2026 eviction process in King County: costs, timeline, and one flat fee
Seattle metro evictions run through Superior Court. Here is what it should cost, as an estimate, and how long it can take.
Your eviction dates in King County
Pick a day and every step gets its date for King County.
Dates set by law are counted from the day you pick by the same calculator that runs our cases. Court holidays are not counted here. Dates marked typical are set by the court and the constable or sheriff and vary. No result or date is guaranteed; your attorney confirms every date on your case.
What King County charges
| Court charge | Amount |
|---|---|
| Filing & citation/service | $45 |
| Writ of restitution | $162 |
Not in this figure: the sheriff's mileage, which King County adds by address, $1 to $194 in its 2026 table.
Set by the court, not by us. Estimated here and billed at the amount charged. Statutes: RCW 59.12, 59.18; RCW 59.18.650 (just cause).
How the court in King County runs an eviction case
King County Superior Court, Ex Parte Department
- The landlord reserves the first hearing through the court's Ex Parte online portal, then obtains an Order to Show Cause.
- The tenant must be served with that order between 7 and 30 days before the hearing.
- The first hearing is held by Zoom. The court then continues the case 4 weeks to a second appearance.
- At the second appearance the court decides whether to order the clerk to issue a writ of restitution, which directs the King County Sheriff to restore the landlord to possession, and whether to enter a money judgment.
- Hearings in person are at the King County Courthouse, 516 Third Avenue, Seattle, or the Maleng Regional Justice Center, 401 Fourth Avenue North, Kent, as the court's order says.
From the court’s own page, read October 9, 2026: the court on unlawful detainers and the Sheriff on writs of restitution. Courts change their calendars; your attorney works from the court’s current order.
The Washington timeline
The Washington calendar, day by day
The most defense-heavy state we practice in - and the one where an LLC must appear through a lawyer.
- Day 0US14-day notice servedSET BY LAWOn the mandatory statutory form, with itemization, translation links and legal-aid contacts. Defective notices are dismissed.RCW 59.12.030(3)
- Day 14USNotice expiresSET BY LAWFourteen days to pay or vacate.RCW 59.12.030(3)
- Day 17USSummons & complaint servedCOURT’S CALENDARFiled in superior court. Property managers cannot file for you here.
- Day 24COURTAnswer deadlineSET BY LAWSeven days from service of the summons.RCW 59.18.365
- Day 40COURTShow-cause hearingCOURT’S CALENDARMost are virtual. The attorney handles the hearing and may ask you to appear.
- Day 45COURTJudgmentCOURT’S CALENDARWrit of restitution requested on entry.
- Day 52COURTReinstatement window endsSET BY LAWThe tenant has 5 court days after judgment to reinstate by paying.RCW 59.18.410
- Day 75COURTKeys backCOURT’S CALENDARSheriff schedules the physical restoration.
King County sheriff writ queues have recently run about 90 days. We show you the real date, not the optimistic one. Seattle, Tacoma, Burien and Federal Way are not available online.
Day counts run from the day the notice is served. Statutory intervals are fixed by law; hearing, judgment, and lockout dates are set by the court and the constable or sheriff and vary by county. No result or date is guaranteed.
Typical uncontested case: 2–4 months (longer in King County). Sheriff writ queue currently runs ~90 days. City of Seattle properties: local ordinance. The Firm may decline them or quote them separately in writing.
Price it for your property
Your estimated price, before you give us a name
| Attorney fee, flat, the whole fee for an uncontested case | $2,500 |
| King County court costs | $207 |
| Estimated total, court costs estimated and billed at the amount charged | $2,707 |
Other costs may apply, such as service of process, electronic filing, court reporter and motion fees.
Not in this figure: the sheriff's mileage, which King County adds by address, $1 to $194 in its 2026 table.
Sheriff writ queue currently runs ~90 days. City of Seattle properties: local ordinance. The Firm may decline them or quote them separately in writing.
Start with this estimateCourt charges are set by the court and verified at attorney review. You pay the amount the court or officer charges. Figures here are estimates.
King County eviction FAQ
How much does an eviction cost in King County?
Court charges in King County run about $207 (filing, writ), plus attorney fees. Our flat attorney fee for an uncontested Washington eviction is $2,500 with court costs estimated and billed at the amount charged.
How long does an eviction take in King County?
A typical uncontested case runs 2–4 months (longer in King County) from notice to possession. Contested cases take longer. Courts control the calendar; no attorney can promise a date.
Can I evict a tenant myself in King County?
If the property is owned by an LLC or corporation, no — Washington superior courts require entities to appear through a licensed attorney. Individual owners may file pro se, but Washington applies strict compliance to notices and most contested cases now involve appointed tenant counsel.
What's the first step to evict a tenant in Seattle metro?
Serving the legally correct notice for your situation. That depends on the reason, the lease, and federal screens (CARES Act, servicemember status). Our intake determines the right notice before you pay anything.