A Washington Order to Show Cause (also known as a Motion for Order to Show Cause or a Show Cause Order) is a court order compelling a party or parties to appear before a judge and explain why certain orders or relief should not be granted. This type of order is used in the state of Washington when a litigant wants to compel another party to take certain action or to refrain from taking certain action. The order requires that the party appear in court and explain why the requested order should not be granted. There are two types of Washington Order to Show Cause: a Temporary Order to Show Cause and a Permanent Order to Show Cause. A Temporary Order to Show Cause is used to request an immediate order from the court and the order is generally only valid until a hearing can be held. A Permanent Order to Show Cause is a more long-term order and requires that the party appear in court and explain why the requested order should not be granted.