# How to File a Domestic Violence Restraining Order in Kern County, California > Step-by-step guide to filing a domestic violence restraining order in Kern County: where to file in Bakersfield, the forms, fees, and local help. **Direct answer.** A domestic violence restraining order (DVRO) is a court order that can protect you from a partner, ex-partner, or family member who is harming or threatening you. This guide explains how to file one in Kern County, in clear and simple steps. ## Where to file in Kern County Family law filings in Bakersfield go to the Metro-Justice Building, 1215 Truxtun Avenue, Bakersfield, CA 93301 — (661) 868-5393. Kern's local rules carve domestic violence cases out of the normal venue rules: a request under the Domestic Violence Prevention Act is exempt from the family-law venue-by-zip-code rules, so don't assume your nearest branch is the required one — confirm the right location on the official court site. Branch courts (Delano, Shafter, Mojave, Ridgecrest) exist for the county, but confirm which location accepts DVRO filings before going. ## The forms you'll need All are statewide Judicial Council forms, available in Spanish as well. - 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-120 — the form the other party uses to respond (helpful to recognize). - FW-001 — request to waive court fees if you can't afford them. ## What it costs There is no filing fee for a domestic violence restraining order — state law (Family Code § 6221) prohibits a filing fee for DVRO petitions in any California county, so no fee-waiver form (FW-001) is needed for the initial request. ## Filing options: in person or electronically Kern's local rules make e-filing mandatory for represented parties in family law cases — but explicitly exempt both self-represented litigants and any proceedings filed under the Domestic Violence Prevention Act. In other words, a DVRO request is never subject to mandatory e-filing in Kern: you can file in person, and you can also choose to e-file — the court's public portal accepts Domestic Violence Restraining Orders (and Gun Violence Restraining Orders) submitted electronically. See the court's E-Filing page for portal instructions. ## 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 Kern 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 Family Law Facilitator office at 1215 Truxtun Ave., Bakersfield can help with family law paperwork — walk-in, first-come first-served, Monday–Thursday 8:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m. and Friday 8:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. (Email: WMFacil@kern.courts.ca.gov.) Note the Facilitator reviews forms for completeness; to file papers or pay fees, go to the Clerk's Office instead. - 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 to get an order? Judges typically review requests within 24 hours. Temporary orders can be granted quickly, and the hearing is usually set within 21 days. ### Do I need a lawyer? No. You can file on your own, and the Family Law Facilitator can help you with the paperwork. ### What if I can't afford the filing fee? There's no fee for the DVRO request itself, so you don't need a fee waiver to file. If other costs come up, ask the Facilitator's office about FW-001. ### What if I'm in danger right now? Call 911 immediately. You can also reach the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 for confidential support, day or night. ### Can I file in Spanish? Yes. The restraining order forms are published in Spanish, and you can ask the facilitator's office for help. ## 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 Inyo County, California](https://justiceos.ai/guides/inyo-county-dv-restraining-order) - [How to File a Domestic Violence Restraining Order in Kings County, California](https://justiceos.ai/guides/kings-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/kern-county-dv-restraining-order