Washington Revised Code Title 7. Special Proceedings and Actions § 7.90.140. Sexual assault protection orders--Service to respondent (Effective until July 1, 2022)

(1) An order issued under this chapter shall be personally served upon the respondent, except as provided in subsection (6) of this section.

(2) The sheriff of the county or the peace officers of the municipality in which the respondent resides shall serve the respondent personally unless the petitioner elects to have the respondent served by a private party.  If the order includes a requirement under RCW 9.41.800 for the immediate surrender of all firearms, dangerous weapons, and any concealed pistol license, the order must be served by a law enforcement officer.

(3) If service by a sheriff or municipal peace officer is to be used, the clerk of the court shall have a copy of any order issued under this chapter electronically forwarded on or before the next judicial day to the appropriate law enforcement agency specified in the order for service upon the respondent.  Service of an order issued under this chapter shall take precedence over the service of other documents unless they are of a similar emergency nature.

(4) If the sheriff or municipal peace officer cannot complete service upon the respondent within ten days, the sheriff or municipal peace officer shall notify the petitioner.  The petitioner shall provide information sufficient to permit notification.

(5) Returns of service under this chapter shall be made in accordance with the applicable court rules.

(6) If an order entered by the court recites that the respondent appeared in person before the court, the necessity for further service is waived and proof of service of that order is not necessary.

(7) If the court previously entered an order allowing service of the notice of hearing and temporary order of protection by publication under RCW 7.90.052 or service by mail under RCW 7.90.053, the court may permit service by publication or service by mail of the order of protection issued under this chapter.  Service by publication must comply with the requirements of RCW 7.90.052 and service by mail must comply with the requirements of RCW 7.90.053.  The court order must state whether the court permitted service by publication or service by mail.