# How to File a Domestic Violence Restraining Order in Butte County, California > How to request a domestic violence restraining order in Butte County: filing courthouses, the forms you'll need, fees, and self-help resources. **Direct answer.** Asking a court for protection can feel overwhelming, especially late at night. You don't have to do it perfectly — you just have to start. Here's what filing a domestic violence restraining order looks like in Butte County, in plain words. ## Where to file in Butte County File with the Superior Court of California, County of Butte: Oroville is the main courthouse; confirm with the clerk which window accepts your restraining-order filing before you go, since services are split between the two locations. The court's restraining-order page recommends following up with the Self-Help Center to review your paperwork before filing. Details: butte.courts.ca.gov - Butte County Courthouse (main) — One Court Street, Oroville, CA 95965 — (530) 532-7002. - North Butte County Courthouse — 1775 Concord Avenue, Chico, CA 95928 — (530) 532-7002. ## The forms you'll need The court partners with the Judicial Council and Law Help Interactive so you can prepare some documents online — the restraining-order page links to these tools. (The court's e-filing note on that page refers to Glenn County residents; for Butte, plan on filing at the courthouse.) - 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. - DV-130 — the restraining order after hearing (blank at filing; the judge completes it if your request is granted). - CLETS-001 — confidential information for law enforcement (kept private from the other party). - DV-120 — the form the other party uses to respond; you don't fill it out yourself, but you serve a blank copy on them with your other papers. ## What it costs There is no filing fee for a domestic violence restraining order in California — state law charges no fee to request, modify, or enforce one (Gov. Code § 70671(f)), and Butte County's own fee schedule lists DVRO filings as "No fee." You don't need FW-001 (the fee-waiver request) for the DVRO itself. Don't let cost questions stop you from filing. ## 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. Butte permits remote appearances, but you must file the court's written Request for Remote Appearance at least 5 days before your hearing (Local Rule 1.10) — don't wait until the last minute. Keep your forms organized and bring anything that supports your story — messages, photos, medical records — to the hearing. ## Local help in Butte County The court's Self-Help Assistance and Referral Program (SHARP) offers free assistance to people without attorneys, and the court strongly recommends a SHARP review before you file. SHARP has offices in both Chico and Oroville — phone (530) 532-7015. In-person hours: Monday–Thursday 8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m., Friday 8:30 a.m.–1:00 p.m. See the court's restraining-order resources at butte.courts.ca.gov. 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? The judge's first look is usually within 24 hours; the hearing is typically scheduled within 21 days. ### Do I need a lawyer? No. The court specifically invites self-represented filers, and the Self-Help Center can review your paperwork before you file. ### What if I can't afford the fee? There's no filing fee for a domestic violence restraining order, so cost can't stop you — no waiver needed. ### What if I'm in danger right now? Call 911 immediately. The National Domestic Violence Hotline — 800-799-7233 — is free, confidential, and staffed 24 hours a day. ### Can I file in Spanish? Many courts have Spanish forms and interpretation help. Ask the Self-Help Center what Butte County provides. ## 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 Amador County, California](https://justiceos.ai/guides/amador-county-dv-restraining-order) - [How to File a Domestic Violence Restraining Order in Calaveras County, California](https://justiceos.ai/guides/calaveras-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/butte-county-dv-restraining-order