Washington Form PO 020 is the Petition for Protection Order, the single statewide form a person uses to ask a Washington court for a civil protection order under chapter 7.105 RCW. It is the unified petition created when HB 1320 consolidated six older petition types into one document for Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Stalking, Anti-Harassment, Vulnerable Adult, and Extreme Risk orders.
You file this form when you need a court to order another person to stop contacting you, stay away from your home, surrender firearms, or follow other safety terms. The Washington Administrative Office of the Courts reports that more than 35,000 civil protection order petitions are filed across Washington Superior, District, and Municipal courts each year, and incomplete petitions are the single most common reason a judge denies an ex parte temporary order at the first hearing.
- 🛡️ How to choose the right protection order type on the unified PO 020 petition form.
- 📝 Line-by-line instructions for every box, page, and signature block.
- 👨👩👧 Three full filled-out scenarios for domestic violence, anti-harassment, and stalking petitioners.
- 🏛️ How to file in person, by mail, or through the Washington Courts online filing portal.
- ⚠️ The 12 most common mistakes that get a petition denied or delayed past the 14-day ex parte deadline.
What Form PO 020 Is and Who Must File It
Form PO 020 is the Petition for Protection Order used statewide in Washington under RCW 7.105.100. It is the petition a person (the petitioner) files to ask a judge to enter a civil protection order against another person (the respondent). The form was last revised in the post-HB 1320 rollout, and the current revision date is printed in the bottom-left corner of page one. Always confirm the revision date matches the latest version posted on the Washington Courts forms library before you file.
The form covers six different protection orders, and the petitioner checks the box for the type that matches the situation. The six types are Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO), Sexual Assault Protection Order (SAPO), Stalking Protection Order (SPO), Anti-Harassment Protection Order (AHPO), Vulnerable Adult Protection Order (VAPO), and Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO). Each type has its own legal definition in RCW 7.105.010, so the box you check controls which legal standard the judge applies.
Anyone age 15 or older can file this form on their own behalf, and a parent, guardian, or guardian ad litem can file on behalf of a child or vulnerable adult under the rules in RCW 7.105.100(2). Law enforcement officers file the ERPO version when a person poses a firearms-related risk. The form is filed pro se by most petitioners, and the Washington State Office of Civil Legal Aid reports that more than 70% of protection order petitions in Washington are filed without a lawyer.
Before You Start: Documents and Information You Need
Gather the following items before you open the petition. Each one prevents a delay, a hold, or an outright denial at the ex parte hearing.
- Your full legal name, current address, and date of birth. You can use a confidential address through the Address Confidentiality Program (ACP) if disclosure would put you at risk. Without an ACP code on file, the court will require a real mailing address.
- The respondent’s full name, date of birth, and physical description. Law enforcement uses this to serve the order, and a wrong DOB or address can stop service entirely.
- The respondent’s last known home and work addresses. The sheriff serves the order at these addresses, so guesses lead to failed service and a delayed final hearing.
- A list of every firearm, dangerous weapon, and concealed pistol license (CPL) you believe the respondent owns. This drives the firearm surrender order under RCW 9.41.800.
- Names, dates of birth, and current addresses of any minor children involved. The court needs these to enter temporary residential schedules under the petition.
- Dates and details of the most recent incident and at least one prior incident. Judges grant ex parte orders based on specific, dated events, not general fear.
- Police report numbers, medical record dates, and any case numbers from prior court actions. Reference numbers anchor your story to records the judge can verify.
- Photos, screenshots of texts, voicemails, and witness names. You will list these in the petition and bring copies to court as exhibits.
- Any existing court orders between you and the respondent. Divorce, parenting plan, or no-contact orders affect what the judge can and cannot order.
Where to Get the Form and How to Access It
The official version of Form PO 020 lives on the Washington Courts forms library page for protection orders. You can download the fillable PDF, type your answers on a computer, and print the completed petition. Always download a fresh copy each time you file, because the form is updated when statutes change and old versions are sometimes rejected.
You can also pick up a paper copy at the clerk’s office of any Washington Superior Court or, for Anti-Harassment cases, at District or Municipal Court clerk windows. Many courthouses keep a self-help packet with the petition, the Law Enforcement Information Sheet (PO 001), and the confidential information form together. Some counties also publish county-specific cover sheets that must be attached.
The Protection Order Filing Portal, launched statewide under HB 1320, lets a petitioner complete and e-file PO 020 entirely online with guided questions. The portal walks you through each box, validates required fields, and routes the filing to the correct court automatically. If you do not have a computer, the Northwest Justice Project and many domestic violence advocacy programs offer free help completing and filing the petition.
Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out Form PO 020 Line by Line
The petition runs roughly 18 to 24 pages depending on the order type and how many add-on sections apply. Each numbered section below is an actual heading or page on the form. Use the exact field names and box numbers as printed.
Caption: Court, County, and Case Number
The caption sits at the very top of page one, where you tell the court which court you are in, which county, and what case number to assign. You write the county name in the Superior Court of Washington, County of ____ line and leave the case number blank for the clerk to assign. Format the county in title case, for example King or Spokane.
For example, Maria Lopez writes King on the county line and leaves the case number blank for the King County Superior Court clerk to stamp. If you are filing an Anti-Harassment petition in a District or Municipal court, write the court’s full name on the top line instead, such as Seattle Municipal Court.
A common mistake is writing the wrong court level, like filing a Domestic Violence petition in District Court when only Superior Court has jurisdiction under RCW 7.105.075. The result is a same-day rejection at the clerk’s window and lost time. A common misconception is that any courthouse will accept any protection order; in fact, the order type controls the court level.
Section 1: Petitioner Information (Your Information)
Section 1 asks for your full legal name, date of birth, and a mailing address where the court can send notices. Write your name in the format on your driver’s license or ID, with the first name first and the last name last. Use MM/DD/YYYY for the date of birth.
For example, Maria Lopez enters Maria Elena Lopez, 03/14/1985, and PO Box 4471, Seattle, WA 98104. If you use a P.O. Box because a street address is unsafe, that is allowed and encouraged for safety.
The most common mistake here is writing your home address when the respondent does not know it; this discloses your location in a public court file. The consequence is that the respondent receives the petition and immediately learns where you live. A misconception is that you must list a home address; you may list any address where you can receive mail, including a friend’s address, a P.O. Box, or an ACP-substitute address.
Section 2: Respondent Information
Section 2 asks for the respondent’s full name, any aliases, date of birth, sex, race, height, weight, hair color, and eye color. These details drive the Law Enforcement Information Sheet and let the sheriff identify the right person at service. Write the name as the respondent uses it on official ID if you know that, and add nicknames in the Also Known As line.
For example, Maria enters David James Carter, AKA “DJ”, 07/22/1982, Male, White, 6‘1”, 210 lbs, Brown, Brown. If you do not know the height or weight, write Unknown rather than guessing, because guesses can cause a deputy to refuse service on the wrong person.
A common mistake is leaving the DOB blank because you are unsure; this delays entry into the Washington Crime Information Center (WACIC) database, which means law enforcement cannot enforce the order in real time. The misconception is that the court will track the respondent down for you; in fact, the sheriff serves only at addresses you provide.
Section 3: Type of Protection Order Requested
This section has six checkboxes, one for each protection order type. Check only the box that fits your facts. The checked box determines which definitions and burdens apply under RCW 7.105.225.
For example, Maria checks Domestic Violence Protection Order because she is married to the respondent and he assaulted her. Aisha Khan checks Anti-Harassment Protection Order because her unwanted contact comes from a neighbor with no family relationship. Janet Ruiz checks Stalking Protection Order because an ex-classmate has followed her to work twice in 30 days.
The most common mistake is checking two boxes “to be safe,” which forces the judge to pick one or dismiss; the practical consequence is the order gets re-styled and may move courts. A common misconception is that DV is always the strongest order; in fact, the right order is the one whose elements your facts actually meet.
Section 4: Relationship to the Respondent
Section 4 asks how you know the respondent, with checkboxes for spouse, former spouse, dating relationship, family member, household member, parent of common child, and “other.” Domestic Violence orders require a family or household member relationship as defined in RCW 7.105.010(8). For Anti-Harassment, Stalking, and Sexual Assault orders, the relationship can be anyone, including a stranger.
For example, Maria checks Spouse and adds Married 06/12/2015. Aisha checks Other and writes Next-door neighbor since 2021.
The common mistake is checking Dating relationship for a one-time encounter; the statute requires more than a casual social meeting, and the judge will refile the petition as Anti-Harassment. The misconception is that any romantic contact qualifies; in fact, RCW 7.105.010 lists factors like length of relationship, frequency of contact, and type of interaction.
Section 5: Minor Children
Section 5 asks for the name, date of birth, and current address of every minor child you want included in the order. List each child on a separate line. If you want temporary residential time changed, check the box for Temporary parenting plan.
For example, Maria lists Sofia Lopez-Carter, 09/02/2018, Seattle, WA and Mateo Lopez-Carter, 04/19/2021, Seattle, WA. She checks Temporary residential schedule and asks for the children to live with her.
The common mistake is omitting a child because the respondent is not the biological parent; under RCW 7.105.225, any child in the household can be protected. The consequence of leaving a child off is that the order will not cover the child at school or daycare. A misconception is that listing children automatically opens a custody case; in fact, the temporary residential schedule lasts only as long as the protection order.
Section 6: Existing Court Orders
This section lists every other court case that involves you and the respondent — divorce, parenting plan, child support, criminal no-contact, prior protection orders, or guardianship. Include the court, county, case number, and order date. The judge needs this to avoid conflicting orders.
For example, Maria lists King County Superior Court, Case 24-3-04412-1, Petition for Dissolution filed 02/10/2026. If there are no prior cases, check the None box.
The common mistake is forgetting an old criminal no-contact order, which can cause the judge to enter inconsistent terms; the consequence is enforcement confusion at the scene. A misconception is that sealed or expired orders do not count; you should still disclose them so the judge has the full picture.
Section 7: Reasons for the Order — The Incident Narrative
Section 7 is the heart of the petition. You describe, in your own words, the most recent incident and any prior incidents that show why you need protection. Write in chronological order, use specific dates, and describe what the respondent did, what was said, and what you felt or feared. Stick to facts, not conclusions.
For example, Maria writes: On 05/14/2026 at about 9:30 p.m., David grabbed my left arm, pushed me into the kitchen counter, and said “I’ll kill you before I let you leave.” Sofia (age 7) saw this. I called 911 and Seattle Police took report 2026-128443. On 04/02/2026, David broke my phone when I tried to call my mother.
The common mistake is writing vague statements like He has been abusive for years. Judges grant ex parte orders only on specific dated events, and vague petitions are routinely denied. The misconception is that a long emotional narrative is more persuasive; in fact, a short, dated, specific timeline beats a long unfocused one every time. If you run out of room, attach a continuation sheet labeled Attachment to Section 7.
Section 8: Firearms and Dangerous Weapons
Section 8 asks whether the respondent owns, possesses, or has access to any firearms, dangerous weapons, or a concealed pistol license. Check Yes or No and list each weapon with as much detail as you know. If you check Yes, the judge will usually enter a firearm surrender order under RCW 9.41.800.
For example, Maria checks Yes and writes One Glock 19 9mm pistol kept in nightstand; Washington CPL issued 2019. If you don’t know exact models, describe what you saw, such as black handgun in a shoulder holster.
The common mistake is checking No because you are unsure; the consequence is no firearm surrender order, even when one is warranted. The misconception is that the court will search the respondent’s home; in fact, surrender is triggered only by your sworn statement and any record evidence.
Section 9: Relief Requested
Section 9 is a checklist of orders you want the judge to enter. Common boxes include No contact, Stay 1,000 feet away, Vacate shared residence, Surrender firearms, No alcohol or drugs while parenting, Counseling, and Costs and attorney fees. Check every box that fits your safety needs.
For example, Maria checks No contact, Stay 1,000 feet away from petitioner, the children, the home at 4422 NE 65th St, and the children’s school, Vacate the residence, and Surrender all firearms. She does not check Attorney fees because she is pro se.
The common mistake is leaving boxes unchecked because you “don’t want to be greedy”; judges only grant relief you actually request. The misconception is that the judge will fill in standard relief automatically; in fact, the order tracks the boxes you check.
Section 10: Petitioner Signature and Declaration
The final section is your signature under penalty of perjury under RCW 9A.72.085. You sign, print your name, and date the petition. Sign in blue or black ink if filing on paper, and use the e-signature field if filing through the portal.
For example, Maria Lopez signs Maria E. Lopez, prints Maria Elena Lopez, and dates 05/22/2026. The signature line right below confirms you are signing under penalty of perjury under the laws of Washington State.
The common mistake is signing before completing every section; an unsigned or incomplete petition is rejected by the clerk. The misconception is that perjury warnings are routine boilerplate; in fact, knowingly false statements are a class B felony under RCW 9A.72.020.
Three Filled-Out Examples Using Real Scenarios
Scenario 1: Maria Lopez — Domestic Violence Petition
Maria is 41, married to David for 11 years, with two minor children. After a violent kitchen incident on 05/14/2026, she files a DVPO petition pro se in King County Superior Court.
| Form Section | What Maria Enters |
|---|---|
| Caption | Superior Court of Washington, County of King |
| Section 1 — Petitioner | Maria Elena Lopez, 03/14/1985, PO Box 4471, Seattle, WA 98104 |
| Section 2 — Respondent | David James Carter, 07/22/1982, 6‘1”, 210 lbs |
| Section 3 — Type | Domestic Violence Protection Order |
| Section 4 — Relationship | Spouse, married 06/12/2015 |
| Section 5 — Children | Sofia Lopez-Carter 09/02/2018; Mateo Lopez-Carter 04/19/2021 |
| Section 6 — Other Cases | King Co. Sup. Ct. 24-3-04412-1, dissolution 02/10/2026 |
| Section 7 — Incidents | 05/14/2026 grab, push, threat; 04/02/2026 broke phone |
| Section 8 — Firearms | Yes — Glock 19 in nightstand, WA CPL since 2019 |
| Section 9 — Relief | No contact, 1,000 ft, vacate, surrender firearms |
| Section 10 — Signature | Maria E. Lopez, 05/22/2026 |
Scenario 2: Aisha Khan — Anti-Harassment Petition
Aisha is 29 and lives next door to a neighbor who has yelled slurs and banged on her door three times in the last 60 days. She files an Anti-Harassment petition in Seattle Municipal Court.
| Form Section | What Aisha Enters |
|---|---|
| Caption | Seattle Municipal Court, King County |
| Section 1 — Petitioner | Aisha Khan, 11/04/1996, 1820 12th Ave, Seattle, WA |
| Section 2 — Respondent | Robert Pearson, 02/15/1971, 5‘10”, 175 lbs |
| Section 3 — Type | Anti-Harassment Protection Order |
| Section 4 — Relationship | Other — Next-door neighbor since 2021 |
| Section 5 — Children | None |
| Section 6 — Other Cases | None |
| Section 7 — Incidents | 03/12, 04/05, 05/01/2026 — yelling, slurs, door banging |
| Section 8 — Firearms | Unknown — saw rifle case in garage |
| Section 9 — Relief | No contact, 500 ft from home and workplace |
| Section 10 — Signature | Aisha Khan, 05/22/2026 |
Scenario 3: Janet Ruiz — Stalking Petition
Janet is 22, a college student at UW. An ex-classmate has shown up at her dorm and at her part-time job twice in 30 days, and posted her schedule on social media. She files a Stalking Protection Order petition in King County Superior Court.
| Form Section | What Janet Enters |
|---|---|
| Caption | Superior Court of Washington, County of King |
| Section 1 — Petitioner | Janet Ruiz, 08/19/2003, c/o UW Student Legal Services |
| Section 2 — Respondent | Tyler Brooks, 01/30/2002, 5‘9”, 160 lbs |
| Section 3 — Type | Stalking Protection Order |
| Section 4 — Relationship | Other — Former classmate |
| Section 5 — Children | None |
| Section 6 — Other Cases | UWPD report 2026-0489 |
| Section 7 — Incidents | 04/28 dorm visit; 05/15 workplace visit; 05/19 social media post |
| Section 8 — Firearms | Unknown |
| Section 9 — Relief | No contact, 1,000 ft from dorm, classes, and workplace |
| Section 10 — Signature | Janet Ruiz, 05/22/2026 |
How to File the Completed Form
You can file Form PO 020 through three channels in Washington, and each channel has its own steps, fees, and proof of filing.
Online through the Washington Protection Order Portal. The portal walks you through each section in plain English, validates required fields, and routes the filing to the correct county court. There is no filing fee for any protection order under RCW 7.105.100(4). Save and print the confirmation page as your proof of filing. Most courts review portal filings the same business day or the next morning.
In person at the court clerk’s office. Bring two copies of the completed petition plus the original, your photo ID, and any exhibits. Superior Court clerks accept DV, SAPO, SPO, VAPO, and ERPO petitions, while District and Municipal Court clerks accept Anti-Harassment petitions. The clerk stamps your copies as your proof of filing and forwards your petition to a judge for an ex parte review the same day in most counties.
By mail. Mail the original and two copies to the clerk’s office of the proper court, along with a self-addressed stamped envelope so the clerk can return your stamped copies. Mailed filings can take three to seven business days, which puts them outside the same-day ex parte window. Use mail only when in-person and online filing are not available, and call the clerk first to confirm acceptance.
What Happens After You File
Once the clerk accepts the petition, a judge reviews it the same day or the next judicial day for an ex parte temporary protection order. If the judge grants the temporary order, it lasts up to 14 days and sets a full hearing date under RCW 7.105.205. The court issues a copy of the temporary order, the notice of hearing, and the petition for service.
The county sheriff or a process server then serves the respondent with the order, the petition, and the hearing notice. Service must happen before the full hearing, and the law enforcement information sheet you completed drives where the deputy goes. If service fails before the hearing, you can ask the judge to reissue the temporary order and set a new hearing date.
At the full hearing, both you and the respondent present evidence, and the judge decides whether to enter a final order for up to one year (or longer for some types). If you do not appear, the judge will dismiss the petition; if the respondent does not appear, the judge can enter a final order based on your testimony alone. Bring all exhibits, photos, witnesses, and police report numbers to the hearing.
Mistakes to Avoid When Filling Out the Form
- Checking the wrong order type. Picks the wrong legal standard, and the petition is dismissed or refiled in another court.
- Leaving the respondent’s date of birth blank. Stops entry into WACIC and prevents real-time enforcement.
- Disclosing your home address when unsafe. Reveals your location to the respondent through the public court file.
- Vague incident descriptions without dates. Leads to ex parte denial because judges need specific dated events.
- Forgetting to check firearm surrender. No firearm order is entered, even when warranted.
- Skipping the children’s section. Leaves children unprotected at school and daycare.
- Failing to disclose existing court orders. Causes conflicting orders and enforcement confusion.
- Not requesting specific relief. Judges only grant relief you check, so blanks become missing protections.
- Signing before completing every section. Triggers a clerk rejection at intake.
- Filing in the wrong court level. DV in District Court or Anti-Harassment in Superior Court gets bounced.
- Listing guesses for height, weight, or address. Misidentifies the respondent and blocks service.
- Missing the 14-day full hearing date. A no-show by the petitioner ends the case and dissolves the temporary order.
Do’s and Don’ts
Do: – Do download the latest version from the Washington Courts forms library, because outdated petitions are rejected at intake. – Do use specific dates, locations, and quoted statements in Section 7, because judges grant ex parte orders on facts. – Do list every firearm or weapon you know about, because it triggers surrender under RCW 9.41.800. – Do request a confidential address through the Address Confidentiality Program if disclosure is unsafe. – Do bring exhibits, photos, and witness information to every hearing, because the judge will not have them otherwise. – Do call a domestic violence advocate or WashingtonLawHelp before filing, because free help speeds the process.
Don’t: – Don’t check more than one order type, because the judge has to pick one and may move the case. – Don’t write conclusions like He is dangerous without facts, because conclusions alone are not evidence. – Don’t sign a petition with blanks, because clerks reject incomplete filings. – Don’t list a home address you want to keep private, because it becomes part of the public file. – Don’t skip the hearing date, because a no-show ends the case immediately. – Don’t contact the respondent after filing, because it can damage credibility at the hearing.
Pros and Cons of Filing on Your Own vs. With Help
Pros of filing pro se: – Free filing under RCW 7.105.100(4), which removes a financial barrier. – The portal walks you through each box, lowering the technical bar. – You can file the same day, beating the typical attorney intake delay. – You keep full control of the narrative and what relief to request. – You learn the process, which helps if you need to renew the order in a year.
Cons of filing pro se: – You may miss strategic relief boxes that an attorney would catch. – You write the incident narrative under stress, which can lead to vague Section 7 entries. – You face the respondent (and possibly their lawyer) at the hearing without legal training. – You bear the entire evidence burden — exhibits, witnesses, and cross-examination. – You may not know about local rules that vary county by county.
FAQs
Is Form PO 020 the same in every Washington county?
Yes. Form PO 020 is a statewide unified petition, and every Washington court must accept it, although some counties add a local cover sheet at filing.
Is there a filing fee for Form PO 020?
No. Under RCW 7.105.100(4), there is no filing fee, no service fee, and no fee for certified copies of any protection order.
Do I write my maiden name or married name in Section 1?
Yes. Use the legal name you currently use on government ID, and add prior names in the Also Known As line so the order matches every record.
Do I list my home address if I am hiding from the respondent?
No. You can use a P.O. Box, a friend’s address, or an Address Confidentiality Program substitute address as your mailing address.
Can I file Form PO 020 against someone in another state?
Yes. Washington courts can issue an order if you live in Washington, the conduct happened here, or the respondent has minimum contacts under RCW 7.105.080.
Do I check the firearm box if I only suspect the respondent has a gun?
Yes. Mark Yes and explain what you saw or heard, because the judge weighs your sworn statement plus any records.
Can I include my children in Section 5 if they are not the respondent’s biological kids?
Yes. Any child in the household can be protected under RCW 7.105.225, regardless of biological relationship.
Will the respondent see my petition?
Yes. The respondent receives the petition with the temporary order at service, except for any address you marked confidential.
Can a 16-year-old file Form PO 020 alone?
Yes. A petitioner age 15 or older can file on their own behalf under RCW 7.105.100(2).
Do I need to attach the police report to the petition?
No. You don’t have to attach it, but listing the report number in Section 7 helps the judge verify your account.
Can I amend Section 7 after filing if I remember more incidents?
Yes. File an amended petition or a supplemental declaration before the full hearing, because new dated facts can strengthen the order.
Is a Domestic Violence Protection Order automatically a custody order?
No. A DVPO can include a temporary residential schedule, but a full custody order requires a separate dissolution or parentage case under Title 26 RCW.
What happens if I lie in Section 7?
No false statement is harmless — knowingly false statements are punishable as perjury under RCW 9A.72.020, a class B felony.
Can I file Form PO 020 by mail if I live far from a courthouse?
Yes. Mail the original and two copies with a self-addressed stamped envelope, but online filing through the protection order portal is faster.
Related reading
- How to Fill Out Washington Form PO 001 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Washington Form PO 030 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Washington Form PO 040 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Washington Form PO 100 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out Washington Form PRO 03 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out a Washington Receivership Petition (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out California Form DV-100 (w/Examples) + FAQs