# Can I file a restraining order online in Merced County?

> How Merced County Superior Court handles online domestic violence restraining-order filing: portals, EFSPs, self-represented rules, and official sources (2026-10-16).

**Direct answer.** Yes. Merced County’s superior court describes a way to submit domestic violence restraining-order papers electronically or through a court portal (yes — e-file via court-approved efsp/portal). From January 1, 2027, electronically submitted DVRO petitions and related filings must be at no charge to the petitioner under Fam. Code § 6307(a)(1)(B). Use only court-approved EFSPs or portals listed on this page.

## Merced County at a glance

Merced says you may submit a DVRO request by e-filing (no fee to file the request per court).

- County DVRO guide: /guides/merced-county-dv-restraining-order
- Court website: https://www.merced.courts.ca.gov/

## Approved online filing paths in Merced County

The table lists vendors or portals named on official court pages (or the court’s published EFSP list where linked).

## Steps after your forms are ready

JusticeOS prepares forms for you to review and file using the court’s method. It does not submit to the court for you.

## Questions people ask next

### Can I file a restraining order online in Merced County?

Yes. Merced says you may submit a DVRO request by e-filing (no fee to file the request per court). Source checked 2026-10-16.

### May self-represented filers e-file?

Yes. The court’s published materials say self-represented filers may use electronic filing or are not required to e-file but may do so.

### Is there a free online option?

The court page we checked does not describe a separate free portal; EFSPs may charge service fees until Fam. Code § 6307(a)(1)(B) applies on January 1, 2027.

## Official sources

- [Merced County: domestic violence restraining orders](https://www.merced.courts.ca.gov/self-help/abuse-harassment)
- [Merced County: primary e-filing / DVRO source](https://www.merced.courts.ca.gov/self-help/abuse-harassment)
- [Mercedprod](https://www.merced.courts.ca.gov/self-help/abuse-harassment)
- [California Courts: File your DVRO request](https://selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/DV-restraining-order/file)
- [Family Code § 6307 (electronic submission)](https://leginfo.legislature.ca.gov/faces/codes_displaySection.xhtml?lawCode=FAM&sectionNum=6307)

## Related guides

- [How to File a Domestic Violence Restraining Order in Merced County, California](https://justiceos.ai/guides/merced-county-dv-restraining-order)
- [Can I file a restraining order online in California?](https://justiceos.ai/guides/file-restraining-order-online-california)
- [How California DVRO filing works after you finish the forms](https://justiceos.ai/guides/dvro-filing)
- [California domestic violence restraining-order forms: the starting packet](https://justiceos.ai/guides/california-dvro-forms)

Published 2026-10-16. Reviewed against official California Courts guidance on 2026-10-16.

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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.

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