Domestic Violence Information & Resources

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Overview

There are different types of restraining orders. A domestic violence restraining order is against someone you've dated or had an intimate relationship with, including a spouse or domestic partner. It can also be against a relative if they are your child, parent, sibling or grandparent. This includes in-laws.

A domestic violence restraining order can be granted against someone who has abused you or your children. Abuse can be emotional or physical. It can happen anywhere, including online. Abuse can happen in different ways, including someone stopping you from accessing money or basic needs, or isolating you from friends or family.

Requesting a Domestic Violence Restraining Order

Requesting a restraining order can be an overwhelming process, but there are resources to help. Additional information and the steps required for filing a Domestic Violence Restraining Order can be found on the California Courts' Self-Help page Domestic Violence Restraining Orders in California.

Domestic Violence Restraining Orders

Respond to Domestic Violence Restraining Order

If you received any of these forms, someone asked for a restraining order against you:

• Notice of Court Hearing (form DV-109)
• Request for Domestic Violence Restraining Order (form DV-100)
• Temporary Restraining Order (form DV-110)

A restraining order would limit your contact with the person asking for a restraining order. If you and the other side have a child together, the restraining order can include orders for child support and custody. If you're married, it can include orders for spousal support. A restraining order could impact your life in other ways, including preventing you from having guns and ammunition.

You have a court date where a judge will decide if they will grant the restraining order, which can last up to 5 years.

You may be required to complete forms or take certain actions as a result of these orders. For additional information, view the California Courts' Self-Help Guide page Respond to Restraining Order papers.

Respond to Restraining Order papers

Self-represented litigants may utilize LawHelp Interactive, a program that will help you fill out the forms necessary for responding to a restraining order. This program was developed in partnership with the Judicial Council of California and LawHelp Interactive. It will help you fill out the necessary forms by asking you questions in an interview format. It does not file your forms with the court. Once complete, you must save the forms that are generated and return to this site to submit them electronically. You can also print them out, take them to the courthouse, and file with the clerk.

Get Started - DVRO Response
Notice: When you click Get started, you will be leaving the court's website and going to LawHelp Interactive, a partner website. You will be subject to the terms and conditions and the privacy policy of the LHI website, available here.

As a victim of domestic violence, your safety and safety of your children and family are very important. Remember if you are making phone calls from home, or using your computer at home, that there may be ways that other people in your home can check calls and internet sites that you have visited. For more information regarding safety planning, please call one of the domestic violence agencies listed on this information sheet.

Alternatively, you can complete the required forms without the assistance of the program. For additional information, including the required forms, steps to take for specific scenarios (child custody, parenting time, child support, and spousal support), requirements for service, and more; visit the California Courts' Self-Help Guide page Domestic Violence Restraining Orders in California. After reviewing the information provided on the first screen, scroll to the bottom, and click the box Ask for a Domestic Violence Restraining Order to proceed. 

Domestic Violence Restraining Orders

Safe at Home (Secretary of State)

Safe at Home is a confidential address program administered by the California Secretary of State's office and is most effective when used as a part of an overall safety plan. Safe at Home offers victims of domestic violence, stalking, sexual assault, human trafficking & elder and dependent abuse, as well as reproductive health care workers, a substitute mailing address to receive first class, certified, and registered mail. This address is also accepted by California state, county, and city government agencies in lieu of a residential or other mailing address where a victim can be tracked down, keeping the residence address confidential and out of the hands of someone who might want to harm the victim.

Feel free to call our toll-free number at (877) 322-5227 if you have any questions about our services.

www.sos.ca.gov/registries/safe-home

Domestic Violence Restraining Orders in California Self-Help Guide