Quick answer
Step-by-step guide to filing a domestic violence restraining order in Lake County: where to file, the forms, fees, and local help. File at the Superior Court of California, County of Lake. The court has completed its move to the new Lake County Courthouse:
Filing in Lake County
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-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 (good to recognize in case you're served with papers).
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
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 Lake County
- 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
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.