Anti-Harassment

Required Documents

The documents required for filing an anti-harassment protection order are available at the District Court Clerk's Office or on the Washington Court Forms website.

Fees

Filing and service fees may apply.

Definitions

The Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 10.14 provides guidance and the following definitions to assist in determining whether a situation requires an anti-harassment protection order or a domestic violence protection order.

Unlawful Harassment

"Unlawful harassment" means a knowing and willful course of conduct directed at a specific person which seriously alarms, annoys, harasses, or is detrimental to such person, and which serves no legitimate or lawful purpose. The course of conduct shall be such as would cause a reasonable person to suffer substantial emotional distress, and shall actually cause substantial emotional distress to the petitioner, or, when the course of conduct is contact by a person over age 18 that would cause a reasonable parent to fear for the well-being of their child.

Course of Conduct

"Course of conduct" means a pattern of conduct composed of a series of acts over a period of time, however short, evidencing a continuity of purpose. "Course of conduct" includes, in addition to any other form of communication, contact, or conduct, the sending of an electronic communication. Constitutionally protected activity is not included within the meaning of "course of conduct."

Hearing

Once the Judge approves a petition, a hearing date will be set by the District Court Clerk and you will be contacted to pick up your petition package.