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PASSING OF RETIRED JUDGE KATHERINE M. STOLZ
Posted on October 29, 2021
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Retirement of Judge Elizabeth Martin
Posted on October 29, 2021
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Retirement of Judge Stephanie Arend
Posted on September 15, 2021
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Gov. Inslee appoints two new Judges to Pierce County Superior Court
Posted on August 20, 2021
Until further notice the 1st floor entrance (on Tacoma Ave S.) to the County-City Building is closed to the Public. Please use the 2nd floor entrance off Yakima Ave. and Nollmeyer Lane. Please check back for any updates.
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:- 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
- Jury Information
- 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 motions are held via Zoom, unless you receive specific notice from the Court otherwise. All litigants will receive a Zoom invitation to the email address listed in the court file. For trial assignments, mandatory court review hearings, or any other questions, please call the judicial assistant at 253-798-7573. |
| Dept. 3 Judge Schwartz | 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 | All hearings are conducted virtually using the Zoom platform. Email any questions to [email protected]. All hearings are broadcast on the Superior Court live feed webpage at the link specific to Dept. 5, with the exception of Juvenile Court proceedings. |
| 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 | All hearings, motions, trials, both civil and criminal, are in-person unless prior arrangements are made for Zoom appearances. For trial assignments, mandatory court review hearings, or other questions, please email [email protected]. |
| Dept. 8 Judge Blinn | All hearings, motions, and trials are held via Zoom. All litigants will receive a Zoom invitation to the email address listed in the court file. For trial assignments, mandatory court review hearings, or any other questions, please email [email protected]. |
| Dept. 9 Judge Murphy | All hearings/motions will be on the pleadings unless otherwise approved by the department. For mandatory court review hearings or any other questions, please email [email protected]. |
| Dept. 10 Judge Johnson | All motions are held via Zoom. All litigants will receive a Zoom invitation to the email address listed in the court file. For trial assignments, mandatory court review hearings, or any other questions, please email [email protected]. |
| Dept. 11 Judge Adams | All motions are held via Zoom. All litigants will receive a Zoom invitation to the email address listed in the court file. For trial assignments, mandatory court review hearings, or any other questions, please email [email protected]. |
| Dept. 12 Judge Andrews | Unless notified otherwise, all motions are held via Zoom. All litigants will receive a Zoom invitation to the email address listed in the court file. Trial assignments and mandatory court review hearings 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 | 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. For mandatory court review hearings, Friday civil and criminal dockets, or any other questions, please email [email protected]. |
| Dept. 16 Judge Evans | All hearings, motions, and bench trials will be held via Zoom unless advised or requested otherwise. Dispositive motions are with oral argument. Jury trials are conducted in-person. For trial assignments, mandatory court review hearings, or any other questions, please email [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 motions are held via Zoom. All litigants will receive a Zoom invitation to the email address listed in the court file. For trial assignments, mandatory court review hearings, or any other questions, please email [email protected]. |
| Dept. 20 Judge van Doorninck | All matters are held via Zoom, unless other arrangements have been made by the Court. All litigants will receive a Zoom invitation to the email address listed in the court file. For trial assignments or any questions, please email [email protected]. |
| Dept. 21 Judge Henderson, Jr. | All hearings, motions, trial assignments and trials are in-person, unless a prior request for a Zoom hearing has been approved. For mandatory court review hearings or any questions, please email [email protected]. |
| Dept. 22 Judge Burton | All hearings and motions are held via Zoom or on the pleadings. If the hearing is via Zoom, the litigants will receive a Zoom invitation to the email address listed in the court file. If the hearing is decided on the pleadings, please email the proposed order to [email protected]. For any other questions please call the judicial assistant at 253-798-6779. |
| Dept. 23 Judge Peñalver | All motions are held via Zoom. All litigants will receive a Zoom invitation to the email address listed in the court file. For trial assignments, mandatory court review hearings, or any other 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
JUROR REPORTING BEGINS MONDAY, March 1
On March 1, 2021, the Pierce County Superior Court and Jury Administration is reopening to jury trials.
The Pierce County Superior Court sincerely appreciates all who take the time to fulfill their jury duty responsibilities. Trial by jury is a fundamental constitutional right. Consequently, without jurors, justice is denied. In times of crisis it is as critical as ever that the justice system not fail its citizens. Even with the concerns with the COVID- virus jury trials must go forward.
Rest assured that we do not ask our jurors to be submitted to preventable health risks. The Pierce County Superior Court will take every responsible action to keep our jurors safe. We are following the Tacoma- Pierce County Health Department guidelines and best practices for COVID-19.
Do not come to jury duty if you are showing symptoms of coronavirus or you have been in contact with someone who is currently ill, or you have a cough, shortness of breath or a fever. If any of these concerns are applicable to you, you are instructed as follows:
- Jurors not assigned a department should call Jury Administration at (253)798-7782 and follow the instructions on the recording.
- Jurors assigned to a department should call the number provided by the judicial assistant.
If you receive a Blue Post Card (jury notification) for jury service summons dates starting March 1, 2021 or later, please respond as if you plan on coming or if you need to be excused. You will find all the information about excusal or postponements under Reasons to Be Excused From Jury Duty
- FAX 253-798-7057 or Email to [email protected] .
- Obtain a letter from your health care provider to be excused and then email us the letter at [email protected] before your report date.
- For work related excusals, contact your HR/Pay Roll for excusal letters to be mailed, FAX or emailed.
If you would like to postpone to a later date, please contact Jury Administration at [email protected].
Emergency Order #21-03 - Regarding Court Operations (11/2/21)
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