Domestic Violence Restraining Orders in Humboldt County, California

If a spouse, partner, someone you dated, a co-parent, or a close family member is hurting or threatening you, a domestic violence restraining order can help keep you safe. If you are in immediate danger, call 911. For free, confidential help at any time, reach the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.

Humboldt County is a county in rural Northern California, serving Eureka, Arcata, and Fortuna and nearby communities. You request a domestic violence restraining order through the Superior Court of California, County of Humboldt in Eureka, following the same statewide process used across California.

The forms are the same statewide, and there is no filing fee for a domestic violence restraining order in California. A judge can issue a temporary order quickly, often within a day, and it stays in place until your hearing. An order granted after the hearing can last up to five years.

You do not need a lawyer to ask for protection. Humboldt County has domestic violence advocates and court self-help resources that can help you complete the forms at no cost, and this page explains the steps.

How a domestic violence restraining order works in California

A domestic violence restraining order is for protection from someone you have a close relationship with, such as a spouse or former spouse, a partner you live with or used to live with, someone you dated, a co-parent, or a close family member. If the other person is a neighbor, coworker, or stranger, a different order called a civil harassment restraining order may apply instead. California uses the same statewide forms in every county, including Humboldt County. The basic steps are:

1. File a Request for a Domestic Violence Restraining Order (Form DV-100), with the related forms DV-109 and DV-110, at the court. There is no filing fee.
2. A judge reviews your request, often the same day or the next court day, and can grant a temporary restraining order that lasts until your hearing.
3. The other person is served with the paperwork and can file a response (Form DV-120).
4. You attend a court hearing, usually within about three weeks.
5. If the judge grants a restraining order after the hearing, it can last up to five years and can be renewed.

A domestic violence restraining order can do more than order someone to stay away. It can set temporary child custody and visitation, order child or spousal support, require the other person to move out, and require them to turn in any firearms. Local domestic violence advocates and the court's self-help center can help you fill out the forms, often at no cost.

Where to file in Humboldt County

Restraining order requests in Humboldt County are filed with the Superior Court of California, County of Humboldt, with the county seat in Eureka. Because courthouse locations, hours, and local domestic violence resources change over time, confirm current details using the official California Courts court finder:

Find the Humboldt County Superior Court (official California Courts finder)

Local notes for Humboldt County

Humboldt County handles restraining order requests through its Superior Court in Eureka. Confirm the current filing location and hours using the official California Courts court finder, and ask about the self-help center and local domestic violence resources, which can help you prepare Form DV-100 at no cost.

If you need protection right away, ask the clerk about same-day temporary orders. A judge can review your request and issue a temporary restraining order that lasts until the hearing, which is usually within about three weeks. The other person must be served before the hearing and may respond using Form DV-120.

A domestic violence restraining order in Humboldt County can include more than a stay-away order. It can set temporary child custody and visitation, order child or spousal support, require the other person to move out, and require them to surrender firearms. If the person is a neighbor, coworker, or stranger rather than a close relationship, ask the court about a civil harassment restraining order instead.

Humboldt County Restraining Order FAQs