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Legal Information: Washington

Restraining Orders

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Updated: 
December 15, 2023

How much will it cost to file for a civil anti-harassment order?

As of 2023, there could be a filing fee of $53 and a service fee when filing a petition for a civil anti-harassment order, depending on who you are filing against.1 You cannot be charged a fee for filing or serving the order  if you are seeking an order against an abuser who:

  • has stalked you;
  • committed a sex offense against you;
  • committed a hate crime against you; or
  • is a family or household member and committed domestic violence against you.2 

If any of these things have happened to you, you may also be eligible for another type of protection order, but you cannot be denied an anti-harassment order simply because you do qualify for another kind.

If you cannot afford the filing and service fees, you may file an application to  ask the judge to waive the fee. If the judge decides you cannot pay, will not have to pay the filing fee or other related court costs.4 However, you may still have to pay the cost of having the abuser served with the court papers for a civil anti-harassment order.

Note: The judge may require the abuser to pay the filing fee and court costs, including service fees, and to reimburse you for your costs in the case, including reasonable attorney’s fees.5

1 R.C.W. § 36.18.020(2)(d); 7.105.105(9)(b)
2 R.C.W. § 7.105.105(9)(b)(i)
3 R.C.W. § 7.105.100(5)
4 R.C.W. §  7.105.105(9)(b)(ii)
5 R.C.W. § 7.105.310(1)(j)

Do I need a lawyer to file for a civil anti-harassment order?

You do not need a lawyer to file for a protection order. However, you may wish to have a lawyer, especially if the abuser has a lawyer or if your case is going to go to trial. If you cannot afford a lawyer but want one to help you with your case, you can find information on legal assistance on the WA Finding a Lawyer page. Domestic violence organizations in your area may also be able to help you through the legal process and may have lawyer referrals.

If you are going to be in court without a lawyer, our Preparing for Court – By Yourself section may be useful to you.

Note: The judge may order the abuser to reimburse you for the costs of filing the civil anti-harassment order, including reasonable attorney’s fees.1

1 R.C.W. § 7.105.310(1)(j)

In which county can I file for a civil anti-harassment protection order?

The law says that you “should” file your petition in the county where you live. However, the law also says you “may” file in:

  • the county where the act happened that is causing you to file for a protection order;
  • the county where a child to be protected by the order primarily lives;
  • the county where you lived before you relocated, assuming you relocated due to the abuser’s actions; or
  • the court closest to your current home or your prior home if you left that home due to the abuser’s actions.1

1 R.C.W. § 7.105.075

What are the steps to get a civil anti-harassment protection order?

The steps for getting a stalking protection order are similar to the steps for getting a domestic violence protection order. See Steps for getting a domestic violence protection order for more information. The forms will be slightly different, so be sure to ask the clerk for the paperwork to file for a stalking protection order.