On April 1, 2026, major changes to Washington civil practice law went into effect, impacting how civil cases are handled in the state. The changes, which were approved by the state legislature earlier this year, aim to streamline and modernize the civil justice system in Washington.One significant change is the new rule that requires all civil cases to undergo mandatory mediation before proceeding to trial. This is in an effort to promote settlement and reduce the burden on the court system. Under this new rule, parties are required to participate in good faith mediation within a set timeframe, and failure to do so may result in sanctions being imposed.Additionally, the new law also establishes expedited procedures for certain types of civil cases, such as small claims and landlord-tenant disputes. These cases will now be subject to shorter timelines and simplified procedures in order to resolve them more efficiently.Another important change is the expansion of electronic filing and service of legal documents. With the new rules, parties are now able to file and serve documents electronically, reducing the need for paper copies and streamlining the process for all involved.Furthermore, the new legislation includes provisions aimed at increasing access to justice for underserved communities. One such provision is the establishment of a pilot program in certain counties to provide free legal assistance to low-income individuals in civil cases.Overall, these changes are expected to have a positive impact on the civil justice system in Washington, making it more efficient, accessible, and equitable for all parties involved. Legal experts and practitioners are hopeful that these reforms will lead to a more just and effective civil justice system for the residents of Washington.