Domestic Violence Restraining Orders in Los Angeles 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 support any time of day, you can reach the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.

In Los Angeles County, you request a domestic violence restraining order through the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles. The county is home to Los Angeles, Long Beach, Santa Clarita, Glendale, Pomona, and many other cities, and because it is so large, it runs family courthouses across several districts. The process and forms are the same statewide no matter which courthouse hears your case.

California uses the same forms in every county, and there is no fee to file for a domestic violence restraining order. A judge can grant a temporary order quickly, often the same day or the next court day, and it lasts until your hearing. After the hearing, a longer restraining order can last up to five years.

You do not need a lawyer to start. Los Angeles County has an extensive network of domestic violence advocates and self-help resources that can help you fill out the forms at no cost, and this page walks through how the process works.

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 Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles County

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

Find the Los Angeles County Superior Court (official California Courts finder)

Local notes for Los Angeles County

Because Los Angeles County spreads cases across multiple courthouse districts, the right filing location depends on where you live. Confirm the correct courthouse with the official California Courts court finder, and ask about the family law self-help center and domestic violence resources at that location.

If you need protection immediately, ask about same-day temporary orders. A judge can review your Form DV-100 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 they can file a response using Form DV-120.

A Los Angeles County 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 surrender firearms. If the person is a neighbor, coworker, or stranger, a civil harassment restraining order may be the right tool instead.

Los Angeles County Restraining Order FAQs