# How to File a Domestic Violence Restraining Order in Fresno County, California

> Step-by-step guide to DVRO filing in Fresno County: the B.F. Sisk Courthouse, forms, fees, self-help, and the Marjaree Mason Center hotline.

**Direct answer.** If an abusive partner, spouse, family member, or co-parent is threatening your safety, a domestic violence restraining order is a court order that can protect you. This guide walks through filing one in Fresno County — plainly, and one step at a time.

## Where to file in Fresno County

File with the Superior Court of California, County of Fresno at:

More on the court's domestic-violence page: fresno.courts.ca.gov

- B.F. Sisk Courthouse — 1130 "O" Street, Fresno, CA 93721. Restraining-order forms are available on the first floor in the Family Law Facilitator's Office and on the second floor in the Family Law Clerk's Office.

## The forms you'll need

You can also request forms by email at SelfHelpFamilyLaw@fresno.courts.ca.gov.

- 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, so it's worth knowing the name.
- FW-001 — request to waive court fees if you can't afford them.

## What it costs

There is no fee to file a domestic violence restraining order under California law. If other court fees come up that you can't afford, file FW-001 to ask the court to waive them. Three local agencies listed by the court can help eligible filers complete restraining-order paperwork at no cost.

## 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 — a private party or law enforcement can do this. Bring your forms and any evidence to the hearing.

## Local help in Fresno 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.

- Family Law Facilitator's Office / Self-Help Center — first floor of the B.F. Sisk Courthouse, 1130 "O" Street, Fresno. The court's site notes self-help staff assist with completing restraining-order paperwork.
- Marjaree Mason Center — the court's domestic-violence page lists this local agency at (559) 233-HELP, which can help with filling out restraining orders.

## Questions people ask next

### How long does it take?

The judge typically reviews your request within 24 hours, and the hearing is usually set within 21 days.

### Do I need a lawyer?

No. The court's self-help staff and listed local agencies help people file on their own, and you can request forms by email too.

### What if I can't afford the fee?

There's no fee to file the restraining order itself; for other court fees, complete form FW-001 and ask the court to waive them. Free help completing the paperwork is available through the agencies the court lists.

### 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 hours a day.

### Can I file in Spanish?

Many courts have Spanish forms and interpreters available — ask the Family Law Facilitator's Office what Fresno County offers.

## 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&sectionNum=6222)

## Related guides

- [How to File a Domestic Violence Restraining Order in El Dorado County, California](https://justiceos.ai/guides/el-dorado-county-dv-restraining-order)
- [How to File a Domestic Violence Restraining Order in Glenn County, California](https://justiceos.ai/guides/glenn-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/fresno-county-dv-restraining-order