How to Get a Restraining Order in California
In California these are called Domestic Violence Restraining Order (DVRO); other restraining orders. A protective order is a court order that tells someone to stop abusing, threatening, stalking or contacting you. Here is how to ask for one, what happens next, and where to get free help — each rule linked to the statute or official court page.
Quick answers for California
- Cost
- Filing for a DVRO is free. The sheriff or marshal serves the papers for free. Asking to renew the order is also free. Judicial Council DV-500-INFO; self-help pages
- Emergency / temporary orders
- After you turn in your forms, a judge decides the same day or next business day whether to grant a temporary restraining order (TRO), usually without the other person present. The TRO lasts until the end of your hearing date. Judicial Council forms DV-500-INFO, DV-110
- How long an order lasts
- A long-term DVRO granted at the hearing can last up to five years. You can ask to renew it before it expires; there is no fee to renew. Judicial Council DV-500-INFO; self-help renewal page
- Where to ask
- File the DVRO forms with the superior court. Forms are free online, or on paper at any California courthouse; your local court self-help center can help with forms. Judicial Council form DV-500-INFO
Last verified: 2026-10-25
Safety first
- If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
- You can talk to a trained advocate any time, for free and confidentially, through the National Domestic Violence Hotline.
- Advocates can help you make a safety plan and fill out the court forms. Many courts have advocates on site.
- Keep copies of the order with you. Give copies to people who need to know, such as your workplace or your child's school.
Getting an order
| Types of orders | Domestic violence restraining order (DVRO), civil harassment restraining order, elder or dependent adult abuse restraining order, gun violence restraining order (usually requested by law enforcement; firearms only), workplace violence restraining order (employer), school violence restraining order (college), and retail crime restraining order (business). |
|---|---|
| Who can ask for an order | For a DVRO you need a qualifying relationship and abuse. Qualifying relationships: current or former spouse or registered domestic partner; current or former dating or intimate partner; someone you have a child with; your parent, child, sibling or grandparent (including in-laws and step-relatives); or someone you live or lived with as more than roommates. Abuse includes physical, sexual or emotional abuse, threats, stalking, harassment and disturbing the peace, including coercive control. Others (neighbors, roommates, cousins, aunts, uncles) can ask for a civil harassment order. |
| Where to ask | File the DVRO forms with the superior court. Forms are free online, or on paper at any California courthouse; your local court self-help center can help with forms. The judge reviews your request for a temporary order the same day or next business day. |
| Cost | Filing for a DVRO is free. The sheriff or marshal serves the papers for free. Asking to renew the order is also free. |
Emergency orders and the hearing
| Emergency / temporary orders | After you turn in your forms, a judge decides the same day or next business day whether to grant a temporary restraining order (TRO), usually without the other person present. The TRO lasts until the end of your hearing date. |
|---|---|
| Serving the order | You cannot serve the papers yourself. The sheriff or marshal will serve them free, or a person 18 or older who is not part of the case can serve them. Service is needed before a long-term order can be granted. |
| The court hearing | The hearing is usually about three weeks after you file. The other person must be served by the deadline the judge sets on form DV-109; if service is not completed, you can ask to reschedule. You may be able to attend remotely depending on the court. |
| How long an order lasts | A long-term DVRO granted at the hearing can last up to five years. You can ask to renew it before it expires; there is no fee to renew. |
What the order does
| What an order can require | A judge can order the restrained person not to contact you, your children, relatives or household members; to stay away from you, your home and job; to move out of a shared home; to obey child custody and visitation orders; to pay child or spousal support and certain debts; and give you control of property such as a phone, car or home. Orders to prevent child abduction can also be requested. |
|---|---|
| Firearms | A person restrained by a California restraining order cannot own, possess, buy or receive firearms, firearm parts or ammunition. Within 24 hours of receiving the order they must turn them in to law enforcement or sell or store them with a licensed gun dealer, and within 48 hours file a receipt with the court. |
| If the order is violated | If the restrained person disobeys the order, they can be charged with a crime, go to jail or prison, and/or pay a fine. Taking or hiding a child in violation of the order is a felony. Source: Judicial Council form DV-110 |
Children and privacy
| Minors and children | A person 12 or older can ask for a restraining order on their own without a parent's permission; a judge may ask a trusted adult to help. You can also ask the judge to protect your children in your own request. |
|---|---|
| Keeping your address private | Safe at Home is the California Secretary of State's free confidential address program for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, human trafficking, child abduction, and elder or dependent adult abuse (and certain others). Contact: toll-free (877) 322-5227. |
Forms and help in California
- California courts: protective order help
- Official California protective order forms
- California Partnership to End Domestic Violence (statewide network; no direct services)
- Free legal aid in California
California protective order FAQ
What kinds of protective orders are available in California?
Domestic violence restraining order (DVRO), civil harassment restraining order, elder or dependent adult abuse restraining order, gun violence restraining order (usually requested by law enforcement; firearms only), workplace violence restraining order (employer), school violence restraining order (college), and retail crime restraining order (business).
Who can get a restraining order in California?
For a DVRO you need a qualifying relationship and abuse. Qualifying relationships: current or former spouse or registered domestic partner; current or former dating or intimate partner; someone you have a child with; your parent, child, sibling or grandparent (including in-laws and step-relatives); or someone you live or lived with as more than roommates. Abuse includes physical, sexual or emotional abuse, threats, stalking, harassment and disturbing the peace, including coercive control. Others (neighbors, roommates, cousins, aunts, uncles) can ask for a civil harassment order.
Where do I file for a restraining order in California?
File the DVRO forms with the superior court. Forms are free online, or on paper at any California courthouse; your local court self-help center can help with forms. The judge reviews your request for a temporary order the same day or next business day.
Does it cost money to get a restraining order in California?
Filing for a DVRO is free. The sheriff or marshal serves the papers for free. Asking to renew the order is also free.
How fast can I get an emergency protective order in California?
After you turn in your forms, a judge decides the same day or next business day whether to grant a temporary restraining order (TRO), usually without the other person present. The TRO lasts until the end of your hearing date.
What happens at the restraining order hearing in California?
The hearing is usually about three weeks after you file. The other person must be served by the deadline the judge sets on form DV-109; if service is not completed, you can ask to reschedule. You may be able to attend remotely depending on the court.
How long does a restraining order last in California?
A long-term DVRO granted at the hearing can last up to five years. You can ask to renew it before it expires; there is no fee to renew.
What can a protective order do in California?
A judge can order the restrained person not to contact you, your children, relatives or household members; to stay away from you, your home and job; to move out of a shared home; to obey child custody and visitation orders; to pay child or spousal support and certain debts; and give you control of property such as a phone, car or home. Orders to prevent child abduction can also be requested.
Does a protective order affect firearms in California?
A person restrained by a California restraining order cannot own, possess, buy or receive firearms, firearm parts or ammunition. Within 24 hours of receiving the order they must turn them in to law enforcement or sell or store them with a licensed gun dealer, and within 48 hours file a receipt with the court.
How is a restraining order served in California?
You cannot serve the papers yourself. The sheriff or marshal will serve them free, or a person 18 or older who is not part of the case can serve them. Service is needed before a long-term order can be granted.
What happens if someone violates a protective order in California?
If the restrained person disobeys the order, they can be charged with a crime, go to jail or prison, and/or pay a fine. Taking or hiding a child in violation of the order is a felony.
Can a minor get a restraining order in California?
A person 12 or older can ask for a restraining order on their own without a parent's permission; a judge may ask a trusted adult to help. You can also ask the judge to protect your children in your own request.
Can I keep my address confidential in California?
Safe at Home is the California Secretary of State's free confidential address program for victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, human trafficking, child abduction, and elder or dependent adult abuse (and certain others). Contact: toll-free (877) 322-5227.
Protective orders in other states
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General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.