With an easy question and answer format, this interview helps people fill out all the forms needed to apply for a domestic violence protection order. It also gives instructions and links to local domestic violence agencies. For people who do not meet the type of relationship or harm requirements for a DVPO, it links them to the appropriate type of protection order.
What is a Washington Forms Online interview?
This program on Washington LawHelp asks you questions and uses your answers to fill out court forms. (Similar to popular tax preparation software.) People without lawyers can use these interviews to fill out the forms they need for some family law and domestic violence cases. Each completed form comes with easy to read instructions.
The interviews work best on a desktop computer, laptop, or large tablet. You can use a mobile phone, but it is harder on a phone.
More interviews are coming soon for sexual assault protection order, bilingual protection orders in Spanish, and divorce with children.
How do I get my forms?
You can download and save them to a computer, or have them emailed to yourself or someone else you trust. You must print your forms to file them in court.
Your forms will download as .RTF files (rich text format). You can open them in Microsoft Word, Google Docs, Pages, Word Pad, and other word processors.
Can I save my answers online?
Yes! You can create a free account on LawHelp Interactive(LHI) to save your answers. Saving protects you from losing work if you have spotty wi-fi, or just need a break. You can come back to finish answering questions or to edit your answers.
If you do more than one interview, you can use your saved answers to avoid re-typing names, addresses, and other repeat information.
Can I share my answers with a lawyer?
Yes! If you are working with a legal aid or volunteer lawyer, you can share your answers with them on LHI. Your lawyer can review and edit your answers, and save any changes. Either you or your lawyer can finish the interview to get the completed forms. You need your lawyer's LHI username to share answers with them.
If your lawyer does not have an LHI account, you can have the forms emailed to the lawyer after you finish the interview. Your lawyer can review and edit your forms.
