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DV-100 Restraining Order (California Domestic Violence Protection)
If someone has hurt you, threatened you, or made you feel unsafe — you have a right to ask the court for protection. The DV-100 is how you do that. Here's what it is, who it's for, and how to complete it in a way that gives you the best chance of being protected.
Short answer: This page helps you understand and prepare the DV-100 — the California court form used to request a domestic violence restraining order — without hiring a lawyer.
What this page does
It explains what the DV-100 form is, who qualifies to file it, and what the court needs to see. It connects you to a guided tool that walks through every question on the form in plain English, one step at a time.
How it works
- Read what the DV-100 is and decide if it applies to your situation.
- See who qualifies — abuse does not have to be physical to count.
- Use the guided tool to answer each section of the form with simple prompts.
- Print the completed form and file it at your local California courthouse.
- A judge reviews it the same day. If granted, the order takes effect immediately.
Who this is for
People in California who have experienced abuse, threats, stalking, or harassment from a spouse, partner, family member, co-parent, or someone they live or lived with — and who want to ask the court for protection without paying an attorney.
Common questions
Do I need a police report or evidence to file?
No. You do not need a police report, photographs, or witnesses to file the DV-100. You describe what happened in your own words, and the judge decides whether to grant an emergency order. Being specific helps — but evidence is not required to start the process.
Will the other person know I filed?
Yes — after the judge reviews your filing, the restrained person is served with a copy. If you are concerned about them seeing your address, you can request a confidential address on the form. The court will use that address instead of your actual location.
Is there a fee to file a restraining order in California?
No. Filing a domestic violence restraining order (DV-100) is free in California. You will not be charged a filing fee.
We live together. Do they have to leave if the order is granted?
The judge can include a move-out order as part of the restraining order, requiring the restrained person to leave the shared home — even if their name is on the lease or mortgage. You need to request this specifically on the DV-100 form.
Can I include my children in the restraining order?
Yes. You can ask the court to protect your children under the same order. You can also request custody and visitation provisions — specifying who the children live with and what contact, if any, is allowed during the order.
What is a DV-100 restraining order in California?
The DV-100 is a request for a domestic violence restraining order California courts can issue the same day — often within hours of filing — to decide whether to grant a temporary emergency order while your case is pending.
If the judge grants it, the restrained person is legally required to stay away from you, your home, your workplace, and your children. Violating a restraining order is a crime.
A full hearing is scheduled within 21 days. At that hearing, a judge decides whether to make the order permanent (up to 5 years, renewable).
Who can request a DV-100?
You can request a DV-100 restraining order California courts will consider if you have been abused — physically, emotionally, sexually, or financially — by someone you have a close relationship with, including:
- A current or former spouse or domestic partner
- Someone you are dating or used to date
- A family member or someone you live with
- A co-parent
Abuse includes hitting, kicking, or threatening — but also stalking, harassment, destroying your property, or controlling your access to money, medical care, or your children.
You do not need to have been physically hurt. Threats and patterns of control qualify.
How to fill out a DV-100 form correctly
The DV-100 asks you to describe your situation so the judge can understand the danger. You'll be asked to explain:
- What happened — specific incidents, with dates and details
- Your relationship to the person you're asking the court to restrain
- What protections you need — stay-away orders, move-out orders, child custody provisions, firearm restrictions
- Who else needs protection — children or other household members can be included
The more specific you are, the stronger your filing. Vague descriptions make it harder for a judge to act.
What happens after filing a restraining order?
Be as specific as possible. The judge is reading your words without you in the room, so details matter.
- Write down specific incidents: the date, what was said or done, whether anyone else witnessed it
- Include recent incidents — courts look at what's happening now, not just history
- List every protection you need — you can't ask for more after the fact
- If children are involved, be clear about custody and visitation arrangements you're requesting
- Use a safe address or the court's address for yourself if you're concerned the restrained person will see your location
After filing, the court clerk processes the paperwork the same day. If the temporary order is granted, law enforcement is notified and the restrained person must be served. A full hearing follows within 21 days. Knowing how to file a restraining order before you walk in means less time waiting and fewer mistakes. SharpeSystem guides you through every section of the DV-100 step by step — including what to write, what the court is looking for, and how to protect your information.
If your situation also involves custody or child support arrangements, those may need to be addressed through a separate Request for Order (FL-300). The DV-100 handles protection — the FL-300 handles ongoing family law orders.
You deserve to feel safe. SharpeSystem walks you through the DV-100 in plain English, one step at a time. No attorney required.
You can prepare your DV-100 restraining order forms using the guided system below.
Request a Restraining Order (DV-100)