What is a civil protection order, and how can it help protect you? These orders are legally enforceable court orders that require abusers to stay away from victims, protecting people at their work, home, and other places where they spend time.
If you need help understanding the nuances and process of a civil protection order in Washington, the legal team at Feldman & Lee PS is here to help. Learn more about the process for filing the order and preparing evidence, and see how our team can support you.
To get a civil protection order against your abuser or other assailant, you need to convince a judge that there is good cause to order someone to maintain their distance from you. Abused partners, sexual assault and stalking victims, and victims of human trafficking can all apply for these orders, but you need to complete the right steps.
What is a civil protection order process? Follow these basic steps to pursue your civil protection order in Washington State:
There are many different types of civil protection orders in Washington, and each one requires a different form and procedure. Common types of civil protection orders are:
Filing a petition for a civil protection order can be overwhelming and confusing. If you’re in the middle of a complex legal case or you simply want legal support to streamline the process and maximize your chances of receiving protection, talk to a law firm with experience in civil protection order filings and abuse or harassment cases. Legal professionals can work with you to ensure you fill out the correct forms, provide detailed evidence, and understand every step of the process.
What is a civil protection order based on? Civil protection order processes require people to provide evidence that the named individual presents a risk. You can do this by providing evidence about past incidents. This evidence might include:
The more evidence you can provide, the more easily a judge can rule in your favor.
The most crucial step in obtaining a civil protection order is understanding what these orders actually entail and which type is relevant to your circumstances. By understanding the distinction between different types—and the different forms and processes for each one—you can more easily navigate the filing process and pursue civil protection orders faster. Getting legal support from a law firm can help.
When filing a civil protection order, the Respondent may hire an attorney to defend themselves, and this precaution is generally recommended for them. An adverse result is permanent and cannot be undone.
This means that for the rest of the Respondent’s life, they will always have to answer in the affirmative that they were subjected to a final order. This can make it difficult to find housing or job opportunities. Credit brokers, apartment managers, and employers do not want to hire, lend credit, or approve housing to individuals they believe will create problems for their industry.
On either side of the civil protection order, legal representation is essential. A case taken on without experienced representation can be fragile. An attorney who has handled these cases for years will understand the complexity/nuance of what a judge wants to hear to either impose a permanent order or successfully defend against one.
At Feldman & Lee PS, we help Washington residents understand the civil protective order process, navigate the different types of restraining orders in Washington state, and take the right steps to get their protection orders. Contact us today to learn more about your options or schedule a consultation for tailored legal help.
Image credit: AnnaStills / Shutterstock
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