Legal Question in Family Law in Washington

In order to get an anti-harassment order, you need to go to the closest superior court and submit a motion and declaration for a protection order. There will be other forms as well that you'll have to fill out. If you can hire an attorney to help, do so. If you cannot afford an attorney, then check if your local courthouse has staff that can help at little or no cost. Also, check the Washington State Bar Association's website to see if they can refer you to an attorney or a local bar association that can refer you to an attorney who will do this at little or no cost (pro bono).

As for definitions, RCW 10.14.020 provides as follows:

(1) "Unlawful harassment" means a knowing and willful course of conduct directed at a specific person which seriously alarms, annoys, harasses, or is detrimental to such person, and which serves no legitimate or lawful purpose. The course of conduct shall be such as would cause a reasonable person to suffer substantial emotional distress, and shall actually cause substantial emotional distress to the petitioner, or, when the course of conduct would cause a reasonable parent to fear for the well-being of their child.

(2) "Course of conduct" means a pattern of conduct composed of a series of acts over a period of time, however short, evidencing a continuity of purpose. "Course of conduct" includes, in addition to any other form of communication, contact, or conduct, the sending of an electronic communication. Constitutionally protected activity is not included within the meaning of "course of conduct."