Recently updated on October 12th, 2026 at 09:17 pm
File a Restraining Order Online: Civil Harassment Restraining Order (CHRO)
Create Forms and File for Civil Harassment Restraining Order Online
This website helps you create official California forms and file for a restraining order online.
This page is for the Civil Harassment Restraining Order, which is a type of restraining order when the abuser could be a neighbor, a co-worker, a roommate, a distant relative or a total stranger. For a current or former husband, wife, legal domestic partner, boyfriend, girlfriend or dating partner, or a close relative, please see Domestic Violence Restraining Order.
The website leads you through friendly online questionnaires, with helpful tips directly from courts. Once you complete the questionnaires, you can download the latest official version of court documents (PDF) or electronically file (e-file) these with your local Superior Court of California. You can also just explore your options, as your privacy is kept and your case is visible only to you until you file the restraining order with the court.
Start
Process Overview
This website presents a list of questions, and then at the end generates the paperwork for the Civil Harassment Restraining Order (CHRO).
HOW THIS WEBSITE WORKS
This website provides a guided experience to people who are working themselves on preparing the court forms for a Civil Harassment Restraining Order.
1. Take Screening
Select the specific protection order you want to file for. Then answer a few questions to determine your eligibility.
2. Prepare Documents for Restraining Order
Prepare the main set of your court documents by covering one topic at a time, presented in simple language and from any device. Then digitally sign without the need to print or re-scan the documents.
3. Consult Advocate (Optional)
Depending on your situation, we can suggest trusted free victim advocacy nonprofits. The advocate can assist you with certain aspects of the case and safety planning. They can review your case documents and talk to you directly to discuss your case.
4. File for Restraining Order Online
This website simplifies filing to a couple of clicks, and you get follow-up notifications from the court. You also have the option to download and print the PDF files and file in person.
How to get a restraining order? How to apply for a restraining order? How to Obtain a Restraining Order?
How to get a restraining order? How to apply for a restraining order? Or more precisely, how to get a Civil Harassment Restraining Order? Getting a restraining order typically involves filing the case and attending a hearing, which can take anywhere from one day (emergency situations) to up to three weeks.
Step 1
You: Gather evidence (proof of harassment) to get a restraining order
Gather evidence to support your case, though your personal testimony alone is also evidence.
The following are considered evidence of harassment:
Evidence Type 1: Pending Criminal Case
Judges are also more likely to issue an order if there is an ongoing criminal case; therefore, it’s important to call such cases out when seeking a temporary restraining order.
When a judge sees that there’s a criminal case happening, they might think it means the police or the district attorney are pretty sure they can prove the crime happened.
Evidence Type 2: Photos of violence, injuries, damage
These are the most common types of evidence submitted. These can be photos of the victim’s injuries inflicted by the abuser. It is helpful to add photos next to the related incident description to help create a complete picture for the judge.
Evidence Type 3: Printouts of messages, emails or transcripts of voicemail
You can take screenshots of text messages and attach them. Similarly, you can print emails and attach them as pictures or PDF files.
Evidence Type 4: 911 Calls
Rather than just saying you called 911 or any specific hotline, you can make your case stronger by listing the following items:
- The date and time (or approximate date and time) when the call was made
- Who made the call
- What was reported on the call
- Any specific details of the person who answered the 911 call, e.g. male/female voice
Evidence Type 5: Medical Records
You can attach documentation of previous medical emergencies or injuries that resulted from the actions of the abuser. These could be hospital visit records or printouts from your hospital portal (e.g. MyChart) showing details of your visit.
Evidence Type 6: Police reports
You can attach a copy of the police reports filed against the abuser for harassment.
Evidence Type 7: Testimony
A testimony from a witness. The witness can be anyone, such as a family member, a neighbor, a co-worker or a bystander. The testimony is just an essay describing the incidents witnessed, with as many specifics as possible.
Step 2
You: Take Online Screening
Determine if your situation is roughly suitable for applying for a Civil Harassment Restraining Order by taking a screening. You can begin by entering your ZIP code in the Start box at the top of this page.
Step 3
You: Create Case Documents (“Packet”)
After the screening, this website will guide you through the rest of the steps to creating the case documents.
Just for your knowledge: In order to file for a Civil Harassment Restraining Order, you need to fill out and submit a standardized set of official California court forms. These have questions aimed at understanding your situation and the people involved.
Example: The form which gathers the main information is CH-100 Request for Civil Harassment Restraining Orders.
Step 4
You: File the restraining order online with the court
To formally make your request to the court, you need to submit the documents to the clerk at the court. This step is called filing, and there are two ways of doing this step, and both have the same effect:
- Online (called e-filing)
- In person
This website offers both filing options.
You can digitally sign and e-file with the court. E-filing is convenient and you can do it anytime. The date of filing is the date you file, or the next day if you file after hours. The restraining order case documents are filed at your county’s Superior Court. Example: Orange County Superior Court or Riverside County Superior Court.
You can also download the PDF files and then walk into the court and submit them in person.
Once the filing is successful, a case number is assigned.
Step 5
Judge Issues a Temporary Restraining Order
Depending on the facts and evidence presented, a judge can issue a restraining order the same day that lasts until the hearing, called a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO).
In relatively less risky situations, a temporary order is issued in a few days.
If there are no grounds, or if the application is incomplete or the jurisdiction is incorrect, the request for an order may be denied. Optionally, a hearing may be set for the parties to present their case.
The temporary order is only valid for about 3 weeks, which is the amount of time until the hearing. If the hearing is delayed for any reason, you need to check with the court to ensure the temporary order is re-issued until the hearing.
Step 6
You: Serve Notice of Hearing (and maybe Temporary Restraining Order) to the abuser
The petitioner is responsible for serving the stamped version of the documents filed, along with the notice of hearing, and a copy of the temporary restraining order if one is granted.
The petitioner can also ask one of the following to do it for a small fee:
- Sheriff’s office
- Legal courier
- Another adult who is not the filer, a protected party or the respondent
Step 7
You, Abuser: Attend Court Hearing
Attend a hearing: The court holds a hearing within a couple of weeks where the evidence is examined. If there is sufficient supporting evidence as determined by a judge, a full restraining order is issued. At this point it becomes a crime for the abuser to break the conditions of the restraining order.
If the abuser misses this hearing even though they were served the court order on time (about 1 week before the hearing), then you might get the court order automatically, i.e. without discussion and further evidence.
Step 8
You: Collect Final Order
After the hearing, a final restraining order may be issued. You can take a paper copy of the order with you for your records, which can be crucial if you have to call the police for a future incident. The order is typically valid for up to 5 years.
Legal Definition
California restraining order laws
What are the requirements of a restraining order? That question is answered by the definition. It is important because a restraining order will be issued if the abuser’s behavior is shown to meet the definition.
Under California law (Code of Civil Procedure §527.6), a person who has suffered harassment may seek a restraining order and an injunction prohibiting harassment.
A restraining order is formally known as a Civil Harassment Restraining Order in California, as these are governed by state law (as opposed to federal law). The name of similar legal orders varies from state to state. However, the basic idea is the same: a judge issues an order to protect someone from harassment, abuse, threats, stalking or violence.
Violating a restraining order is a serious offense and can lead to misdemeanor criminal charges.
If someone believes they need protection and qualifies for a restraining order, they can usually apply for one through their local Superior Court, which is present in every county. The process involves filing a petition, attending a hearing, and presenting evidence to support the request for the order.
The first step is to determine roughly which type of civil protection applies to your situation.
Definition of Harassment
The following amounts to “harassment” under California law:
- Assault (intentionally attempting to cause harmful or offensive contact)
Example: Someone swings a fist at you, or throws an object at you, with the intention of hitting you, but misses. - Battery (intentional harmful or offensive contact)
Example: Someone swings a fist at you, or throws an object at you, with the intention of hitting you, and they are successful. - Stalking (a series of repeated actions that are meant to put you in fear for your safety, or the safety of your immediate family)*
Example: Someone continually follows you, watches you, makes repeated and unwanted contact with you (via internet, email, phone, fax or other methods of communication), with the purpose of making you feel scared. - Credible threat of violence (a statement or action that reasonably places you in fear for your safety, or the safety of your immediate family)
Example: “If you ever call the cops on me again I’m going to kill you” - Repeated actions that seriously alarm, annoy, or harass you, that serve no legitimate purpose and cause you extreme emotional distress.**
Example: Getting 50 unwanted and upsetting text messages, emails and/or phone calls from the same person within a week for no reason.
If someone has committed any of the above actions, you may have grounds to get a civil harassment restraining order.
*See Ann.Cal.C.C.P. §527.6(b); Ann.Cal.Penal Code §§240, 242, 646.9
**See Ann.Cal.C.C.P. §527.6(b)
WHO CAN START A CASE
This website provides a guided experience to people who are working themselves on preparing the court forms for a Civil Harassment Restraining Order.
Victim 12+ years
Anyone 12 years or older, and without a parent’s permission, can create the paperwork and file to start a case.
WHAT RESTRICTIONS CAN YOU ASK THE JUDGE FOR
Here are the typical restrictions placed on the abuser via the restraining order.
Stay Away From You
Abuser would have to stay at least 100 yards away from you, your children and locations you request, such as your work.
Not to contact you
Not to contact you via phone or text or mutual friends.
Not stalk you
Not stalk you or your loved ones, including your accounts on Facebook or other social media.
Filed at a California Courthouse
Your case documents are filed at a Superior Court in your county. Here are examples of some.
FAQs
How do restraining orders work?
After a court issues you a restraining order, and the abuser is informed about it, then if the abuser violates it you can call 9-1-1.
California Penal Code 273.6 PC makes it a crime for a person to violate the terms or conditions of a court-issued restraining order, protective order, or stay-away order. This offense is a misdemeanor that carries a maximum sentence of up to one year in jail.
But a second-offense violation of a restraining order, or a violation that involves an act of violence, can be charged as a felony and punished by up to 3 years in jail or prison.
How long does it take to get a restraining order?
You can get a temporary restraining order the same day as you file in case of an emergency, as long as you apply on a business day and typically by noon. Regular (non-emergency) orders may be issued in a few days, while some cases may be decided only at a hearing in a few weeks.
How much does a Civil Harassment Restraining Order cost?
The filing fee is $435-$450.
The filing fee is waived if:
- There is violence, stalking, or fear of violence
- You’re below a certain income level. This can be proven by your proof of income, or by your receiving State-provided benefits programs
List of benefits programs:
- Medi-Cal
- Food Stamps (California Food Assistance Program, CalFresh Program, or SNAP)
- SSP (State Supplemental Payment)
- Supp. Sec. Inc. (Supplemental Security Income, not Social Security)
- County Relief/Gen. Assist. (County Relief, General Relief (GR), or General Assistance (GA))
- IHSS
- CalWORKs (California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids Act)
- Tribal TANF (Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families)
- CAPI (Cash Assistance Program for Aged, Blind, or Disabled Legal Immigrants)
Government Code, §§ 68630-68640; Cal. Rules of Court, rules 3.51, 7.5
How long do restraining orders last in California state?
All restraining orders, including a Civil Harassment Restraining Order, are typically issued for five years.
Can a restraining order get the abuser fired from their job?
Yes, it is possible, but it depends on the order type and job.
What’s the immediate benefit to the victim?
As a legal warning, restraining orders force the abuser to stay away from the victim and comply with other conditions, or else they will be charged with a crime and face prison time. Furthermore, by taking guns away from the abuser, it can reduce the risk of fatality for the victim.
Do I need a lawyer to get a restraining order?
No, a lawyer is not required. However, having a lawyer in any legal situation can benefit you.
How many people file for restraining orders in California?
In California, about 400 Civil Harassment Restraining Order cases were filed daily from July 2019 to June 2020 (144,000 over 12 months).
When should I get a restraining order vs. file a criminal charge?
If criminal charges are filed, then a restraining order is typically also filed, as it provides protection for a set time frame just in case the criminal charges are dropped. Restraining orders are also important when no crime has been committed, e.g. coercive control, and therefore they are the only option in many situations.
How can a CHRO affect my relationship?
A restraining order can have several effects, particularly if you run into the same person, but overall it can be a positive thing that avoids bigger problems.
Do Restraining Orders Help?
Here are the outcomes of research on restraining orders from the University of New Hampshire.
1. Reduce Violence
Restraining orders are effective in reducing violence and harassment. For half the subjects in the sample studied, a restraining order stopped the violence. For the other half, the orders significantly reduced violence and abuse.
2. Cost Effective
Restraining orders are relatively low cost for victims and for the government, particularly when compared with the social and personal costs of violence.
3. Cities vs. Countryside
The impact of civil protective orders on reducing violence and abuse did not differ for rural (countryside) and urban (cities) women. In rural areas, where resources and services for abuse or violence may be more limited, it is critical to reduce barriers to obtaining protective orders, as research indicates they may be an effective resource. Community-level barriers to enforcing civil protective orders exist for women in rural areas.
RISKS
The abuser may react to your filing for a restraining order.
Anger
The abuser, particularly in proximity situations (e.g. co-worker, neighbor), may react with anger due to the perceived loss of control over you and your household.
Damaging jointly owned property
The respondent may cause damage to a shared fence (e.g. neighbors), or any other shared item, to cause harm to you.
Murder or Physical Harm
A particular risk is that if the respondent has access to guns or other firearms, they might actually kill you. Here’s an example from 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Weaponize Immigration Status or Health Insurance
The abuser may report your or your loved ones’ undocumented immigration status to U.S. authorities, or cancel health insurance.
Reporting you unnecessarily
Fearing restrictions, the abuser may cause harm, e.g. with neighbors, report you to the HOA, or in the case of workplaces, report you to HR.
Spreading false information about you
The abuser may spread false information, particularly on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or other social media.
Court Forms (Templates) Created
When you pass the screening and complete the questionnaires, you can then download the following standard court forms filled correctly with your information. These court forms are provided by the Judicial Council of California.
Core Forms
- Request for Civil Harassment Restraining Orders – CH-100
- Temporary Restraining Order – CH-110
- Civil Case Cover Sheet – CM-010
- Notice of Court Hearing – CH-109
- Confidential CLETS Information – CLETS-001
Depending on Situation
- Receipt for Firearms and Firearm Parts – CH-800
- Civil Harassment Restraining Order After Hearing – CH-130
- Response to Request for Civil Harassment Restraining Orders – CH-120
TYPES OF RESTRAINING ORDERS in California
In California there are six types of civil protection orders, with the Civil Harassment Restraining Order being one of them.
Domestic Violence Restraining Order
Domestic violence is abuse from a romantic partner, or a family or a household member. The abuse can involve physical or sexual violence, or a pattern of harassment or controlling behavior or merely threats to harm.
Gun Violence Restraining Order
This is aimed at banning firearms for someone who poses significant danger to self or others. This protection order must be requested by a family or household member or a law enforcement agency.
Civil Harassment Restraining Order
For harassment, stalking, abuse, or threats by a neighbor, co-worker, roommate, distant relative or a total stranger, and not a current or former romantic partner or a close family or household member.
Private Postsecondary School Violence Prevention Restraining Order
Only a private school administration can request this type of restraining order to protect a student (and their family) from threats of violence on campus.
Workplace Violence Restraining Order
Only an employer can ask for a workplace violence restraining order to protect an employee who has suffered stalking, serious harassment, violence, or a credible (real) threat of violence at the workplace. An employee cannot ask for this restraining order.
Elder/Disabled Abuse Restraining Order
For protecting senior citizens (65 or older) or other disabled persons who are being abused, neglected or exploited, including financially, by an abusive caregiver, family member, acquaintance or stranger.