Protection orders exist to give people a sense of safety, space, and control—especially when the situation at home or in a relationship becomes unsafe.
At Dellino Family Law Group, we have been helping clients across King County since 2013. With over 180 years of combined experience, our Seattle protection orders lawyers provide thoughtful guidance, strong advocacy, and a truly personal approach.
If you’re searching for a Seattle domestic violence lawyer, you’ll find that we listen first. We start every case with an in-depth, pre-consultation case evaluation to make sure you’re matched with the attorney who’s right for you.
Understanding What Protection Orders Do
Protection orders are legal tools that help protect people from abuse, threats, stalking, and other harmful behaviors. These orders can require someone to stay away, stop contacting you, or move out of a shared home. In Washington State, they are issued by District and Superior Courts and can have serious legal consequences if violated.
You do not need to be married to the person you’re filing against. These cases can involve former partners, relatives, roommates, or even acquaintances. The point is to stop harm, whether it’s physical injury, emotional distress, or ongoing harassment.
If you are feeling unsafe or threatened, a Seattle family lawyer can help you understand your rights and start the process.
Types of Protection Orders in Washington
There is no single type of protection order that fits every situation. Washington law offers several options depending on the relationship between the parties and the nature of the alleged harm:
- Domestic Violence Protection Orders (DVPOs): These cover harm, stalking, or sexual assault, or fear of imminent harm, from a partner, relative, or roommate. Physical contact is not required; reasonable fear alone may qualify.
- Sexual Assault Protection Orders (SAPOs): SAPOs are for those who have experienced non-consensual sexual contact by someone they aren’t related to or haven’t lived with. If the abuse came from a family or household member, a DVPO would apply instead.
- Anti–Harassment Protection Orders (AHOs): These address unwanted behaviors that do not meet the domestic violence threshold but still cause serious emotional distress. The behavior must be intentional, without a lawful purpose, and part of a repeated pattern.
- Vulnerable Adult Protection Orders (VAPOs): VAPOs protect adults who are unable to care for themselves due to age, disability, or other vulnerability. They may be filed by the adult, a guardian, or a concerned third party when there is abuse, neglect, or exploitation involved.
- Extreme Risk Protection Orders (ERPOs): These are used to restrict a person’s access to firearms when they pose a serious risk of harm to themselves or others. They do not limit other behaviors—only firearm access—and can be filed by family, household members, or law enforcement.
Each type of protection order carries its own requirements, rules, and consequences. A protection orders attorney in Seattle can help you understand which one applies to your situation and how to move forward with compelling evidence and confidence.
How Protection Orders Differ from Restraining Orders and No Contact Orders
Not all court orders offer the same kind of protection. Here’s how restraining orders and no contact orders differ from protection orders—and when each one applies.
Restraining Orders
Restraining orders are part of a family law case, like divorce, legal separation, or parenting plans. They are used to limit certain behaviors, such as contact or the disposal of property, and can be temporary or permanent, depending on the situation.
If you don’t already have a family law case or don’t plan to file one, a restraining order likely is not the right fit.
No Contact Orders (NCOs)
Issued only in criminal cases, a No Contact Order is meant to protect an alleged victim while a case is pending. These can go into place after charges like assault or harassment are filed, even before there’s a conviction.
If there is a guilty plea or conviction, the court may extend the order. NCOs are different from protection orders but may exist alongside them when both criminal and civil cases are involved.
If you are unsure which order applies to your case, an attorney can help guide you toward the right path forward.
Who Can File for a Protection Order in Seattle?
Adults and, in some cases, minors (with the help of a parent or guardian) can petition the court for a protection order. You do not need to have a police report or a history of criminal charges to file. That said, compelling evidence, like threatening messages, medical records, or witness statements, can help support your case.
You might file against a spouse, an ex, a roommate, a neighbor, or even someone you’ve never lived with. The law prioritizes safety, especially in cases involving children, vulnerable adults, or ongoing emotional abuse.
If you are unsure whether your situation qualifies, we can walk you through the legal definitions and help determine your next steps.
How the Process Works in King County
Filing for a protection order in King County starts with paperwork; the more detail you provide, the better. You will describe the type of harm you’ve experienced, when it happened, and how often. These declarations are sworn under penalty of perjury.
After you file, the court may issue a Temporary Protection Order, often the same day. A hearing is then scheduled within a short period of time—typically about two weeks—so the judge can decide whether to extend or modify the order.
The alleged perpetrator (or “respondent”) has the right to respond, bring a defense attorney, and present their evidence. If you are worried about facing this person in court, your attorney can request accommodations for safety, privacy, or virtual testimony.
What a Seattle Protection Orders Attorney Can Do for You
Having the right legal support can make a huge difference in how your case is handled—and how protected you feel. A Seattle protection orders attorney helps with:
- Drafting clear, fact-based declarations
- Collecting defense documents like police reports or digital communications
- Preparing you for what to expect in court
- Responding to exaggerated accusations or false allegation claims
- Coordinating with criminal defense or family law attorneys if needed
We also understand how these cases overlap with child custody, divorce proceedings, and criminal prosecution. Our approach is thorough, thoughtful, and always aligned with your safety goals.
Protection Orders and Family Law Issues
In many cases, protection orders are part of a bigger picture. That might mean you’re dealing with temporary custody arrangements, property issues, or domestic violence charges at the same time.
The presence of a protection order can influence residential time, division of property determinations, and even the outcome of custody of children. Judges in family court take protection orders seriously, especially when there are credible allegations of abuse or psychological harm.
If you’re involved in a civil family law matter at the same time, our family law attorneys can help make sure your protection order supports your long-term goals and fits within the broader context of your case.
Responding to Protection Orders
If you have been served with a protection order, your next steps matter. Violating a Temporary or Final Protection Order can lead to criminal charges, jail time, and civil contempt findings. That’s why it’s important to understand the order’s conditions and respond strategically.
We work with individuals on both sides of these cases. Whether you need to defend yourself against exaggerated accusations or address harmful behavior, our firm offers guidance that balances legal rights with community safety concerns.
Why Choose Dellino Family Law for Seattle Protection Orders?
Protection orders involve some of the most emotional situations in the legal system. It does not matter if you’re seeking protection or facing allegations, you need someone who listens—and someone who fights when needed.
At Dellino Family Law, we offer a flexible, personal approach to these cases. We’ll match you with the attorney best suited to your needs, backed by a team with over 180 years of combined experience and access to private investigators, custody evaluators, and forensic specialists.
Communication is everything to us. Contact us today for an in-depth, pre-consultation case evaluation. Let’s talk about your options—and what comes next.