This is a Complaint pleading for use in litigation of the title matter. Adapt this form to comply with your facts and circumstances, and with your specific state law. Not recommended for use by non-attorneys.
This is a Complaint pleading for use in litigation of the title matter. Adapt this form to comply with your facts and circumstances, and with your specific state law. Not recommended for use by non-attorneys.
At the final hearing, the burden is on the petitioner to prove by a preponderance of the evidence that facts satisfy whichever statute they are seeking protection under. The petitioner gets to present his or her evidence to the court (testimony, declarations, sworn reports) and then the respondent gets to do the same.
Grounds for civil anti-harassment in Washington Washington State law defines “harassment” as a set of willful actions over a period of time that: Annoys, alarms, or harasses you and serves no “lawful or legitimate” purpose. Causes a reasonable person to suffer substantial emotional distress.
If the judge or referee believes you have adequately established the elements of a restraining order (more on that below), it can issue a temporary restraining order. If the order is issued without notifying the other person, it's called an ex parte order.
A judge will grant an ex parte temporary order only if s/he believes that you are in danger of serious immediate harm or permanent (irreparable) injury.
Keep in mind that you will generally not be able to remain anonymous when seeking a restraining order, in part because the perpetrator will need to be informed of whom they are restrained from contacting.
If the judge decides that there was abuse and that there is also a credible threat to the plaintiff's safety, a final order of protection will be granted and will last for up to one year. The plaintiff will be directed to go to the clerks counter to wait for the order.