Recently updated on October 12th, 2026 at 09:17 pm
File a Restraining Order
Create Forms and File for a Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO) in Washington
This website is sponsored by courts to help you prepare and e-file legal forms for a Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO) used across Washington State.
A DVPO is a type of restraining order that orders an abuser to stay away from and not contact their victim or else face criminal charges.
The website leads you through a series of questions in plain language, with helpful explanations from court officials. Once you complete the questionnaires, you can download the latest official version (last updated April 2024) of court documents (PDF) or e-file these with the court.
The case is sent to the court only when you e-file the forms.
Start
Process Overview
This website presents a list of questions, and then at the end generates the paperwork for a 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 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
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 reach out for help with just a few clicks.
3. Consult Advocate (Optional)
Depending on your situation, we can suggest trusted free victim advocacy nonprofits. 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
This website simplifies filing to a couple of clicks, and you get follow-up notifications from the court.
LEGAL PROCESS
Step 1
You: Gather Evidence (if possible)
Gather evidence to support your case.
You can be granted the order even if you have no evidence.
The following are considered evidence of domestic violence:
Evidence Type 1: Pending Criminal Case
Judges are also more likely to issue an order if there is an ongoing criminal case; therefore, it’s important to call such cases out when seeking a temporary protection order.
When a judge sees that there’s a criminal case happening, they might think it means the police or the prosecutor are pretty sure they can prove the crime happened.
Evidence Type 2: Photos of violence, injuries, damage
These are the most common types of evidence submitted. These can be photos of the victim’s injuries inflicted by the abuser. It is helpful to add photos next to the related incident description to help create a complete picture for the judge.
Evidence Type 3: Printouts of messages, emails or transcripts of voicemail
You can take screenshots of text messages and attach them. Similarly, you can print emails and attach them as pictures or PDF files.
Evidence Type 4: 911 Calls
Rather than just saying you called 911 or any specific hotline, you can make your case stronger by listing the following items:
- The number dialed in case of the domestic violence hotline
- The date and time (or approximate date and time) when the call was made
- Who made the call
- What was reported on the call
- Any specific details of the person who answered the 911 call, e.g. male/female voice
Evidence Type 5: Medical Records
You can attach documentation of previous medical emergencies or injuries that resulted from the actions of the abuser. These could be hospital visit records or printouts from your hospital portal (e.g. MyChart) showing details of your visit.
Evidence Type 6: Police reports
You can attach a copy of the police reports filed against the abuser for domestic violence.
Evidence Type 7: Testimony
A testimony from a witness. The witness can be anyone, such as a family member, a neighbor, a co-worker or a bystander. The testimony is just an essay describing the incidents witnessed, with as many specifics as possible.
Step 2
You: Take Online Screening
Determine if your situation is roughly suitable for applying for a domestic violence protection order by taking a screening. You can begin by entering your ZIP code in the Start box at the top of this page.
Step 3
You: Create Case Documents (“Packet”)
After the screening, this website will guide you through the rest of the steps to create the case documents.
Just for your knowledge: In order to apply for a domestic violence protection order (DVPO), you need to fill out and submit a predefined set of official Washington court forms. These have questions aimed at understanding your situation and the people involved.
The most important form is the petition, and it’s called the Petition for Protection Order.
Step 4
You: E-File with the Court
To formally make your request to the court, you need to submit the documents to the clerk at the court. This step is called filing, and doing it online is called e-filing.
Typically these are filed at your county’s Superior Court or District Court. Some of these courts are also called Family Justice Center.
Step 5
Judge Issues a Temporary Order
Depending on the facts and evidence presented, a judge can issue a protection order the same day that lasts until the hearing, called an ex parte temporary protection order.
In relatively less risky situations, a temporary order is issued in a few days.
If there are no grounds, or if the application is incomplete or the jurisdiction is incorrect, the request for an order may be denied. Optionally, a hearing may be set for the parties to present their case.
The temporary order is only valid for about 2 weeks, which is the amount of time until the hearing. If the hearing is delayed for any reason, you need to check with the court to ensure the temporary order is re-issued until the hearing.
Step 6
Law Enforcement: Delivers Temporary Order to the Abuser
This would be done in one of the following ways:
- Clerk would have the abuser served by law enforcement. You don’t need to do anything in this case.
- Clerk would give you a packet of the temporary order and other documents, and you will have it formally served on the abuser by another adult or a legal courier.
- In some cases, such as when the respondent’s address is unknown, a complete set of the temporary order and supporting documents, called the “911 packet,” is handed to you. This is handy, e.g. in case there is a confrontation with the abuser and the police get called: they can physically hand the 911 packet to the abuser.
Step 7
You, Abuser: Attend Court Hearing
Attend a hearing: The court holds a hearing within a couple of weeks where the evidence is examined. If there is sufficient supporting evidence as determined by a judge, a full protection order is issued. It is a crime for the abuser to break the conditions of the protection order.
If the abuser misses this hearing even though they were served the court order on time (about 1 week before the hearing), then you might get the court order automatically, i.e. without discussion and further evidence.
Step 8
You: Collect Final Order
After the hearing, a final order may be issued. You can take a paper copy of the order with you for your records, which can be crucial if you have to call the police for a future incident. The order is typically valid for 1 year.
Legal Definition
The definition was updated in 2021 to include more subtle abuses. It is important because a protection order will be issued if the abuser’s behavior is shown to meet the definition.
As per RCW 7.105.010(10), “Domestic violence” means:
(a) Physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or the infliction of fear of physical harm, bodily injury, or assault; nonconsensual sexual conduct or nonconsensual sexual penetration; coercive control; unlawful harassment; or stalking of one intimate partner by another intimate partner; or
(b) Physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or the infliction of fear of physical harm, bodily injury, or assault; nonconsensual sexual conduct or nonconsensual sexual penetration; coercive control; unlawful harassment; or stalking of one family or household member by another family or household member.
(14) “Family or household members” means: (a) Persons related by blood, marriage, domestic partnership, or adoption; (b) persons who currently or formerly resided together; (c) persons who have a biological or legal parent-child relationship, including stepparents and stepchildren and grandparents and grandchildren, or a parent’s intimate partner and children; and (d) a person who is acting or has acted as a legal guardian.
(21) “Intimate partner” means: (a) Spouses or domestic partners; (b) former spouses or former domestic partners; (c) persons who have a child in common regardless of whether they have been married or have lived together at any time, unless the child is conceived through sexual assault; or (d) persons who have or have had a dating relationship where both persons are at least 13 years of age or older.
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. Victim 15+ years
Anyone 15 years or older can create the paperwork and file to start a case, without a parent’s permission.
2. On behalf of a minor (under 18)
Someone 15 or older can petition on behalf of a minor who is a family or household member.
3. On behalf of a senior or disabled person
An adult can file on behalf of a vulnerable adult.
WHAT PROTECTIONS CAN YOU ASK THE JUDGE FOR
Here are the typical restrictions placed on the abuser via the protection order.
Stay Away From You
Abuser would generally have to stay at least 1,000 feet away from you, your children and locations you request, such as your work.
Not to contact you
Not to contact you via phone or text or mutual friends.
Not stalk you
Not stalk you or your loved ones, including your accounts on Facebook or other social media.
Hand over a car
Get access to cars held by the abuser.
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.
Hand over passport, cell phone, medications, etc.
You can ask for your personal items such as passport, medications, clothes. This would be applicable if you were living together up to now.
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.
Restrict Abusive Litigation
This is to prevent the misuse of the legal system to harass, intimidate, or burden you.
Drug, Mental Health and Sex Offender Treatment
You can request that the abuser seek treatment for alcoholism, drug use, domestic violence (RCW 43.20A.735) or sex offending (RCW 18.155.070).
Filed at a WA Courthouse
Your case documents are filed at a Superior or District Court in your county. Here are examples of some.
FAQs
How does a DVPO help the victim?
As a legal warning, it forces the abuser to stay away from you 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.
How long does it take to get a protection order?
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 about 2 weeks.
How much does it cost?
It’s free.
How long is a DVPO in force for?
A DVPO is typically issued for one year, though it can be requested for a different period like 5 years. It can be renewed as well.
Do I need a lawyer to get a DVPO?
No, a lawyer is not required. However, having a lawyer in any legal situation can benefit you.
How many people file for a DVPO?
About 20,000 civil protection orders, including DVPOs, were filed in Washington in 2023 (Source: Administrative Office of the Courts). In March 2024 the numbers were consistent, i.e. about 1,700 a month (Source).
Resources
Washington Courts
Official website of the Washington Courts, which provides court forms and instructions.
Washington State Coalition Against Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault
WSCADV is a resource for programs that assist domestic violence survivors and their families.
Victim Information and Notification Everyday
The VINE system is a free service that allows petitioners to register for notification when a protective order of any type has been served or is about to expire.
Do Protection Orders Help?
Here are the outcomes of research on domestic violence from the University of New Hampshire.
1. Reduce Violence
Civil protective orders (such as a Domestic Violence Protection Order, an Antiharassment Protection Order, a Sexual Assault Protection Order) are effective in reducing violence and harassment. For example, for half the women in the sample studied, a protective order stopped the violence. For the other half, the orders significantly reduced violence and abuse.
2. Cost Effective
They are a relatively low-cost solution, 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 (countryside) 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 enforcing civil protective orders exist for women in rural areas.
RISKS
The abuser may react to your filing for a protection order.
Anger
The abuser, particularly in domestic violence situations, may react with anger due to the perceived loss of control over you and your household.
Damaging jointly owned property
The respondent may drain bank accounts, max out credit cards, damage cars or houses, or do other damage to jointly owned property.
Murder or Physical Harm
A particular risk is that 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.
Weaponize Immigration Status or Health Insurance
The abuser may report your or your loved ones’ undocumented immigration status to U.S. authorities, or cancel health insurance.
Harming or taking away children
Fearing restrictions on custody or visitation, the abuser may preemptively take the children away or just call Child Protective Services against you.
Spreading false information about 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, 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, has he done it more than once, or did it make you pass out or black out or make you dizzy?
- Has he avoided being arrested for domestic violence?
- Do you have a child that 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? 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
- PO 001 Petition for Protection Order
- PO 003 Law Enforcement and Confidential Information Form
- PO 030 Temporary Protection Order and Hearing Notice
- PO 004 Proof of Service
- WS 001 Order to Surrender and Prohibit Weapons Without Notice
- PO 036 Order Transferring Case and Setting Hearing
TYPES OF CIVIL PROTECTION ORDERS (CPOs)
In Washington there are six types of civil protection orders, with Domestic Violence Protection Order being one of them.
Domestic Violence Protection Order
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 Adult Protection Order
Vulnerable adults are senior citizens or other persons who have physical or mental disabilities. This protection order is aimed at protecting them from someone who is mistreating them or exploiting them financially.
Sexual Assault Protection Order
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.
Stalking Protection Order
May be filed by someone who is experiencing stalking conduct by someone who is not a romantic partner or a family or household member.
Antiharassment Protection Order
For protection against any kind of unlawful or harassing behavior that is annoying or stressful and that serves no lawful purpose.
Extreme Risk Protection Order
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.