Domestic Violence Restraining Order Cases

Protect yourself from the abuse of a current (or former) romantic partner or immediate family member, respond to a restraining order filed against you, or ask the court to make changes to an active restraining order.

Upcoming DVRO Service Packages

Note: You must take our Eligibility Quiz before purchasing a package (Coming Spring 2025)

  • Navigate the process of requesting a California Domestic Violence Restraining Order (DVRO) with precision and confidence. Our package offers guided interviews that meticulously walk you through each step of preparing court forms and documents needed to secure a restraining order against a current or former intimate partner or immediate family member. Gain peace of mind with structured support every step of the way.

    For further guidance on DV restraining order eligibility, stay tuned for our upcoming ‘Eligibility Quiz’!

  • If you've been served with a request for a Domestic Violence Restraining Order (DVRO), our package provides the tools you need to respond confidently. Through user-friendly guided interviews, we help you prepare all necessary forms and documents, articulate your defense, and ensure your rights are protected.

    This package is designed for individuals who need to respond to a Request for Domestic Violence Restraining Order (form DV-100), offering clear and structured support at each step of the process. Note, this is different from a request for a Civil Harassment Restraining Order (form CH-100).

  • Secure continued protection effortlessly with our 'Request to Renew DVRO' package. Designed to simplify the renewal of your restraining order, our guided interviews provide step-by-step assistance in preparing your renewal request court forms and documents for your ongoing safety and peace of mind as your current order nears its expiration.

  • Need to change your active restraining order? Secure the changes you need with our 'Request to Change or End DVRO' package. Whether you need to amend (change) or terminate (end) your existing Domestic Violence Restraining Order (DVRO), this package provides guided support through the Request for Order (RFO) process, allowing you to ask the court to tailor the order to the latest developments in your situation.

  • Respond effectively to a Request for Order (RFO) seeking changes to or termination of your Domestic Violence Restraining Order with our package. This package equips you with structured guidance to prepare your Responsive Declaration, ensuring your side of the story is clearly presented and your rights are upheld when the other party asks the court to change the order.

    This package is designed for those who have received notice of an Request for Order (form FL-300) to amend a Restraining Order After Hearing (form DV-130) and need to submit a thorough and timely response.

Domestic Violence Restraining Order (DVRO) Basics

What is a Domestic Violence Restraining Order?

A Domestic Violence Restraining Order (DVRO) is a legal order issued by a court in California to protect individuals from abuse or threats of abuse. In California, individuals who have experienced domestic violence, or whose minor child has, at the hands of a current or former intimate partner, immediate family member, or household member, are eligible to file for a DVRO.

  • A California judge may grant a request for a DVRO if the person requesting the restraining order can prove that they or their minor children have been abused by the other party.

    Family Code section 6203 defines "abuse" as it relates to domestic violence:

    “(a) For purposes of this act, “abuse” means any of the following:

    (1) To intentionally or recklessly cause or attempt to cause bodily injury.

    (2) Sexual assault.

    (3) To place a person in reasonable apprehension of imminent serious bodily injury to that person or to another.

    (4) To engage in any behavior that has been or could be enjoined pursuant to Section 6320.

    (b) Abuse is not limited to the actual infliction of physical injury or assault.”

    —

    Additionally, Family Code section 6320(c)(1-5) also helps define "abuse" by outlining the circumstances under which a court may issue an emergency temporary restraining order (aka., an "ex parte" order):

    “(c) ...This conduct includes, but is not limited to, coercive control, which is a pattern of behavior that in purpose or effect unreasonably interferes with a person’s free will and personal liberty... [including]:

    (1) Isolating the other party from friends, relatives, or other sources of support.

    (2) Depriving the other party of basic necessities.

    (3) Controlling, regulating, or monitoring the other party’s movements, communications, daily behavior, finances, economic resources, or access to services.

    (4) Compelling the other party by force, threat of force, or intimidation, including threats based on actual or suspected immigration status, to engage in conduct from which the other party has a right to abstain or to abstain from conduct in which the other party has a right to engage.

    (5) Engaging in reproductive coercion...”

    (Click the hyperlinks above to read the full text)

  • Click here to review the California Judicial Council’s DVRO Information Sheet (form DV-500-INFO), which includes DVRO eligibility information and answers frequently asked questions about California restraining orders.

  • If you want to ask the court to change or end an active domestic violence restraining order after hearing and have moved to another county within California, you must file a Request for Order (RFO) with the court that originally issued the restraining order requesting a change of venue. This ensures that the court with the original jurisdiction over your case maintains consistency in handling the proceedings.

    If traveling to the original county for court appearances poses significant difficulties due to distance or other practical concerns, you may request to transfer your case to a more convenient location closer to your new residence. You can petition for a change of venue under the California Code of Civil Procedure section 397, which allows for venue changes for reasons of convenience, necessity, or the interests of justice.

    Note: While our services are designed to assist self-represented litigants in navigating California's legal system, please note that U Do It Legal currently does not offer services for individuals residing out of state or seeking to transfer cases out of California. For such cases, consulting with a qualified legal professional is crucial to understand the procedural requirements and ensure ongoing protection under the law.

How to Request a DVRO (Basic Steps)

  • Request a DV Restraining Order

    You must file (submit) the necessary paperwork to ask the court for a DVRO. The judge will decide whether you need a “temporary” restraining order right away, which can offer protection in the time leading up to the hearing on your request for a “permanent” restraining order (aka., a DVRO).

  • Serve the Other Party

    The person you want protection from must be served with (given) copies of the papers you filed with the court according to CA’s laws governing proper service of process. You must submit a Proof of Service to the court afterwards.

  • Attend the Court Hearing

    You will tell the judge why you need a DVRO, and the other party will have the chance to present their side. Both parties can bring witnesses and evidence in support of (or in opposition to) your requested orders.

  • Complete Your Case

    The judge may grant or deny a “permanent” restraining order, which can offer protection for up to 5 years. Protected parties can ask the court to renew an order within 3 months of its expiration for an additional 5 years or indefinitely.

Some of the orders we can help you request (or oppose) in a DV Restraining Order case include:

  • Order to Not Abuse

    Orders stopping the restrained party from abusing the protected party (examples of abusive behavior include harassing, stalking, threatening, impersonating, attacking, striking, battering, and more); this can also apply to additional protected parties, such as children and roomates

  • No-Contact Order

    Orders prohibiting the restrained party from contacting the protected party in any way, which includes talking to, calling, or sending the protected party any messages, directly or indirectly (in person, online, or through third parties)

  • Stay-Away Order

    Orders prohibiting the restrained person from coming within a certain specified distance away (like 50 or 100 yards) from the protected party or parties and any protected locations such as their home, workplace, school, vehicle, etc.

  • Move Out Order

    Orders making the restrained person move out from a household shared with the protected party (note: if granted, the restrained party, accompanied by law enforcement, can return to the residence to pick up clothing and personal belongings until the court hearing)

  • Firearm, Firearm Parts, and Ammunition Restrictions

    Orders stopping the restrained person from owning or acquiring a gun or any other prohibited items while the restraining order is in effect

  • Child Support Order

    Court-ordered payments, typically made by a noncustodial parent to the other parent for support of their minor child or children

  • Spousal or Domestic Partner Support Order

    Court-ordered recurring payments from one spouse (or registered domestic partner) to the other to maintain the marital standard of living

  • Child Custody and Visitation Order

    Orders outlining how parenting time, rights, and responsibilities are shared between parents over their minor children

  • Orders giving the protected party sole possession, care, and control of animals/pets

  • Orders giving you sole possession, use, or control over certain property (such as real estate, vehicles, items, etc.)

  • Orders making the restrained party continue to make payments on any debts or bills that the two of you share

  • Orders making the restrained party reimburse you for costs and services you incurred as a result of the restrained party's abuse

  • Orders making the restrained party attend a 52-week batterer intervention program

Other Common Orders: