Columbia County District Court
Filing information for Columbia County District Court in Dayton, WA. Part of the Columbia County small claims court system.
Small claims in Washington — the numbers that apply at this court
$10,000
maximum claim
$35
filing fee (published)
3–6 yrs
filing deadline by claim type
Yes
e-filing accepted
Published court information — verify before acting. See the full Washington small claims guide · The form that starts a case (MISC 05.0100): every field explained.
Courthouse Details
Columbia County District Court
341 E Main Street Suite 4
Dayton, WA 99328
Mailing Address
341 E Main Street Suite 4
Dayton, WA 99328
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Area Served
Columbia County
How to File at Columbia County District Court
E-filing available
This court accepts electronic filing for small claims cases.
Note: Electronic filing is available and encouraged through the statewide eFileWA system, though not required for non-attorneys. Filing hours for e-filed documents are Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. PST, excluding court holidays. Documents filed outside these hours are considered received the next business day. A convenience fee applies for electronic payments. Certain documents, such as original wills, certified records for appeal, and new cases with fee waiver requests or immediate relief requests, cannot be e-filed.
File in person
Bring your completed forms to the courthouse during business hours.
File by mail
Most small claims courts accept filing by mail — check with this court first. Typically you mail your completed forms with the filing fee plus a self-addressed stamped envelope for your returned copies.
Ready to get your money back?
A demand letter often settles disputes before a case is ever filed — and it only takes a few minutes.
Read the demand letter guideSmall claims rules in Washington
How much you can sue for
Individuals can sue for up to $10,000 · businesses up to $5,000.
Corporations and LLCs limited to $5,000
Deadline to file (statute of limitations)
6 yrs written contract · 3 yrs oral contract · 3 yrs property damage · 3 yrs personal injury
Common questions
How much does it cost to file a small claims case at Columbia County District Court?
Filing fees in Washington are set by the state and are $35. If you can't afford the fee, Washington offers a fee waiver — ask the clerk how to apply. Fees change, so confirm the current amount with the court clerk before you file.
What's the most I can sue for in Columbia County?
Small claims cases in Columbia County are limited to $10,000. If your claim is worth more than that, you either have to bring it in a different court or give up the amount above the limit to stay in small claims. The clerk can confirm which court fits your claim.
Can I file online at Columbia County District Court?
Electronic filing exists here, but the record indicates it isn't open to people representing themselves — it's for attorneys. Plan to file in person or by mail, and ask the clerk whether that's still the case.
Where is Columbia County District Court, and when is it open?
Columbia County District Court is at 341 E Main Street Suite 4, Dayton, WA 99328. Posted hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.. Phone: (509) 382-4812. Hours change around holidays and court closures — call ahead before you travel.
Do I have to have a lawyer to file in Dayton?
Small claims court is built for people representing themselves, and most filers do exactly that. Whether an attorney may appear varies by state — the state guide linked on this page covers the rule where you are, and the clerk can confirm it.
Answers reflect published court data. Court rules and fees change — the clerk is always the authoritative source.