with RCW 61.24.040 and 61.24.060.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T59_C12_S032.md)
- [RCW 59.12.070 RCW 59.12.070: Complaint—Summons.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T59_C12_S070.md)
- [RCW 59.12.080 RCW 59.12.080: Summons—Contents—Service.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T59_C12_S080.md)
- [RCW 59.12.085 RCW 59.12.085: Alternative service of summons—Limitation on jurisdiction.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T59_C12_S085.md)
- [RCW 59.12.090 RCW 59.12.090: Writ of restitution—Bond.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T59_C12_S090.md)
- [RCW 59.12.100 RCW 59.12.100: Service of writ—Bond to stay writ.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T59_C12_S100.md)
- [RCW 59.12.110 RCW 59.12.110: Modification of bond.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T59_C12_S110.md)
- [RCW 59.12.120 RCW 59.12.120: Judgment by default.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T59_C12_S120.md)
- [RCW 59.12.121 RCW 59.12.121: Pleading by defendant.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T59_C12_S121.md)
- [RCW 59.12.130 RCW 59.12.130: Jury—Actions given preference.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T59_C12_S130.md)
- [RCW 59.12.140 RCW 59.12.140: Proof in forcible entry and detainer.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T59_C12_S140.md)
- [RCW 59.12.150 RCW 59.12.150: Amendment to conform to proof.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T59_C12_S150.md)

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Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T59_C12_S080. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.