A restraining order—also known as a protective order, a stay away order of protection, or an order of protection—is an order from the court requiring spouses in the divorce process (or other intimate partners) not to come within a specified distance of the other spouse, not to harass the other spouse, and not to contact the other spouse by phone, e-mail, text, or otherwise. A protective order may also order the spouse against whom it is issued not to carry a firearm—even if the spouse is licensed to do so.

Under some circumstances a court may issue an ex parte (pronounced x-par-tay) temporary protective order that is in effect for a certain number of days. An ex parte protective order is issued in an emergency situation without notice to the other spouse and an opportunity for the other spouse (and the spouse’s lawyer) to respond to the application for a protective order. When the spouse or intimate partner is served with the ex parte temporary protective order it will include notice of the hearing date on which the court will consider the application for the more permanent or full order of protection.

Laws regarding protective orders and the circumstances under which they may be issued vary from state to state but are generally based on proof of family or dating violence, domestic abuse, stalking, harassment, sexual abuse, or sexual assault. These laws are usually located in a state’s statutes—often in the family code or domestic relations code.

In Washington State, restraining orders, also known as protective orders, are legal orders issued by a court to protect individuals from domestic violence, harassment, stalking, or other forms of abuse. These orders can prohibit the restrained person from contacting the protected individual, coming within a certain distance of them, and may include restrictions on firearm possession, even if the individual is licensed to carry one. Washington courts can issue temporary ex parte protective orders in emergency situations without prior notice to the restrained person, providing immediate protection. These temporary orders are typically in effect until a full hearing can be held, at which point a more permanent order may be granted. The laws governing protective orders in Washington are found in the Revised Code of Washington (RCW), particularly under Title 26 which deals with domestic relations. The issuance of protective orders is generally based on evidence of threats, violence, or abuse, and the process is designed to provide swift and effective protection for victims.