THE SUMMONS--WHAT IS IT?

The summons is a notice from the court to the respondent. It informs the respondent that a petition has been filed which affects the respondent's rights. If there is no written Response from the respondent within twenty days (sixty days if your spouse is serve doutside of the State of Washington), the court may go ahead and grant the petitioner what has been asked for. If you and your spouse are filing together, a copy of the summons does not have to be served on the respondent. In all other cases, a copy of the summons has to be served on respondent.

• Use the regular SUMMONS WPF DR 01.2000 (8/91) if you are having your spouse personally served.

• Use the SUMMONS BY MAIL WPF DR 01.0290 (7/91) if you are using the REQUEST FOR ORDER TO SERVE SUMMONS AND PETITION BY MAIL WPF DR 01.0280 (7/91). Be sure the Judge signs your ORDER ALLOWING SERVICE OF SUMMONS AND PETITION BY MAIL WPF DR 01.0285 (7/91).

• Use the SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION WPF DR 01.0270 (7/91) if you must give public notice to your spouse in the newspaper. Be sure the Judge signs the ORDER FOR SERVICE OF SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION WPF DR 01.0265 (7/91). But, first you will need to file a DECLARATION FOR SERVICE OF SUMMONS BY PUBLICATION WPF DR 01.0265 (7/91) to submit to the Judge.

• Use the DECLARATION REGARDING PERSONAL SERVICE OUTSIDE THE STATE OF WASHINGTON WPF PA 01.0180 (9/91) if your spouse does not reside in Washington State.

Fill out the summons and make three copies.

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