# 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 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. Bring your forms and any evidence to the hearing. ## Local help in Imperial 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 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? A judge typically reviews your request within 24 hours of filing. If temporary protection is granted, expect a hearing within about 21 days. ### 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 - [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 Humboldt County, California](https://justiceos.ai/guides/humboldt-county-dv-restraining-order) - [How to File a Domestic Violence Restraining Order in Inyo County, California](https://justiceos.ai/guides/inyo-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/imperial-county-dv-restraining-order