SENATE BILL REPORT
ESB 5018
AS PASSED SENATE, JANUARY 28, 1994
Brief Description: Allowing service of process on a marital community by serving either spouse.
SPONSORS: Senator Nelson
SENATE COMMITTEE ON LAW & JUSTICE
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators A. Smith, Chairman; Ludwig, Vice Chairman; Nelson, Quigley, Roach and Spanel.
Staff: Dick Armstrong (786‑7460)
Hearing Dates: January 22, 1993; January 27, 1993; January 11, 1994; January 12, 1994
BACKGROUND:
In an action against one or both spouses of a marital community, service of process is made on both spouses by serving each spouse personally or by leaving a copy of the summons for each spouse at their residence with a person of suitable age and discretion.
It would reduce time delays and costs of litigation if, in actions against one or both spouses of a marital community, service of process could be accomplished by serving either spouse personally or by leaving a copy of the summons at their residence.
SUMMARY:
Service of process may be obtained against one or both spouses of a marital community by serving either spouse personally or by leaving a copy of the summons at their home. A summons must be served on each spouse if they do not reside together.
Appropriation: none
Revenue: none
Fiscal Note: none requested
TESTIMONY FOR:
The bill will reduce the costs of lawsuits if either spouse of a marital community can be served individually, but have service treated as if both spouses had been served.
TESTIMONY AGAINST: None
TESTIFIED: Mark Gjurasic, Kevin Underwood, Washington Collectors Association