1. Determine which protection order is right for you. Visit our Protection Order one pager for guidance.
2. Complete your forms. See tool section below help with completing forms and filing.
3. File your forms. While you can file forms in person with your local county court, some counties allow for online filing. Learn more about your county’s rules here.
4. Protection Order service. Law enforcement will serve the respondent a protection order packet. Electronic service is valid statewide. If not done correctly, here are actions you can take. Help them feel control with info in this section.
5. Go to “Ex Parte” hearing for temporary orders. Once you have filed your forms, you will go to an Ex Parte Court. These are held either online or in person. After a temporary protection order (TPO) is either granted or denied, a two-week return hearing is scheduled. In some cases, the judicial officer may deny the petition without setting a two-week return hearing. If this happens, the court allows two weeks for an amended petition to be filed under the same case number. If you do not refile within the two week window, you will have to refile a new case.
6. Paperwork processing. During this step, the court will process the paperwork. Additionally, the clerk will send out a service packet to the law enforcement agency identified on the TPO or notice of hearing. The respondent will be served the protection order packet.
7. Attend hearing(s) and provide testimony. It’s important to be prepared for testimony, both emotionally and physically. You may need to attend multiple hearings, and the respondent may be present in the courtroom. Remote hearings are available in many jurisdictions, be sure to check with your local courts. Additionally, according to RCW 7.105.205 section (2), “the court SHALL grant any request for a remote appearance unless the court finds good cause to require in-person attendance or attendance through a specific means.” Talk to a lawyer advocate for more information. Here are some helpful tips to prepare for hearing and testimony.
8. Judicial officer ruling. After considering all evidence and testimony, the full protection order will be granted or denied. Before issuing a ruling, the court must have proof that the respondent was served.
