This guide briefly discusses issues related to domestic violence situations in Washington State.   Visit either of the following web sites for definitions of the terms used here:

If you need immediate assistance, call the Washington State Domestic Violence Hotline - 800-562-6025

 

Introduction

Domestic violence occurs if someone you know is harassing, threatening, stalking, or hitting you, restraining your freedom of movement, or destroying your property. You do not have to married for the violence to be considered domestic. Domestic violence occurs if you are being abused by your spouse or former spouse, parent, child, or someone you live with or used to live with.

Laws

Many actions associated with domestic violence may be crimes independently so you may need to review the laws in RCW Title 9 and RCW Title 9A.  In addition, you shoulld review the laws in RCW Title 10.99 and RCW Title 26.50.

Forms and Instructions

Forms and instructions from the State Court's web site: Use this link to find State-approved forms and instructions for domestic violence issues.

General Information

If you would like an overview of domestic violence issues, click on a link below.

Domestic Violence Protection Order Process
A Safety Plan for Domestic Violence
Legal Protection for Domestic Violence
General Information on Domestic Violence
Guidelines for Domestic Violence Protection and Antiharrassment Orders
King County Prosecuting Attorney Domestic Violence Information Page
Landlord-Tenant Issues for Victims of Threatening Behavior or Domestic Violence
Domestic Violence: How the Legal System Can Help Protect You
Domestic Violence: Questions and Answers for Immigrant and Refugee Women

Books in the Library

Case Management Notebooks, Reference Desk.  Once you have filed a domestic relations action, you may receive a schedule from the Court for future procedures. These notebooks explain what happens and when.

Family Law Deskbook, KF 505 Z99 W36 2000 REF. This 3-volume set contains detailed information about marriage, dissolution, and child custody matters. It is a good source for discussions of the law and of the policies that underlie the law. It also briefly addresses guardianships, parentage, non-marital couples, and domestic violence.

Community Property Deskbook, KF 526 .Z99 W36 1989 REF. This publication examines the ownership of property by married people in Washington. It details the basics of characterizing property as "his-hers-ours" and includes a discussion of creditor's rights and tax considerations.

Washington Practice, KFW 80 .W3 REF. Volumes 19 to 22 of this invaluable resource cover Family and Community Property Law. Here you will find detailed and technical discussions of all aspects of domestic relations law.

Domestic Violence Manual for Judges, KFW 567 .F35 D66 2007.  Produced by the Washington State Gender and Justice Commission, this manual was written to provide practical reference information for judges and court staff but is also very useful for anyone researching domestic violence issues.

If You Need More Help

Family Law Facilitators: For divorce, parenting plans, and support only. The Family Law Facilitators, located in Room W382 in the King County Courthouse and Room 3D in the Maleng Regional Justice Center, can provide information on court rules and procedures, and review forms to make sure they are complete. They cannot give legal advice, provide or fill out forms, or assist in trial preparation. We encourage you to make an appointment to have all your paperwork reviewed prior to filing. There are limited walk-in hours in the mornings; we recommend you call for an appointment. 206-296-9092

Attorney's Information Bureau: Located on the 4th floor of the Courthouse, the AIB sells packets of forms for a variety of legal actions, including domestic relations actions. 206-622-0734

Legal Voice (formerly known as Northwest Women's Law Center): This non-profit agency provides classes, publications, and referrals for women and men living in the Northwest. 206-621-7691

CLEAR (Coordinated Legal Education, Advice, and Referral): CLEAR is Northwest Justice Project's innovative statewide toll-free telephone service for low-income people to obtain free legal assistance with civil legal problems in Washington state. The hotline operates between 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. weekdays and Tuesdays from 3:30 p.m. until 6:30 p.m. CLEAR Sr. is a similar project which serves people age 60 and over regardless of their financial situation.

CLEAR - 1-888-201-1014

CLEAR Sr. (60 and over) - 1-888-387-7111

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