- SEATTLE: 206-621-1110
- TACOMA: 253-572-1000
Seattle and Tacoma Eviction Proceedings Attorneys
Assisting with the eviction process in Seattle and Tacoma
Almost every property owner/landlord has had a troublesome tenant who does not pay or creates other challenges. If you decide it is in your best interest—and the best interest of your other tenants—to remove the tenant, you should never take the matter into your hands. Instead, you should always contact an experienced evictions proceedings lawyer at the Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess for assistance as soon as possible.
CONTACT ONE OF OUR OFFICES TODAY AT (253) 572-1000 OR (206) 621-1110 FOR A FREE 15-MINUTE CONSULTATION.
The evictions process in Washington
When a tenant refuses to pay rent, Washington laws1 prohibit a landlord from “self-help” evictions, which can include simply changing the locks, shutting off utilities, taking off the front door, or other actions to induce the tenant to leave. Instead, the law requires property owners to follow specific procedures in order to lawfully evict a tenant.
The eviction process commonly involves the following steps:
- Notice—Depending on the type of lease that you have and the situation at hand (i.e. whether a tenant will not pay, is a nuisance, or another reason for eviction), you will have to give the tenant certain notice to comply with the lease or move out.
- Filing a complaint—If your tenant does not leave on their own, you will have to file a complaint with the proper court and arrange to have the tenant served2 with the complaint and summons to come to court.
- Court proceedings—If the tenant does not show up to the scheduled court date, the court may issue a default judgment for eviction. However, if the tenant appears in court, you must have a hearing to show sufficient cause for the eviction and the tenant will get to tell their side of the story, as well. In order to receive an eviction judgment, the court must find in your favor after hearing both sides.
- Sheriff serves the judgment—If you receive a judgment, also known as a writ of restitution, the sheriff will serve it on the tenant. This gives the tenant three business days to move out.
Contact the Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess for help with eviction proceedings
Eviction proceedings in Washington can be time-consuming and require filing specific paperwork with the court, appearing in court, and possibly even a show cause hearing before a judge. In order to ensure that you successfully evict a troublesome tenant, you should always seek the help of an experienced eviction attorney in Seattle or Tacoma.
WE OFFER FREE 15-MINUTE PHONE CONSULTATIONS, SO CALL TODAY AT (253) 572-1000 OR (206) 621-1110 TO DISCUSS YOUR CASE.
1https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=59.18.300
2https://app.leg.wa.gov/rcw/default.aspx?cite=4.28.080
Attorney Robert Dickson
The core of Rob’s legal practice is civil litigation, with an emphasis on construction, real estate, and business law. He represents a wide range of clients, from large construction companies to individual homeowners. His is a practical approach to law, which strives to balance the need for a successful legal outcome with a client’s financial goals (or constraints). Outside of his private practice, Rob serves as an adjunct professor at the Seattle University School of Law where he teaches real estate litigation. [ Attorney Bio ]
Thomas L. Dickson
Tom is an experienced litigator and the founding partner of the firm. For over 30 years, he’s helped clients prevail in their real estate, construction, and business law matters.
Heather Burgess
Heather represents property owners and developers in all phases of real estate development, from pre-acquisition due diligence through local permitting and appeals.
Robert P. Dickson
The core of Rob’s legal practice is civil litigation, with an emphasis on construction, real estate, and business law. He represents a wide range of clients, from large construction companies to individual homeowners.
Daniel J. Frohlich
Dan’s legal practice focuses on civil litigation, real estate law, business law and probate law. He has more than 10 years of experience as an attorney serving clients throughout Western Washington.
Mark S. Johnson
Mark’s legal practice focuses on civil litigation, real estate law, business law and family law. He works tirelessly to help his clients achieve the outcome they are looking for.
Trevor A. Zandell
Since graduating with honors from law school in 2005, Trevor has been serving the legal needs of businesses, individuals, and families across Southwest Washington.
Daniel E. Pizarro
As an associate at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, Daniel is active in the firm’s civil litigation department. His practice is mainly centered around real estate law, landlord-tenant law, construction law, and probate law.
Alexander J. Wisbey
Alexander Wisbey comes to the firm with 5 years of experience as a litigator and trial attorney. He has first chaired several jury trials and has extensive experience handling arbitrations, mediations, depositions, and settlements.
Andrew Hata
Andrew is the head of our Transactional Department and focuses his practice on corporate governance, real estate transactions, commercial contracts, and corporate finance.
Kelley Duggan
As an associate at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, Kelley practices in a wide range of areas, including estate planning, probate, civil litigation, and intellectual property law.
Cambria A. Queen
Cambria is an Associate with Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess in the civil litigation department, where she practices primarily real estate and probate law.
George Knight
As an associate at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, George is active in the firm’s civil litigation and transactional departments. His practice is mainly centered around business law, real estate law, construction law, employment law, and probate law.
Chris Pierce-Wright
Chris comes to Phillips Burgess Tacoma from Seattle, where he served as an associate attorney focused on insurance litigation with Wilson Smith Cochran Dickerson.
Jennifer Yoo
Jennifer is an associate attorney at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess where her current practice focuses on real estate law, contract and commercial disputes, and business law.
Katherine E. Baals
As an associate at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, Katherine practices in a range of areas, including real estate, construction, business, and civil litigation.
Kenneth Chan
As an associate at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, PLLC, Kenny is active in the firm’s civil litigation and transactional departments. Prior to working at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, Kenny was an in-house attorney for a Fortune 100 company.
Brian Buske
Following his graduation from Lewis & Clark Law School, Brian garnered valuable client experience working on international compliance and intellectual property issues.
Kyla S. Bennett
As an associate at Dickson Frohlich Phillips Burgess, Kyla practices in a range of areas, including real estate, land use, and civil litigation.
