A litigant seeking a Special Set must follow the procedure outlined below.  Please note:  The approval for a Special Set is subject to the Court's (or it's designee) approval.  

The Special Set Request Form (click here to download) must be emailed to specialsets@co.benton.wa.us, with all attorneys and/or parties involved included in the email. 

The attorneys and/or parties involved shall confer and provide three (3) dates of mutual availability.  The request for Special Set shall be emailed to specialsets@co.benton.wa.us and must contain the following information:

  1. General Provisions. No request by a party for a special setting will be considered unless the following information is provided on the form (and emailed) to the email listed above. 
    • Provide  Special Set Request Form (attached); 
    • The amount of time expected for the hearing, to the nearest quarter hour (i.e., 15 min, 30 min, 1 hour); [please see below for more information]
    • The nature of the hearing; [please see below for more information]
    • The three (3) dates of mutual availability;
    • Whether an interpreter is needed, if so, what language;
    • Whether a particular judicial officer needed for the hearing;
    • Whether any judicial officers that have been recused or disqualified;
    • Whether there is a looming deadline; 
    • Whether this matter involves Guardianship (Adult & Minor Conservatorship).
  2. Pleadings. The requesting party must file a note for motion reflecting the date approved/selected by Court Administration.  If your case involves Guardianship (Adult/Minor Conservatorship) you must send a copy of your note for motion to GMP.
  3. Procedure. Upon submittal of a Special Set request, a responsive email will be sent to acknowledge receipt of the email.  The Court (or it's designee) will consider the request and respond by approving it, denying it, or requesting further information.   
    • The Court receives a high volume of Special Set requests, which are answered in the order they are received.  The Special Set process can take up to a week, please be patient.  However, if you have not received a response back within a week, please re-submit using your previous email.
      • Only motions filed at the time of the request for a special set, or those filed when the judicial officer orders a special set, will be heard. Any additional motions require prior court approval by contacting the designated email above. 
      • The scheduled hearing time is firm, and parties may not extend the allotted time. If additional time is needed, approval must be sought from the court by contacting the designated email above.
  4. Bench Copies: All bench copies must be submitted in accordance with the Local Court Rules.

NOTE:  Once a special set is approved, it is expected to proceed. Prior approval from specialsets@co.benton.wa.us is required before striking or continuing a special set.

[Updated October 29, 2024; June 1, 2025]