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Legal Information: Washington

Restraining Orders

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Laws current as of August 1, 2024

Can I file a motion to change or terminate my domestic violence protection order?

To change (modify) your order, go back to the court where you got it and file a petition with the clerk. After holding a hearing, the judge can modify or end (terminate) a protection order if you or the abuser files a motion asking the judge to do so.1

The respondent must be personally served with your motion and notice of the hearing at least five days before the court date unless the judge has allowed the abuser to be served by publication or by mail.2 Then there will be a hearing where the judge will hear from both sides and will decide whether or not to give you what you requested.

1 R.C.W. § 7.105.500(1)
2 R.C.W. § 7.105.165(1)

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