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POi 001

Instructions for Petition for Protection Order

Washington · Washington State Courts · Effective January 1, 2026

This document provides instructions for filing a Petition for Protection Order, which is used to ask the court for protection from things like domestic violence, stalking, harassment, or sexual assault. It explains the process for asking for both immediate and long-term protection orders.

Open the official PDFfrom Washington State Courts

Where this fits in a case

Start a case

Stage: Start a case

This form is used when someone is experiencing or has recently experienced domestic violence, harassment, stalking, or sexual assault, or when someone needs protection for a vulnerable adult.

Usually filed by the person starting the case.

Common questions

Who can file for a protection order?
You can file if you live or recently lived in Washington State and are experiencing or have recently experienced domestic violence, harassment, stalking, or sexual assault, or if you are seeking protection for a vulnerable adult.
What does filing this form ask the court for?
It lets you ask for a temporary protection order that starts right away, and a full protection order that could last a year or longer if a judge approves it.
If I need protection right away, what should I do?
You can use the Petition form to ask for immediate protection by explaining how you or someone else might be seriously harmed if you do not get protection before the other person is notified.

Revision history

No changes recorded since we started tracking this form on October 9, 2026. The current version took effect January 1, 2026.

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