Seattle Legal Help

 EVICTION PROCESS

Our office divides the Eviction process into Seven (7) steps.  Not every case goes through all steps.  The case ends as soon as possession is restored to the landlord and sometimes the tenant will vacate voluntarily during the process. 

Step 1:

Eviction Notice

Just Cause Required

Step 3:

Answer and Settlement

Vacate Agreement or Payment Plan

Step 5:

Show Cause Hearing (Contested)

Tenants have right to Legal Counsel

Step 7a:

Payment to Landlord

Tenants have right to Reinstate Tenancy

Step 2:

Summons and Complaint

Initiates Lawsuit

Step 4:

File Case with Court

Default Order only if Tenant did not Respond

Step 6: 

Writ Issued / Sheriff Retained

Tenant has right to Stay Writ

Step 7b:  

Physical Eviction

Landlord Meets Sheriff and takes Possession