Domestic Violence Restraining Orders in Santa Barbara 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.

Santa Barbara County is a county along California's Central Coast, serving Santa Maria, Santa Barbara, and Lompoc and nearby communities. You request a domestic violence restraining order through the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Barbara in Santa Barbara, 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 start. Local domestic violence advocates and the Santa Barbara County court self-help center 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 Santa Barbara 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 Santa Barbara County

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

Find the Santa Barbara County Superior Court (official California Courts finder)

Local notes for Santa Barbara County

Santa Barbara County may direct restraining order requests to more than one courthouse, so confirm where to file using the official California Courts court finder before you go in person. Ask about the family law self-help center and local domestic violence agencies at that location, since they can help you prepare Form DV-100 and plan for your safety.

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 Santa Barbara 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.

Santa Barbara County Restraining Order FAQs