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Quick answer

Step-by-step guide to filing a domestic violence restraining order in Alameda County: where to file, the forms, fees, and local help. Domestic violence restraining-order requests in Alameda County are filed with Superior Court of California, County of Alameda. The court’s own website is the source for current filing location, hours, and local steps.

Filing in Alameda County

How to File a Domestic Violence Restraining Order in Alameda County, California

Step-by-step guide to filing a domestic violence restraining order in Alameda County: where to file, the forms, fees, and local help.

Direct answer

Where: Domestic violence restraining-order papers in Alameda County are filed with Superior Court of California, County of Alameda. The court's published filing location includes Hayward Hall of Justice, 24405 Amador Street, Hayward, CA 94544; René C. The court describes e-filing on its website. Hours: Published hours or filing windows include Phone: Monday to Thursday, 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. Fee: There 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.

For the full California process with official citations, see How to file a domestic violence restraining order in California.

Where to file in Alameda County

Domestic violence restraining-order requests in Alameda County are filed with Superior Court of California, County of Alameda. The court’s own website is the source for current filing location, hours, and local steps.

The court describes The court’s Family Law e-filing page says e-filing is mandatory for attorneys and an option for self-represented people. (https://www.alameda.courts.ca.gov/online-services/e-filing/family-law-e-filing).

  • Hayward Hall of Justice, 24405 Amador Street, Hayward, CA 94544; René C. Davidson Courthouse, 1225 Fallon Street, Oakland, CA 94612
  • Family law papers are filed at the Hayward Hall of Justice, 24405 Amador Street, Hayward, CA 94544. Requests for a domestic violence restraining order may also be filed at the René C. Davidson Courthouse in Oakland.
  • The Self-Help Center’s instructions list in-person filing Monday to Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. and Friday 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., and drop-box filing Monday to Thursday 3:00 to 4:00 p.m. and Friday 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., at the Hayward Hall of Justice or the René C. Davidson Courthouse, 1225 Fallon Street, Oakland, CA 94612.
  • Per the same instructions, after 24 hours you can call the clerk’s office where you filed to check on your request. Hayward Hall of Justice Family Division: (510) 267-6923.
  • The Self-Help Center links a guided online interview to prepare a domestic violence restraining order request.

The forms you'll need

  • DV-100: the request for the restraining order itself; describes what happened and what protection you need.
  • DV-109: notice of the court hearing date.
  • DV-110: the temporary restraining order a judge can grant before the hearing.
  • CLETS-001: confidential information for law enforcement (kept private from the other party).
  • DV-105: if the case involves minor children, request custody and visitation orders on this form (file it with the initial packet when children are involved).
  • DV-120: the form the other party uses to respond; you'll recognize it when it's served on you or filed in your case.

What it costs

Filing fees vary by county. In Alameda County, filing a request for a domestic violence restraining order under the Domestic Violence Prevention Act carries no fee, but if any other fee comes up and you can't afford it, file FW-001 to ask the court to waive it. When in doubt, ask the clerk's window; they handle fee questions every day.

What happens after you file

Under Fam. Code § 6326, a judge issues or denies an ex parte request the same court day it is submitted, or the next court day if filed too late for review that day. If a temporary order is granted or denied, the hearing date is on the stamped DV-109 (Fam. Code § 242). The other party must be legally served with the papers: someone other than you, age 18 or older, delivers them. Bring your forms, any evidence, and anything that helps tell your story to the hearing.

Local help in Alameda County

Self-Help Center & Family Law Facilitator Phone: (510) 272-1393 Hours: Phone: Monday to Thursday, 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. LiveChat: Monday to Thursday, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Self-help page: https://www.alameda.courts.ca.gov/representing-yourself

Questions people ask next

How long does it take?

Under Fam. Code § 6326, a judge issues or denies an ex parte request the same court day or the next court day if filed too late for review that day. The hearing date is on the stamped DV-109.

Do I need a lawyer?

No. Many people file on their own, and the court's Self-Help Center can walk you through the forms and the process.

What if I can't afford the fee?

Domestic violence restraining order requests under the Domestic Violence Prevention Act are filed at no cost. For any other court fees, form FW-001 asks the judge to waive them.

What if I'm in danger right now?

Call 911. You can also call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233; it's free, confidential, and available 24/7.

Can I file in Spanish?

Many courts offer Spanish-language forms and help. Ask the Self-Help Center, which provides language services.

Official sources

Open the current source before acting. Court forms and county procedures can change.

Ready for the document step?

Use the guide to understand the process, then review every field before a packet leaves your hands.

Start your filing with JusticeOS