Quick answer
Step-by-step guide to filing a domestic violence restraining order in Humboldt County: where to file in Eureka, the forms, fees, and local help. File at the Humboldt County Courthouse, 825 5th Street, Eureka, CA 95501, (707) 445-7256. Confirm hours and filing details on the official court site.
Filing in Humboldt County
How to File a Domestic Violence Restraining Order in Humboldt County, California
Step-by-step guide to filing a domestic violence restraining order in Humboldt County: where to file in Eureka, the forms, fees, and local help.
Direct answer
A domestic violence restraining order is a court order that can keep an abusive partner, family member, or someone you dated from contacting or harming you. If that sounds like what you need, this guide explains how to file in Humboldt County, step by step.
Where to file in Humboldt County
File at the Humboldt County Courthouse, 825 5th Street, Eureka, CA 95501, (707) 445-7256. Confirm hours and filing details on the official court site.
Online option: Humboldt also accepts domestic violence (and gun violence) restraining-order requests through its case-access portal at humboldt.courts.ca.gov/dvgv. You can submit at any time; the court processes submissions during normal business hours and says it can take up to 24 hours. Two important limits: the portal is only for initial requests: all other papers (responses, requests to continue, etc.) must be filed at the court in person or by mail, and note that general e-filing is not available in Humboldt County, so this portal is a dedicated DV/GV path, not a general e-filing system.
The forms you'll need
These are statewide forms, and Spanish versions are available.
- 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.
- DV-130: the restraining order after hearing (blank at filing; the judge completes it if your request is granted).
- 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; you don't fill it out yourself, but you serve a blank copy on them with your other papers.
What it costs
There is no filing fee for a domestic violence restraining order in California: state law charges no fee to request, modify, or enforce one (Gov. Code § 70671(f)). You don't need FW-001 (the fee-waiver request) for the DVRO itself.
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 personally served with the papers; the court can't serve them for you. Options: the Sheriff's Office serves restraining-order documents at no fee, any person 18 or older who isn't part of your case, or a registered process server. You'll need printed copies for service; if you can't print them, the court's Court Operations desk (421 I Street, Eureka) provides copies Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. After service, file the Proof of Service with the court before your hearing. Bring your forms and any evidence to the hearing.
Local help in Humboldt County
- The court's Self-Help Center is at 825 5th Street, Room 305, Eureka: (707) 445-7256 ext. 1750; email Court.selfhelp@humboldtcourt.ca.gov. Walk-in help: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.; pre-scheduled appointments Monday to Friday, 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
- The court's website at humboldt.courts.ca.gov has self-help information for people filing without a lawyer.
- If you are in danger right now, call 911. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 800-799-7233, free, confidential, and available 24/7.
Questions people ask next
How long does the process take?
You can usually get a judge's decision on a temporary order within a day of filing. The full hearing is generally scheduled within 21 days after that.
Do I need a lawyer?
No: many people complete the filing on their own. The court's self-help resources can guide you through the forms.
What if I can't afford the fee?
There's no filing fee for a domestic violence restraining order, so there's nothing to waive: submit form FW-001 only for a separate, fee-bearing filing.
What should I do if I'm in immediate danger?
Call 911 right away. The National Domestic Violence Hotline (800-799-7233) is also available around the clock for safety planning.
Are the forms available in Spanish?
Yes. Spanish versions of the restraining order forms are available statewide: ask the court clerk or self-help staff.
Official sources
Open the current source before acting. Court forms and county procedures can change.
Ready for the document step?
Use the guide to understand the process, then review every field before a packet leaves your hands.