Quick answer
Step-by-step guide to filing a domestic violence restraining order in Kings County: where to file in Hanford, the forms, fees, and local help. Domestic violence restraining-order requests in Kings County are filed with Superior Court of California, County of Kings. The court’s own website is the source for current filing location, hours, and local steps.
Filing in Kings County
How to File a Domestic Violence Restraining Order in Kings County, California
Step-by-step guide to filing a domestic violence restraining order in Kings County: where to file in Hanford, the forms, fees, and local help.
Direct answer
Where: Domestic violence restraining-order papers in Kings County are filed with Superior Court of California, County of Kings. The court describes e-filing on its website. Hours: Published hours or filing windows include The Self-Help Center takes questions and appointment requests by email at kingsselfhelpcenter@kings.courts.ca.gov. Fee: There is no statewide filing fee for the initial DVRO request (Fam. Code § 6222). Confirm every detail on the court’s own page before you travel.
For the full California process with official citations, see How to file a domestic violence restraining order in California.
Where to file in Kings County
Domestic violence restraining-order requests in Kings County are filed with Superior Court of California, County of Kings. The court’s own website is the source for current filing location, hours, and local steps.
The court describes The court’s online filing page covers family law cases. Self-represented parties do not have to e-file but are encouraged to. (https://www.kings.courts.ca.gov/online-services/online-case-filing).
The forms you'll need
Spanish versions of these statewide forms 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.
- 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 (recognize it so you know what it is if you're served).
What it costs
There is no filing fee for an initial domestic violence restraining order request: the court's own DVRO packet states "No Filing Fee Required." FW-001 (Request to Waive Court Fees) is only relevant if some separate fee-bearing filing or service comes up in your case.
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 Kings County
Hours: The Self-Help Center takes questions and appointment requests by email at kingsselfhelpcenter@kings.courts.ca.gov. Self-help page: https://www.kings.courts.ca.gov/self-help
Questions people ask next
How long until I have protection?
A judge usually reviews your filing within a day. Temporary protection can be granted at that point, with a hearing generally within 21 days.
Do I need a lawyer?
No. Many people file without an attorney. The court's website offers a restraining order packet to help you prepare the forms.
What if I can't afford the fee?
There's no filing fee for your restraining-order request: the court's packet confirms none is required. If a different filing or service with a fee comes up, complete form FW-001 and ask the court for a fee waiver.
What if I'm in danger right now?
Call 911. The National Domestic Violence Hotline (800-799-7233) is also there 24/7 for confidential help and safety planning.
Can I file in Spanish?
Yes: Spanish versions of all the DVRO forms are available statewide.
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.
One payment per case: $19.99; free with a fee waiver.
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