Restraining Orders

You may be eligible for a stalking protection order if you are the victim of stalking or cyberstalking, as defined by law. Also, you can file on behalf of a minor child if you are the child’s:

• parent;
• legal guardian; or
• custodian.¹

If you are under the age of 18, see Can I file for a stalking protection order if I am a minor? 

You may also file on behalf of a “vulnerable adult” who is the victim of stalking if you are what the laws considers to be an “interested person.”¹ A vulnerable adult is defined as someone who:

• is 60 years old or older and is not functionally, physically, or mentally able to care for himself or herself;
• is subject to a guardianship or conservatorship;
• has a developmental disability;
• was admitted into a facility;
• is receiving services from a home health care aide or agency, a hospice, or an individual provider; or
• is directing his/her own care and receiving services from a personal aide.²

An interested person is anyone who proves to the judge that:

• s/he is interested in the welfare of the vulnerable adult;
• s/he has a good faith belief that the court’s intervention is necessary; and
• at the time the petition is filed, the vulnerable adult is unable to protect his or her own interests due to incapacity, undue influence, or duress.³

You may also file on behalf of any other adult if you can demonstrate that:

1. You are interested in the adult’s well-being;
2. The court’s intervention is necessary; and
3. The adult cannot file the petition because of age, disability, health, or inaccessibility.¹

¹ R.C.W. § 7.105.100(1)(c)
² R.C.W. §§ 74.34.020(21); 7.105.010(37)
³ R.C.W. §§ 74.34.020(11); 7.105.010(19)