The procedure for obtaining a declaratory judgment pursuant to the Uniform Declaratory Judgments Act, RCW 7.24, shall be in accordance with these rules, and the right to trial by jury may be demanded under the circumstances and in the manner provided in rules 38 and 39. The existence of another adequate remedy does not preclude a judgment for declaratory relief in cases where it is appropriate. The court may order a speedy hearing of an action for a declaratory judgment and may advance it on the calendar.
Rule 57.Declaratory judgments
Group 7: Judgment · Last amended July 1, 1967 · Last verified July 13, 2026
In one sentenceRule 57 folds declaratory judgment actions brought under Washington's Uniform Declaratory Judgments Act into the ordinary civil rules, preserves the right to a jury trial where it would otherwise apply, and lets a court expedite the hearing.
Full Text of Rule 57
Amendment History
Adopted May 5, 1967, effective July 1, 1967.
Plain-English Summary
Washington's declaratory judgment statute, RCW 7.24, gives courts the power to declare rights, status, and legal relations before a dispute ripens into a claim for damages or an injunction. Rule 57 does the connective work: it says that a declaratory judgment action proceeds under the same civil rules as any other lawsuit, rather than under some separate procedural track.
The rule also answers two questions that often come up in this kind of case. First, a party can demand a jury under the same circumstances and in the same manner set out in Rules 38 and 39 — declaratory relief does not strip away a jury trial right that would otherwise exist. Second, the fact that some other remedy might be available does not by itself block a declaratory judgment where one is appropriate; a plaintiff need not show that declaratory relief is the only option.
Because declaratory actions often exist to resolve uncertainty before it causes further harm, Rule 57 gives the court discretion to order a speedy hearing and to move the case ahead on the calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a declaratory judgment action?
It is a lawsuit asking a court to declare the parties' rights, status, or legal relations under Washington's Uniform Declaratory Judgments Act, RCW 7.24, rather than to award damages or an injunction directly.
Does Rule 57 create a special procedure for declaratory judgment cases?
No. It directs that these actions follow the same civil rules that govern any other case, with jury trial rights preserved under Rules 38 and 39.
Do I have to show that no other remedy is available?
No. Rule 57 states that the existence of another adequate remedy does not prevent a court from granting declaratory relief in a case where it is appropriate.
Can I get a jury trial in a declaratory judgment case?
Yes, under the same circumstances and in the same manner that Rules 38 and 39 allow a jury demand in any other civil case.
Can the court hear my declaratory judgment case faster than a normal case?
Rule 57 lets the court order a speedy hearing and advance the case on the trial calendar.
Source & verification. Rule text and amendment history are
reproduced verbatim from the Washington Superior Court Civil Rules, adopted by the
Supreme Court of Washington. Last verified July 13, 2026. ·
Official source
Also known as: declaratory judgment WashingtonCR 57Uniform Declaratory Judgments Act proceduredeclaratory relief lawsuit Washingtondeclaratory judgment jury trial Washington