Domestic Violence Restraining Orders in Napa County, California

If you are being abused or threatened by a spouse, partner, someone you dated, a co-parent, or a close family member, a domestic violence restraining order can help protect you. If you are in immediate danger, call 911. For free and confidential support at any hour, reach the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.

In Napa County, a Bay Area county, you request a domestic violence restraining order through the Superior Court of California, County of Napa, based in the county seat of Napa. The same statewide process applies whether you live in Napa, American Canyon, and St. Helena or elsewhere in the county.

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. Napa 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 Napa 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 Napa County

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

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

Local notes for Napa County

Napa County handles restraining order requests through its Superior Court in Napa. 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 immediate protection, ask about same-day temporary orders. A judge can review your Form DV-100 request and grant a temporary restraining order that lasts until your hearing, generally within about three weeks. The other person must be served beforehand and can file a response on Form DV-120.

A Napa 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 turn in firearms. If the person is a neighbor, coworker, or stranger, a civil harassment restraining order may be the right tool instead.

Napa County Restraining Order FAQs