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These are Estimated costs and fees as of August 2008

Please call 206-714-5363 for current information.

Estimated Costs and Fees for Evictions

Raymond V. Bottomly, Attorney

Pierce County

Costs:

Filing fee (no answer by Defendant):                                                      $  45.00

Service of Process                                                                                $  75.00

Writ of Restitution Fee, Pierce County Superior Court                           $  20.00

Sheriff’s fee for Writ of Resitution*                                                       $  80.00

Total Estimated Costs, No Appearance by Defendant                           $220.00

If Defendant makes an appearance, additional cost:                               $112.00

Total Costs to be paid in advance:                                                         $332.00*  

*Additional fees for additional defendants, $60 per defendant.

 (In many cases there will be refund of a portion of sheriff’s fees, however, in the case of difficult evictions, the sheriff’s office may charge additional fees.  If the defendant does not appear and a default is taken, the defendant’s appearance fee will be refunded).

Attorney’s fee:

Review case, prepare Summons and Complaint:                                    $150.00

Prepare Motion and Declaration for Default Judgment:                           $150.00

Appear in Court for Default Judgment (no appearance

by Defendant):                                                                                      $100.00

Total Attorney’s fee if Defendant does not appear:                                 $400.00

Additional fees if Defendant appears:

Prepare Motion and Order to Show Cause, Court

Appearance to Obtain Order and set hearing:                                        $150.00

Court Appearance for Show Cause hearing:                                          $200.00

Credit for not having to prepare Motion

and Declaration for Default Judgment:                                                   (150.00)

Total Attorney’s fees for eviction when Defendant Appears:                 $600.00

Note, Additional Attorney Fees:

Although uncommon, sometimes evictions proceed to a trial on the merits after a show cause hearing.  Should the case go to a trial, an hourly rate of $160 will be charged for trial preparation and time in court.

Other Attorney Services:

Review lease agreements for revision or compliance with state law:  $50 for first hour (usually more than enough time for the project).  Complex drafting and analysis beyond the first hour will be charged at $160 per hour.

Prepare Notices (3 day notice, 20 day notice, other statutory notices):  $25.00 per notice.

Arrange for service of notices:  $160 per hour plus costs of service by process server.

Raymond V. Bottomly, Attorney

206-714-5363

Serving Tacoma, Seattle, Pierce County, King County.

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