Victim Resources

Immediate safety planning, emergency resources, and court protection options.

Confidential victim advocacy resources and legal navigation.

Specialized support services and emergency assistance.

Support resources, advocate contacts, and community response connections.

Important: There is NO fee to file for a domestic violence restraining order.

1. Filing Forms

   You file court forms asking the judge for the specific protective orders you need and explaining why.

2. Temporary Order Decision

   The judge decides by the next business day (or sooner). If granted, these temporary orders remain active until your official court hearing and can cover stay-away directions, child custody, and exclusive use of a home or vehicle.

3. Service of Process

   You must have someone 18 or older (who is NOT involved in the case) hand-deliver a copy of all court papers to the restrained person before the court date.

4. Restrained Person Response

   The restrained person has the right to file an answer explaining their side.

5. The Court Hearing

   Both parties attend.

   • If the protected person misses the hearing, temporary orders usually end that day.
   • If the restrained person misses the hearing, the judge moves forward without their input.
6. Final Order

   The judge may issue a permanent order lasting up to 5 years (child custody/support orders may last until the child turns 18 or a judge modifies them).

For state forms and detailed guides, see the NCTCC Procedure & Forms FAQ. Note: Individual Tribal Court filing procedures may vary slightly—contact your local court directly for details.

If you have a protective order from another state or Tribe, it is valid in California. Law enforcement must enforce it immediately under full faith and credit laws as long as it identifies the protected person, identifies the restrained person, and appears valid on its face.

On-the-Spot Enforcement Tips:

• Always carry a copy of your protective order with you to show law enforcement.
• Officers cannot require your order to be certified, registered with the state, or pre-entered into a database before enforcing it on the spot.

Optional State Computer System Registration (CLETS):

Registering your order places it into California’s statewide database (CLETS) so police officers across the state can pull it up instantly if you call for help.

1. Fill out Form DV-600

   Order to Register Out-of-State or Tribal Court Protective/Restraining Order.

2. Submit to Court

   Take your completed Form DV-600 and a certified copy of your order to your local courthouse.

3. Register in Database

   Ask the court clerk to submit your order to the state computer system (if they cannot, take a copy to your local police department).

Resources & Reference Materials:

• California Attorney General’s Information Bulletin (2022-DLE-11)
• Judges’ Emergency Protective Order (EPO) Packet
• Law Enforcement EPO Packet