# How to File a Domestic Violence Restraining Order in Lake County, California > Step-by-step guide to filing a domestic violence restraining order in Lake County: where to file, the forms, fees, and local help. **Direct answer.** A domestic violence restraining order is a court order that can stop an abusive person from contacting, threatening, or coming near you. If you're in Lake County and need one, this guide explains the steps in plain language. ## Where to file in Lake County File at the Superior Court of California, County of Lake. The court has completed its move to the new Lake County Courthouse: 675 Lakeport Boulevard, Lakeport, CA The court reopened to the public at this location on September 28, 2026. Confirm filing details with the court before you travel — confirm current requirements on the court's official site: lake.courts.ca.gov. Online option: the court offers a dedicated online submission process for domestic violence and gun violence restraining order requests. The dedicated upload is only for DVRO/GVRO submissions — other filings submitted through it are rejected. ## The forms you'll need These statewide forms come in English and Spanish. - 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 (good to recognize in case you're served with papers). - 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. 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 Lake 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 official site has self-help information — start at lake.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 generally reviews your request within a day of filing. If a temporary order is granted, your hearing is typically within 21 days. ### Do I need a lawyer? No. You can file on your own, and the court's self-help resources can help you with the forms. ### What if I can't afford the fee? There's no filing fee for your restraining-order request — cost should not keep you from filing. If a different filing or service with a fee comes up, file form FW-001 and ask the court to waive it. ### What if I'm in danger right now? Call 911 right away. The National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 is free, confidential, and open around the clock. ### Can I file in Spanish? Yes — the restraining order forms are available in Spanish statewide. Ask the court's self-help staff for assistance. ## 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 Kings County, California](https://justiceos.ai/guides/kings-county-dv-restraining-order) - [How to File a Domestic Violence Restraining Order in Lassen County, California](https://justiceos.ai/guides/lassen-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/lake-county-dv-restraining-order