(1) Any person may seek relief under this chapter by filing a petition with a court alleging that the person has been the victim of stalking conduct committed by the respondent.
(2) A minor sixteen years of age or older may seek relief under this chapter and is not required to seek relief through a guardian or next friend. This does not preclude a parent or legal custodian of a victim sixteen or seventeen years of age from seeking relief on behalf of the minor.
(3) The district courts shall have original jurisdiction and cognizance of any civil actions and 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 eighteen 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.
(4) Municipal courts may exercise jurisdiction and cognizance of any civil actions and 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 eighteen 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.
(5) Superior courts shall have concurrent jurisdiction to receive transfer of stalking 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 26.50.110(1), or the equivalent municipal ordinance, and the issuance and enforcement of temporary orders provided for in RCW 7.92.120 if the superior court is exercising jurisdiction over a proceeding under this chapter involving the parties.
(6) No guardian or guardian ad litem need be appointed on behalf of a respondent to an action under this chapter if such respondent is sixteen years of age or older.
(7) If a guardian ad litem is appointed for the petitioner or respondent, the petitioner shall not be required to pay any fee associated with such appointment.
(8) An action under this chapter shall be filed in the county or the municipality where the petitioner resides, unless the petitioner has left the residence or household to avoid stalking conduct. In that case, the petitioner may bring an action in the county or municipality of the previous or the new residence or household.
[ 2013 c 84 § 5.]