Recently updated on May 20th, 2024 at 10:20 am
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 DVPO (Restraining Order)
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 DVPO (Restraining Order) Documents
This website simplifies the filing to a couple of clicks, and get follow up notifications from the court.
how to get a restraining order
How to get a restraining order or more precisely how to get a Domestic Violence Protection Order? Getting a restraining order typically involves filing the case and attending a hearing which can take anywhere from one day (emergency situations) to up to three weeks.
Step 1
You: Gather evidence. What do you need to get a protection (restraining) order?
Gather evidence to support your case though your personal testimony alone is also evidence.
The fallowing are considered as 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 restraining order.
When a judge sees that there’s a criminal case happening, they might think it means the police or the district attorney 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 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: Print outs 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. While in most cases you cannot submit digital files such as
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 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 answer 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, print outs 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 abuser for domestic violence.
Evidence Type 7: Testimony
A testimony from a witness. The witness can be anyone such as a family member, neighbor a co-worker or a bystander. The testimony is just an essay written 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 being by entering your zip code in the top right corner.
Step 3
You: Create Case Documents - "Packet"
After the screening this website will guide you through the rest of the steps to creating the case documents.
Just for your knowledge: In order to apply for a domestic violence protection order (DVPO), you need to fill 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 Petition for Protection Order
Step 4
You: E-file with the court. How to file a restraining order in Washington state
This website also allows you to digitally sign and e-file with the court.
There are other options including courts forms online but these don't allow you to officially file with the court.
To formally request the court, you need to submit the documents with the clerk at the court. This step is called filing, and there are two ways of doing this step, and both have the same effect:
- Online (Called E-file)
- In person
E-filing is convenient and you can do it anytime. The date of filing is the when you file, or the next day if you file after hours.
The restraining order case documents is filed at your county's Superior Courts or District Court. Some of these courts are also called Family Justice Center. Example: King County Superior Court.
Courts are required by law to provide an online way which is available 24/7 as per Washington House Bill 1320 (2021) to allow the public to file online.
Once the filling is successful a case number is assigned.
Step 5
Judge Issues a Temporary Protection Order
Depending on the facts and evidence presented, a Judge can issue a restraining order the same day until the hearing, called an Emergency Temporary 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 3 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 Protection Order to the abuser
- 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 temporary order and other documents, and you will have it formally served via another adult or legal courier to the abuser
- In some cases such as when the respondent address is unknown, a complete set of 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 cops get called, the cops can hand over physically 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 restraining order is issued. At this point it becomes a crime for the abuser to break the conditions of the restraining 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 record, and which can be crucial if you have to call the police for a future incident. The order is typically valid for 1 year.
Washington state restraining order laws RCW 7.105.010
What are the requirements of a restraining order? That question is answered by the definition. So in the case of The definition was updated in 2021 to include more subtle abuses such as coercive control. It is important because a protection (restraining) order will be issued if the abuser's behavior is shown to meet the definition.
As per Revised Code of Washington, R.C.W., § 7.105.010
(9) "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.
(20) "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.
What is the legal definition of Coercive Control in Washington?
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 Restraining Order.
1. Victim 15+ years
Anyone 15 years or older, and without a parent's permission can create the paperwork and file to start a case.
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 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)
FILED AT WA COURTHOUSE
Your case documents are filed at a Superior or District Court in your county. Here are examples of some.
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.
