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Abuse of children: Chapter 26.44 RCW.Arrest without warrant: RCW 10.31.100(2).Dissolution of marriage: Chapter 26.09 RCW.Domestic violence, official response: Chapter 10.99 RCW.Nonparental actions for child custody: Chapter 26.10 RCW.Shelters for victims of domestic violence: Chapter 70.123 RCW.

RCW 26.50.020 Commencement of action -- Jurisdiction -- Venue.
(1) Any person may seek relief under this chapter by filing a petition with a court alleging that the person has been the victim of domestic violence committed by the respondent. The person may petition for relief on behalf of himself or herself and on behalf of minor family or household members.

(2) A person under eighteen years of age who is sixteen years of age or older may seek relief under this chapter and is not required to seek relief by a guardian or next friend.

(3) No guardian or guardian ad litem need be appointed on behalf of a respondent to an action under this chapter who is under eighteen years of age if such respondent is sixteen years of age or older.

(4) The court may, if it deems necessary, appoint a guardian ad litem for a petitioner or respondent who is a party to an action under this chapter.

(5) The courts defined in *RCW 26.50.010(3) have jurisdiction over proceedings under this chapter. The jurisdiction of district and municipal courts under this chapter shall be limited to enforcement of RCW 26.50.110(1), or the equivalent municipal ordinance, and the issuance and enforcement of temporary orders for protection provided for in RCW 26.50.070 if: (a) A superior court has exercised or is exercising jurisdiction over a proceeding under this title or chapter 13.34 RCW involving the parties; (b) the petition for relief under this chapter presents issues of residential schedule of and contact with children of the parties; or (c) the petition for relief under this chapter requests the court to exclude a party from the dwelling which the parties share. When the jurisdiction of a district or municipal court is limited to the issuance and enforcement of a temporary order, the district or municipal court shall set the full hearing provided for in RCW 26.50.050 in superior court and transfer the case. If the notice and order are not served on the respondent in time for the full hearing, the issuing court shall have concurrent jurisdiction with the superior court to extend the order for protection.

(6) An action under this chapter shall be filed in the county or the municipality where the petitioner resides, unless the petitioner has left the residence or household to avoid abuse. In that case, the petitioner may bring an action in the county or municipality of the previous or the new household or residence.

(7) A person's right to petition for relief under this chapter is not affected by the person leaving the residence or household to avoid abuse.

[1992 c 111 § 8; 1989 c 375 § 28; 1987 c 71 § 1; 1985 c 303 § 1; 1984 c 263 § 3.]

NOTES:
*Reviser's note: RCW 26.50.010(3) was renumbered as RCW 26.50.010(4) by 1992 c 111 § 7.
Findings -- 1992 c 111: See note following RCW 26.50.030.
Severability -- 1989 c 375: See RCW 26.09.914.
Effective date -- 1985 c 303 §§ 1, 2: "Sections 1 and 2 of this act shall take effect September 1, 1985." [1985 c 303 § 15.]

RCW 26.50.021 Actions on behalf of vulnerable adults -- Authority of department of social and health services -- Immunity from liability.
The department of social and health services, in its discretion, may seek the relief provided in this chapter on behalf of and with the consent of any vulnerable adult as those persons are defined in RCW 74.34.020. Neither the department nor the state of Washington shall be liable for failure to seek relief on behalf of any persons under this section.

[2000 c 119 § 1.]

NOTES: Application -- 2000 c 119: "The penalties prescribed in this act apply to violations of court orders which occur on or after July 1, 2000, regardless of the date the court issued the order." [2000 c 119 § 31.]

RCW 26.50.025 Orders under this chapter and chapter 26.09, 26.10, or 26.26 RCW -- Enforcement -- Consolidation.
(1) Any order available under this chapter may be issued in actions under chapter 26.09, 26.10, or 26.26 RCW. If an order for protection is issued in an action under chapter 26.09, 26.10, or 26.26 RCW, the order shall be issued on the forms mandated by RCW 26.50.035(1). An order issued in accordance with this subsection is fully enforceable and shall be enforced under the provisions of this chapter.

(2) If a party files an action under chapter 26.09, 26.10, or 26.26 RCW, an order issued previously under this chapter between the same parties may be consolidated by the court under that action and cause number. Any order issued under this chapter after consolidation shall contain the original cause number and the cause number of the action under chapter 26.09, 26.10, or 26.26 RCW. Relief under this chapter shall not be denied or delayed on the grounds that the relief is available in another action.
[1995 c 246 § 2.]

NOTES: Severability -- 1995 c 246: See note following RCW 26.50.010.

RCW 26.50.030 Petition for an order for protection -- Availability of forms and informational brochures -- Bond not required.
There shall exist an action known as a petition for an order for protection in cases of domestic violence.

(1) A petition for relief shall allege the existence of domestic violence, and shall be accompanied by an affidavit made under oath stating the specific facts and circumstances from which relief is sought. Petitioner and respondent shall disclose the existence of any other litigation concerning the custody or residential placement of a child of the parties as set forth in RCW 26.27.090 and the existence of any other restraining, protection, or no-contact orders between the parties.

(2) A petition for relief may be made regardless of whether or not there is a pending lawsuit, complaint, petition, or other action between the parties except in cases where the court realigns petitioner and respondent in accordance with RCW 26.50.060(4).

(3) Within ninety days of receipt of the master copy from the administrator for the courts, all court clerk's offices shall make available the standardized forms, instructions, and informational brochures required by RCW 26.50.035 and shall fill in and keep current specific program names and telephone numbers for community resources. Any assistance or information provided by clerks under this section does not constitute the practice of law and clerks are not responsible for incorrect information contained in a petition.

(4) No filing fee may be charged for proceedings under this section. Forms and instructional brochures shall be provided free of charge.

(5) A person is not required to post a bond to obtain relief in any proceeding under this section.

[1996 c 248 § 12; 1995 c 246 § 3; 1992 c 111 § 2; 1985 c 303 § 2; 1984 c 263 § 4.]

NOTES: Severability -- 1995 c 246: See note following RCW 26.50.010.
Findings -- 1992 c 111: "The legislature finds that:

Domestic violence is a problem of immense proportions affecting individuals as well as communities. Domestic violence has long been recognized as being at the core of other major social problems: Child abuse, other crimes of violence against person or property, juvenile delinquency, and alcohol and drug abuse. Domestic violence costs millions of dollars each year in the state of Washington for health care, absence from work, services to children, and more. The crisis is growing.

While the existing protection order process can be a valuable tool to increase safety for victims and to hold batterers accountable, specific problems in its use have become evident. Victims have difficulty completing the paperwork required particularly if they have limited English proficiency; model forms have been modified to be inconsistent with statutory language; different forms create confusion for law enforcement agencies about the contents and enforceability of orders. Refinements are needed so that victims have the easy, quick, and effective access to the court system envisioned at the time the protection order process was first created.

When courts issue mutual protection orders without the filing of separate written petitions, notice to each respondent, and hearing on each petition, the original petitioner is deprived of due process. Mutual protection orders label both parties as violent and treat both as being equally at fault: Batterers conclude that the violence is excusable or provoked and victims who are not violent are confused and stigmatized. Enforcement may be ineffective and mutual orders may be used in other proceedings as evidence that the victim is equally at fault.

Valuable information about the reported incidents of domestic violence in the state of Washington is unobtainable without gathering data from all law enforcement agencies; without this information, it is difficult for policymakers, funders, and service providers to plan for the resources and services needed to address the issue.

Domestic violence must be addressed more widely and more effectively in our state: Greater knowledge by professionals who deal frequently with domestic violence is essential to enforce existing laws, to intervene in domestic violence situations that do not come to the attention of the law enforcement or judicial systems, and to reduce and prevent domestic violence by intervening before the violence becomes severe.

Adolescent dating violence is occurring at increasingly high rates: Preventing and confronting adolescent violence is important in preventing potential violence in future adult relationships." [1992 c 111 § 1.]

Effective date -- 1985 c 303 §§ 1, 2: See note following RCW 26.50.020.

Child abuse, temporary restraining order: RCW 26.44.063.Orders prohibiting contact: RCW 10.99.040.Temporary restraining order: RCW 26.09.060.

RCW 26.50.035 Development of instructions, informational brochures, forms, and handbook by the administrator for the courts -- Community resource list--Distribution of master copy.
(1) The administrator for the courts shall develop and prepare instructions and informational brochures required under RCW 26.50.030(4), standard petition and order for protection forms, and a court staff handbook on domestic violence and the protection order process. The standard petition and order for protection forms must be used after September 1, 1994, for all petitions filed and orders issued under this chapter. The instructions, brochures, forms, and handbook shall be prepared in consultation with interested persons, including a representative of the state domestic violence coalition, judges, and law enforcement personnel.

(a) The instructions shall be designed to assist petitioners in completing the petition, and shall include a sample of standard petition and order for protection forms.

(b) The informational brochure shall describe the use of and the process for obtaining, modifying, and terminating a domestic violence protection order as provided under this chapter, an antiharassment no-contact order as provided under chapter 9A.46 RCW, a domestic violence no-contact order as provided under chapter 10.99 RCW, a restraining order as provided under chapters 26.09, 26.10, 26.26, and 26.44 RCW, an antiharassment protection order as provided by chapter 10.14 RCW, and a foreign protection order as defined in chapter 26.52 RCW.

(c) The order for protection form shall include, in a conspicuous location, notice of criminal penalties resulting from violation of the order, and the following statement: "You can be arrested even if the person or persons who obtained the order invite or allow you to violate the order's prohibitions. The respondent has the sole responsibility to avoid or refrain from violating the order's provisions. Only the court can change the order upon written application."

(d) The court staff handbook shall allow for the addition of a community resource list by the court clerk.

(2) All court clerks shall obtain a community resource list from a domestic violence program, defined in RCW 70.123.020, serving the county in which the court is located. The community resource list shall include the names and telephone numbers of domestic violence programs serving the community in which the court is located, including law enforcement agencies, domestic violence agencies, sexual assault agencies, legal assistance programs, interpreters, multicultural programs, and batterers' treatment programs. The court shall make the community resource list available as part of or in addition to the informational brochures described in subsection (1) of this section.

(3) The administrator for the courts shall distribute a master copy of the petition and order forms, instructions, and informational brochures to all court clerks and shall distribute a master copy of the petition and order forms to all superior, district, and municipal courts.

(4) For purposes of this section, "court clerks" means court administrators in courts of limited jurisdiction and elected court clerks.

(5) The administrator for the courts shall determine the significant non-English-speaking or limited English-speaking populations in the state. The administrator shall then arrange for translation of the instructions and informational brochures required by this section, which shall contain a sample of the standard petition and order for protection forms, into the languages spoken by those significant non-English-speaking populations and shall distribute a master copy of the translated instructions and informational brochures to all court clerks by January 1, 1997.

(6) The administrator for the courts shall update the instructions, brochures, standard petition and order for protection forms, and court staff handbook when changes in the law make an update necessary.

[2000 c 119 § 14; 1995 c 246 § 4; 1993 c 350 § 2; 1985 c 303 § 3; 1984 c 263 § 31.]

NOTES: Application -- 2000 c 119: See note following RCW 26.50.021.
Severability -- 1995 c 246: See note following RCW 26.50.010.
Findings -- 1993 c 350: "The legislature finds that domestic violence is a problem of immense proportions affecting individuals as well as communities. Domestic violence has long been recognized as being at the core of other major social problems including child abuse, crimes of violence against person or property, juvenile delinquency, and alcohol and drug abuse. Domestic violence costs include the loss of lives as well as millions of dollars each year in the state of Washington for health care, absence from work, and services to children. The crisis is growing.

While the existing protection order process can be a valuable tool to increase safety for victims and to hold batterers accountable, specific problems in its use have become evident. Victims have difficulty completing the paperwork required; model forms have been modified to be inconsistent with statutory language; different forms create confusion for law enforcement agencies about the contents and enforceability of orders. Refinements are needed so that victims have the easy, quick, and effective access to the court system envisioned at the time the protection order process was first created.

Valuable information about the reported incidents of domestic violence in the state of Washington is unobtainable without gathering data from all law enforcement agencies. Without this information, it is difficult for policymakers, funders, and service providers to plan for the resources and services needed to address the issue." [1993 c 350 § 1.]

Severability -- 1993 c 350: "If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected." [1993 c 350 § 9.]

RCW 26.50.040 Fees not permitted -- Filing, service of process, certified copies.
No fees for filing or service of process may be charged by a public agency to petitioners seeking relief under this chapter. Petitioners shall be provided the necessary number of certified copies at no cost.

[1995 c 246 § 5; 1985 c 303 § 4; 1984 c 263 § 5.]

NOTES: Severability -- 1995 c 246: See note following RCW 26.50.010.

RCW 26.50.050 Hearing -- Service -- Time.
Upon receipt of the petition, the court shall order a hearing which shall be held not later than fourteen days from the date of the order. The court may schedule a hearing by telephone pursuant to local court rule, to reasonably accommodate a disability, or in exceptional circumstances to protect a petitioner from further acts of domestic violence. The court shall require assurances of the petitioner's identity before conducting a telephonic hearing. Except as provided in RCW 26.50.085 and 26.50.123, personal service shall be made upon the respondent not less than five court days prior to the hearing. If timely personal service cannot be made, the court shall set a new hearing date and shall either require additional attempts at obtaining personal service or permit service by publication as provided in RCW 26.50.085 or service by mail as provided in RCW 26.50.123. If the court permits service by publication or by mail, the court shall set the hearing date not later than twenty-four days from the date of the order. The court may issue an ex parte order for protection pending the hearing as provided in RCW 26.50.070, 26.50.085, and 26.50.123.

[1995 c 246 § 6; 1992 c 143 § 1; 1984 c 263 § 6.]

NOTES: Severability -- 1995 c 246: See note following RCW 26.50.010.

RCW 26.50.055 Appointment of interpreter.
(1) Pursuant to chapter 2.42 RCW, an interpreter shall be appointed for any party who, because of a hearing or speech impairment, cannot readily understand or communicate in spoken language.

(2) Pursuant to chapter 2.43 RCW, an interpreter shall be appointed for any party who cannot readily speak or understand the English language.

(3) The interpreter shall translate or interpret for the party in preparing forms, participating in the hearing and court-ordered assessments, and translating any orders.

[1995 c 246 § 11.]

NOTES: Severability -- 1995 c 246: See note following RCW 26.50.010.

RCW 26.50.060 Relief -- Duration -- Realignment of designation of parties -- Award of costs, service fees, and attorneys' fees.
(1) Upon notice and after hearing, the court may provide relief as follows:

(a) Restrain the respondent from committing acts of domestic violence;

(b) Exclude the respondent from the dwelling that the parties share, from the residence, workplace, or school of the petitioner, or from the day care or school of a child;

(c) Prohibit the respondent from knowingly coming within, or knowingly remaining within, a specified distance from a specified location;

(d) On the same basis as is provided in chapter 26.09 RCW, the court shall make residential provision with regard to minor children of the parties. However, parenting plans as specified in chapter 26.09 RCW shall not be required under this chapter;

(e) Order the respondent to participate in a domestic violence perpetrator treatment program approved under RCW 26.50.150;

(f) Order other relief as it deems necessary for the protection of the petitioner and other family or household members sought to be protected, including orders or directives to a peace officer, as allowed under this chapter;

(g) Require the respondent to pay the administrative court costs and service fees, as established by the county or municipality incurring the expense and to reimburse the petitioner for costs incurred in bringing the action, including reasonable attorneys' fees;

(h) Restrain the respondent from having any contact with the victim of domestic violence or the victim's children or members of the victim's household;

(i) Require the respondent to submit to electronic monitoring. The order shall specify who shall provide the electronic monitoring services and the terms under which the monitoring must be performed. The order also may include a requirement that the respondent pay the costs of the monitoring. The court shall consider the ability of the respondent to pay for electronic monitoring;

(j) Consider the provisions of RCW 9.41.800;

(k) Order possession and use of essential personal effects. The court shall list the essential personal effects with sufficient specificity to make it clear which property is included; and

(l) Order use of a vehicle.

(2) If a protection order restrains the respondent from contacting the respondent's minor children the restraint shall be for a fixed period not to exceed one year. This limitation is not applicable to orders for protection issued under chapter 26.09, 26.10, or 26.26 RCW. With regard to other relief, if the petitioner has petitioned for relief on his or her own behalf or on behalf of the petitioner's family or household members or minor children, and the court finds that the respondent is likely to resume acts of domestic violence against the petitioner or the petitioner's family or household members or minor children when the order expires, the court may either grant relief for a fixed period or enter a permanent order of protection.

If the petitioner has petitioned for relief on behalf of the respondent's minor children, the court shall advise the petitioner that if the petitioner wants to continue protection for a period beyond one year the petitioner may either petition for renewal pursuant to the provisions of this chapter or may seek relief pursuant to the provisions of chapter 26.09 or 26.26 RCW.

(3) If the court grants an order for a fixed time period, the petitioner may apply for renewal of the order by filing a petition for renewal at any time within the three months before the order expires. The petition for renewal shall state the reasons why the petitioner seeks to renew the protection order. Upon receipt of the petition for renewal the court shall order a hearing which shall be not later than fourteen days from the date of the order. Except as provided in RCW 26.50.085, personal service shall be made on the respondent not less than five days before the hearing. If timely service cannot be made the court shall set a new hearing date and shall either require additional attempts at obtaining personal service or permit service by publication as provided in RCW 26.50.085 or by mail as provided in RCW 26.50.123. If the court permits service by publication or mail, the court shall set the new hearing date not later than twenty-four days from the date of the order. If the order expires because timely service cannot be made the court shall grant an ex parte order of protection as provided in RCW 26.50.070. The court shall grant the petition for renewal unless the respondent proves by a preponderance of the evidence that the respondent will not resume acts of domestic violence against the petitioner or the petitioner's children or family or household members when the order expires. The court may renew the protection order for another fixed time period or may enter a permanent order as provided in this section. The court may award court costs, service fees, and reasonable attorneys' fees as provided in *subsection (1)(f) of this section.

(4) In providing relief under this chapter, the court may realign the designation of the parties as "petitioner" and "respondent" where the court finds that the original petitioner is the abuser and the original respondent is the victim of domestic violence and may issue an ex parte temporary order for protection in accordance with RCW 26.50.070 on behalf of the victim until the victim is able to prepare a petition for an order for protection in accordance with RCW 26.50.030.

(5) Except as provided in subsection (4) of this section, no order for protection shall grant relief to any party except upon notice to the respondent and hearing pursuant to a petition or counter-petition filed and served by the party seeking relief in accordance with RCW 26.50.050.

(6) The court order shall specify the date the order expires if any. The court order shall also state whether the court issued the protection order following personal service, service by publication, or service by mail and whether the court has approved service by publication or mail of an order issued under this section.

(7) If the court declines to issue an order for protection or declines to renew an order for protection, the court shall state in writing on the order the particular reasons for the court's denial.

[2000 c 119 § 15; 1999 c 147 § 2; 1996 c 248 § 13; 1995 c 246 § 7; 1994 sp.s. c 7 § 457. Prior: 1992 c 143 § 2; 1992 c 111 § 4; 1992 c 86 § 4; 1989 c 411 § 1; 1987 c 460 § 55; 1985 c 303 § 5; 1984 c 263 § 7.]

NOTES: *Reviser's note: Subsection (1)(f) of this section was renumbered as subsection (1)(g) by 2000 c 119 § 15.
Application -- 2000 c 119: See note following RCW 26.50.021.
Severability -- 1995 c 246: See note following RCW 26.50.010.
Finding -- Intent -- Severability -- 1994 sp.s. c 7: See notes following RCW 43.70.540.
Effective date -- 1994 sp.s. c 7 §§ 401-410, 413-416, 418-437, and 439-460: See note following RCW 9.41.010.
Findings -- 1992 c 111: See note following RCW 26.50.030.
Short title -- Section captions -- Effective date -- Severability -- 1987 c 460: See RCW 26.09.910 through 26.09.913.

RCW 26.50.070 Ex parte temporary order for protection.
(1) Where an application under this section alleges that irreparable injury could result from domestic violence if an order is not issued immediately without prior notice to the respondent, the court may grant an ex parte temporary order for protection, pending a full hearing, and grant relief as the court deems proper, including an order:

(a) Restraining any party from committing acts of domestic violence;

(b) Restraining any party from going onto the grounds of or entering the dwelling that the parties share, from the residence, workplace, or school of the other, or from the day care or school of a child until further order of the court;

(c) Prohibiting any party from knowingly coming within, or knowingly remaining within, a specified distance from a specified location;

(d) Restraining any party from interfering with the other's custody of the minor children or from removing the children from the jurisdiction of the court;

(e) Restraining any party from having any contact with the victim of domestic violence or the victim's children or members of the victim's household; and

(f) Considering the provisions of RCW 9.41.800.

(2) Irreparable injury under this section includes but is not limited to situations in which the respondent has recently threatened petitioner with bodily injury or has engaged in acts of domestic violence against the petitioner.

(3) The court shall hold an ex parte hearing in person or by telephone on the day the petition is filed or on the following judicial day.

(4) An ex parte temporary order for protection shall be effective for a fixed period not to exceed fourteen days or twenty-four days if the court has permitted service by publication under RCW 26.50.085 or by mail under RCW 26.50.123. The ex parte order may be reissued. A full hearing, as provided in this chapter, shall be set for not later than fourteen days from the issuance of the temporary order or not later than twenty-four days if service by publication or by mail is permitted. Except as provided in RCW 26.50.050, 26.50.085, and 26.50.123, the respondent shall be personally served with a copy of the ex parte order along with a copy of the petition and notice of the date set for the hearing.

(5) Any order issued under this section shall contain the date and time of issuance and the expiration date and shall be entered into a state-wide judicial information system by the clerk of the court within one judicial day after issuance.

(6) If the court declines to issue an ex parte temporary order for protection the court shall state the particular reasons for the court's denial. The court's denial of a motion for an ex parte order of protection shall be filed with the court.

[2000 c 119 § 16; 1996 c 248 § 14; 1995 c 246 § 8; 1994 sp.s. c 7 § 458; 1992 c 143 § 3; 1989 c 411 § 2; 1984 c 263 § 8.]

NOTES: Application -- 2000 c 119: See note following RCW 26.50.021.
Severability -- 1995 c 246: See note following RCW 26.50.010.
Finding -- Intent -- Severability -- 1994 sp.s. c 7: See notes following RCW 43.70.540.
Effective date -- 1994 sp.s. c 7 §§ 401-410, 413-416, 418-437, and 439-460: See note following RCW 9.41.010.
Child abuse, temporary restraining order: RCW 26.44.063.Orders prohibiting contact: RCW 10.99.040.Temporary restraining order: RCW 26.09.060.

RCW 26.50.080 Issuance of order -- Assistance of peace officer -- Designation of appropriate law enforcement agency.
(1) When an order is issued under this chapter upon request of the petitioner, the court may order a peace officer to accompany the petitioner and assist in placing the petitioner in possession of those items indicated in the order or to otherwise assist in the execution of the order of protection. The order shall list all items that are to be included with sufficient specificity to make it clear which property is included. Orders issued under this chapter shall include a designation of the appropriate law enforcement agency to execute, serve, or enforce the order.

(2) Upon order of a court, a peace officer shall accompany the petitioner in an order of protection and assist in placing the petitioner in possession of all items listed in the order and to otherwise assist in the execution of the order.

[1995 c 246 § 9; 1984 c 263 § 9.]

NOTES: Severability -- 1995 c 246: See note following RCW 26.50.010.

RCW 26.50.085 Hearing reset after ex parte order -- Service by publication -- Circumstances.
(1) If the respondent was not personally served with the petition, notice of hearing, and ex parte order before the hearing, the court shall reset the hearing for twenty-four days from the date of entry of the order and may order service by publication instead of personal service under the following circumstances:

(a) The sheriff or municipal officer files an affidavit stating that the officer was unable to complete personal service upon the respondent. The affidavit must describe the number and types of attempts the officer made to complete service;

(b) The petitioner files an affidavit stating that the petitioner believes that the respondent is hiding from the server to avoid service. The petitioner's affidavit must state the reasons for the belief that the petitioner [respondent] is avoiding service;

(c) The server has deposited a copy of the summons, in substantially the form prescribed in subsection (3) of this section, notice of hearing, and the ex parte order of protection in the post office, directed to the respondent at the respondent's last known address, unless the server states that the server does not know the respondent's address; and

(d) The court finds reasonable grounds exist to believe that the respondent is concealing himself or herself to avoid service, and that further attempts to personally serve the respondent would be futile or unduly burdensome.

(2) The court shall reissue the temporary order of protection not to exceed another twenty-four days from the date of reissuing the ex parte protection order and order to provide service by publication.

(3) The publication shall be made in a newspaper of general circulation in the county where the petition was brought and in the county of the last known address of the respondent once a week for three consecutive weeks. The newspaper selected must be one of the three most widely circulated papers in the county. The publication of summons shall not be made until the court orders service by publication under this section. Service of the summons shall be considered complete when the publication has been made for three consecutive weeks. The summons must be signed by the petitioner. The summons shall contain the date of the first publication, and shall require the respondent upon whom service by publication is desired, to appear and answer the petition on the date set for the hearing. The summons shall also contain a brief statement of the reason for the petition and a summary of the provisions under the ex parte order. The summons shall be essentially in the following form:

In the . . . . . . . . . court of the state of Washington for the county of . . . . . . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . , Petitioner
vs. No. . . . . . .
. . . . . . . . . . . . , Respondent
The state of Washington to . . . . . . . . . . . (respondent):
You are hereby summoned to appear on the . . . . day of . . . . . . , 19. . . , at . . . . a.m./p.m., and respond to the petition. If you fail to respond, an order of protection will be issued against you pursuant to the provisions of the domestic violence protection act, chapter 26.50 RCW, for a minimum of one year from the date you are required to appear. A temporary order of protection has been issued against you, restraining you from the following: (Insert a brief statement of the provisions of the ex parte order). A copy of the petition, notice of hearing, and ex parte order has been filed with the clerk of this court.
. . . . . . . . . . . .
Petitioner . . . . . . . . . . . .

[1992 c 143 § 4.]

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RCW 26.50.090 Order -- Service -- Fees.
(1) An order issued under this chapter shall be personally served upon the respondent, except as provided in subsections (6) and (8) of this section.

(2) The sheriff of the county or the peace officers of the municipality in which the respondent resides shall serve the respondent personally unless the petitioner elects to have the respondent served by a private party.

(3) If service by a sheriff or municipal peace officer is to be used, the clerk of the court shall have a copy of any order issued under this chapter forwarded on or before the next judicial day to the appropriate law enforcement agency specified in the order for service upon the respondent. Service of an order issued under this chapter shall take precedence over the service of other documents unless they are of a similar emergency nature.

(4) If the sheriff or municipal peace officer cannot complete service upon the respondent within ten days, the sheriff or municipal peace officer shall notify the petitioner. The petitioner shall provide information sufficient to permit notification.

(5) Returns of service under this chapter shall be made in accordance with the applicable court rules.

(6) If an order entered by the court recites that the respondent appeared in person before the court, the necessity for further service is waived and proof of service of that order is not necessary.

(7) Municipal police departments serving documents as required under this chapter may collect from respondents ordered to pay fees under RCW 26.50.060 the same fees for service and mileage authorized by RCW 36.18.040 to be collected by sheriffs.

(8) If the court previously entered an order allowing service of the notice of hearing and temporary order of protection by publication pursuant to RCW 26.50.085 or by mail pursuant to RCW 26.50.123, the court may permit service by publication or by mail of the order of protection issued under RCW 26.50.060. Service by publication must comply with the requirements of RCW 26.50.085 and service by mail must comply with the requirements of RCW 26.50.123. The court order must state whether the court permitted service by publication or by mail.

[1995 c 246 § 10; 1992 c 143 § 6; 1985 c 303 § 6; 1984 c 263 § 10.]

NOTES: Severability -- 1995 c 246: See note following RCW 26.50.010.

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RCW 26.50.095 Order following service by publication.
Following completion of service by publication as provided in RCW 26.50.085 or by mail as provided in RCW 26.50.123, if the respondent fails to appear at the hearing, the court may issue an order of protection as provided in RCW 26.50.060. That order must be served pursuant to RCW 26.50.090, and forwarded to the appropriate law enforcement agency pursuant to RCW 26.50.100.

[1995 c 246 § 12; 1992 c 143 § 5.]

NOTES: Severability -- 1995 c 246: See note following RCW 26.50.010.

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RCW 26.50.100 Order -- Transmittal to law enforcement agency -- Record in law enforcement information system -- Enforceability.
(1) A copy of an order for protection granted under this chapter shall be forwarded by the clerk of the court on or before the next judicial day to the appropriate law enforcement agency specified in the order.

Upon receipt of the order, the law enforcement agency shall forthwith enter the order into any computer-based criminal intelligence information system available in this state used by law enforcement agencies to list outstanding warrants. The order shall remain in the computer for the period stated in the order. The law enforcement agency shall only expunge from the computer-based criminal intelligence information system orders that are expired, vacated, or superseded. Entry into the law enforcement information system constitutes notice to all law enforcement agencies of the existence of the order. The order is fully enforceable in any county in the state.

(2) The information entered into the computer-based criminal intelligence information system shall include notice to law enforcement whether the order was personally served, served by publication, or served by mail.

[1996 c 248 § 15; 1995 c 246 § 13; 1992 c 143 § 7; 1984 c 263 § 11.]

NOTES: Severability -- 1995 c 246: See note following RCW 26.50.010.

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RCW 26.50.110 Violation of order -- Penalties.
(1) Whenever an order is granted under this chapter, chapter 10.99, 26.09, 26.10, 26.26, or 74.34 RCW, or there is a valid foreign protection order as defined in RCW 26.52.020, and the respondent or person to be restrained knows of the order, a violation of the restraint provisions, or of a provision excluding the person from a residence, workplace, school, or day care, or of a provision prohibiting a person from knowingly coming within, or knowingly remaining within, a specified distance of a location, or of a provision of a foreign protection order specifically indicating that a violation will be a crime, for which an arrest is required under RCW 10.31.100(2) (a) or (b), is a gross misdemeanor except as provided in subsections (4) and (5) of this section. Upon conviction, and in addition to any other penalties provided by law, the court may require that the respondent submit to electronic monitoring. The court shall specify who shall provide the electronic monitoring services, and the terms under which the monitoring shall be performed. The order also may include a requirement that the respondent pay the costs of the monitoring. The court shall consider the ability of the convicted person to pay for electronic monitoring.

(2) A peace officer shall arrest without a warrant and take into custody a person whom the peace officer has probable cause to believe has violated an order issued under this chapter, chapter 10.99, 26.09, 26.10, 26.26, or 74.34 RCW, or a valid foreign protection order as defined in RCW 26.52.020, that restrains the person or excludes the person from a residence, workplace, school, or day care, or prohibits the person from knowingly coming within, or knowingly remaining within, a specified distance of a location, if the person restrained knows of the order. Presence of the order in the law enforcement computer-based criminal intelligence information system is not the only means of establishing knowledge of the order.

(3) A violation of an order issued under this chapter, chapter 10.99, 26.09, 26.10, 26.26, or 74.34 RCW, or of a valid foreign protection order as defined in RCW 26.52.020, shall also constitute contempt of court, and is subject to the penalties prescribed by law.

(4) Any assault that is a violation of an order issued under this chapter, chapter 10.99, 26.09, 26.10, 26.26, or 74.34 RCW, or of a valid foreign protection order as defined in RCW 26.52.020, and that does not amount to assault in the first or second degree under RCW 9A.36.011 or 9A.36.021 is a class C felony, and any conduct in violation of such an order that is reckless and creates a substantial risk of death or serious physical injury to another person is a class C felony.

(5) A violation of a court order issued under this chapter, chapter 10.99, 26.09, 26.10, 26.26, or 74.34 RCW, or of a valid foreign protection order as defined in RCW 26.52.020, is a class C felony if the offender has at least two previous convictions for violating the provisions of an order issued under this chapter, chapter 10.99, 26.09, 26.10, 26.26, or 74.34 RCW, or a valid foreign protection order as defined in RCW 26.52.020. The previous convictions may involve the same victim or other victims specifically protected by the orders the offender violated.

(6) Upon the filing of an affidavit by the petitioner or any peace officer alleging that the respondent has violated an order granted under this chapter, chapter 10.99, 26.09, 26.10, 26.26, or 74.34 RCW, or a valid foreign protection order as defined in RCW 26.52.020, the court may issue an order to the respondent, requiring the respondent to appear and show cause within fourteen days why the respondent should not be found in contempt of court and punished accordingly. The hearing may be held in the court of any county or municipality in which the petitioner or respondent temporarily or permanently resides at the time of the alleged violation.

[2000 c 119 § 24; 1996 c 248 § 16; 1995 c 246 § 14; 1992 c 86 § 5; 1991 c 301 § 6; 1984 c 263 § 12.]

NOTES: Application -- 2000 c 119: See note following RCW 26.50.021.
S everability -- 1995 c 246: See note following RCW 26.50.010.
Finding -- 1991 c 301: See note following RCW 10.99.020.
Violation of order protecting vulnerable adult: RCW 74.34.145.

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RCW 26.50.115 Enforcement of ex parte order -- Knowledge of order prerequisite to penalties -- Reasonable efforts to serve copy of order.
(1) When the court issues an ex parte order pursuant to RCW 26.50.070 or an order of protection pursuant to RCW 26.50.060, the court shall advise the petitioner that the respondent may not be subjected to the penalties set forth in RCW 26.50.110 for a violation of the order unless the respondent knows of the order.

(2) When a peace officer investigates a report of an alleged violation of an order for protection issued under this chapter the officer shall attempt to determine whether the respondent knew of the existence of the protection order. If the law enforcement officer determines that the respondent did not or probably did not know about the protection order and the officer is provided a current copy of the order, the officer shall serve the order on the respondent if the respondent is present. If the respondent is not present, the officer shall make reasonable efforts to serve a copy of the order on the respondent. If the officer serves the respondent with the petitioner's copy of the order, the officer shall give petitioner a receipt indicating that petitioner's copy has been served on the respondent. After the officer has served the order on the respondent, the officer shall enforce prospective compliance with the order.

(3) Presentation of an unexpired, certified copy of a protection order with proof of service is sufficient for a law enforcement officer to enforce the order regardless of the presence of the order in the law enforcement computer-based criminal intelligence information system.

[1996 c 248 § 17; 1995 c 246 § 15; 1992 c 143 § 8.]

NOTES: Severability -- 1995 c 246: See note following RCW 26.50.010.

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RCW 26.50.120 Violation of order -- Prosecuting attorney or attorney for municipality may be requested to assist -- Costs and attorney's fee.
When a party alleging a violation of an order for protection issued under this chapter states that the party is unable to afford private counsel and asks the prosecuting attorney for the county or the attorney for the municipality in which the order was issued for assistance, the attorney shall initiate and prosecute a contempt proceeding if there is probable cause to believe that the violation occurred. In this action, the court may require the violator of the order to pay the costs incurred in bringing the action, including a reasonable attorney's fee.

[1984 c 263 § 13.]

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RCW 26.50.123 Service by mail.
(1) In circumstances justifying service by publication under RCW 26.50.085(1), if the serving party files an affidavit stating facts from which the court determines that service by mail is just as likely to give actual notice as service by publication and that the serving party is unable to afford the cost of service by publication, the court may order that service be made by mail. Such service shall be made by any person over eighteen years of age, who is competent to be a witness, other than a party, by mailing copies of the order and other process to the party to be served at his or her last known address or any other address determined by the court to be appropriate. Two copies shall be mailed, postage prepaid, one by ordinary first class mail and the other by a form of mail requiring a signed receipt showing when and to whom it was delivered. The envelopes must bear the return address of the sender.

(2) Proof of service under this section shall be consistent with court rules for civil proceedings.

(3) Service under this section may be used in the same manner and shall have the same jurisdictional effect as service by publication for purposes of this chapter. Service shall be deemed complete upon the mailing of two copies as prescribed in this section.

[1995 c 246 § 16.]

NOTES: Severability -- 1995 c 246: See note following RCW 26.50.010.

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RCW 26.50.125 Service by publication or mailing -- Costs.
The court may permit service by publication or by mail under this chapter only if the petitioner pays the cost of publication or mailing unless the county legislative authority allocates funds for service of process by publication or by mail for indigent petitioners.

[1995 c 246 § 17; 1992 c 143 § 9.]

NOTES: Severability -- 1995 c 246: See note following RCW 26.50.010.

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RCW 26.50.130 Order -- Modification -- Transmittal.
Upon application with notice to all parties and after a hearing, the court may modify the terms of an existing order for protection. In any situation where an order is terminated or modified before its expiration date, the clerk of the court shall forward on or before the next judicial day a true copy of the modified order or the termination order to the appropriate law enforcement agency specified in the modified or termination order. Upon receipt of the order, the law enforcement agency shall promptly enter it in the law enforcement information system.

[1984 c 263 § 14.]

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RCW 26.50.135 Residential placement or custody of a child -- Prerequisite.
(1) Before granting an order under this chapter directing residential placement of a child or restraining or limiting a party's contact with a child, the court shall consult the judicial information system, if available, to determine the pendency of other proceedings involving the residential placement of any child of the parties for whom residential placement has been requested.

(2) Jurisdictional issues regarding out-of-state proceedings involving the custody or residential placement of any child of the parties shall be governed by the uniform child custody jurisdiction act, chapter 26.27 RCW.

[1995 c 246 § 19.]

NOTES: Severability -- 1995 c 246: See note following RCW 26.50.010.

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RCW 26.50.140 Peace officers -- Immunity.
No peace officer may be held criminally or civilly liable for making an arrest under RCW 26.50.110 if the police officer acts in good faith and without malice.

[1984 c 263 § 17.]

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RCW 26.50.150 Domestic violence perpetrator programs.
The department of social and health services shall adopt rules for standards of approval of domestic violence perpetrator programs that accept perpetrators of domestic violence into treatment to satisfy court orders or that represent the programs as ones that treat domestic violence perpetrators. The treatment must meet the following minimum qualifications:

(1) All treatment must be based upon a full, complete clinical intake including: Current and past violence history; a lethality risk assessment; a complete diagnostic evaluation; a substance abuse assessment; criminal history; assessment of cultural issues, learning disabilities, literacy, and special language needs; and a treatment plan that adequately and appropriately addresses the treatment needs of the individual.

(2) To facilitate communication necessary for periodic safety checks and case monitoring, the program must require the perpetrator to sign the following releases:

(a) A release for the program to inform the victim and victim's community and legal advocates that the perpetrator is in treatment with the program, and to provide information, for safety purposes, to the victim and victim's community and legal advocates;

(b) A release to prior and current treatment agencies to provide information on the perpetrator to the program; and

(c) A release for the program to provide information on the perpetrator to relevant legal entities including: Lawyers, courts, parole, probation, child protective services, and child welfare services.

(3) Treatment must be for a minimum treatment period defined by the secretary of the department by rule. The weekly treatment sessions must be in a group unless there is a documented, clinical reason for another modality. Any other therapies, such as individual, marital, or family therapy, substance abuse evaluations or therapy, medication reviews, or psychiatric interviews, may be concomitant with the weekly group treatment sessions described in this section but not a substitute for it.

(4) The treatment must focus primarily on ending the violence, holding the perpetrator accountable for his or her violence, and changing his or her behavior. The treatment must be based on nonvictim-blaming strategies and philosophies and shall include education about the individual, family, and cultural dynamics of domestic violence. If the perpetrator or the victim has a minor child, treatment must specifically include education regarding the effects of domestic violence on children, such as the emotional impacts of domestic violence on children and the long-term consequences that exposure to incidents of domestic violence may have on children.

(5) Satisfactory completion of treatment must be contingent upon the perpetrator meeting specific criteria, defined by rule by the secretary of the department, and not just upon the end of a certain period of time or a certain number of sessions.

(6) The program must have policies and procedures for dealing with reoffenses and noncompliance.

(7) All evaluation and treatment services must be provided by, or under the supervision of, qualified personnel.

(8) The secretary of the department may adopt rules and establish fees as necessary to implement this section.

[1999 c 147 § 1; 1991 c 301 § 7.]

NOTES: Finding -- 1991 c 301: See note following RCW 10.99.020.

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RCW 26.50.160 Judicial information system -- Data base (as amended by 2000 c 51).
To prevent the issuance of competing protection orders in different courts and to give courts needed information for issuance of orders, the judicial information system shall be available in each district, municipal, and superior court by July 1, 1997, and shall include a data base containing the following information:

(1) The names of the parties and the cause number for every order of protection issued under this title, every criminal no-contact order issued under chapter 10.99 RCW, every antiharassment order issued under chapter 10.14 RCW, every dissolution action under chapter 26.09 RCW, every third-party custody action under chapter 26.10 RCW, ((and)) every parentage action under chapter 26.10 RCW, and every order for protection issued under chapter 74.34 RCW;

(2) A criminal history of the parties; and

(3) Other relevant information necessary to assist courts in issuing orders under this chapter as determined by the judicial information system committee.

[2000 c 51 § 1; 1995 c 246 § 18.]

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RCW 26.50.160 Judicial information system -- Data base (as amended by 2000 c 119).
To prevent the issuance of competing protection orders in different courts and to give courts needed information for issuance of orders, the judicial information system shall be available in each district, municipal, and superior court by July 1, 1997, and shall include a data base containing the following information:

(1) The names of the parties and the cause number for every order of protection issued under this title, every criminal no-contact order issued under chapters 9A.46 and 10.99 RCW, every antiharassment order issued under chapter 10.14 RCW, every dissolution action under chapter 26.09 RCW, every third-party custody action under chapter 26.10 RCW, ((and)) every parentage action under chapter ((26.10)) 26.26 RCW, every restraining order issued on behalf of an abused child or adult dependent person under chapter 26.44 RCW, every foreign protection order filed under chapter 26.52 RCW, and every order for protection of a vulnerable adult under chapter 74.34 RCW. When a guardian or the department of social and health services has petitioned for relief on behalf of an abused child, adult dependent person, or vulnerable adult, the name of the person on whose behalf relief was sought shall be included in the data base as a party rather than the guardian or department;

(2) A criminal history of the parties; and

(3) Other relevant information necessary to assist courts in issuing orders under this chapter as determined by the judicial information system committee.

[2000 c 119 § 25; 1995 c 246 § 18.]

NOTES: Reviser's note: RCW 26.50.160 was amended twice during the 2000 legislative session, each without reference to the other. For rule of construction concerning sections amended more than once during the same legislative session, see RCW 1.12.025.
Application -- 2000 c 119: See note following RCW 26.50.021.
Severability -- 1995 c 246: See note following RCW 26.50.010.

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RCW 26.50.200 Title to real estate -- Effect.
Nothing in this chapter may affect the title to real estate: PROVIDED, That a judgment for costs or fees awarded under this chapter shall constitute a lien on real estate to the extent provided in chapter 4.56 RCW.

[1985 c 303 § 7; 1984 c 263 § 15.]

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RCW 26.50.210 Proceedings additional.
Any proceeding under chapter 263, Laws of 1984 is in addition to other civil or criminal remedies.
[1984 c 263 § 16.]

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RCW 26.50.220 Parenting plan -- Designation of parent for other state and federal purposes.
Solely for the purposes of all other state and federal statutes which require a designation or determination of custody, a parenting plan shall designate the parent with whom the child is scheduled to reside a majority of the time as the custodian of the child. However, this designation shall not affect either parent's rights and responsibilities under the parenting plan. In the absence of such a designation, the parent with whom the child is scheduled to reside the majority of the time shall be deemed to be the custodian of the child for the purposes of such federal and state statutes.

[1989 c 375 § 26.]

NOTES: Severability -- 1989 c 375: See RCW 26.09.914.

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RCW 26.50.900 Short title.
This chapter may be cited as the "Domestic Violence Prevention Act".

[1984 c 263 § 1.]

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RCW 26.50.901 Effective date -- 1984 c 263.
Sections 1 through 29 of this act shall take effect on September 1, 1984.
[1984 c 263 § 32.]

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RCW 26.50.902 Severability -- 1984 c 263.
If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected.
[1984 c 263 § 33.]

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RCW 26.50.903 Severability -- 1992 c 111.
If any provision of this act or its application to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the act or the application of the provision to other persons or circumstances is not affected.
[1992 c 111 § 14.]

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