Los Angeles County · California
Filing a domestic violence restraining order in Los Angeles County
Domestic violence restraining orders in Los Angeles County are handled by the Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles. This page shows what that court's own website says about filing, with a link to each source, then the California rules that apply everywhere.
Direct answer
- WhereDomestic violence restraining-order papers in Los Angeles County are filed with Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles. The court's published filing location includes 111 North Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012 The court describes e-filing on its website.
- HoursPublished hours or filing windows include Monday through Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.; Friday 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
- FeeThere is no statewide filing fee for the initial DVRO request (Fam. Code § 6222). Confirm every detail on the court’s own page before you travel.
Court procedures change, so the court's own page is the one to trust.
What the Los Angeles County court says
Filing online
The court’s Family Law e-filing page says self-represented litigants have the option to file their documents electronically.
Where to file
File your papers at 111 North: 111 North Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012 (Stanley Mosk Courthouse, Restraining Order Center filing window, Room 227, 2nd floor) Source: the court's page, opens in a new tab
Filing steps and help
- The Restraining Order Center filing window at Stanley Mosk Courthouse (Room 227, 2nd floor) is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. LASC Local Rule 5.3(b)(1) states that domestic violence restraining-order requests filed before 3:00 p.m. on a court day are generally ruled on the same court day. Source: the court's page, opens in a new tab
- Walk-in help filling out domestic violence restraining order forms is available first come, first served at the court’s Self-Help Centers in courthouses across the county. Forms are prepared on site using online forms programs. Source: the court's page, opens in a new tab
- The court lists a free Guide & File online interview for people who want to fill out restraining order forms. Source: the court's page, opens in a new tab
Self-Help Center
Free help for people who do not have a lawyer. Staff explain the forms and steps; they do not give legal advice.
- Free help with forms (not where you file): Room 426F
- Room 426F, 4th floor, Stanley Mosk Courthouse, 111 North Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012 Source: the court's page, opens in a new tab
- Phone
- 213-830-0845 (referrals to agencies that may help you fill out the forms remotely) Source: the court's page, opens in a new tab
- Hours and access
- Monday through Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.; Friday 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Source: the court's page, opens in a new tab
Getting the forms ready
JusticeOS fills in the four statewide forms (DV-100, DV-109, DV-110 and CLETS-001) from answers you give, one question at a time. You review every page, then file it with the Los Angeles County court yourself. Already have filled-in forms? The free Clerk Check flags objective problems and shows the published source for each one.
The superior court charges no filing fee to submit a domestic violence restraining-order request (Fam. Code § 6222).
California rules that also apply in Los Angeles County
These come from state law and the California Courts Self-Help Guide, so they are the same in every county.
There is no filing fee
California law says there is no filing fee to ask for a domestic violence restraining order.
Source: Family Code § 6222
The four statewide forms
The California Courts Self-Help Guide lists the required forms: Request for Domestic Violence Restraining Order (DV-100), Confidential CLETS Information (CLETS-001), Notice of Court Hearing (DV-109) and Temporary Restraining Order (DV-110). Some courts also use local forms.
Ways to turn in the forms
The Self-Help Guide describes three ways: in person at the courthouse (the original and 2 copies), online through e-filing, or in a court drop box where one is available.
Filing is free in person or online
Filing a domestic violence restraining order is free with the court (Fam. Code § 6222). This court’s website describes filing in person and submitting papers online.
The clerk cannot turn it away if it is complete
A clerk may not reject the request for filing if it is on the required Judicial Council forms, includes every form needed for the order, and names both people.
Source: Family Code § 6300(c)
A judge decides the temporary order fast
The judge grants or denies the temporary order the same day it is submitted, or the next court business day if it came in too late in the day.
Source: Family Code § 6326
The hearing comes within about three weeks
The court hearing is held within 21 days of the day the temporary order is granted or denied, or within 25 days if the court finds good cause; if no temporary order is issued, within 21 days (or 25 for good cause) from the filing date. Form DV-109 shows the date.
Source: Family Code § 242(a)
The other person must be served
The other person must be personally served with the papers at least 5 days before the hearing, unless the court shortens that time.
Source: Family Code § 243
What the hearing can lead to
The Self-Help Guide says a temporary order lasts only until the court date. At the hearing, a judge can make a long-term order of up to 5 years. If the temporary order was denied, a judge can still grant an order at the hearing.