Self Representation
Criminal litigants who qualify will be appointed an attorney to represent them at their first court appearance if they cannot afford an attorney. Further Information is available from the Benton County Office of Public Defense or the Franklin County Office of Public Defense.
Many of our citizens cannot afford an attorney or simply choose to represent themselves. The Court is intent on providing access to the court for all citizens, and this page includes links to resources that may be of assistance to you.
Some Useful Links for Litigants Representing Themselves:
- Benton Franklin Legal Aid Program (financial limits apply)
- Northwest Justice (financial limits apply)
- Benton Franklin County Website - Domestic Information for Self Represented Litigants
- CLEAR Hotline
- Online Child Support Calculator from Washington Department of Child Support
- Family Court Facilitator
- Family Law Handbook
- Benton Franklin County Law Library
- Self-Represented Persons in Superior Court Civil Proceedings
- Washington State Court Forms
- Washington State Court Rules
- WashingtonLawHelp.org
- WashingtonLawHelp Interactive Protection Order Website
You must be familiar with Benton Franklin Counties Superior Court Local Rules and use certain local forms. Click the link here to access Information and Forms by Case Type.
July 21, 2021
Superior Court Statement On Gradual Transition To In Person Appearances In Court
The Superior Court has indicated in its most recent masking order that in criminal proceedings there is a general presumption of personal appearance. Specifying a presumption in criminal matters is necessary to recognize the unique requirements of identity and presence for some criminal hearings. While the Court wants parties and counsel to start moving more toward in person appearances generally as we re-open, we recognize that this is a process that takes time, and that the Supreme Court’s Emergency Orders are still in effect allowing remote appearances where appropriate. Some counsel and/or their families have health concerns that make it appropriate to continue to appear remotely, as do some litigants. If Counsel, or a party has a reason to continue to appear remotely on any docket, and does not wish to state it on the record, they may contact Court Administration so that it can be communicated to the bench.
Court's Response to Coronavirus Pandemic
En respuesta a la nueva pandemia de coronavirus (o COVID-19), nuestros servicios estaran limitados
Click HERE for the latest information concerning the Court's response to the Coronavirus pandemic.
Effective September 1, 2021 - 2021 Superior Court
Local Court Rules
2021 Benton Franklin Counties Local Cou[...]
Adobe Acrobat document [1.4 MB]
Ex Parte
Important Notice
Click HERE for a description of the Ex Parte process.
Holiday Schedule
The Courts will be closed for Independence Day on Monday, July 5, 2021.
Please refer to the Court Holiday Schedule to see changes to regular calendar.
Arbitrator Eligibility
Important Notice
Click HERE for information and attestation form.
Superior Court Administration Benton County Justice Center
7122 W Okanogan Pl
Building A
Kennewick, WA 99336
509-736-3071
DISCLAIMER
Due to the rapidly changing nature of the Court’s information on the internet pages, the Benton and Franklin Counties Superior Courts cannot insure 100% accuracy. The data and links are provided for informational purposes only and may not have been updated on the date you view it. The Courts assume no liability for any legal consequences arising out of any information on these pages.
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