Domestic Violence Restraining Orders in Sonoma 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.

In Sonoma County, part of the San Francisco Bay Area, you request a domestic violence restraining order through the Superior Court of California, County of Sonoma, based in the county seat of Santa Rosa. The same statewide process applies whether you live in Santa Rosa, Petaluma, and Rohnert Park or elsewhere in the county.

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 order can last up to five years.

You do not need a lawyer to ask for protection. Sonoma 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 Sonoma 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 Sonoma County

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

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

Local notes for Sonoma County

Sonoma 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 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 Sonoma 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.

Sonoma County Restraining Order FAQs