Domestic Violence Restraining Orders in Orange 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 first. For free and confidential help at any hour, you can reach the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233.

In Orange County, you request a domestic violence restraining order through the Superior Court of California, County of Orange, based in the county seat of Santa Ana. Orange County is home to Anaheim, Santa Ana, Irvine, Huntington Beach, Garden Grove, and many other cities, and the same statewide process applies no matter where in the county you live.

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 that order lasts until your court hearing. After the hearing, a longer order can last up to five years.

You do not need a lawyer to ask for a restraining order. Local domestic violence advocates and the court's self-help center can help you complete the forms, usually at no cost, and this page explains how the Orange County process works step by step.

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 Orange 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 Orange County

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

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

Local notes for Orange County

Orange County directs restraining order requests to specific courthouse locations, so confirm where to file using the official California Courts court finder before you go in person. Many courts also have a family law self-help center and connections to local domestic violence agencies that can help you prepare Form DV-100 and stay safe during the process.

If you need protection right away, ask the clerk about same-day temporary orders. A judge can review your Form DV-100 request and issue a temporary restraining order that lasts until your hearing, which is usually scheduled within about three weeks. The other person must be served with the paperwork before the hearing.

A domestic violence restraining order in Orange 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 turn in firearms. If your situation is a neighbor, coworker, or stranger rather than a close relationship, ask the court about a civil harassment restraining order instead.

Orange County Restraining Order FAQs