Resources for Legal Forms
“Isn’t there a form for that?” This is a question we hear often at the Washington State Law Library. The short answer is “maybe.” The long answer is “we don’t give legal advice or select forms for patrons, but we will show you where to look for them.”
Many of the resources at the State Law Library, both digital and in books, include sample forms. Though they often have to be formatted to fit the requirements of General Rule (GR) 14 and local court rules, they are ready and waiting to be printed, downloaded to a USB drive, or checked out (in books).
Here are a few of our favorite resources for court forms:
Free on the Internet
Pattern Forms on the Washington Courts website. Pattern forms are used statewide in Washington Courts. Topics covered include family law, guardianship, protection orders, juvenile court and mental proceedings. Click here for a complete list of pattern forms.
Appellate Forms on the Washington Courts website and in the Appellate Case Processing Guide.
Probate Forms. We often refer patrons to the Public Law Library of King County website for packets that can be purchased. Washington (State) Probate provides free forms and instructions.
WashingtonLawHelp.org. Most forms and instructions are incorporated into guides. You can click the “Court Forms & Procedure” tab on the page covering your topic to find publications with forms. Topics include, but are not limited to, public benefits, housing, money and debt, civil rights, family and safety, seniors, and immigration. Some forms are presented as an interactive interview, with the website formatting the form for the user. Click here for an informational video about interactive forms and for a list of available forms.
In the Library
WSBA deskbooks and CLE program materials. In print, in our LexisNexis Digital Library eBook Collection (some deskbooks), and at library computers on our Fastcase database. Titles include Estate Planning, Probate, and Trust Administration in Washington, Washington Probate Procedure & Tax Manual with Forms and Washington Real Property Deskbook Series.
Washington Lawyers Practice Manual. In books and on CD. This set covers a wide range of topics, including bankruptcy, business law, enforcing judgements, personal injury, and mediation/arbitration. Click here for the table of contents.
Washington Practice series. In books and at library computers on Westlaw. Some of the most popular titles in this series are Civil Procedure Forms & Commentary, Criminal Practice and Procedure, Tort Law and Practice and Elements of an Action.
American Jurisprudence Pleading and Practice Forms Annotated. In books (updated through 2011) and through our Westlaw database. More than 43,000 forms, checklists, and time tables to be used throughout the case. Annotations include commentary and “how to” guides.
American Jurisprudence Legal Forms, 2d. In books (updated through 2021) and through our Westlaw database. This set is arranged alphabetically and covers a wide array of topics such as compromise and settlement, fraudulent conveyances, injunctions and negligence.
Williston on Contracts. In books (updated through 2021) and through our Westlaw database. Forms in this set cover everything needed for contracts, from offer to acceptance to satisfaction.
Complete Manual of Criminal Forms. Available through our Westlaw database, this title has forms needed throughout the case, from indictment to suppression of evidence to post-conviction relief. (JL)
