# 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.** If a partner, ex, or family member is hurting you or making you afraid, the court can order them to stay away and stop contacting you. This guide walks you through filing a domestic violence restraining order in Kings County.

## Where to file in Kings County

File at the Hanford Courthouse, 1640 Kings County Drive, Hanford, CA 93230 — (559) 582-1010. The court's own domestic violence restraining order packet lists this address for filings, and filings are accepted Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. E-filing is available through an approved electronic filing service provider. Verify current details on the official court site.

## 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-120 — the form the other party uses to respond (recognize it so you know what it is if you're served).
- FW-001 — request to waive court fees if you can't afford them.

## 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

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 Kings 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 publishes a domestic violence restraining order packet and online services at kings.courts.ca.gov — check there for self-help guidance.
- 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 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

- [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&sectionNum=6222)

## Related guides

- [How to File a Domestic Violence Restraining Order in Kern County, California](https://justiceos.ai/guides/kern-county-dv-restraining-order)
- [How to File a Domestic Violence Restraining Order in Lake County, California](https://justiceos.ai/guides/lake-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.

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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.

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