Legal Question in Civil Litigation in Washington

im a canadian who for 8 months out of the year works in the US.

i went to school in the US and became friends with an american girl. she graduated a year later and so for the past 4 years our friendship has consisted of text messaging and facebook, with maybe 5 visits in that time. shes living in seattle and i live in vancouver and recently she decided to come up and visit me. the day she was supposed to come we got in a little bit of an argument through text messages and i told her not to bother coming anymore and that i thought it would be best if we werent friends anymore and that we just left eachother alone.

she then proceeded to tell me she was going to file a restraining order against me.

now my questions are...can she do this?

i've never abused or harassed her or stalked her. so can she just file a restraining order for any reason?

'and secondly, if she can. will this affect whether or not i can continue to work in the states or travel to the states?

hope you can help, thanks


Asked on 7/22/10, 3:30 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Gary Preble Preble Law Firm, P.S.

Sounds like you made a wise decision; congratulations on avoiding future heartache by recognizing now what she is like. Unfortunately, however, as they say, "Hell hath no fury like a woman scorned." Chances are she will not do anything. But you should remove her number from your phone and your email address book and have no further contact.

Also unfortunately, in WA there is little evidence needed to file a restraining order, and many judges sign them very easily (indiscriminately, in some cases), at least the temporary order. If you have had a sexual relationship, chapter 26.50 RCW would apply, available at http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=26.50

Make sure you save all your emails and texts. I would take photographs of all the texts in case you need them for trial. If she calls you, do not answer. Save any phone messages from her you have.

As to the effect an order would have on your employment in WA, I have no answer.

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Answered on 7/22/10, 8:11 pm


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