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Quick answer

Step-by-step guide to filing a domestic violence restraining order in Los Angeles County: where to file, the forms, fees, and local help. Domestic violence restraining-order requests in Los Angeles County are filed with Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles. The court’s own website is the source for current filing location, hours, and local steps.

Filing in Los Angeles County

How to File a Domestic Violence Restraining Order in Los Angeles County, California

Step-by-step guide to filing a domestic violence restraining order in Los Angeles County: where to file, the forms, fees, and local help.

Direct answer

Where: Domestic violence restraining-order papers in Los Angeles County are filed with Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles. The court's published filing location includes 111 North Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012 The court describes e-filing on its website. Hours: Published hours or filing windows include Monday through Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.; Friday 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. 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 Los Angeles County

Domestic violence restraining-order requests in Los Angeles County are filed with Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles. The court’s own website is the source for current filing location, hours, and local steps.

The court describes The court’s Family Law e-filing page says self-represented litigants have the option to file their documents electronically. (https://www.lacourt.ca.gov/pages/lp/efiling/tp/family-law-efiling).

  • Stanley Mosk Courthouse, Restraining Order Center filing window, Room 227, 2nd floor: 111 North Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012
  • The Restraining Order Center filing window at Stanley Mosk Courthouse (Room 227, 2nd floor) is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. LASC Local Rule 5.3(b)(1) states that domestic violence restraining-order requests filed before 3:00 p.m. on a court day are generally ruled on the same court day.
  • Walk-in help filling out domestic violence restraining order forms is available first come, first served at the court’s Self-Help Centers in courthouses across the county. Forms are prepared on site using online forms programs.
  • The court lists a free Guide & File online interview for people who want to fill out restraining order forms.

The forms you'll need

All are statewide Judicial Council forms, published 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 (recognize it in case you're served).

What it costs

There is no filing fee for a domestic violence restraining order under California law (Gov. Code § 70671(f); Fam. Code § 6222). If other court fees come up that you can't afford, file FW-001 to ask the court to waive them.

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 Los Angeles County

Self-Help Center Phone: 213-830-0845 (referrals to agencies that may help you fill out the forms remotely) Hours: Monday through Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.; Friday 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Self-help page: https://www.lacourt.ca.gov/apps/self-help

Questions people ask next

How long does it take?

Under Fam. Code § 6326, a judge issues or denies an ex parte request the same court day or the next court day if filed too late for review that day. The hearing date is on the stamped DV-109.

Do I need a lawyer?

No. Most people file without one: the self-help centers at the courthouses can help you complete the forms.

What if I can't afford the fee?

There is no fee to file a domestic violence restraining order. For any other court fees, file FW-001 to ask the judge to waive them.

What if I'm in danger right now?

Call 911 immediately. The National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 is available 24/7 for confidential safety planning.

Can I file in Spanish?

Yes: the forms are available in Spanish, and self-help centers can assist in Spanish.

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.

Start your filing with JusticeOS