WARNING: Obtaining a protection order can increase the lethality of your situation! It is advised that you please contact a Domestic Violence Advocate for safety planning prior to obtaining the order.
There are four different types of protection orders, click below to view information about each type:
Download, print or view Washington State Domestic Violence Forms
Go to the Domestic Violence page
Order for Protection
To start the process for a protection order:
- If you believe you can safely go to the Auburn Justice Center (King County District Court), 340 East Main Street, see the clerk for the protection order forms. (Download, print or view Washington State Domestic Violence Forms)
- If you are unable to safely go to the courthouse, please contact the Protection Order Advocacy Program at 206-205-7406.
- View the following pages for detailed information on Domestic Violence.
Cost to Petitioner
No filing or service fees.
Nature of Proceeding
Civil, under RCW 26.50
Who may obtain an order?
A person who fears violence from a "family or household member (RCW 26.50.110)", or who has been the victim of physical harm or fears imminent physical harm, or stalking from a "family or household member", (includes dating relationships). Minors under age of 16 with parent or guardian.
How do I obtain an order?
You can file for a temporary order for protection at the Auburn Justice Center (King County District Court) if no children are involved, 340 East Main St.
If children are involved, contact the Protection Order Advocacy Program at the Regional Justice Center in Kent, 401 Fourth Ave N, Room 2B, 206-205-7406, where advocates are available to help.
What does the order provide?
- Restrain a respondent from committing acts of domestic violence
- Exclude a respondent from petitioner's residence shared by petitioner and respondent
- Prohibit respondent from harassment and/or contacting the petitioner (on the street, by mail, by telephone, at school, at work)
- Award temporary custody of minor children to one parent, establish temporary visitation and restrain one parent from interfering with custody
- Order respondent to participate in treatment or counseling
- Prohibit respondent from removing the children from the jurisdiction of the court
- Order respondent to pay for the costs incurred in obtaining the order
What will happen in the protection order process?
You will fill out the forms and ask (petition) the court for a Temporary Order for Protection. The process of obtaining a Temporary Order may take a few hours, you will be asked to describe, in writing, the most recent incident and/or threat of domestic violence and a history of domestic violence. You will need to know the respondent's address and birth date. A judge or commissioner will review your paperwork, they may ask you some questions, and decide whether to grant or deny the Temporary Order for Protection.
A hearing will be held in approximately two weeks for the Full Order for Protection, at which time the court will grant or deny a Full Order for Protection effective for one year or more. During these two weeks the respondent is served with both the Petition and the Temporary Order with notice of the date set for the hearing.
How does the respondent receive notice?
You can take paperwork to the Auburn Police department and they will attempt to serve the respondent. Notice can also be served by private investigator or process server.
What happens if the Order for Protection is violated?
It is your responsibility to enforce your order for protection. If the respondent violates the order, call 911 immediately, declare you are reporting a Protection Order violation, give the dispatcher your name and birth date, and the respondent's name and birth date. They can locate the order and send an officer to your location.
If the respondent has been served with the order and knowingly violates it, they may be immediately arrested or issued a citation. An assault or reckless endangerment in violation of an Order for Protection is considered a felony.
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No Contact Order
Nature of proceeding
Criminal, in context of pending criminal action.
Who may obtain an order
Any Victim of a Domestic Violence related crime that has been reported to the police. Criminal charges must be pending. Judge must consider issuance pending release of defendant from jail, at time of arraignment, or at sentencing.
Jurisdiction
District, Municipal, or Superior Court.
Cost to petitioner
None.
How does the respondent receive notice
Verbal and written notice given at bail hearing, arraignment, or sentencing.
Respondent Consequences if order is knowingly violated
Mandatory arrest. Release pending trial may be revoked. Additional criminal or contempt charges may be filed. Class C felony if assault or reckless endangerment, otherwise Gross Misdemeanor.
Maximum duration of order
Until trial and sentencing are concluded. Post-sentencing provision lasts for possible maximum of sentence in Superior Court or two years in District or Municipal court.
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Restraining Order
Nature of Proceeding
Civil, normally in context of pending dissolution or other family law action.
Who may obtain order
Petitioner who is married to respondent or has child in common.
Jurisdiction
Superior Court only.
Cost to Petitioner
Same as dissolution. Filing fee waived if indigent.
How does the respondent receive notice
Notice served on respondent or respondent's attorney.
Respondent Consequences if order is knowingly violated
Mandatory arrest. Gross Misdemeanor. Possible criminal charges or contempt.
Maximum duration of order
- TRO - 14 days. Preliminary injunction - pendency of action.
- RO - in final decree-permanent unless modified.
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Anti-Harassment Order
Nature of Proceeding
Civil, under RCW 10.14
Who may obtain order
Petitioner who has been seriously alarmed, annoyed or harassed by conduct of another person which serves no legitimate or lawful purpose. Parties generally are not married, have not lived together, and have no children in common.
Jurisdiction
District Court. limited provisions for referring cases to Superior Court. Municipal, district, or Superior for enforcement.
Cost to petitioner
Reduced filing fee waived if indigent. Service fee waived if indigent. Court provides forms.
How does the respondent receive notice
Notice served on respondent.
Respondent Consequences if order is knowingly violated
Gross Misdemeanor. Possible criminal charges or contempt.
Maximum duration of order
- PAHO - 1 year or permanent.
- EAHO - 14 days.