San Mateo County · California
Filing a domestic violence restraining order in San Mateo County
Domestic violence restraining orders in San Mateo County are handled by the Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo. 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.
Court procedures change, so the court's own page is the one to trust.
What the San Mateo County court says
Filing online
The court’s free Self-Prep and File service includes a restraining order interview, which the court lists as one you can e-file with the court or print and file.
Filing steps and help
- The court’s page says to turn in the forms at the Clerk’s office; the judge decides on the temporary orders later that day or the next day, no later than one business day. Source: the court's page, opens in a new tab
- For help asking for a domestic violence restraining order, the court points to the Bay Area Legal Aid Domestic Violence Restraining Order Clinic, (650) 358-0745. Source: the court's page, opens in a new tab
- The court’s page states there is no fee to ask for a restraining order. Source: the court's page, opens in a new tab
- The court’s e-filing page says self-represented parties may e-file through any electronic filing service provider. Source: the court's page, opens in a new tab
Self-Help Center / Family Law Facilitator
Free help for people who do not have a lawyer. Staff explain the forms and steps; they do not give legal advice.
- Hours and access
- The court says the Self-Help Center is providing services remotely through expanded LiveChat hours on its website. 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 San Mateo County court yourself. Already have filled-in forms? The free Clerk Check flags objective problems and shows the published source for each one.
California rules that also apply in San Mateo 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.
Every court must take them electronically
State law says every court that receives these petitions must let them be submitted electronically, and must show e-filing and self-help information on its homepage. Starting January 1, 2027, e-filed petitions must be free for the person filing.
Source: Family Code § 6307
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. 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.