Quick answer
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. Domestic violence restraining-order requests in Fresno County are filed with Superior Court of California, County of Fresno.
Filing in Fresno County
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
Where: Domestic violence restraining-order papers in Fresno County are filed with Superior Court of California, County of Fresno. The court's published filing location includes 1130 O Street, First Floor, Fresno, CA 93724 The court describes online form help on its website. Hours: Published hours or filing windows include Walk-in help: Monday 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.; Tuesday and Wednesday 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Fee: There is no statewide filing fee for the initial DVRO request (Fam. Code § 6222). Confirm every detail on the court’s own page before you travel.
For the full California process with official citations, see How to file a domestic violence restraining order in California.
Where to file in Fresno County
Domestic violence restraining-order requests in Fresno County are filed with Superior Court of California, County of Fresno. The court’s own website is the source for current filing location, hours, and local steps.
The court describes The court offers free Guide & File interviews, including “Domestic Violence Restraining Order - Initial Request.” When the interview is done, the court says you can e-file the documents with the court or print them to file in person. (https://www.fresno.courts.ca.gov/forms-filing/local-forms/prepare-your-court-documents).
- 1130 O Street, First Floor, Fresno, CA 93724
- Restraining order forms are available on the first floor, in the Family Law Facilitator’s Office of the B.F. Sisk Courthouse, 1130 “O” Street, 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-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, so it's worth knowing the name.
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
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: a private party or law enforcement can do this. Bring your forms and any evidence to the hearing.
Local help in Fresno County
Self Help Service Center Phone: 559-457-2143 Hours: Walk-in help: Monday 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.; Tuesday and Wednesday 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Phone and email help: Thursday and Friday 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Self-help page: https://www.fresno.courts.ca.gov/self-help
Questions people ask next
How long does it take?
Under Fam. Code § 6326, a judge issues or denies an ex parte request the same court day or the next court day if filed too late for review that day. The hearing date is on the stamped DV-109.
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
Open the current source before acting. Court forms and county procedures can change.
- Superior Court of California, County of Fresno (official website)
- Fresno County: domestic violence restraining orders (court page)
- Fresno County: self-help center
- Fresno County: e-filing / online filing
- California Courts: Restraining orders (self-help)
- California Family Code § 6222 (no filing fee for initial DVRO request)
Ready for the document step?
Use the guide to understand the process, then review every field before a packet leaves your hands.
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