Local court information about the specifically named restraining-order type, form preparation or filing channel. Different order types have different rules.
In California, 59 state agencies publish 59 official links for this service. Reviewed requirements cover availability notices (76), appointments (9), documents (1), deadlines (1) and languages (1). 58 counties have a page for it below.
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Court fees, service requirements, response deadlines and exceptions depend on the current procedure. A link is an informational starting point, not a complete filing workflow.
Court branches, clerk windows, telephone assistance and remote appearances may have different instructions. Check the cited official page for the applicable channel.
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Local Restraining Orders — source-specific information; other procedures and appeals may differ
A restraining order is a way to use the courts to protect yourself and your family from abuse and harassment. There are different types of orders depending on the circumstances and relationship you have with the person you would like restrained. Please refer to the table below and follow the links for more information and the appropriate forms.
Local Restraining Orders — source-specific information; other procedures and appeals may differ
Domestic Violence and Gun Violence restraining order petitions may be submitted electronically. Learn more about submitting restraining orders electronically.
Local Restraining Orders — source-specific information; other procedures and appeals may differ
A Restraining Order is an order made by a judge in civil court. The judge can order someone not to hurt or harass you. The judge can also order someone to not contact you or go near you. There are many different types of restraining orders.For more information on restraining orders, refer to the Guide to Civil Restraining Orders.
Local Restraining Orders — source-specific information; other procedures and appeals may differ
A Domestic Violence Restraining Order is an order that helps protect a person from someone who is abusive. To qualify for a domestic violence protective order, a certain relationship must exist between the requesting party and the person to be restrained. It may contain orders telling that person to stay a certain distance away from the requesting party and may contain orders prohibiting certain conduct by the restrained person.
Superior Court for Calaveras County. Court locations and divisions handle different case types; confirm the correct branch and service before visiting.
Local Restraining Orders — source-specific information; other procedures and appeals may differ
Civil Harassment differs from domestic violence as it is not for a person whom you have dated or is closely related to you, such as a roommate or neighbor.
Local Domestic Violence Restraining Order — source-specific information; other procedures and appeals may differ
Depending upon your situation, it may take you from 15 minutes to 2 hours to answer all the questions. If you have children and are asking for child or spousal support and want to fill out the Income & Expense Declaration online, the process will take you in the range of 2 hours. If you create an account, you can save your progress and come back to it at any time. We strongly recommend that you create an account before you begin but an account is NOT REQUIRED to use the program.
Local Domestic Violence Restraining Order — source-specific information; other procedures and appeals may differ
Please note that the system will time you out at 2 hours, possibly without a warning. If you have created an account, your answers will be saved. However, if you did not create an account, then you will have to re-do your work.
Superior Court for Contra Costa County. Court locations and divisions handle different case types; confirm the correct branch and service before visiting.
Local Restraining Orders — source-specific information; other procedures and appeals may differ
Family Law Emergency Ex Parte filings may be filed in-person from 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. at the Spinetta Family Law Center, 751 Pine Street, Martinez, CA.
Superior Court for Del Norte County. Court locations and divisions handle different case types; confirm the correct branch and service before visiting.
Superior Court for El Dorado County. Court locations and divisions handle different case types; confirm the correct branch and service before visiting.
Local Gun Violence Restraining Orders (GVRO) — source-specific information; other procedures and appeals may differ
A Gun Violence Restraining Order is a court order that prohibits someone from having a gun, ammunition or magazines (ammunition storage and feeding devices).
Local Domestic violence restraining-order information through Family Law — source-specific information; other procedures and appeals may differ
Family Court handles all types of family law matters. Family law is the term generally used when referring to actions for divorce, legal separation, annulment, parentage, child custody, visitation, support (child and spousal), domestic violence restraining orders, and family related issues.
Local Restraining Orders — source-specific information; other procedures and appeals may differ
Lassen Superior Court accepts eDelivery (electronic delivery) of Domestic Violence & Gun Violence Restraining Order documents. See the Domestic Violence Restraining Order and Gun Violence Restraining Order pages for additional information.
Superior Court for Los Angeles County. Court locations and divisions handle different case types; confirm the correct branch and service before visiting.
Local Filing Domestic Violence & Gun Violence Restraining Orders — source-specific information; other procedures and appeals may differ
Marin County Superior Court accepts electronically filed Domestic Violence and Gun Violence Restraining Orders, pursuant to Family Code 6307 and Penal Code 18122.
Local Filing Domestic Violence & Gun Violence Restraining Orders — source-specific information; other procedures and appeals may differ
Filings can be submitted through ePortal free of charge, or eFiling. Note: Any filings submitted through eFiling may incur a charge from the EFSP (Electronic Filing Service Provider).
Local Civil harassment restraining-order self-help; this statement does not establish a complete filing workflow
Divorce, Legal separation, Establish paternity, Modify child custody and visitation orders, Modify child and spousal support orders, Civil Harassment restraining orders, Guardianships (person only), Residential evictions, Name changes, Small claims, and actions involving the Department of Child Support Services.
Superior Court for Mendocino County. Court locations and divisions handle different case types; confirm the correct branch and service before visiting.
Local Restraining Orders — source-specific information; other procedures and appeals may differ
A restraining order (also called a “protective order”) is a court order that can protect someone from being physically or sexually abused, threatened, stalked, or harassed.
Local Abuse & Harassment — source-specific information; other procedures and appeals may differ
A restraining order can be used to protect you from a person. You cannot file a restraining order against a business or an organization. If you want to file a restraining order against more than one person, you will need to complete a separate request for each person.
Local Abuse & Harassment — source-specific information; other procedures and appeals may differ
There are different types of restraining orders. The type of restraining order you will file will depend on how you know the person you want to restrain, the age of the person being abused, and the type of abuse or harassment. The information below explains the differences between the most common types of restraining orders.
Local Gun Violence Restraining Orders — source-specific information; other procedures and appeals may differ
There are different types of restraining orders. A gun violence restraining order can stop someone from having, owning, or buying any firearms (guns), firearm parts, ammunition, or magazines.
Local Gun Violence Restraining Orders — source-specific information; other procedures and appeals may differ
Requesting a restraining order can be an overwhelming process, but there are resources to help. Additional information including who can ask for a gun violence restraining order as well as the steps required for filing a Gun Violence Restraining Order can be found on the California Courts' Self-Help page Gun Violence Restraining Orders in California.
Local Restraining-order self-help; this statement does not establish a complete filing workflow
Help for people who need legal information but do not have a lawyer. Visit or contact the Self-Help Center to get information on family law, restraining orders, evictions, small claims, and other issues.
Local Domestic Violence & Civil Harassment — source-specific information; other procedures and appeals may differ
Additionally, parents have specific legal rights to separate sessions during orientation, parent education and mediation sessions. Parents may also request a support person to accompany them to Court, as well as to all other services at Family Court Services.
Local Restraining Orders — source-specific information; other procedures and appeals may differ
If you need assistance filling out the forms for a restraining order, click on the link below the restraining order you want. The Guide and File program will guide you through filling out the forms by asking you interview questions. You can print out the forms when they are completed and file them at the Courthouse.
Local Restraining Orders — source-specific information; other procedures and appeals may differ
You can file the forms at the Gibson Courthouse located at 10820 Justice Center Drive Roseville, CA 95678 on Monday- Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Once you are in the courthouse, get a number ticket at the kiosk on the first floor of the courthouse. File the forms with the clerk when your number is called.
Local Restraining Orders — source-specific information; other procedures and appeals may differ
Plumas Superior Court accepts eDelivery (electronic delivery) of Domestic Violence & Gun Violence Restraining Order documents. See the Domestic Violence Restraining Order and Gun Violence Restraining Order pages for additional information.
Superior Court for Riverside County. Court locations and divisions handle different case types; confirm the correct branch and service before visiting.
Local Restraining Orders; this statement does not establish a complete filing workflow
There are different types of restraining orders. Most restraining orders can order a person to not contact someone and stay away from them. Some restraining orders can include more protection, like order a person to move out, or include protections for your children or other family members.
Superior Court for Sacramento County. Court locations and divisions handle different case types; confirm the correct branch and service before visiting.
Local Civil restraining-order information; this statement does not establish a complete filing workflow
There are different types of civil restraining orders, each with its own eligibility requirements and steps that need to be taken to get a restraining order. The types of restraining orders are:
Local restraining-orders instructions. This quoted rule keeps the court’s stated subject, representation, location and procedure limits; it is not a promise of complete self-help or legal representation.
Information and Forms can be found on the California Court's website. The following local forms are also required: Family Law Case Participant Form (FL/E-LP-665) Document Drop-Off Sheet for Domestic Violence and Elder Abuse Restraining Orders (FL-E/LP-668)
Superior Court for San Benito County. Court locations and divisions handle different case types; confirm the correct branch and service before visiting.
Local Domestic violence restraining-order resources; this statement does not establish a complete filing workflow
Domestic Violence Restraining Order Overview
Detailed look at what a restraining order can do for you and how to get one, as well as links to the forms you will need.
Superior Court for San Bernardino County. Court locations and divisions handle different case types; confirm the correct branch and service before visiting.
Superior Court for San Diego County. Court locations and divisions handle different case types; confirm the correct branch and service before visiting.
Superior Court for San Francisco County. Court locations and divisions handle different case types; confirm the correct branch and service before visiting.
Superior Court for San Joaquin County. Court locations and divisions handle different case types; confirm the correct branch and service before visiting.
Local Harassment and Restraining Orders — source-specific information; other procedures and appeals may differ
Please read the following information carefully. There are different types of restraining orders, including Domestic Violence, Elder Abuse, and Civil Harassment.
Superior Court for San Luis Obispo County. Court locations and divisions handle different case types; confirm the correct branch and service before visiting.
Local Domestic Violence — source-specific information; other procedures and appeals may differ
You may obtain a domestic violence restraining order if a person has abused you and you have a close relationship with that person (married or registered domestic partners, divorced, separated, dating or used to date), or you are related (parent, child, brother, sister, grandmother, grandfather, in-law).
Superior Court for San Mateo County. Court locations and divisions handle different case types; confirm the correct branch and service before visiting.
Local Abuse & Harassment — source-specific information; other procedures and appeals may differ
Restraining Orders, In-Person Assistance: For help asking for a domestic violence restraining order against your spouse, your partner or someone you dated, go to the Bay Area Legal Aid Domestic Violence Restraining Order Clinic or call: (650) 358-0745. For help with other restraining orders, go to the Family Law Facilitator Restraining Order Clinic.
Superior Court for Santa Barbara County. Court locations and divisions handle different case types; confirm the correct branch and service before visiting.
Superior Court for Santa Clara County. Court locations and divisions handle different case types; confirm the correct branch and service before visiting.
Local Self-Help Restraining Orders — source-specific information; other procedures and appeals may differ
Provides information on the different types of restraining orders, instructions on how to file or respond to a restraining order, plus links to the forms you'll need.
Local Self-Help Restraining Orders — source-specific information; other procedures and appeals may differ
Provides in-person or phone assistance with restraining orders or for help with form review. The help and the forms are free. Restraining Order Help Center
Superior Court for Santa Cruz County. Court locations and divisions handle different case types; confirm the correct branch and service before visiting.
Local Restraining Orders — source-specific information; other procedures and appeals may differ
All restraining orders requests are filed and heard at the Watsonville court location at 1 Second Street, Watsonville, CA 95076. These restraining orders include domestic violence prevention, elder abuse prevention, civil harassment prevention, workplace violence, private postsecondary school violence prevention, and gun violence prevention restraining orders.
Local Restraining Orders — source-specific information; other procedures and appeals may differ
The Self Help Center located at the Courthouse in Watsonville assists people who do not have lawyers in applying for and responding to restraining orders. Staff provides instructions on how to complete court forms, how to file with the court, how to properly serve the other side, and how to prepare for your court hearing. See the Self Help Center's page for information about how to get help.
Local Restraining Orders — source-specific information; other procedures and appeals may differ
A Restraining Order is an order issued by the Court which is meant to protect a person from harm or harassment. There are several types of Restraining Orders, use this table to find out which one best fits your situation and follow the appropriate link to learn more on the California Courts website.
Local restraining-orders instructions. This quoted rule keeps the court’s stated subject, representation, location and procedure limits; it is not a promise of complete self-help or legal representation.
Through a collaborative grant, self-help computers have been installed at two locations in Sierra County. The computers include interactive programs which assist in the completion of forms for: Divorce; Eviction (Unlawful Detainer Answer and Complaint); Guardianship; Modifying or Establishing Child Support and/or Child Custody and Visitation Orders; Parentage; Restraining Orders (civil harassment, domestic violence, elder abuse); Fee Waiver; Name Change; and Small Claims. All Judicial Council Forms are also available on the computers.
Local Restraining Orders — source-specific information; other procedures and appeals may differ
The Solano Legal Access Center (SLAC) located at the Hall of Justice in Fairfield from 8:30 am to 12 noon (M-F) assists people who do not have lawyers in applying for and responding to Domestic Violence and Elder Abuse Restraining Orders . Staff provide instructions on how to complete court forms, how to file with the court, how to properly serve the other side, and how to prepare for your court hearing. Please contact the SLAC office before electronically filing your forms if you need assistance. See the Self-Help | Superior Court of California | County of Solano for information about how to get help.
Solano Family Law Division’s stated filing-fee exceptions and fee-waiver request forms; individual restraining-order types have different fee rules.
There are filing fees associated with the initiation of a new case, except Domestic Violence Restraining Orders, Elder Abuse and Department of Child Support cases. If you cannot afford to pay the filing fees, you may request a Request to Waive Court Fees and Costs (FW-001) and (FW-003). Forms are available for you to download at the California Judicial Council’s website: http://www.courts.ca.gov/forms.htm
Superior Court for Stanislaus County. Court locations and divisions handle different case types; confirm the correct branch and service before visiting.
Local Restraining Orders — source-specific information; other procedures and appeals may differ
A Domestic Violence Restraining Order is used to stop a specific act against you, keep a specific person away from you, have someone living with you removed from your home and other miscellaneous orders (i.e., temporary child custody, child visitation, child support, property control).
Shared California Courts self-help guidance, available for all 58 California county court contexts; local procedures and individual circumstances vary.
Service area: California statewide self-help information; this is one shared guide, not a separate local provider in each county.
Shared statewide guidance; local procedures, case types and exceptions may differ
If you need a restraining order, first find out what type of restraining order you need. Your court's self-help center ↗️ (link opens in a new tab) can help if you're not sure. Once you know, select that type to find the type of protection it offers, how to ask for one, and how to renew or enforce it.
Shared statewide guidance; local procedures, case types and exceptions may differ
If someone asked for a restraining order against you, choose the type of restraining order they asked for below to find out more about your options. The forms you got have the name of the type of restraining order listed on them.
Local Domestic Violence — source-specific information; other procedures and appeals may differ
There are several types of restraining orders: domestic violence, civil harassment, workplace violence and elder or dependent adult abuse. This page contains information about domestic violence restraining orders. Find information about the other types of restraining order on the California Courts website.
Local restraining-orders instructions. This quoted rule keeps the court’s stated subject, representation, location and procedure limits; it is not a promise of complete self-help or legal representation.
The Self-Help Center has put together two instruction packets to help you fill out the forms to ask the court for a domestic violence restraining order. The instructions do not include all of the forms that could be attached to a request for an order but do contain the most commonly requested forms. Packets with instructions are available at the courthouse. The blank forms can be found on the California Courts website.
Local Self-Help Restraining Orders — source-specific information; other procedures and appeals may differ
This is general information about who can ask for the different types of restraining orders. Select the type of restraining order to find out more about what protection it offers and whether it's best for your situation.
Local Civil Harassment Restraining Orders — source-specific information; other procedures and appeals may differ
Civil Harassment Restraining Orders are different from Family Law Domestic Violence Restraining Orders because the person alleged to be harassing does not have a close family or domestic relationship with the victim. For example, a Civil Harassment Restraining Order can be issued against a neighbor, roommate, or stranger. In contrast, a Domestic Violence Restraining Order (Family Law) is filed in Family Court and applies to a current or former spouse, romantic partner, or other relative.
Local restraining-orders instructions. This quoted rule keeps the court’s stated subject, representation, location and procedure limits; it is not a promise of complete self-help or legal representation.
The following information applies to dissolution, Legal Separation, Nullity, and Domestic Violence. The fee for filing a petition is listed on our fee schedule, except for Domestic Violence for which there is no fee. If you feel you cannot afford to pay the filing fee, you may ask the clerk for an application for waiver of court fees (Fee Waiver). There is no cost for this form.
Local Restraining Orders — source-specific information; other procedures and appeals may differ
A Restraining Order is an order issued by the Court that is meant to protect a person from harm or harassment. There are several types of Restraining Orders, use this table to find out which one best fits your situation, and follow the appropriate link to learn more on the California Courts website.
Local Domestic violence guided form filing; this statement does not establish a complete filing workflow
Domestic Violence Restraining Orders can be filed using a step-by-step interview system, Guide and File, to complete your forms and file them with the court.