Recently updated on May 6th, 2026 at 02:12 pm
OVERVIEW
An Elder or Dependent Adult Abuse Restraining Order (EARO) can help protect an elder (someone age 65 or older) or a dependent adult from abuse, neglect, harassment, isolation, abandonment, or financial exploitation.
An EARO may be requested by the elder or dependent adult themselves, or by certain people legally allowed to act on their behalf, such as a conservator, trustee, attorney-in-fact, guardian ad litem, or a representative of Adult Protective Services.
Abuse may be physical, emotional, financial, or neglect-related, and can happen in person, online, or through isolation from friends, family, money, or basic needs.
How it Works - Video Overview
A short video that outlines how you can prepare your official EARO court forms (also known as a packet). Then file it at the local Superior Court.
Process
HOW THIS WEBSITE WORKS
This website provides a guided experience to people who are working themselves on preparing the court forms for a Domestic Violence Restraining Order.
1. Take Screening
Start with the online screening, which will guide you through a few questions to help determine whether your situation may qualify for an Elder or Dependent Adult Abuse Restraining Order (EARO).
2. Prepare Documents
Prepare the main set of your court documents by covering one topic at a time. Each topic offers questions in simple and non-legal language. Just do your best and in case you need help you can get reach out for help just with a few clicks.
3. Consult Advocate (Optional)
If you are seeking protection for elder or dependent adult abuse, you may consider speaking with an advocate or support organization. An advocate may help explain the process, review your court forms, discuss safety planning, and connect you with local resources or services related to elder or dependent adult abuse.
4. Submit to Court
Submit the paperwork to begin the legal process. You can do that by either printing and visiting the court or directly E-filing from this website.
How do restraining orders help?
Research and court guidance suggest that restraining orders may help reduce abuse, harassment, threats, and unwanted contact for elders and dependent adults. They can also provide court-enforced protections such as stay-away orders, no-contact orders, and protections against financial exploitation or caregiver abuse.
1. Reduce Violence
Civil protective orders, including Elder or Dependent Adult Abuse Restraining Orders (EAROs), may help reduce abuse, harassment, threats, and contact in many situations. While outcomes vary by case, restraining orders can provide important legal protections and help improve safety for elders and dependent adults.
2. Cost Effective
Restraining orders are generally a low-cost legal remedy and can provide important protection and court-enforced restrictions for elders and dependent adults experiencing abuse or exploitation.
3. Urban vs. Rural
Restraining orders may help protect elders and dependent adults in both rural and urban communities. In areas where support services or resources may be limited, reducing barriers to obtaining court protection and related assistance can be especially important.
Court Forms Created
When you pass the screening and complete the questionnaires, you can download California court forms filled out with your information and ready for filing. These are official Judicial Council forms used throughout California for Elder or Dependent Adult Abuse Restraining Orders (EARO).
