California Domestic Violence and Protective Order Resources
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California courts can order protection for someone facing violence or credible threats. The order goes by different names in different states, including protective order, order of protection, restraining order, and injunction for protection.
These filings are built to move fast, and clerks are generally set up to help with the paperwork. Filing fees for protection cases are commonly waived. The official California documents and self-help resources are below.
If anyone is in immediate danger, call 911 first. Court paperwork comes after safety.
Official California protection resources
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California family law forms (official index) (California judicial branch): The official statewide collection of California family law forms. When a direct document link stops working, this index is where the current version lives. https://www.courts.ca.gov/forms.htm?filter=FL
California court self-help resources (California courts self-help): Official self-help information for people handling their own California family case, including instructions and plain-language guides. https://www.courts.ca.gov/selfhelp.htm
Find your California superior court (California judicial branch): Find the courthouse or clerk that serves your area, with locations and contact details. https://courts.ca.gov/find-my-court
California state courts website (California judicial branch): The official home of the California court system, with statewide rules, news, and links to every court. https://www.courts.ca.gov
Verified official California protection documents
These official documents are the petitions and related paperwork California publishes for protection cases.
Notice of Court Hearing (DV-109), form DV-109 (Domestic Violence), official document: https://courts.ca.gov/sites/default/files/courts/default/2024-11/dv109.pdf
Proof of Personal Service (DV-200), form DV-200 (Domestic Violence), official document: https://courts.ca.gov/sites/default/files/courts/default/2024-11/dv200.pdf
Request for Domestic Violence Restraining Order (DV-100), form DV-100 (Domestic Violence), official document: https://courts.ca.gov/sites/default/files/courts/default/2024-11/dv100.pdf
Response to Request for DV Restraining Order (DV-120), form DV-120 (Domestic Violence), official document: https://courts.ca.gov/sites/default/files/courts/default/2024-11/dv120.pdf
Restraining Order After Hearing (DV-130), form DV-130 (Domestic Violence), official document: https://courts.ca.gov/sites/default/files/courts/default/2024-11/dv130.pdf
Temporary Restraining Order (DV-110), form DV-110 (Domestic Violence), official document: https://courts.ca.gov/sites/default/files/courts/default/2024-11/dv110.pdf
Official link data for California was last verified June 2026. Report anything outdated through our contact page and we will re-check the official source.
Frequently asked questions
Does it cost anything to ask for protection?
Protection filings are commonly free, and clerk staff are generally expected to help with the forms. Confirm with your California clerk, since the rules are set by state law.
How fast can protection happen?
Courts normally review these filings quickly and can put a temporary order in place before any full hearing. A hearing on a longer order is then scheduled. Ask the clerk how it is handled where you file.
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