Washington § 26.51.030 - Order restricting abusive litigation — Who may request, when — Instructions, brochures, and forms — Fees.

Full text of Washington Revised Code of Washington § 26.51.030 — Order restricting abusive litigation — Who may request, when — Instructions, brochures, and forms — Fees., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 26.51.030. Order restricting abusive litigation — Who may request, when — Instructions, brochures, and forms — Fees.

(1) A party to a case may request from the court an order restricting abusive litigation if the parties are current or former intimate partners and one party has been found by the court to have committed domestic violence against the other party:
(a) In any answer or response to the litigation being filed, initiated, advanced, or continued;
(b) By motion made at any time during any open or ongoing case; or
(c) By separate motion made under this chapter, within five years of the entry of an order for protection even if the order has since expired.
(2) Any court of competent jurisdiction may, on its own motion, determine that a hearing pursuant to RCW 26.51.040 is necessary to determine if a party is engaging in abusive litigation.
(3) The administrative office of the courts shall update the instructions, brochures, standard petition, and order for protection forms, and create new forms for the motion for order restricting abusive litigation and order restricting abusive litigation, and update the court staff handbook when changes in the law make an update necessary.
(4) No filing fee may be charged to the unrestricted party for proceedings under this section regardless of whether it is filed under this chapter or another action in this title. Forms and instructional brochures shall be provided free of charge.
(5) The provisions of this section are nonexclusive and do not affect any other remedy available.
[ 2020 c 311 s 3.]

Source: official Washington text · Last verified 2026-08-27

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Frequently Asked Questions About Washington § 26.51.030

What does Revised Code of Washington § 26.51.030 cover?

Section 26.51.030 ("Order restricting abusive litigation — Who may request, when — Instructions, brochures, and forms — Fees.") is part of the Revised Code of Washington, the codified statutory law of Washington. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Washington § 26.51.030?

A common citation format is "Revised Code of Washington § 26.51.030" (Washington). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Washington law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Washington official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Washington attorney.

How does Washington § 26.51.030 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Washington can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Washington.