# How to File a Domestic Violence Restraining Order in Colusa County, California > A step-by-step guide to domestic violence restraining orders in Colusa County: the courthouse, forms, fee waivers, and self-help center support. **Direct answer.** If someone in your life is hurting you or making you afraid — a spouse, partner, family member, or co-parent — California courts can step in. This page explains, in everyday language, how to ask for a domestic violence restraining order in Colusa County. ## Where to file in Colusa County File with the Superior Court of California, County of Colusa: The court's official domestic violence page gives you two ways to get your papers to the court: email your completed documents to info@colusa.courts.ca.gov, or print them and file in person with the clerk. (LawHelp Interactive can prepare your forms, but it does not file them — you must send them yourself by email or in person.) For a time-sensitive restraining order request, use the email or in-person routes on the DV page rather than the after-hours drop box. Verify hours and details on the court's official site: colusa.courts.ca.gov - Colusa County Courthouse — 532 Oak Street, Colusa, CA 95932. ## The forms you'll need DV-120 is the form the other party uses to respond — it is not part of your filing packet; included here so the name is familiar. No separate local cover sheet is required for an initial DVRO request per the court's published information (confirm current requirements on the court's official site). - 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). ## What it costs Filing an initial domestic violence restraining order request is free — there is no filing fee, and you don't need form FW-001 for that filing. FW-001 is only for asking the court to waive fees on other, fee-based filings. The Family Law Facilitator's office can also explain which fees, if any, apply to your situation. ## What happens after you file A judge reviews your request, typically by the next court day. If a temporary order is granted, a hearing is usually scheduled within about three weeks. The other party must be legally served with the papers — you can't deliver them yourself. Keep copies of everything you file. ## Local help in Colusa County The court's Self-Help Center, housed with the Family Law Facilitator's Office, provides free legal and procedural assistance to people without an attorney — and domestic violence is one of the areas it covers. Check the court's family-law page at colusa.courts.ca.gov for current hours and contact details. 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? Usually the judge reviews your papers by the next court day, and a hearing follows within about three weeks. ### Do I need a lawyer? No. The Self-Help Center is set up specifically to assist self-represented people with domestic violence matters, free of charge. ### What if I can't afford the fee? The initial DVRO request is free, so no fee-waiver form is needed for that filing. ### What if I'm in danger right now? Call 911. The National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 is free, confidential, and available any time of day or night. ### Can I file in Spanish? Many California courts provide Spanish forms and interpreters. Ask the clerk's office or the Self-Help Center about Colusa County's options. ## 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 Calaveras County, California](https://justiceos.ai/guides/calaveras-county-dv-restraining-order) - [How to File a Domestic Violence Restraining Order in Contra Costa County, California](https://justiceos.ai/guides/contra-costa-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/colusa-county-dv-restraining-order