AN ACT Relating to technical corrections to trust and estate dispute resolution; and amending RCW 11.96A.100, 11.96A.230, 11.96A.250, 11.96A.300, and 11.96A.310.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

Sec. 1. RCW 11.96A.100 and 1999 c 42 s 303 are each amended to read as follows:

Unless rules of court require or this title ((~~requires~~)) provides otherwise, or unless a court orders otherwise:

(1) A judicial proceeding under RCW 11.96A.090 is to be commenced by filing a petition with the court;

(2) A summons must be served in accordance with this chapter and, where not inconsistent with these rules, the procedural rules of court, however, if the proceeding is commenced as an action incidental to an existing judicial proceeding relating to the same trust or estate or nonprobate asset, notice must be provided by summons only with respect to those parties who were not already parties to the existing judicial proceedings;

(3) The summons need only contain the following language or substantially similar language:

SUPERIOR COURT OF WASHINGTON

FOR (. . .) COUNTY

IN RE . . . . . . )

) No. . . .

) Summons

)

TO THE RESPONDENT OR OTHER INTERESTED PARTY: A petition has been filed in the superior court of Washington for (. . .) County. Petitioner's claim is stated in the petition, a copy of which is served upon you with this summons.

In order to defend against or to object to the petition, you must answer the petition by stating your defense or objections in writing, and by serving your answer upon the person signing this summons not later than five days before the date of the hearing on the petition. Your failure to answer within this time limit might result in a default judgment being entered against you without further notice. A default judgment grants the petitioner all that the petitioner seeks under the petition because you have not filed an answer.

If you wish to seek the advice of a lawyer, you should do so promptly so that your written answer, if any, may be served on time.

This summons is issued under RCW 11.96A.100(3).

(Signed) . . . . . . . . . . . .

Print or Type Name

Dated: . . . . . .

Telephone Number: . . . . . .

(4) Subject to other applicable statutes and court rules, the clerk of each of the superior courts shall fix the time for any hearing on a matter on application by a party, and no order of the court shall be required to fix the time or to approve the form or content of the notice of a hearing;

(5) The answer to the petition and any counterclaims or cross-claims must be served on the parties or the parties' virtual representatives and filed with the court at least five days before the date of the hearing, and all replies to the counterclaims and cross-claims must be served on the parties or the parties' virtual representatives and filed with the court at least two days before the date of the hearing;

(6) Proceedings under this chapter are subject to the mediation and arbitration provisions of this chapter. Except as specifically provided in RCW 11.96A.310, the provisions of chapter 7.06 RCW do not apply;

(7) Testimony of witnesses may be by affidavit;

(8) Unless requested otherwise by a party in a petition or answer, the initial hearing must be a hearing on the merits to resolve all issues of fact and all issues of law;

(9) Any party may move the court for an order relating to a procedural matter, including discovery, and for summary judgment, in the original petition, answer, response, or reply, or in a separate motion, or at any other time; and

(10) If the initial hearing is not a hearing on the merits or does not result in a resolution of all issues of fact and all issues of law, the court may enter any order it deems appropriate, which order may (a) resolve such issues as it deems proper, (b) determine the scope of discovery, and (c) set a schedule for further proceedings for the prompt resolution of the matter.

Sec. 2. RCW 11.96A.230 and 1999 c 42 s 403 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) ((~~If a special representative has not commenced a proceeding for approval of the agreement under RCW 11.96A.240,~~)) Any party, or a party's legal representative, may file the written agreement or a memorandum summarizing the written agreement with the court having jurisdiction over the estate or trust. ((~~However,~~)) The agreement or a memorandum of its terms may ((~~not~~)) be filed within thirty days of the agreement's execution by all parties ((~~without~~)) only with the written consent of the special representative. ((The person filing the agreement or memorandum shall within five days of the filing mail or deliver a copy of the agreement and a notice of the filing to each party whose address is known. Proof of mailing or delivery of the notice must be filed with the court.)) The agreement or a memorandum of its terms may be filed after a special representative has commenced a proceeding under RCW 11.96A.240 only after the court has determined that the special representative has adequately represented and protected the parties represented. Failure to complete any action authorized or required under this subsection does not cause the written agreement to be ineffective and the agreement is nonetheless binding and conclusive on all persons interested in the estate or trust. ((~~Notice must be in substantially the following form.~~

~~CAPTION NOTICE OF FILING OF~~

~~OF CASE AGREEMENT OR MEMORANDUM~~

~~OF AGREEMENT~~

~~Notice is hereby given that the attached document or a memorandum summarizing its provisions was filed by the undersigned in the above entitled court on . . .~~

~~DATED: . . . . .~~

~~. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .~~

~~(Party or party's legal representative)~~))

(2) On filing the agreement or memorandum, the agreement will be deemed approved by the court and is equivalent to a final court order binding on all persons interested in the estate or trust.

(((3) If all parties or their virtual representatives waive the notice required by this section, the agreement will be deemed approved by the court and is equivalent to a final court order binding on all persons interested in the estate or trust effective upon the date of filing.))

Sec. 3. RCW 11.96A.250 and 1999 c 42 s 405 are each amended to read as follows:

(1)(a) The personal representative or trustee may petition the court having jurisdiction over the matter for the appointment of a special representative to represent a person who is interested in the estate or trust and: (i) Who is a minor; (ii) who is incompetent or disabled; (iii) who is yet unborn or unascertained; or (iv) whose identity or address is unknown. The petition may be heard by the court without notice.

(b) In appointing the special representative the court shall give due consideration and deference to any nomination(s) made in the petition, the special skills required in the representation, and the need for a representative who will act independently and prudently. The nomination of a person as special representative by the personal representative or trustee and the person's willingness to serve as special representative are not grounds by themselves for finding a lack of independence, however, the court may consider any interests that the nominating fiduciary may have in the estate or trust in making the determination.

(c) The special representative may enter into a binding agreement on behalf of the person or beneficiary. The special representative may be appointed for more than one person or class of persons if the interests of such persons or class are not in conflict. The petition shall be verified. The petition and order appointing the special representative may be in the following form:

CAPTION PETITION FOR APPOINTMENT

OF CASE OF SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE

UNDER RCW 11.96A.250

The undersigned petitioner petitions the court for the appointment of a special representative in accordance with RCW 11.96A.250 and shows the court as follows:

1. Petitioner. Petitioner . . . is the qualified and presently acting (personal representative) (trustee) of the above (estate) (trust) having been named (personal representative) (trustee) under (describe will and reference probate order or describe trust instrument).

2. Issue Concerning (Estate) (Trust) Administration. A question concerning administration of the (estate) (trust) has arisen as to (describe issue, for example: Related to interpretation, construction, administration, distribution). The issues are appropriate for determination under RCW 11.96A.250.

3. Beneficiaries. The beneficiaries of the (estate) (trust) include persons who are unborn, unknown, or unascertained persons, or who are under eighteen years of age.

4. Special Representative. The nominated special representative . . . is a lawyer licensed to practice before the courts of this state or an individual with special skill or training in the administration of estates or trusts. The nominated special representative does not have an interest in the affected estate or trust and is not related to any person interested in the estate or trust. The nominated special representative is willing to serve. The petitioner has no reason to believe that the nominated special representative will not act in an independent and prudent manner and in the best interests of the represented parties. (It is recommended that the petitioner also include information specifying the particular skills of the nominated special representative that relate to the matter in issue.)

5. Resolution. Petitioner desires to achieve a resolution of the questions that have arisen concerning the (estate) (trust). Petitioner believes that proceeding in accordance with the procedures permitted under RCW 11.96A.210 through 11.96A.250 would be in the best interests of the (estate) (trust) and the beneficiaries.

((5.)) 6. Request of Court. Petitioner requests that . . ., . . . an attorney licensed to practice in the State of Washington.

(OR)

. . . . an individual with special skill or training in the administration of estates or trusts

be appointed special representative for those beneficiaries who are not yet adults, as well as for the unborn, unknown, and unascertained beneficiaries, as provided under RCW 11.96A.250.

DATED this . . . day of . . . . ., . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(Petitioner or petitioner's

legal representative)

VERIFICATION

I certify under penalty of perjury under the laws of the state of Washington that the foregoing is true and correct.

DATED . . . . . ., 2000, at . . . . . ., Washington.

. . . . . . . . .

(Petitioner or other person

having knowledge)

CAPTION ORDER FOR APPOINTMENT

OF CASE OF SPECIAL REPRESENTATIVE

THIS MATTER having come on for hearing before this Court on Petition for Appointment of Special Representative filed herein, and it appearing that it would be in the best interests of the (estate) (trust) described in the Petition to appoint a special representative to address the issues that have arisen concerning the (estate) (trust) and the Court finding that the facts stated in the Petition are true, now, therefore,

IT IS ORDERED that . . . is appointed under RCW 11.96A.250 as special representative for the (estate) (trust) beneficiaries who are not yet adult age, and for unborn, unknown, or unascertained beneficiaries to represent their respective interests in the (estate) (trust) as provided in RCW 11.96A.250. The special representative shall be discharged of responsibility with respect to the (estate) (trust) at such time as a written agreement is executed resolving the present issues, all as provided in that statute, or if an agreement is not reached within six months from entry of this Order, the special representative appointed under this Order shall be discharged of responsibility, subject to subsequent reappointment under RCW 11.96A.250.

DONE IN OPEN COURT this . . . day of . . . . ., . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

JUDGE/COURT COMMISSIONER

(2) Upon appointment by the court, the special representative shall file a certification made under penalty of perjury in accordance with RCW 9A.72.085 that he or she (a) is not interested in the estate or trust; (b) is not related to any person interested in the estate or trust; (c) is willing to serve; and (d) will act independently, prudently, and in the best interests of the represented parties.

(3) The special representative must be a lawyer licensed to practice before the courts of this state or an individual with special skill or training in the administration of estates or trusts. The special representative may not have an interest in the affected estate or trust, and may not be related to a person interested in the estate or trust. The special representative is entitled to reasonable compensation for services that must be paid from the principal of the estate or trust whose beneficiaries are represented.

((~~(3)~~)) (4) The special representative shall be discharged from any responsibility and shall have no further duties with respect to the estate or trust or with respect to any person interested in the estate or trust, on the earlier of: (a) The expiration of six months from the date the special representative was appointed unless the order appointing the special representative provides otherwise, or (b) the execution of the written agreement by all parties or their virtual representatives. Any action against a special representative must be brought within the time limits provided by RCW 11.96A.070(3)(c)(i).

Sec. 4. RCW 11.96A.300 and 1999 c 42 s 505 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) Notice of mediation. A party may cause the matter to be subject to mediation by service of written notice of mediation on all parties or the parties' virtual representatives as follows:

(a) If no hearing has been set. If no hearing on the matter has been set, by serving notice in substantially the following form before any petition setting a hearing on the matter is filed with the court:

NOTICE OF MEDIATION UNDER RCW 11.96A.300

To: (Parties)

Notice is hereby given that the following matter shall be resolved by mediation under RCW 11.96A.300:

(State nature of matter)

This matter must be resolved using the mediation procedures of RCW 11.96A.300 unless a petition objecting to mediation is filed with the superior court within twenty days of service of this notice. If a petition objecting to mediation is not filed within the twenty-day period, RCW 11.96A.300(4) requires you to furnish to all other parties or their virtual representatives a list of acceptable mediators within thirty days of your receipt of this notice.

(Optional: Our list of acceptable mediators is as follows:)

DATED: . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(Party or party's legal representative)

(b) If a hearing has been set. If a hearing on the matter has been set, by filing and serving notice in substantially the following form at least three days prior to the hearing that has been set on the matter:

NOTICE OF MEDIATION UNDER RCW 11.96A.300

To: (Parties)

Notice is hereby given that the following matter shall be resolved by mediation under RCW 11.96A.300:

(State nature of matter)

This matter must be resolved using the mediation procedures of RCW 11.96A.300 unless the court determines at the hearing set for . . . o'clock on . . . . . , (identify place of already set hearing), that mediation shall not apply pursuant to RCW 11.96A.300(3). If the court determines that mediation shall not apply, the court may decide the matter at the hearing, require arbitration, or direct other judicial proceedings.

(Optional: Our list of acceptable mediators is as follows:)

DATED: . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(Party or party's legal representative)

(2) Procedure when notice of mediation served before a hearing is set. The following provisions apply when notice of mediation is served before a hearing on the matter is set:

(a) The written notice required in subsection (1)(a) of this section may be served at any time without leave of the court.

(b) Any party may object to a notice of mediation under subsection (1)(a) of this section by filing a petition with the superior court and serving the petition on all parties or the parties' virtual representatives. The party objecting to notice of mediation under subsection (1)(a) of this section must file and serve the petition objecting to mediation no later than twenty days after receipt of the written notice of mediation. The petition may include a request for determination of matters subject to judicial resolution under RCW 11.96A.080 through 11.96A.200, and may also request that the matters in issue be decided at the hearing.

(c) The hearing on the petition objecting to mediation must be heard no later than twenty days after the filing of that petition.

(d) The party objecting to mediation must give notice of the hearing to all other parties at least ten days before the hearing and must include a copy of the petition.

At the hearing, the court shall order that mediation proceed except for good cause shown. Such order shall not be subject to appeal or revision. If the court determines that the matter should not be subject to mediation, the court shall dispose of the matter by: (i) Deciding the matter at that hearing, but only if the petition objecting to mediation contains a request for that relief, (ii) requiring arbitration, or (iii) directing other judicial proceedings.

(3) Procedure when notice of mediation served after hearing set. If the written notice of mediation required in subsection (1)(b) of this section is timely filed and served by a party and another party objects to mediation, by petition or orally at the hearing, the court shall order that mediation proceed except for good cause shown. Such order shall not be subject to appeal or revision. If the court determines that the matter should not be subject to mediation, the court shall dispose of the matter by: (a) Deciding the matter at that hearing, (b) requiring arbitration, or (c) directing other judicial proceedings.

(4) Selection of mediator; mediator qualifications.

(a) If a petition objecting to mediation is not filed as provided in subsection (3) of this section, or if a court determines that mediation shall apply, each party shall, within thirty days of receipt of the initial notice or within twenty days after the court determination, whichever is later, furnish all other parties or the parties' virtual representatives a list of qualified and acceptable mediators. If the parties cannot agree on a mediator within ten days after the list is required to be furnished, a party may petition the court to appoint a mediator. All parties may submit a list of qualified and acceptable mediators to the court no later than the date on which the hearing on the petition is to be held. At the hearing the court shall select a qualified mediator from lists of acceptable mediators provided by the parties.

(b) A qualified mediator must be: (i) An attorney licensed to practice before the courts of this state having at least five years of experience in estate and trust matters, (ii) an individual, who may be an attorney, with special skill or training in the administration of trusts and estates, or (iii) an individual, who may be an attorney, with special skill or training as a mediator. The mediator may not have an interest in an affected estate, trust, or nonprobate asset, and may not be related to a party.

(5) Date for mediation. Upon designation of a mediator by the parties or court appointment of a mediator, the mediator and the parties or the parties' virtual representatives shall establish a date for the mediation. If a date cannot be agreed upon within ten days of the designation or appointment of the mediator, a party may petition the court to set a date for the mediation session.

(6) Duration of mediation. The mediation must last at least three hours unless the matter is earlier resolved.

(7) Mediation agreement. A resolution of the matter that is the subject of the mediation must be evidenced by a nonjudicial dispute resolution agreement under RCW ((~~11.96A.090~~)) 11.96A.220.

(8) Costs of mediation. Costs of the mediation, including reasonable compensation for the mediator's services, shall be borne equally by the parties. The details of those costs and fees, including the compensation of the mediator, must be set forth in a mediation agreement between the mediator and all parties to the matter. Each party shall bear its own costs and expenses, including legal fees and witness expenses, in connection with the mediation proceeding: (a) Except as may occur otherwise as provided in RCW 11.96A.320, or (b) unless the matter is not resolved by mediation and the arbitrator or court finally resolving the matter directs otherwise.

Sec. 5. RCW 11.96A.310 and 1999 c 42 s 506 are each amended to read as follows:

(1) When arbitration available. Arbitration under RCW 11.96A.260 through 11.96A.320 is available only if:

(a) A party has first petitioned for mediation under RCW 11.96A.300 and such mediation has been concluded;

(b) The court has determined that mediation under RCW 11.96A.300 is not required and has not ordered that the matter be disposed of in some other manner;

(c) All of the parties or the parties' virtual representatives have agreed not to use the mediation procedures of RCW 11.96A.300; or

(d) The court has ordered that the matter must be submitted to arbitration.

(2) Commencement of arbitration. Arbitration must be commenced as follows:

(a) If the matter is not settled through mediation under RCW 11.96A.300, or the court orders that mediation is not required, a party may commence arbitration by serving written notice of arbitration on all other parties or the parties' virtual representatives. The notice must be served no later than twenty days after the later of the conclusion of the mediation procedure, if any, or twenty days after entry of the order providing that mediation is not required. If arbitration is ordered by the court under RCW 11.96A.300(3), arbitration must proceed in accordance with the order.

(b) If the parties or the parties' virtual representatives agree that mediation does not apply and have not agreed to another procedure for resolving the matter, a party may commence arbitration without leave of the court by serving written notice of arbitration on all other parties or the parties' virtual representatives at any time before or at the initial judicial hearing on the matter. After the initial judicial hearing on the matter, the written notice required in subsection (1) of this section may only be served with leave of the court.

Any notice required by this section must be in substantially the following form:

NOTICE OF ARBITRATION UNDER RCW 11.96A.310

To: (Parties)

Notice is hereby given that the following matter must be resolved by arbitration under RCW 11.96A.310:

(State nature of matter)

The matter must be resolved using the arbitration procedures of RCW 11.96A.310 unless a petition objecting to arbitration is filed with the superior court within twenty days of receipt of this notice. If a petition objecting to arbitration is not filed within the twenty-day period, RCW 11.96A.310 requires you to furnish to all other parties or the parties' virtual representatives a list of acceptable ((~~mediators~~)) arbitrators within thirty days of your receipt of this notice.

(Optional: Our list of acceptable arbitrators is as follows:)

DATED: . . . . . .

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

(Party or party's legal representative)

(3) Objection to arbitration. A party may object to arbitration by filing a petition with the superior court and serving the petition on all parties or the parties' virtual representatives. The objection to arbitration may be filed at any time unless a written notice of arbitration has been served, in which case the objection to arbitration must be filed and served no later than twenty days after receipt of the written notice of arbitration. The hearing on the objection to arbitration must be heard no later than twenty days after the filing of that petition. The party objecting to arbitration must give notice of the hearing to all parties at least ten days before the hearing and shall include a copy of the petition. At the hearing, the court shall order that arbitration proceed except for good cause shown. Such order shall not be subject to appeal or revision. If the court determines that the matter should not be subject to arbitration, the court shall dispose of the matter by: (a) Deciding the matter at that hearing, but only if the petition objecting to arbitration contains a request for such relief; or (b) directing other judicial proceedings.

(4) Selection of arbitrator; qualifications of arbitrator.

(a) If a petition objecting to arbitration is not filed as provided in subsection (3) of this section, or if a court determines that arbitration must apply, each party shall, within thirty days of receipt of the initial notice or within twenty days after the court determination, whichever is later, furnish all other parties or the parties' virtual representatives a list of acceptable arbitrators. If the parties cannot agree on an arbitrator within ten days after the list is required to be furnished, a party may petition the court to appoint an arbitrator. All parties may submit a list of qualified and acceptable arbitrators to the court no later than the date on which the hearing on the petition is to be held. At the hearing the court shall select a qualified arbitrator from lists of acceptable arbitrators provided by the parties.

(b) A qualified arbitrator must be an attorney licensed to practice before the courts of this state having at least five years of experience in trust or estate matters or five years of experience in litigation or other formal dispute resolution involving trusts or estates, or an individual, who may be an attorney, with special skill or training with respect to the matter. The arbitrator may be the same person selected and used as a mediator under the mediation procedures of RCW 11.96A.300.

(5) Arbitration rules. Arbitration must be under chapter 7.06 RCW, mandatory arbitration of civil actions, as follows:

(a) Chapter 7.06 RCW, the superior court mandatory arbitration rules adopted by the supreme court, and any local rules for mandatory arbitration adopted by the superior court apply to this title. If the superior court has not adopted chapter 7.06 RCW, then the local rules for mandatory arbitration applicable in King county apply, except all the duties of the director of arbitration must be performed by the presiding judge of the superior court.

(b) If a party has already filed a petition with the court with respect to the matter that will be the subject of the arbitration proceedings, then all other parties to the arbitration proceedings who have not yet filed a reply thereto must file a reply with the arbitrator within ten days of the date on which the arbitrator is selected or appointed.

(c) The arbitration provisions of this subsection apply to all matters in dispute. The dollar limits and restrictions to monetary damages of RCW 7.06.020 do not apply to arbitrations under this subsection. To the extent any provision in this title is inconsistent with chapter 7.06 RCW or the rules referenced in (a) of this subsection, the provisions of this title control.

(d) The compensation of the arbitrator must be set by written agreement between the parties and the arbitrator. The arbitrator must be compensated at the arbitrator's stated rate of compensation for acting as an arbitrator of disputes in trusts, estates, and nonprobate matters unless the parties or the parties' virtual representatives agree otherwise.

(e) Unless directed otherwise by the arbitrator in accord with subsection (6) of this section or RCW 11.96A.320, or unless the matter is not resolved by arbitration and the court finally resolving the matter directs otherwise:

(i) Costs of the arbitration, including compensation for the arbitrator's services, must be borne equally by the parties participating in the arbitration, with the details of those costs and fees to be set forth in an arbitration agreement between the arbitrator and all parties to the matter; and

(ii) A party shall bear its own costs and expenses, including legal fees and witness expenses, in connection with the arbitration proceeding.

(f) The arbitrator and the parties shall execute a written agreement setting forth the terms of the arbitration and the process to be followed. This agreement must also contain the fee agreement provided in (d) of this subsection. A dispute as to this agreement must be resolved by the director of arbitration.

(g) The rules of evidence and discovery applicable to civil causes of action before the superior court as defined in RCW 11.96A.290 apply, unless the parties have agreed otherwise or the arbitrator rules otherwise.

(6) Costs of arbitration. The arbitrator may order costs, including reasonable attorneys' fees and expert witness fees, to be paid by any party to the proceedings as justice may require.

(7) Decision of arbitrator. The arbitrator shall issue a final decision in writing within thirty days of the conclusion of the final arbitration hearing. ((The final decision may be appealed by filing a notice of appeal with the superior court within thirty days of the issuance of the written decision in the arbitration proceeding. If an appeal is not filed as provided in this section, the arbitration decision is conclusive and binding on all parties.)) Promptly after the issuance of the decision, the arbitrator shall serve each of the parties to the proceedings with a copy of the written arbitration decision. Proof of service shall be filed with the court. Service shall be made in conformity with CR 5(b) of the rules for superior court.

(8) Arbitration decision may be filed with the court((~~; appeal~~)). The arbitrator or any party to the arbitration may file the arbitrator's decision with the clerk of the superior court((, together with proof of service thereof on the parties. Within twenty days after such filing, any aggrieved party may file with the clerk a written notice of appeal and request for a trial de novo in the superior court on all issues of law and fact. Such trial de novo shall thereupon be held, including a right to jury, if demanded.

If no appeal has been filed at the expiration of twenty days following filing of the arbitrator's decision and award, a judgment shall be entered and may be presented to the court by any party, on notice, which judgment when entered shall have the same force and effect as judgments in civil actions)) at any time after its issuance. Notice of such filing shall be promptly given to each party to the arbitration proceedings.

(9) Appeal. (a) The final decision of the arbitrator may be appealed by filing a notice of appeal with the superior court requesting a trial de novo on all issues of law and fact. The notice of appeal must be filed within thirty days after the date on which the decision was served on the party filing the notice of appeal. A trial de novo shall then be held, including a right to jury, if demanded.

(b) If an appeal is not filed within the time provided in (a) of this subsection, the arbitration decision is conclusive and binding on all parties. If the arbitrator's decision has been filed with the clerk of the superior court, a judgment shall be entered and may be presented to the court by any party on ten days' prior notice. The judgment when entered shall have the same force and effect as judgments in civil actions.

(10) Costs on appeal of arbitration decision. The prevailing party in any such de novo superior court decision after an arbitration result must be awarded costs, including expert witness fees and attorneys' fees, in connection with the judicial resolution of the matter. Such costs shall be charged against the nonprevailing parties in such amount and in such manner as the court determines to be equitable. The provisions of this subsection take precedence over the provisions of RCW 11.96A.150 or any other similar provision.