Speak to an attorney for legal advice. This website, and this page, does not provide legal advice. The information on this page is current as of April 12th, 2025. Spalding Law Firm PLLC helps people file for bankruptcy and is a debt relief agency. Please see the Yakima County District Court’s website for a full list of procedures, requirements and instructions for responding to lawsuits. Do not rely on this website for advice or instructions. There may be requirements not listed here.

One of the most important things you can do when you get sued by a creditor is respond to the lawsuit within 20 days of being served and Always appear at trials—these are usually Bench Trials, which means the judge will decide the verdict.

There’s several reasons for taking a creditor lawsuit seriously, but the primary reason is that it avoids a default judgment. Responding to a lawsuit in Yakima County District Court (Small Claims) is fairly easy. Answering a complaint involves filing an Answer Form with the Court Clerk and serving a copy of this document to the Plaintiff and the Plaintiff’s Lawyer. In Yakima County, answers can be filed electronically.

Per the court’s website, for more information you can call Yakima:  509-574-1804 or Grandview:  509-882-2192.

Consequences of not responding to a lawsuit: If you receive a default (or ordinary) judgment, your wages can be garnished, a judicial lien can be placed against your real property, your assets can be seized and more.

If you find that you’re to financially cope with debt, garnishments, or the other legal consequences of being successfully sued, you can request a free Bankruptcy Consultation with a Yakima Bankruptcy Attorney.