Domestic Violence

COWLITZ COUNTY CLERK'S OFFICE

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE PROTECTION ORDER

What is Domestic Violence?
Per RCW 26.50, "Domestic Violence" means: (a) Physical harm, bodily injury, assault, or the infliction of fear of imminent physical harm, bodily injury or assault, between family or household members; (b) sexual assault of one family or household member by another; or (c) stalking as defined in RCW 9A.46.110 of one family or household member by another family or household member.

Who May Obtain The Order?
Any person who is a victim of domestic violence or fears violence by a "family or household member." Family or Household Members means spouses, domestic partners, former spouses, former domestic partners, persons who have a child in common, persons sixteen years of age or older who are presently residing together or who have resided together in the past, persons sixteen years of age or older who have or have had a dating relationship, and persons who have a biological or legal parent-child relationship, including stepparents and stepchildren and grandparents and grandchildren.

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. Can be tailored to individual needs.

How Is An Order Obtained?
Can be obtained in Superior Court Clerk's Office. The judge will review the paperwork and grant or deny a temporary emergency order effective for up to 14 days. The other party is served with the petition, notice of hearing and temporary order. A hearing is scheduled within 2 weeks at which time the judge may deny or grant an order which could be entered as permanent. Forms provided by Clerk.
Victims of Domestic Violence are encouraged to contact the Emergency Support.

File online at Legalatoms. You must create an account in order to process your protection order online.  

What Is The Cost?
There is no cost to the petitioner.

What Happens If The Order Is Knowingly Violated?
Mandatory arrest if abuser violates "restraint" provisions or enters a residence where prohibited from entering. Possible criminal or contempt charges.