Recently updated on October 12th, 2026 at 09:17 pm
File a Restraining Order
Create Forms and File for a Domestic Violence Restraining Order (DVRO) in California
What is a Domestic Violence Restraining Order (DVRO)?
A Domestic Violence Restraining Order (DVRO) is a court order in California that protects a person from abuse, threats, stalking, or harassment by someone they have a close relationship with, such as a spouse, partner, or family member. It can require the abuser to stay away, stop contact, move out, and follow other court-ordered restrictions to ensure safety.
Start
Process Overview
This website presents a list of questions and then, at the end, generates the paperwork for a DVRO.
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
Answer a few questions to determine your eligibility.
2. Prepare Documents for a DVRO (Domestic Violence Restraining Order)
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 if you need help, you can reach out with just a few clicks.
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. E-File DVRO (Restraining Order) Documents
This website simplifies filing to a couple of clicks, and you get follow-up notifications from the court.
How to Get a Domestic Violence Restraining Order
How do you get a restraining order, or more precisely, a Domestic Violence 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
Gather Evidence for Your DVRO
To request a Domestic Violence Restraining Order (DVRO) in California, gather evidence to support your case. Even your personal testimony counts as evidence. The following types of evidence are commonly used:
Evidence Type 1: Pending Criminal Case
Judges may be more likely to issue a DVRO if there’s an ongoing criminal case related to domestic violence. Mention any such cases when requesting a temporary restraining order. This signals that law enforcement or the district attorney believes the abuse occurred.
Evidence Type 2: Photos of Violence, Injuries, or Property Damage
Submit photos showing injuries, bruises, or damage caused by the abuser. Attaching photos alongside the incident description helps create a clear picture for the judge.
Evidence Type 3: Text Messages, Emails, or Voicemails
Print or screenshot messages, emails, or transcripts of voicemails showing threats, harassment, or abuse. Attach them as PDFs or images. Digital screenshots are acceptable in most cases.
Evidence Type 4: 911 Calls or Emergency Reports
Include details of any emergency calls, such as:
- Number dialed
- Date and time of the call
- Who made the call
- What was reported
- Description of the responder (if relevant)
Evidence Type 5: Medical Records
Attach records from hospitals, clinics, or doctors documenting injuries caused by the abuser. Portal printouts (e.g., MyChart) showing dates and details of visits are helpful.
Evidence Type 6: Police Reports
Include copies of police reports filed against the abuser for domestic violence.
Evidence Type 7: Witness Testimony
A written statement from a witness, family member, neighbor, co-worker, or bystander describing incidents they observed. Include as many specifics as possible.
Step 2
You: Take Online Screening
Determine if your situation is roughly suitable for applying for a domestic violence 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 create the case documents.
Just for your knowledge: In order to apply for a domestic violence restraining order (DVRO), you need to fill out and submit a predefined set of official California court forms. These have questions aimed at understanding your situation and the people involved.
The most important form is the DV-100, Request for Domestic Violence Restraining Order.
Step 4
You: E-File with the Court — How to File a Restraining Order in California
This website also allows you to digitally sign and e-file your DVRO documents with the court.
Other online court form services may let you prepare forms, but they do not allow you to officially file with the court. To formally request a Domestic Violence Restraining Order, you must submit your completed documents to the court clerk. This step is called filing, and there are two ways to do it, both having the same legal effect:
- Online (E-file)
- In person
E-filing is convenient and available at any time. The date of filing is the day your documents are submitted (or the next business day if submitted after business hours).
DVRO documents are filed at your county’s Superior Court, often in the Family Court or Family Law Division. Examples include Los Angeles County Superior Court or San Francisco County Superior Court.
Once your filing is successful, a case number is assigned, which you can use to track your case.
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.
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 restraining order is only valid until the hearing, which is within 21 days (or 25 days for good cause).
If the hearing is delayed for any reason, you need to check with the court to ensure the temporary order is extended until the hearing.
Step 6
Law Enforcement: Delivers Temporary Restraining Order to the Abuser
This would be done in one of the following ways, after which you are legally protected, i.e., a violation will cause arrest or criminal charges for the abuser:
- You would have the abuser served by law enforcement.
- You would have an adult other than yourself serve the respondent.
- You can hire a legal courier (also called a process server) to serve 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. It is 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 or further evidence.
Step 8
You: Collect Final Order
After the hearing, a final 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 5 years.
Legal Definition
California Domestic Violence Restraining Orders (DVROs) Are Governed by California Family Code Sections 6200–6409
A DVRO can be issued when a person demonstrates abuse, threats, harassment, stalking, or other forms of domestic violence against a close family or household member. The law recognizes not only physical violence but also emotional abuse, intimidation, and coercive control.
It is important because a restraining order will be granted if the abuser’s behavior meets this legal definition, providing protection to the victim.
Family Code § 6211 defines “domestic violence” as abuse committed against certain people in close relationships—e.g., spouse/former spouse, cohabitant/former cohabitant, dating or engagement relationship, a co-parent (person with whom you have a child), a child, and certain close relatives (within the second degree).
Family Code § 6203 defines “abuse” (for DVRO purposes) to include things like:
- intentionally or recklessly causing (or attempting) bodily injury
- sexual assault
- placing someone in reasonable fear of imminent serious bodily injury
- doing conduct that can be restrained under § 6320
It also clarifies that abuse is not limited to physical injury.
Family Code § 6320 lists the kinds of acts a court may restrain in DVRO cases—commonly including stalking, threats, harassment, unwanted contact, destroying property, coming within a specified distance, and “disturbing the peace” (which California law treats broadly and can include patterns like coercive control and digital/remote harassment).
WHO CAN START A CASE
This website provides a guided experience to people who are working themselves on preparing the court forms for a Domestic Violence Restraining Order.
Victim 12+ years
Anyone 12 years or older can create the paperwork and file to start a case without a parent’s permission. For minors, a judge may ask a trusted adult to help.
WHAT PROTECTIONS CAN YOU ASK THE JUDGE FOR
Here are the typical restrictions placed on the abuser via the restraining order.
Stay Away From You
The 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.
Hand over a car
Get access to cars held by the abuser.
Vacate the shared residence
The restrained party can be asked to vacate the shared residence. You can also request help from police to kick them out.
Hand Over Passport, Cell Phone, Medications, etc.
You can ask for your personal items, such as your passport, medications, and clothes. This would be applicable if you were living together up to now.
No online harassment
Request to not post, share, or threaten to share private intimate images, and to remove any already posted.
Restrict Abusive Litigation
This is to prevent the misuse of the legal system to harass, intimidate, or burden you.
Get Drugs, Mental Health and Sex Offender Treatment
You can request that the abuser seek counseling for alcoholism, drug use, and domestic violence abuse (California Family Code § 6343).
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, if the abuser violates it, you can call 9-1-1 and law enforcement will arrest and/or charge the abuser.
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 2–3 weeks.
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, taking guns away from the abuser can reduce the risk of fatality for the victim.
How much does it cost?
DVRO filing online costs about $6.
How long do restraining orders last in California?
All restraining orders, including a Domestic Violence Restraining Order (DVRO), are typically issued for one year, though one can be requested for a different period, like 5 years. It can be renewed as well.
Can a restraining order get the abuser fired from their job?
Yes, it is possible, but it depends on the order type and the job.
Do I need a lawyer to get a Domestic Violence Restraining Order (DVRO)?
No, a lawyer is not required. However, having a lawyer in any legal situation can benefit you.
When should I get a restraining order vs. file a criminal charge?
If criminal charges are filed, a restraining order is also filed, as it provides protection for a set time frame just in case the criminal charges are dropped. The bar for restraining orders is lower than for criminal abuse, and they address more subtle behaviors, e.g., coercive control, so they are the only option in such situations.
Do Restraining Orders Help?
Here are the outcomes of research on domestic violence from the University of New Hampshire.
1. Reduce Violence
Domestic Violence Restraining Orders, and restraining orders in general, are effective in reducing violence and harassment. For half the women in the sample studied, a protective (restraining) order stopped the violence. For the other half, the orders significantly reduced violence and abuse.
2. Cost Effective
Domestic Violence Restraining Orders are free for the victims. They are a relatively low-cost solution for the government, particularly when compared with the social and personal costs of partner 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 partner 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 domestic violence situations, may react with anger due to the perceived loss of control over you and your household.
Murder or Physical Harm
A particular risk is that if the restrained party has access to guns or other firearms, they might actually kill you. Here’s an example from 2023 in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Harming or taking away children
Fearing restrictions on custody or visitation, the abuser may preemptively take the children away or just call Child Protective Services against you.
Damaging jointly owned property
The restrained party may drain bank accounts, max out credit cards, damage cars or houses, or do other damage to jointly owned property.
Weaponize Immigration Status or Health Insurance
The abuser may report your or your loved ones’ undocumented U.S. immigration status to U.S. authorities, or cancel health insurance.
Spreading false information about you
The abuser may spread false information, particularly on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or other social media.
Calculating the Risk Level
The Lethality Assessment Program (LAP) is a questionnaire used by law enforcement and other professionals, often in the context of domestic violence situations, to assess the risk of murder in cases involving intimate partner violence.
The questionnaire has about 20 questions designed to evaluate the severity and potential danger of a situation. These questions may cover aspects such as the presence of weapons, history of violence, threats of harm, and other factors that could indicate an increased risk of lethal violence.
- Has the physical violence increased in severity or frequency over the past year?
- Does the abuser own a gun? Or has he ever used a weapon against you or threatened you with a lethal weapon, particularly a gun?
- Have you ever lived together? And if yes, have you left the abuser after living together during the past year?
- Is he unemployed?
- Has the abuser threatened to kill you? Do you believe he is capable of killing you?
- Does he threaten to harm your children?
- Does he ever try to choke/strangle you or cut off your breathing? If yes, has he done it more than once, or did it make you pass out or black out or make you dizzy?
- Has he avoided being arrested for domestic violence?
- Do you have a child that is not his?
- Has he ever forced you to have sex when you did not wish to do so?
- Does he use illegal drugs? By drugs, I mean “uppers” or amphetamines, “meth”, speed, angel dust, cocaine, “crack”, street drugs or mixtures. Is he an alcoholic or problem drinker?
- Does he control most or all of your daily activities? For instance, does he tell you who you can be friends with, when you can see your family, how much money you can use, or when you can take the car? In reference to the previous question, do you let him control most or all of your activities?
- Is he violently and constantly jealous of you? (For instance, does he say: “If I can’t have you, no one can.”)
- Have you ever been pregnant by him? Have you ever been beaten by him while you were pregnant?
- Has he ever threatened or tried to commit suicide?
- Have you ever threatened or tried to commit suicide?
- Does he follow or spy on you, leave threatening notes or messages, destroy your property, or call you when you don’t want him to?
Court Forms 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
- DV-100 Request for Domestic Violence Restraining Order
- CLETS-001 Confidential CLETS Information
- DV-109 Notice of Court Hearing
- DV-110 Temporary Restraining Order (TRO)
TYPES OF RESTRAINING ORDERS in California
In California, there are a few types of restraining orders, with the Domestic Violence 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.
Civil Harassment Restraining Order
This order protects you from violence, stalking, serious harassment, or threats of violence.
Gun Violence Restraining Order
This is aimed at restricting access to firearms from someone who poses a significant danger to self or others.
Elder/Disabled Abuse Restraining Order
This restraining order is aimed at protecting senior citizens (over 65) or other disabled persons from someone who is mistreating or exploiting them financially or an abusive caregiver.