| Who May Obtain?
| Any person who is a victim of domestic violence or fears violence by a "family or household member." (Persons who are married, have been married, or have a child in common, adult persons who are related or who reside(d) together and persons 16 years and older who have been/are dating.) Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) may petition on behalf and with the consent of a vulnerable adult. |
| What Can an Order Do? | - Prohibit contact of any kind.
- Remove abuser from shared residence and prohibit from entering.
- Give temporary custody of children and set visitation schedule.
- Grant essential possessions (e.g., vehicle, medicine, pets).
- Order abuser into treatment/counseling.
Be tailored to individual needs. |
| How is an Order Obtained?
| An order can be obtained in superior court. The person completes paperwork which the court reviews. The court will grant or deny a temporary emergency order effective for up to 14 days. The petitioner arranges for the other party to be served with the petition, notice of hearing and temporary order. A hearing is scheduled within 2 weeks at which time the court may deny the petition or grant a full order effective for up to one year or more. The hearing may be by telephone in special circumstances.
Forms and instructions are provided by the Clerk's Office. |
| What is the Cost? | No Cost |