RESOLUTION 2005 – 25

 (Amending Resolution 1998 – 05 Establishing a Courthouse

 Facilitator and Setting Fees for Pro Se Litigants)

 

WHEREAS, many persons filing domestic relations actions in the Superior Court of Skamania County do so without the assistance of an attorney; and

 

WHEREAS, these pro se litigants are usually not familiar with court procedures; and

 

WHEREAS, it would be of benefit to the citizens of Skamania County and to the Superior Court if a person knowledgeable in court procedures could provide basic services to pro se litigants to assist in having their cases processed in an efficient manner; and

 

WHEREAS, RCW 26.12.240 allows for the creation of a courthouse facilitator program;

 

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Skamania County Board of Commissioners adopt the following procedures:

 

  1. A Courthouse Facilitator Program is established pursuant to RCW 26.12.240 to provide basic services to pro se litigants in family law cases.

 

  1. A surcharge of twenty dollars shall be charged on those cases filed under title 26 RCW; amended by Chapter 457 Laws of 2005, effective July 24, 2005.

 

  1. A user fee of twenty five dollars shall be charged to those pro se litigants filing cases under title 26 RCW, however, said fee shall not be charged to those litigants who have their court filing fees waived due to their indigency.

 

  1. The surcharge on filing fees and the user fees shall be collected and deposited into the Current Expense Fund (001.000.000) under Superior Court (Department 112).

 

PASSED IN REGULAR SESSION this 27th day of June 2005.