Domestic Violence Restraining Orders in Yolo 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.

Yolo County is part of the greater Sacramento region, serving Davis, Woodland, and West Sacramento and nearby communities. You request a domestic violence restraining order through the Superior Court of California, County of Yolo in Woodland, following the same statewide process used across California.

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 start. Local domestic violence advocates and the Yolo 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 Yolo 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 Yolo County

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

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

Local notes for Yolo County

Yolo County handles restraining order requests through its Superior Court in Woodland. 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 domestic violence restraining order in Yolo 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 surrender firearms. If the person is a neighbor, coworker, or stranger rather than a close relationship, ask the court about a civil harassment restraining order instead.

Yolo County Restraining Order FAQs