Protection Orders | Grays Harbor County

A protection order is a court order that helps keep you safe from harm, threats, harassment, or violence. A judge can order someone to stop contacting you or stay away from you.

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Get Help

Self-Help Legal Center

Get help with forms, filing, and court steps if you don’t have a lawyer.

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Start a Protection Order

Online

Form and instructions to file for any type of protection order.

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View Protection Order Guide

WA State Brochure

Learn about your options, types of protection orders, and what to expect.

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Who Can Get a Protection Order?

In Washington State, anyone can ask the court for a protection order if they are experiencing:

Abuse or threats
Harassment or stalking
Sexual assault
Violence from a family or household member

You do not always need to have a specific relationship with the other person. The type of order depends on your situation.

Types of Protection Orders

Domestic Violence

For people harmed by a family or household member.

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Anti-Harassment

For harassment by someone you do not have a relationship with.

Sexual Assault

For victims of sexual assault.

Stalking

For repeated unwanted contact or surveillance.

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Vulnerable Adult

For protection of vulnerable adults from abuse or neglect.

Flowchart showing how relationship and type of harm can help identify whether a domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, or antiharassment protection order may fit a person’s situation. A full text version appears below.

Use this quick guide to see which order may fit

Which Order Should I File?

Not sure which protection order is right for you?
Use this quick guide or contact the Self-Help Legal Center for help.

Where Do I File?

You can file for a protection order in either District Court or Superior Court, depending on your situation.

👉 Click here to learn more about where to file

Step by Step Process

Complete the required court forms.
File your forms with the Clerk’s Office (in Superior or District Court as applicable).
A judge reviews your request.
A temporary order may be issued.
The other person is notified.
A hearing is scheduled.
The judge makes a final decision.

What You’ll Need

Name of the person you are filing against
Details about what happened
Any known address or contact information
Supporting documents (if available)

Sample Washington State HOPE Card showing protected order holder information and case number

The Hope Card Program makes it easier for individuals with full/final civil protection orders to carry important details about their orders. The Hope Card Program offers wallet-sized, durable cards with the information law enforcement needs to verify a protection order if a violation occurs. Hope Cards are a simpler way to inform police, employers, schools, or landlords about your protection order and are free.

👉 Request a Hope Card

What Happens After You File

After you file your petition, a judge will review your request.
If approved, a temporary protection order may be issued right away.

A hearing is usually scheduled within 14 days. At the hearing, the judge will decide whether to grant a final protection order.

If the Order is Violated

Call 911 Immediately