Quick answer
Step-by-step guide to filing a domestic violence restraining order in Imperial County: where to file in El Centro, the forms, fees, and local help. File family law matters, including restraining orders, at the El Centro Courthouse, 939 W. Main Street, El Centro, CA 92243.
Filing in Imperial County
How to File a Domestic Violence Restraining Order in Imperial County, California
Step-by-step guide to filing a domestic violence restraining order in Imperial County: where to file in El Centro, the forms, fees, and local help.
Direct answer
You don't have to handle this alone. A domestic violence restraining order (DVRO) is a court order that can order an abusive person to stay away from you, stop contacting you, and follow other protections a judge sets. Here's how to file one in Imperial County.
Where to file in Imperial County
File family law matters, including restraining orders, at the El Centro Courthouse, 939 W. Main Street, El Centro, CA 92243. The court's official site (imperial.courts.ca.gov) lists court locations and hours: confirm there before you go.
Imperial's DVRO submission method: for domestic violence (and gun violence) requests only, the court accepts completed forms by email: send DV-100, DV-109, and DV-110 to DVRO@imperial.courts.ca.gov. If you don't receive an acknowledgment from the court within 24 hours, reach out to them for a status update; the court asks filers to follow up promptly so it can help.
The forms you'll need
The court's restraining-order page lists all of these as its DV form set (note: its email-submission instructions name DV-100, DV-109, and DV-110 as the documents to email: prepare the full set above as the page describes). Spanish versions of all these forms are available.
One disclosure rule (Local Rule 5.1.27): you must tell the court about every existing restraining/protective order and custody or visitation order you know of involving the parties or children. If an order permits contact for child exchanges, it must spell out safe exchange details and can't conflict with any criminal protective order.
- 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).
- FL-06A (Declaration Regarding Ex Parte Notice): a local Imperial form stating what notice you gave the other party.
- FL-06B (Declaration Re: Ex Parte Request): a local Imperial form laying out the facts supporting your emergency request.
- 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 legally served with the papers. Bring your forms and any evidence to the hearing.
Local help in Imperial County
- The court offers an Access Center / Self-Help Center: appointments can be made through imperial.courts.ca.gov.
- If you are in danger right now, call 911. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 800-799-7233, free, confidential, 24/7.
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. Plenty of people file without one, and the court's Access Center/Self-Help Center can help you understand the paperwork.
What if I can't afford the fee?
There's no filing fee for a domestic violence restraining order, so cost can't stop you: no waiver needed. You won't be turned away just because you can't pay.
What if I'm in danger right now?
Call 911. For confidential support and safety planning any time, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233.
Can I file in Spanish?
Yes: the forms come in Spanish, and you can ask the self-help center for assistance in Spanish.
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.