# 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.** If someone close to you is hurting or threatening you, a domestic violence restraining order can be one way to get protection through the court. This guide walks through the basics of filing one in Alameda County — where to go, which forms to fill out, and what to expect next. Take it at your own pace. ## Where to file in Alameda County Domestic violence restraining order requests are filed with the Superior Court of California, County of Alameda: You can also e-file: the court's e-filing handout directs filers to choose Family Law e-filing and submit through an approved Electronic Filing Service Provider. Confirm current e-filing steps on the court's official site. Confirm current hours and filing details on the court's official site: alameda.courts.ca.gov - Hayward Hall of Justice — 24405 Amador Street, Hayward, CA 94544. All documents in a family-law case must be presented for filing here. - René C. Davidson Courthouse — 1225 Fallon Street, Oakland, CA 94612. Restraining-order requests may also be filed here. ## 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-120 — the form the other party uses to respond; you'll recognize it when it's served on you or filed in your case. - FW-001 — request to waive court fees if you can't afford them. ## 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 A judge reviews your request, usually within 24 hours. If a temporary order is granted, a hearing is typically scheduled within 21 days. 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 The court's Self-Help Center provides information and assistance with domestic violence restraining orders (staff can't be your lawyer, but they can help with paperwork and process). Visit the self-help page at alameda.courts.ca.gov or call (510) 272-1393 during phone hours, Monday through Thursday. Language services are available. JusticeOS is not a law firm and does not give legal advice. This guide is general information, not legal advice. If you are unsure about your situation, talk to a licensed California attorney or your court's self-help center. ## Questions people ask next ### How long does it take? A judge usually reviews your request within 24 hours. If a temporary order is granted, the full hearing is typically scheduled within 21 days. ### 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 - [California Courts — Restraining orders (self-help)](https://selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/DV-restraining-order) - [California Family Code § 6222 — no fee to ask for a domestic violence restraining order](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=FAM§ionNum=6222) ## Related guides - [How to File a Domestic Violence Restraining Order in Alpine County, California](https://justiceos.ai/guides/alpine-county-dv-restraining-order) - [How to File a Domestic Violence Restraining Order in Amador County, California](https://justiceos.ai/guides/amador-county-dv-restraining-order) - [How California DVRO filing works after you finish the forms](https://justiceos.ai/guides/dvro-filing) Published 2026-09-28. Reviewed against official California Courts guidance on 2026-09-28. --- JusticeOS is not a law firm, is not your lawyer, and does not give legal advice. It explains California court forms and procedure in plain language and cites official sources. In immediate danger call 911. National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233. Canonical HTML: https://justiceos.ai/guides/alameda-county-dv-restraining-order