If you have been served with a Domestic Violence Protection Order in Pierce County Superior Court, knowing what to do next is essential. This guide provides general information about responding to the order and the steps involved in serving and filing your response documents. 

Table of Contents:

1. What is a Domestic Violence Protection Order

2. Taking Action After Receiving a DVPO

3. Assistance With Serving and Filing Your Response

4. Who Can Serve Your Court Documents?

5. Where to File Your DVPO Response in Pierce County

6. Assistance With Serving Your Response

1. What is a Domestic Violence Protection Order

A Domestic Violence Protection Order (DVPO) is a court order that may place restrictions on a person accused of domestic violence, threats, harassment, or abuse.

In Pierce County, a domestic violence protection order may restrict contact with the petitioner and include other requirements that you must follow. Understanding what the order says and what you need to do next can help you respond properly.

2. Taking Action After Receiving a DVPO

Responding to a domestic violence protection order gives you an opportunity to present your position to the court before a full protection order is considered. Carefully review the Temporary Protection Order and Notice of Hearing for the hearing date, time, location, or remote-hearing instructions, and any filing deadlines that apply to your case.

• If you plan to submit a written response or supporting documents, follow the court’s filing instructions and applicable local requirements.

3. Assistance With Serving and Filing Your Response

If you need assistance with serving your response documents, WA Pro Se can help with the process in Pierce County. Our professional process servers can deliver documents fast and accurately. We can also assist with filing documents with the court when requested.

• WA Pro Se does not prepare legal responses or provide legal advice.

4. Who Can Serve Your Court Documents?

Court documents generally must be served by someone who meets the applicable Washington requirements, and not a party to the case.

 Depending on the circumstances, service may be completed by:

• A professional process serving company like WA Pro Se
•  Sheriff
• Another Qualified Adult.

• You cannot serve the documents yourself.

5. Where to File Your DVPO Response in Pierce County

Domestic Violence Protection Order matters in Pierce County are handled through Pierce County Superior Court, and the clerk’s office for civil protection orders is located at:

• Pierce County Superior Court
  930 Tacoma Ave. S., Room 110
  Tacoma, WA 98402

6. Assistance With Serving Your Response

Serving your DVPO response documents doesn’t have to add more stress to an already difficult situation. WA Pro Se can help coordinate professional process service throughout Pierce County, with flexible attempts designed to reach the petitioner when they are available.

Our Services Include:

• Up to four (4) attempts at different times of day, including morning, afternoon, evening, or weekend attempts, to improve the chances of successful service.
• Skip tracing to help locate hard-to-find petitioners
• Court filing assistance upon request
• Real-time updates via email throughout the service process.
• Proof of Service prepared for court after service is completed.

Conclusion:

Don’t wait until the last minute to arrange service. WA Pro Se provides professional process serving throughout Pierce County, Washington, including Tacoma, Lakewood, Puyallup, Gig Harbor, Bonney Lake, University Place, Spanaway, and nearby communities.

Our experienced process servers work to complete service efficiently while keeping you informed at all times.

Need your DVPO response documents served in Pierce County? Contact WA Pro Se to arrange service. For a faster option, fill out our order form and submit your request. We’ll review your order and coordinate service immediately with a professional process server in your area.

Don't forget to check our website, www.WAProSe.com.