History & Purpose
Since Washington’s implementation of Chapter 7.105 RCWExternal link - opens in a new window, Washington’s civil protection order (CPO) law, courts have adapted to an increase in filings, the number of hearings, length of time to conduct hearings, and length of time to prepare for hearings, largely without additional funding.
This Project uses pass‑through funding appropriated by the Legislature to reimburse participating trial courts for:
- using pro tems to cover their civil protection order dockets;
- time spent training pro tems; and
- other expenditures related to providing pro tem training on protection orders.
What is a “pro tem”?
A judge or commissioner pro tempore (commonly referred to as a “pro tem”) is a judicial officer who is temporarily appointed. Individuals serving as pro tems may include judges from other jurisdictions, retired judges, or practicing attorneys.
Applications for Fiscal Year 2027 are Now Closed
Application Timeline
- Applications Open
- Virtual Office Hours & Information Session
- Applications Close
- Application Review
- Notification Letters Sent
- June 1, 2026
- June 12, 2026 at 8:00am
- June 12, 2026 at 12:00pm
- June 30, 2026
- July 1-17, 2026
- By August 1, 2026
Helpful Resources
For Court Staff
For Pro Tems
- Education PortalExternal link - opens in a new window
- Education Portal Registration InstructionsDownload
- Education Portal Login InstructionsDownload
- Civil Protection Order ChartDownload
- Coercive Control Bench CardDownload
- Continuance Request Bench CardDownload
- CPO Form Orders Webinar SeriesExternal link - opens in a new window
- CPO ScriptDownload
- CPO Tip SheetDownload
- DV Fact SheetDownload
- DV Manual for Judges, Chapter 8: Civil Protection OrdersDownload
- Firearms Bench Card - June 2026Download
- GJC GBV Training & Resource Library
- Interpreter Bench CardDownload
- Language Access WebinarExternal link - opens in a new window
- Procedural Justice Bench CardDownload
- Pro Tem Forum SlidesExternal link - opens in a new window
- Sexual Violence Bench Guide, Chapter 9: Civil Protection OrdersDownload
- Stalking Bench Card (SPARC)Download
- Stalking Guide for Judicial Officers (SPARC)Download
- Trauma-Informed Bench CardDownload
- Unrepresented Litigant Bench CardDownload
Upcoming Events
-
Pro Tem Forum
Pro Tems Only
Thursday, November 5, 12:00-1:00pm
Retired Commissioner Jennie Laird will facilitate monthly pro tem forums on relevant protection order hearing topics. November's forum will be a mock CPO hearing to review a scenario and practice filling out forms.
Register -
Understanding Cultural Dynamics in CPO Hearings
Pro Tems and Judicial Officers
Tuesday, November 17, 12:00-1:00pm
Dr. Carolyn West will highlight the disproportionate impacts of gender-based violence on Black women, including lack of representation, criminalization, and lethality, and review best practices to ensure racial equity in CPO hearings.
Register -
Pro Tem Forum
Pro Tems Only
Thursday, December 3, 12:00-1:00
Retired Commissioner Jennie Laird will facilitate monthly pro tem forums on relevant protection order hearing topics. December's forum will address self-care for judicial officers.
Register
Contact Us
To request additional information, or to request information on this webpage in an alternate format, please contact Jessica Janét at Jessica.Janet@courts.wa.gov.
