Process Overview
This website presents a list of questions, and then at the end generates the paperwork for DVPO.
HOW THIS WEBSITE WORKS
This website provides a guided experience to people who are working themselves on preparing the court forms for a Domestic Violence Protection (Restraining) Order.
1. Take Screening
Select the specific protection order you want to file for. Then answer a few questions to determine your eligibility.
2. Prepare Documents for Divorce (Dissolution of Marriage)
Prepare the main set of your court documents by covering one topic at a time. Each topic offers questions in simple and non-legal language. Just do your best and in case you need help you can get reach out for help just with a few clicks.
3. Consult Advocate (Optional)
Depending on your situation, we can suggest any trusted free victim advocacy non profits. The advocate can assist you with certain aspects of the case and safety planning. They can review your case documents, and talk to you directly to discuss your case.
4. E-File Divorce (Dissolution of Marriage) Documents
This website simplifies the filing to a couple of clicks, and get follow up notifications from the court.
How to Get a Divorce (Dissolution of Marriage)
Filing for divorce in California starts by submitting the required forms to the Superior Court in your county. The process usually involves serving your spouse with the divorce papers, waiting for their response, and completing financial disclosures. Depending on your situation—whether it’s an uncontested or contested divorce—the process can take several months to complete.
Step 1
You: Gather Information. What do you need to start a Divorce?
Gather Information and Documents for Your Divorce Case
You’ll need to collect important information and documents to support your divorce (dissolution of marriage) filing. While your own statements are part of the evidence, having supporting records makes your case stronger and helps the court process your divorce smoothly.
Type 1: Marriage Certificate
You’ll need a copy of your marriage certificate to prove that a legal marriage exists and to start the divorce process.
Type 2: Property and Debt Information
List and collect documentation for all property you and your spouse own — such as real estate, vehicles, and valuable items — as well as any debts like loans or credit cards.
Type 3: Child-Related Information (if applicable)
If you have children together, include information about their living arrangements, expenses, and schooling. You may also need to provide records related to child support or custody arrangements.
Type 4: Communication Records
In some cases, printed or electronic messages (texts, emails) can help clarify agreements or timelines related to property, children, or separation.
Type 5: Court or Legal Documents
If there are any prior family law cases between you and your spouse — such as restraining orders or child custody filings — include copies of those documents.
Type 6: Personal Statement
You can also write a personal declaration explaining your situation, including details about your marriage, separation, and what you’re requesting from the court (for example, spousal support or custody).
Step 2
You: Take Online Screening
Find out if you qualify to file for a divorce in California by taking a quick eligibility screening. You can start by entering your ZIP code in the top right corner.
Step 3
You: Create Case Documents - "Packet"
After completing the eligibility screening, this website will guide you through each step needed to create your divorce case documents.
For your understanding: To file for a divorce (dissolution of marriage) in California, you must complete and submit a set of official court forms. These forms include questions about your marriage, property, finances, and, if applicable, your children.
The most important form is called the Petition — Marriage/Domestic Partnership (Form FL-100), which officially starts your divorce case.
Step 4
You: E-File with the Court. How to file a Divorce (Dissolution of Marriage) case in California
This website also lets you digitally sign and e-file your divorce forms directly with the court.
While other online resources may help you prepare court forms, they do not let you officially file them. To formally start your divorce case, you must submit your documents to the court clerk — a step known as filing. There are two ways to do this, and both have the same legal effect:
1. Online (E-filing)
2. In person at the courthouse
E-filing is more convenient since you can do it anytime. If you file after business hours, your filing date will be the next court day.
Divorce cases in California are filed with your county’s Superior Court. Once your filing is complete, the court will assign you a case number, officially starting your divorce case.
Step 7
You, Abuser: Attend Court Hearing
Attend a Hearing:
In a California divorce case, the court may schedule a hearing depending on the issues involved — such as child custody, support, or property division. During the hearing, both spouses (or their attorneys) can present evidence, financial documents, or testimony to support their requests.
If one spouse does not attend the hearing after being properly served with notice, the judge may proceed without them and issue orders based on the available information. In uncontested cases, the court may finalize the divorce without requiring a hearing at all.
Step 8
You: Collect Final Order
After the Hearing:
Once the hearing is complete, the judge may issue a final judgment of divorce. You can obtain a certified paper copy of the judgment for your records — this document serves as official proof that your marriage has been legally dissolved.
The final judgment outlines important details such as property division, child custody, support, and any other court orders. Unlike protection orders, a divorce judgment does not expire; it remains valid permanently unless modified by the court.
WHO CAN START A CASE
This website provides a guided experience to people who are working themselves on preparing the court forms for a Domestic Violence Protection Order.
1. Either Spouse or Partner
Any spouse or registered domestic partner can start the divorce process. You do not need the other person’s consent to file — one person can begin the case on their own.
2. Residency Requirements
To file for divorce in California, at least one spouse must have lived in California for at least 6 months and in the county where you’re filing for at least 3 months.
3. Legal Separation Option
If you don’t yet meet the residency requirements, you can start with a Legal Separation case. Once you meet the time requirement, you can easily change it to a Divorce case.
WHAT PROTECTIONS CAN YOU ASK THE JUDGE FOR
Here are the typical restrictions places on the abuser via the restraining order.
Stay Away From You
Abuser would have to stay at least 100 yards away from you, your children and locations you request such as your work
Hand over a car
Get access to cars held by the abuser
Don't post intimate images
Take down, delete, and do not distribute intimate images of a protected person, as defined in RCW 9A.86.010.
Not to contact you
Not to contact you via phone or text or mutual friends
Vacate the shared residence
The respondent can be asked to vacate the shared residence. You can also request help from police to kick them out.
Restrict Abusive Litigation
This is to prevent the misuse of the legal system to harass, intimidate, or burden you.
Not stalk you
Not stalk you or your loved ones, including your accounts on facebook or other social media
Handover Passport, Cell phone, Medications etc.
You an ask for your personal items such as passport, medications, clothes. This would be applicable if you were living together up to now.
Get Drugs, Mental health and Sex Offender Treatment
You can request the abuser to seek treatment for alcoholism, drug use, domestic violence abuse (RCW 43.20A.735) or sex offender (RCW 18.155.070)
Snohomish Superior Court
King County Superior Court
Spokane County Superior Court
Okanogan County Superior Court
Chelan County Superior Court
Clark County Superior Court
Cowlitz County Superior Court
Lewis County Historic Courthouse
Skagit County Superior Court
Benton County Superior Court
Yakima County Superior Court
Grant County Courthouse in Ephrata, Washington
Franklin County Superior Court
Skamania County Superior Court
Garfield County Superior Court
Columbia County Superior Court
Wahkiakum County Superior Court
Ferry County Superior Court
Pend Oreille County Superior Court
San Juan County Superior Court
Pacific County Superior Court
Jefferson County Courthouse
Douglas County Superior Court
Stevens County Superior Court
Whitman County Superior Court
Mason County Superior Court
Grays Harbor County Superior Court
Clallam County Superior Court
Franklin County Superior Court
Skamania County Superior Court
Klickitat County Superior Court
FAQs
After a court issues you a restraining order, and the abuser is informed about it, then if the abuser violates it you can call 9-1-1 and the law enforcement will arrest /or charge the abuser.
You can get a temporary protection order the same day as you file in case of an emergency as long as you apply on a business day and typically by noon. Regular (non emergency) orders may be issued in a few days. While some cases may be decided only at a hearing in 2-3 weeks.
As a legal warning, restraining orders forces the abuser to stay away from the victim and comply with other conditions or else they will be charged with a crime and face prison time. Furthermore by taking guns away from the abuser it can reduce the risk of fatality for the victim.
Its free.
All restraining orders including a Domestic Violence Protection Order is typically issued for one year, though it can be requested for a different period like 5 years. It can be renewed as well.
Yes it is possible but it depends on the order type and job.
No, a lawyer is not required. However, having a lawyer in any legal situation can benefit you.
About 20,000 Civil Protection (restraining) Orders including DVPO were filed in Washington in 2023 (Source: Administrative Office of the Courts). In March 2024 the numbers were consistent i.e. about 1700 (Source)
If criminal charges are filed, a protection (restraining) order is also filed as it provides protection for a set time frame just in case the criminal charges are dropped. The bar for restraining orders is lower than criminal abuse and addresses more subtle behaviors e.g. coercive control, and therefore they are the only option in such situation.
Resources
Official website of the Washington Courts which provides court forms and instructions.
WCSAP unites agencies engaged in eliminating sexual violence and provides information and training to members
WSCADV is a resource for programs that assist domestic violence survivors and their families
The VINE system is a free service that allows petitioners to register for notification when a protective order of any type that has been served or is about to expire.
Do Protection Orders Help?
Here the outcome of a research on domestic violence from University of New Hampshire
1. Reduce Violence
Domestic Violence Protection (restraining) Order and restraining orders in general are effective in reducing violence and harassment. For half the women in the sample studied, a protective (restraining) order stopped the violence. For the other half, the orders significantly reduced violence and abuse.
2. Cost Effective
Domestic Violence Protection (restraining) orders are free for the victims. They are a relatively low-cost solution for the government, particularly when compared with the social and personal costs of partner violence.
3. Cities vs. Countryside
The impact of civil protective orders on reducing violence and abuse did not differ for rural (country side) and urban (cities) women. In rural areas, where resources and services for partner violence may be more limited, it is critical to reduce barriers to obtaining protective orders as research indicates they may be an effective resource. Community-level barriers to enforce civil protective orders exist for women in rural areas.
RISKS
The abuser may react to your filing for a restraining order
the abuser particularly in domestic violence situations may react with anger due to the perceived loss of control over you and your household.
The respondent make drain bank accounts, max out credit cards, damage cars or houses or do other damage to jointly owned property.
A particular risk is if the respondent has access to guns or other firearms they might actually kill you. Here's an example from 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana
The abuser may report you or your loved ones undocumented US immigration status to the U.S authorities, or cancel health insurance.
Fearing restrictions on custody or visitations the abuser may preemptively take the children away or just call the Child Protective Services against you.
The abuser may spread false information particularly on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or other social media.
Calculating the Risk Level
The Lethality Assessment Program (LAP) is a questionnaire used by law enforcement and other professionals, often in the context of domestic violence situations, to assess the risk of murder in cases involving intimate partner violence.
The questionnaire has about 20 questions designed to evaluate the severity and potential danger of a situation. These questions may cover aspects such as the presence of weapons, history of violence, threats of harm, and other factors that could indicate an increased risk of lethal violence.
- Has the physical violence increased in severity or frequency over the past year?
- Does the abuser own a gun? Or has he ever used a weapon against you or threatened you with a lethal weapon particularly a gun?
- Have you ever lived together? And if yes then have you left the abuser after living together during the past year?
- Is he unemployed?
- Has the abuser threatened to kill you? Do you believe he is capable of killing you?
- Does he threaten to harm your children?
- Does he ever try to choke/strangle you or cut off your breathing? . If yes to the previous question, has he done it more than once, or did it make you pass out or blackout or make you dizzy?
- Has he avoided being arrested for domestic violence?
- Do you have a child with the abuser which is not his
- Has he ever forced you to have sex when you did not wish to do so?
- Does he use illegal drugs? By drugs, I mean “uppers” or amphetamines, “meth”, speed, angel dust, cocaine, “crack”, street drugs or mixtures. . Is he an alcoholic or problem drinker?
- Does he control most or all of your daily activities? For instance, does he tell you who you can be friends with, when you can see your family, how much money you can use, or when you can take the car? 18. In reference to the previous question, do you let him control most or all of your activities?
- Is he violently and constantly jealous of you? (For instance, does he say: “If I can’t have you, no one can.”)
- Have you ever been pregnant by him? Have you ever been beaten by him while you were pregnant?
- Has he ever threatened or tried to commit suicide?
- Have you ever threatened or tried to commit suicide?
- Does he follow or spy on you, leave threatening notes or messages, destroy your property, or call you when you don’t want him to?
Court Forms Created
When you pass the screening and complete the questionnaires, you can then download the following standard court forms filled correctly with your information. These court forms are provided by the Washington Courts.
Core Forms
TYPES OF PROTECTION (RESTRAINING) ORDERS in Washington State
In Washington there are six types of civil protection orders, with Domestic Violence Protection Order being one of them.
Domestic violence is abuse from a romantic partner, or a family or a household member. The abuse can involve physical or sexual violence, or a pattern of harassment or controlling behavior or merely threats to harm.
Vulnerable adults means senior citizens or other persons who have physical or mental disabilities. This protection order is aimed at protection them from someone who is mistreating them or exploiting them financially.
This protection order applies to situations involving unwanted sexual conduct by someone who is not a romantic partner or a member of the victim's family or household.
May be filed by someone who is experiencing stalking conduct by someone who is not a romantic partner or, a family or household member.
For protection against any kind of unlawful or harassing behavior that is annoying or stressful and that serves no lawful purpose.
This is aimed at restricting access to firearms from someone who poses significant danger to self or others. This protection order must be requested by a family or household member or a law enforcement agency.