The clerk can provide a Return of Service form. Settlement You should contact the other party before the hearing to try to settle your differences. Please notify the Court in writing if you settle the claim so we can dismiss the case. The first hearing for a Small Claim is a mandatory pre-trial mediation conference. Trained mediators from the Yakima County Dispute Resolution Center will be present to meet with the parties to discuss settlement without trial.
Mediation settles many claims.
This saves time and money for the parties and the Court. A trial with the Judge will be set for another date if mediation does not settle your case. If the opposing party does not appear for the pre-trial mediation conference, the party that does appear may have a decision entered in their favor. The Plaintiff must bring proof of proper service of the claim and notice to receive a default judgment if the Defendant fails to appear. The Court may dismiss the claim if there is no proof of proper service.