Quick answer
How to request a domestic violence restraining order in Butte County: filing courthouses, the forms you'll need, fees, and self-help resources. File with the Superior Court of California, County of Butte:
Filing in Butte County
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-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 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
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. 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 to Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Friday 8:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. See the court's restraining-order resources at butte.courts.ca.gov.
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
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.