# RCW 59.12.085: RCW 59.12.085: Alternative service of summons—Limitation on jurisdiction

> Washington · Statutes · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/STATE_WA_T59_C12_S085

## Section

- **Citation:** RCW 59.12.085
- **Heading:** RCW 59.12.085: Alternative service of summons—Limitation on jurisdiction
- **Jurisdiction:** Washington
- **Kind:** Statutes
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Washington Code / Title 59 / Chapter 12 / Section 085

## Text

(1) When the plaintiff, after the exercise of due diligence, is unable to personally serve the summons on the defendant or defendants, the court may authorize the alternative means of service described in this section. (2) Upon filing of an affidavit from the person or persons attempting service describing those attempts, and the filing of an affidavit from the plaintiff, plaintiff's agent, or plaintiff's attorney stating the belief that the defendant or defendants cannot be found, the court may enter an order authorizing service of the summons as follows: (a) The summons and complaint must be posted in a conspicuous place on the premises unlawfully held not less than nine days from the return date stated in the summons; and (b) Copies of the summons and complaint must be deposited in the mail, postage prepaid, by both regular mail and certified mail directed to the defendant or defendants' last known address not less than nine days from the return date stated in the summons. (3) When service on the defendant or defendants is accomplished by this alternative procedure, the court's jurisdiction is limited to restoring possession of the premises to the plaintiff and no money judgment may be entered against the defendant or defendants until jurisdiction over the defendant or defendants is obtained.

## 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_S085. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.