Suggested Amendment to

Superior Court Special Proceedings Rules, SPR 98.16W

ESTATES--GUARDIANSHIP--SETTLEMENT OF CLAIMS OF MINORS AND INCAPACITATED PERSONS

A.   Names of Proponent:

Superior Court Judges Association (SCJA) Civil Law and Rules Committee.

B.   Spokesperson:

Mary Sue Wilson

SCJA Civil Rules Committee Chair                                                

Thurston County Superior Court Judge

2000 Lakeridge Dr. SW, Building 2, Olympia, WA 98502

(360) 709-3201

C.   Purpose:

The Superior Court Judges’ Association Civil Rules Committee recommends an upward adjustment of the $25,000 cutoff for certain procedures required for disposition of funds from the settlement of claims of minors under SPR 98.16W(j).  This amount was established in 1997.

The committee believes the limit should be raised to $50,000  and recommends amending SPR 98.16W(j)(1) and (2) to change $25,000 to $50,000. This would have the effect of allowing more flexibility for the use of funds for settlements up to $50,000.

D.   Hearing:

The proponents do not believe a public hearing is needed.

E.   Expedited Consideration:

The proponents believe exceptional circumstances justify expedited consideration of the suggested amendment SPR 98.16W(j)(1) and (2) and request that the Rules Committee proceed to an abbreviated comment period.