2005 Washington Revised Code RCW 74.34.110: Protection of vulnerable adults — Petition for protective order.

An action known as a petition for an order for protection of a vulnerable adult in cases of abandonment, abuse, financial exploitation, or neglect is created.

     (1) A vulnerable adult may seek relief from abandonment, abuse, financial exploitation, or neglect, or the threat thereof, by filing a petition for an order for protection in superior court.

     (2) A petition shall allege that the petitioner is a vulnerable adult and that the petitioner has been abandoned, abused, financially exploited, or neglected, or is threatened with abandonment, abuse, financial exploitation, or neglect by respondent.

     (3) A petition shall be accompanied by affidavit made under oath stating the specific facts and circumstances which demonstrate the need for the relief sought.

     (4) A petition for an order may be made whether or not there is a pending lawsuit, complaint, petition, or other action between the parties.

     (5) A petitioner is not required to post bond to obtain relief in any proceeding under this section.

     (6) An action under this section shall be filed in the county where the petitioner resides; except that if the petitioner has left the residence as a result of abandonment, abuse, financial exploitation, or neglect, or in order to avoid abandonment, abuse, financial exploitation, or neglect, the petitioner may bring an action in the county of either the previous or new residence.

     (7) The filing fee for the petition may be waived at the discretion of the court.

[1999 c 176 § 12; 1986 c 187 § 5.]

Findings -- Purpose -- Severability -- Conflict with federal requirements -- 1999 c 176: See notes following RCW 74.34.005.