Restraining Order Case Dismissed due to Missed Hearing
Recently updated on June 7th, 2025 at 05:45 pm
If you miss your court hearing for a temporary restraining order (TRO) in California, several things can happen depending on whether you’re the petitioner (the person who requested the TRO) or the respondent (the person the TRO is against).
- If You Are the Petitioner:
- The judge may dismiss your case if you don’t appear at the hearing, meaning the TRO will expire, and no permanent restraining order will be issued.
- You may need to re-file for a new TRO if you still want protection, but you’ll have to start the process from the beginning.
- If You Are the Respondent:
- If you fail to appear, the judge can proceed with the hearing in your absence and may issue a permanent restraining order (usually lasting between 1 and 5 years).
- Not showing up means you won’t be able to defend yourself against the allegations or present any evidence, and the order will likely be granted based on the petitioner’s testimony.
For either party, if there’s a legitimate reason for missing the hearing (e.g., illness, emergency), it’s important to notify the court as soon as possible and possibly request a continuance (postponement) of the hearing.
About The Author
Related Posts
Illinois Small Claims Court Limit $10,000
Overview The Illinois Small Claims Court allows individuals and small businesses to resolve monetary disputes up to $10,000 quickly and affordably. This forum exists within the Circuit Court of Illinois and is governed by Illinois Supreme Court Rules 281–289, which simplify pleadings, eliminate most discovery, and let ordinary citizens represent themselves without legal counsel. The…
How To File A Small Claims Case Illinois
Overview Illinois small claims are civil money cases for $10,000 or less (exclusive of interest and court costs) handled in the Circuit Court under streamlined procedures set by Illinois Supreme Court Rules 281–289. Filing is typically completed via the statewide eFileIL portal, with narrow exemptions for litigants who obtain an e-filing waiver. After you file…
Small Claims Court Pennsylvania Landlord Tenant Security Deposit
Overview Security deposit disputes are among the most common landlord–tenant cases in Pennsylvania’s Magisterial District Courts (MDJ), the small-claims forum for civil money cases up to $12,000. Pennsylvania’s Landlord and Tenant Act sets clear rules: the landlord must return the deposit (plus any accrued interest when applicable) and provide an itemized list of damages within…
How To Defend A Small Claims Lawsuit In Pennsylvania (Self-Represented Guide)
Overview If you’ve received a small claims complaint from a Pennsylvania Magisterial District Court (MDJ), you are officially the defendant in a civil action. Small claims cases in Pennsylvania cover disputes under $12,000 and are designed to be navigable without a lawyer. The court expects both parties—plaintiff and defendant—to appear, share evidence, and present their…