# 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-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 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 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–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–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 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. - 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.–12:00 p.m.; pre-scheduled appointments Monday–Friday, 1:00–4:00 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 - [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 Glenn County, California](https://justiceos.ai/guides/glenn-county-dv-restraining-order) - [How to File a Domestic Violence Restraining Order in Imperial County, California](https://justiceos.ai/guides/imperial-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/humboldt-county-dv-restraining-order