Promissory Notes

Under RCW 10.101.20 (5) All persons determined to be Indigent and Able to Contribute, shall be required to execute a promissory note at the time counsel is appointed. The person shall be informed whether payment shall be made in the form of a lump sum payment or periodic payments. The payment and payment schedule must be set forth in writing. The person receiving the appointment of counsel shall also sign an affidavit swearing under penalty of perjury that all income and assets reported are complete and accurate. In addition, the person must swear in the affidavit to immediately report any change in financial status to the court.

During the financial screening process, you may be determined to be indigent and able to contribute if you cannot afford the full expected cost of hiring a private attorney, but you have sufficient available income or assets to contribute toward a portion of those costs.

If the court determines that you are Indigent and Able to Contribute:

• You must sign a promissory note when an attorney is appointed to your case.
• You will be informed whether payment will be made as a lump-sum payment or through periodic payments.
• The amount of the payment and the payment schedule will be provided to you in writing.
• You must sign an affidavit under penalty of perjury, confirming that the income and assets you reported are complete and accurate.
• You must immediately report any change in your financial circumstances to the court.