File your request for a domestic violence restraining order

You can file your forms:

• In person at the courthouse: Find the courthouse in your county that will file restraining order papers by going to your court's website (opens in a new tab).
  • At the courthouse, you’ll file the forms by giving the original and two copies to the clerk.
  • Your forms will then be reviewed by a judge.
  • The clerk will let you know when to return to pick up your court papers. 
• Online (called e-filing). Go to your court's website (opens in a new tab) to find out how to e-file.
  • The court will return your forms to you electronically.
• By leaving in a drop box (if available). Many courts have drop boxes where you can leave your forms, either inside or outside the courthouse.
  • If you put your court papers in a drop box make sure include the original plus two copies, and use an envelope or rubber band to keep all your papers together. 
  • You will still have to return to the courthouse to pick up your court papers. 
  • Using a drop box may not be the fastest way to get your papers reviewed by a judge. If you need protection right away, take your forms to a court clerk or file them online.

The judge may be able to review your request that  same day. If not, you will need to go back to the courthouse  the next day. Ask the clerk when you should return to pick up your court papers.

Once you have your forms back from the court, read the forms to see what the judge ordered.

• You have a court date. Look at form DV-109 to see when and where your court date (court hearing) is.
• If the judge signed form DV-110, this means you have a temporary restraining order.
  • The orders granted on form DV-110 only last until your court date.
  • You must go to your court date if you want a long-term restraining order (up to 5 years).
  • Keep a copy of form DV-110 with you at all times.
  • If you have a phone, you can also use your phone to take a picture of all the pages so you always have proof of it. Having a copy of your restraining order will help you if you need to call the police to report a violation.

⚠️ If the judge did not grant you a temporary restraining order

• The judge can still grant you a restraining order at your court date.
• If you still want a restraining order, follow all the steps in the process, including having the other side served.
• If you no longer want a restraining order, you don't have to go to your court date. You can also cancel your court date.
• 💬 For more information on how to cancel your court date, get help from the self-help center or talk to a lawyer.

If the judge only granted some of the orders you asked for

• The judge decides whether to grant some temporary orders, like a stay away and move-out order, based on what is written on your request (form DV-100). If the judge didn't grant any of these, you can still ask for them at the court date. 
  • Make sure you're prepared to give the judge more information about why you need these orders.
• Other orders, like child support and spousal support, can only be granted after the other side has been served with your request. So, once you serve your papers, the judge can grant these orders at the court date.