Washington Protective Orders Laws

By FindLaw Staff | Legally reviewed by Nicole Prebeck, Esq. | Last reviewed December 12, 2022

Protective orders (also called "restraining orders") are court orders requiring a named individual to remain a certain distance away from another named individual, often in the wake of a stalking or domestic violence charge. There are five kinds of protective orders available to Washington state residents: anti-harassment protection orders, stalking protection orders, domestic violence protection orders, sexual assault protection orders, and extreme risk protection orders (temporary).

This article provides a brief overview of Washington protective orders laws.

Washington Protection Orders: At a Glance

The main provisions of Washington's protective order laws are highlighted in the chart below, with links to additional resources.

Code Section	§ 7.105.050 et seq. of the Washington Revised Code
Activity Addressed by Order	Enjoin contact; exclude from dwelling, employment, school, and daycare; regarding minors: temporary custody; counseling; electronic monitoring; court costs and attorney fees; prohibit the possession of firearms; restrain the respondent from committing any of the following acts against the petitioner and other persons protected by the order: domestic violence; nonconsensual sexual conduct or nonconsensual sexual penetration; sexual abuse; stalking; acts of abandonment, abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation against a vulnerable adult; and unlawful harassment; order possession and use of essential personal effects (may include pets)
Duration of Order	Relief may be granted for a fixed period of time or permanently; other than for antiharassment orders, the court shall not grant relief for less than one year unless the petitioner has specifically requested shorter relief. If children are involved, the restraint must be for a fixed period not to exceed one ear
Penalty for a Violation of Order	Gross misdemeanor: contempt of court; if assault less than 1st or 2nd degree occurs: Class C felony; if reckless or substantial risk of death or serious injury: Class C felony; if at least two prior protective order violations: Class C felony; may require that the respondent submit to and pay for electronic monitoring
Who May Apply for Order	Any person on behalf of self, or minor family or household member. Department of Social and Health Services may seek on behalf of and with the consent of any vulnerable adult
Can Fees Be Waived?	There is no filing fee in Washington
Order Transmission to Law Enforcement	Entered into statewide judicial information system within one judicial day; copy on or before next judicial day to appropriate law enforcement agency
Civil Liability for Violation of Order	Yes, contempt of court

Note: State laws are always subject to change through the passage of new legislation, rulings in the higher courts (including federal decisions), ballot initiatives, and other means. While we strive to provide the most current information available, please consult an attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.

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