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Inslee Announces Appointment of TaTeasha Davis to Pierce County Superior Court
Posted on December 12, 2022
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Retirement of Judge James R. Orlando
Posted on December 9, 2022
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Commissioner Clint Johnson receives a 2022 Innovating Justice Award
Posted on November 9, 2022
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Judge Michael Schwartz receives a 2022 Innovating Justice Award
Posted on November 9, 2022
COVID-19 RESPONSE
Pierce County Superior Court remains open and committed to providing essential services in a manner that is as safe and responsible as possible
Quick Contact Numbers to call if you are unable to attend court due to COVID:- Commissioner Courtroom Zoom Links
- Civil Administration 253.798.3654
- Criminal Administration 253.798.2988
- Commissioner Services 253.798.6697
- Jury Administration 253.798.7782
- Judicial Departments
- Current Court Operations
- Court Commis-sioner Hearings
- EVICTIONS: No Cost Assistance Available
- Emergency Orders
Dept. 1 Judge Orlando | All hearings, motions, and trials are in-person unless prior arrangements have been made for a Zoom appearance. For trial assignments, mandatory court review hearings, or any other questions, please email [email protected]. |
Dept. 2 Judge Ashcraft | All hearings, motions, and trials are in-person unless prior arrangements have been made for a Zoom appearance. For trial assignments, mandatory court review hearings, or any other questions, please email [email protected]. |
Dept. 3 Judge Schwartz | Felony Drug Court is held via Zoom except for the Tuesday morning docket which is held in-person. Family Recovery Court is held via Zoom. All jury trials will be in-person. No other in-person appearances will be allowed unless approved by the Court. All non-jury trials will be via Zoom. The judicial assistant will email parties of record in LINX Tuesday afternoon or Wednesday morning for all hearings on Fridays and notify if the hearing will be without oral argument or via Zoom. If you need assistance, please email [email protected]. |
Dept. 4 Judge Chushcoff | All hearings, motions, and mandatory court review hearings are in-person or telephonically using CourtCall. Trials are in-person unless prior arrangements have been made for a Zoom appearance. For trial assignments or any other questions, please email [email protected]. |
Dept. 5 Judge Speir-Moss | Hearings are primarily conducted in-person. Attendance at hearings via the Zoom platform may be accommodated by advance arrangement only. Email requests and questions to [email protected]. |
Dept. 6 Judge Quinlan | Unless previously indicated to the contrary, all hearings, motions, and trials are in-person. In the event a proceeding will be conducted by Zoom, the parties and counsel will receive a Zoom invitation at the email address listed in the court file. For trial assignments, mandatory court review hearings, or other questions, please email [email protected]. |
Dept. 7 Judge Kiesel | Dept.7 is open to the public. All hearings, motions and trials are in person unless prior arrangements are made with the Court for Zoom appearances. Zoom appearance requests must be made, in writing, at least five business days prior to the date of the proceeding. For trial assignments, mandatory court review hearings, or agreed matters, please email [email protected]. |
Dept. 8 Judge Blinn | All hearings, motions, and trials are in-person unless prior arrangements have been made for a Zoom appearance. Requests for remote hearings shall be made in writing to the Judicial Assistant 5 working days in advance of the motion/hearing, along with the reason for the request. Judge to advise of decision 3 working days in advance. For trial assignments, mandatory court review hearings, or any other questions, please email [email protected] . |
Dept. 9 Judge Murphy | All hearings, motions, and trials are in-person unless prior arrangements have been made for a Zoom appearance. For trial assignments, mandatory court review hearings, or any other questions, please email [email protected]. |
Dept. 10 Judge Johnson | All hearings, motions, and trials are in-person unless prior arrangements have been made for a Zoom appearance. For trial assignments, mandatory court review hearings, or any other questions, please email [email protected] |
Dept. 11 Judge Adams | Beginning June 13, 2022, all matters will be held in-person unless otherwise notified by the court. I you have questions, please email [email protected]. |
Dept. 12 Judge Andrews | Unless otherwise notified by the Court, all matters will be held in-person. If you have questions, please email [email protected]. |
Dept. 13 Judge Thomas | All hearings, motions, and trials are in-person unless prior arrangements have been made for a Zoom appearance. For trial assignments, mandatory court review hearings, or any other questions, please email [email protected]. |
Dept. 14 Judge Ahrens | Our courtroom is open to the public. Occasionally, a docket may be held via Zoom and live streamed on the Court's website. For more specific appearance/observation protocol contact [email protected]. |
Dept. 15 Judge Leanderson | All hearings, motions, and trials are in-person unless prior arrangements have been made for a Zoom appearance. Requests for remote hearings shall be made in writing to the Judicial Assistant 5 working days in advance of the motion/hearing, along with the reason for the request. Judge to advise of decision 3 working days in advance. For trial assignments, mandatory court review hearings, or any other questions, please email [email protected]. |
Dept. 16 Judge Evans | Our courtroom is open to the public. A specific matter may be held via Zoom in cases requested and approved 3 business days prior to the hearing. Otherwise, all matters will be held in person. For more specific appearance/observation protocol contact [email protected]. |
Dept. 17 Judge Kirkendoll | All proceedings are in-person unless prior arrangements have been made with the court for a Zoom appearance, or the court is not requesting oral argument. For Zoom proceedings, all parties will receive a Zoom invitation to the email address listed in the court file. For trial assignments, mandatory court review hearings or other questions, please email [email protected]. |
Dept. 18 Judge Rumbaugh | All hearings, motions, and trials are in-person unless prior arrangements have been made for a Zoom appearance. For trial assignments, mandatory court review hearings, or any other questions, please email [email protected]. |
Dept. 19 Judge Sorensen | All hearings, motions, and trials are in-person unless prior arrangements have been made for a Zoom appearance. For trial assignments, mandatory court review hearings, or any other questions, please email [email protected]. |
Dept. 20 Judge Williams | Unless otherwise notified by the Court, all matters will be held in-person. If you have questions, please email [email protected] . |
Dept. 21 Judge Henderson, Jr. | Unless otherwise notified by the Court, all matters will be held in-person. If you have questions, please email [email protected]. |
Dept. 22 Judge Burton | Unless otherwise requested, all hearings are in person. If you are requesting a virtual appearance, please obtain approval by calling Department 22’s judicial assistant at 253-798-6779. |
Dept. 23 Judge Peñalver | All matters will be in person in the courtroom unless parties/counsel get authorization from the Court. If you have any questions, please email [email protected] |
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For the most recent and detailed information, see the Emergency Temporary Procedures for Commissioner Hearings, amended as of July 13, 2020.
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This information is in effect as of June 1, 2021 and is subject to change based on Orders from Governor Inslee’s and Supreme Court Chief Justice Stephens. Please check back periodically.
Proposed Orders must be emailed or faxed to the Commissioner Services Department one court day before the hearing. They should be in Word format.
All hearings are heard via ZOOM unless ordered otherwise by the Commissioner. To receive the ZOOM link information, please click HERE.
With certain exceptions, the Commissioners use Zoom as the platform for remote hearings. When the use of Zoom is not technologically feasible for a litigant, alternative technology shall be used, such as CourtCall or courtroom telephone.
All parties and attorneys shall obtain a LINX account via the Superior Court Clerk’s Office. LINX account fees are currently waived for self-represented parties.
For Show Cause/Family Law Motions: There are no personal appearances at the courthouse. All hearings will be conducted by remote video conferencing using Zoom. The court will serve as host. The Zoom hearing will be streamed live on our web page HERE Version OptionsSuperior CourtCOVID-19 RESPONSEHeadline, unless the Commissioner determines otherwise.
For Uncontested Dissolutions: There are no personal appearances at the courthouse. The Commissioner will make decisions based on the documents in the LINX court file, the proposed orders, and Interrogatories. Submit proposed final pleadings prior to the day of hearing to Commissioner Services via email or fax. (253) 798-6897.
For Minor Settlements: Attendance of minor, parents, Settlement Guardian ad Litem and petitioning attorney are waived if agreed signed orders are emailed to Commissioner Services 1 court day prior to the scheduled hearing. If matter is contested, all parties shall appear as noted above via Zoom.
For Unlawful Detainers or Evictions: All these cases, with limited exceptions, are currently suspended by order of the Governor. These cases are expected to resume shortly. There is a NO COST program designed to prevent evictions, the Eviction Resolution Pilot Program or the Button on the Left Panel is a link to this program.
For Guardianship/Probate: There are no personal appearances at the courthouse. All hearings will be conducted by remote video conferencing using Zoom. The court will serve as host.
For Domestic Violence/Vulnerable Adult Protection Orders:
- To request an Initial Order: Appear in person at the Superior Court Clerk’s Office (930 Tacoma Avenue S., Room 110) to complete the petition and to appear for your initial hearing before a Court Commissioner. For intimate partner relationships, (spouses, former spouses, persons who have a child in common or persons who have or did have a dating relationship), you can also call the Family Justice Center, (253) 798-4166 or the YWCA, (253) 383-2593.
- To appear for a Final DVPO Hearing: Domestic Violence Protection Orders are heard via ZOOM. ZOOM instructions are included in the Temporary Order packet that is provided to the Petitioner and served on the Respondent. Vulnerable Adult Protection Orders will be heard via ZOOM or in person in Courtroom 100. To accommodate the named vulnerable adult, the vulnerable adult may request to appear by telephone or in person.
For Ex Parte Electronic Mail: Electronic mail is for all agreed upon or unopposed orders or motions. (See list.) Those documents must be sent to the Superior Clerk’s Office. Original wills must be submitted to the Superior Clerk’s Office in advance.
For Involuntary Commitment Mental Illness Proceedings: Involuntary Commitment Mental Illness Proceedings are conducted via the Zoom platform due to Covid-19.
- If you would like to observe these proceedings, please email the clerks at [email protected] with the provided email address and a login link will be provided to you.
- If you have any other questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the Pierce County Clerk's Office for further assistance at 253-798-6937.
ADDITIONAL CONTACT INFORMATION and WEBSITES:
Pierce County Superior Court Webpage
Commissioner Services:
- email: [email protected]
- Fax number: (253) 798-6897
Court Call: (888) 882-6878
Interrogatories with Declaration
Washington State Pattern forms
There is a NO COST program designed to prevent evictions. Many landlords and tenants have been negatively impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
EVICTIONS/UNLAWFUL DETAINERS FOR PAST RENT OWED WILL IMMEDIATELY RESUME IN PIERCE COUNTY SUPERIOR COURT (as of September 1, 2021)
As set forth in the Governor’s Emergency Proclamation 21-09 titled “Tenancy Preservation – A Bridge to E2SSB 5160”, eviction notices and unlawful detainer cases for rent arrears may resume in Pierce County when there is
(1) an operational rental assistance program and an operational eviction resolution pilot program, and
(2) the tenant has been provided the required notices of the opportunity to participate in both the rental assistance and eviction resolution pilot programs.
Accordingly as to (1) above, landlords, property owners, property managers, and tenants are advised as follows:
1) Pierce County Human Services has attested to the Department of Commerce that there is an operational rental assistance program.
2) Pierce County Center for Dialog and Resolution, as the provider of the eviction resolution pilot program, has attested to the Administrative Office of the Courts, Office of Civil Legal Aid, and the Office of Financial Management that its program is operational. Eviction Resolution Pilot Program (ERPP)
There are still many resources to help tenants keep their housing. These resources include rental assistance, repayment plans, and for many people the right to a lawyer. Pierce County Superior Court has adopted a NO COST Eviction Resolution Pilot Program (ERPP) which will require parties to engage in problem-solving steps before the cases come to court.
Tenants and Landlords can find further information and detail about the ERP program at the following web sites:
Pierce County Superior Court Eviction Resolution Program
Center for Dialogue and Resolution
Superior Court Judges’ Association Eviction Resolution Program
Emergency Order #22-04 - Regarding Face Masks
Emergency Order #22-03 - Regarding Extended Suspension of Jury Trials (01/22)
Emergency Order #22-02 - Regarding Inmate Transfers (01/22)
Emergency Order #22-01 - Regarding Suspension of Jury Trials (01/22)
Emergency Order #21-03 - Regarding Court Operations (11/2/21)
Emergency Order #21-02 - Regarding Implementation of CrR 3.4 (4/21/22)
Emergency Order #20-20 - Regarding Authorization to Conduct Pierce County Superior Court Sessions at Alternative Locations (10/30/20)
Emergency Order #20-19 - Regarding Unlawful Detainer Actions and the Eviction Resolution Program (ERP) ( 10/7/20, amended 10/30/20, amended 12/15/20, Second amended 3/18/21, Third Amended 8/20/21 with Attachments)
Emergency Order #20-18 - Regarding resumption of Jury Trials (amending Order #9) (7/13/20)
Emergency Order #20-9 - Regarding Pierce County Corrections restraint procedures. (3/23/20)
Emergency Order #20-1 - Order on expanded criteria for excusing jurors based upon public health emergency. (3/12/20)
Emergency Temporary Procedures for all Civil Protection Orders (4/24/20, 7/13/20)
Emergency/Temporary procedures for civil commissioner courtrooms at the County City Building. (3/18/20, 4/6/20, 5/18/20, 7/13/20)
Superior Court Press Release - COVID-19 Response dated March 17th, 2020
Contact Us
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Superior Court Administration
930 Tacoma Ave South
Room 334 County-City Bldg.
Tacoma, WA 98402
Phone: (253) 798-3654