RCW 26.50.090 Order—Service—Fees.

(1) An order issued under this chapter shall be personally served upon the respondent, except as provided in subsections (6) and (8) of this section.

(2) The sheriff of the county or the peace officers of the municipality in which the respondent resides shall serve the respondent personally unless the petitioner elects to have the respondent served by a private party. If the order includes a requirement under RCW 9.41.800 for the immediate surrender of all firearms, dangerous weapons, and any concealed pistol license, the order must be served by a law enforcement officer.

(3) If service by a sheriff or municipal peace officer is to be used, the clerk of the court shall have a copy of any order issued under this chapter electronically forwarded on or before the next judicial day to the appropriate law enforcement agency specified in the order for service upon the respondent. Service of an order issued under this chapter shall take precedence over the service of other documents unless they are of a similar emergency nature.

(4) If the sheriff or municipal peace officer cannot complete service upon the respondent within ten days, the sheriff or municipal peace officer shall notify the petitioner. The petitioner shall provide information sufficient to permit notification.

(5) Returns of service under this chapter shall be made in accordance with the applicable court rules.

(6) If an order entered by the court recites that the respondent appeared in person before the court, the necessity for further service is waived and proof of service of that order is not necessary.

(7) Municipal police departments serving documents as required under this chapter may collect from respondents ordered to pay fees under RCW 26.50.060 the same fees for service and mileage authorized by RCW 36.18.040 to be collected by sheriffs.

(8) If the court previously entered an order allowing service of the notice of hearing and temporary order of protection by publication pursuant to RCW 26.50.085 or by mail pursuant to RCW 26.50.123, the court may permit service by publication or by mail of the order of protection issued under RCW 26.50.060. Service by publication must comply with the requirements of RCW 26.50.085 and service by mail must comply with the requirements of RCW 26.50.123. The court order must state whether the court permitted service by publication or by mail.

[ 2019 c 245 § 15; 1995 c 246 § 10; 1992 c 143 § 6; 1985 c 303 § 6; 1984 c 263 § 10.]

NOTES:

Severability—1995 c 246: See note following RCW 26.50.010.