# How to File a Domestic Violence Restraining Order in Contra Costa County, California > File a domestic violence restraining order in Contra Costa County: Martinez, Richmond, and Pittsburg filing windows, forms, fees, and clinics. **Direct answer.** If you need court protection from an abusive partner, spouse, family member, or someone you share a child with, Contra Costa County has dedicated restraining-order windows to help you file. This guide covers the locations, the forms, and what to expect — in calm, plain language. ## Where to file in Contra Costa County The Superior Court of California, County of Contra Costa accepts DVRO requests at restraining-order windows. File at the location that fits where you live and your case: Restraining-order windows are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. You can also submit a DVRO request by email as a PDF. Two practical notes on email filing: the court will not return the filed forms to you by email — staff will contact you when your paperwork is ready, and it must be picked up in person at the courthouse. The court also offers e-filing for DVRO requests; portal-returned copies are electronic, but any certified copies still have to be picked up at the courthouse. See the court's restraining-order roadmap: contracosta.courts.ca.gov - Spinetta Family Law Center (Martinez) — 751 Pine Street, Martinez, CA 94553. If you live in Central or East County, get help and file here. - George D. Carroll Courthouse (Richmond) — 100 37th Street, Richmond, CA 94805. For West County residents with no existing cases with the other party. - Richard E. Arnason Justice Center (Pittsburg) — 1000 Center Drive, Pittsburg, CA 94565. For East County residents with no existing cases with the other party. ## The forms you'll need The court offers a free online document-preparation program (Odyssey Guide & File) that builds the forms from your answers. - 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; don't fill this one out yourself. - FW-001 — request to waive court fees if you can't afford them. ## What it costs Per the court's own materials: filing an application for a domestic violence restraining order is free — no court fees are charged. If any other fee comes up that you can't afford, FW-001 asks the court to waive it. ## 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 before the hearing. Specially trained clerks at the restraining-order windows can answer questions and share information about local resources. ## Local help in Contra Costa County 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. - Restraining-order clinics: The court's site lists clinics run by Bay Area Legal Aid and the Family Justice Center. To schedule, contact STAND! at 1-888-215-5555 or the Family Justice Center at 510-974-7200. - Court self-help: The Family Law Facilitator's Office offers assistance by LiveChat and in person at the Spinetta Family Law Center in Martinez. ## Questions people ask next ### How long does it take? The judge's initial review is typically within 24 hours, and the hearing is usually scheduled within 21 days. ### Do I need a lawyer? No. The court keeps specially trained clerks at every restraining-order window to help with forms and questions, and free clinics walk you through the process. ### What if I can't afford the fee? There is no fee to file a domestic violence restraining order in Contra Costa County. Other court fees can be waived with FW-001. ### What if I'm in danger right now? Call 911. The National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 is free, confidential, and open 24/7. ### Can I file in Spanish? Many courts offer Spanish forms and help. Ask at the restraining-order window which resources are available. ## 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 Colusa County, California](https://justiceos.ai/guides/colusa-county-dv-restraining-order) - [How to File a Domestic Violence Restraining Order in Del Norte County, California](https://justiceos.ai/guides/del-norte-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/contra-costa-county-dv-restraining-order