(1) The district courts shall have original jurisdiction and cognizance of stalking protection order proceedings brought under this chapter, except a district court shall transfer such actions and proceedings to the superior court when it is shown that:
(a) The petitioner, victim, or respondent to the petition is under 18 years of age;
(b) The action involves title or possession of real property;
(c) A superior court has exercised or is exercising jurisdiction over a proceeding involving the parties; or
(d) The action would have the effect of interfering with a respondent's care, control, or custody of the respondent's minor child.
(2) Municipal courts may exercise jurisdiction and cognizance of any stalking protection order proceedings brought under this chapter by adoption of local court rule, except a municipal court shall transfer such actions and proceedings to the superior court when it is shown that:
(a) The petitioner, victim, or respondent to the petition is under 18 years of age;
(b) The action involves title or possession of real property;
(c) A superior court has exercised or is exercising jurisdiction over a proceeding involving the parties; or
(d) The action would have the effect of interfering with a respondent's care, control, or custody of the respondent's minor child.
(3) Superior courts shall have concurrent jurisdiction to receive the transfer of stalking protection order petitions in cases where a district or municipal court judge makes findings of fact and conclusions of law showing that meritorious reasons exist for the transfer. The jurisdiction of district and municipal courts is limited to enforcement of RCW 7.105.450(1), or the equivalent municipal ordinance, and the issuance and enforcement of temporary protection orders provided for in RCW 7.105.305 if the superior court is exercising jurisdiction over a proceeding under this chapter involving the parties.
[ 2021 c 215 § 5.]
NOTES:
Effective date—2021 c 215: See note following RCW 7.105.900.