Protection Orders
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.
Click Here to print or view Washington State Domestic Violence Forms (Offsite)
Click Here to 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 Justice Center, 340 East Main Street, see the court clerk for the protection order forms.
Click Here to print or view Washington State Domestic Violence Forms
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If you are unable to safely go to the court house, please contact the Domestic Violence Legal Advocate, 253-931-3072, The Domestic Violence Victim Support Team, 253-804-3106 option 2 or the Protection Order Advocacy Program, 206-205-7406.
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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 Auburn Municipal 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 birthdate. 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 birthdate, and the respondant's name and birthdate. 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. |
