# 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.** If someone close to you is hurting you, threatening you, or controlling you through fear, a domestic violence restraining order is a court order that can help keep you safe. In LA County, restraining orders can be filed at courthouses that hear family law matters. This guide walks you through it.

## Where to file in Los Angeles County

The central family law courthouse is the Stanley Mosk Courthouse, 111 N. Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012 — (213) 830-0800. Individuals seeking restraining orders may file at any courthouse that hears family law matters, including district courthouses across the county. The court's official site (lacourt.org) has a filing court locator to confirm the right courthouse for you.

One quirk that trips people up: you can file in person at the clerk's window or electronically, but the paperwork differs. If you e-file a DVRO request, include the local Family Law Case Cover Sheet (LASC FAM-020) — the court requires it for electronically filed requests, and a missing cover sheet can get your filing rejected. Filing in person at the clerk's booth does not require the cover sheet. Confirm current requirements on the court's official site (lacourt.org).

## 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-120 — the form the other party uses to respond (recognize it in case 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 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

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 Los Angeles 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.

- Self-Help Center at Stanley Mosk Courthouse offers help with restraining order paperwork — confirm the current room and hours on the court's official site before you go.
- The court's self-help call center is available at (213) 830-0845 (Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–4:30 p.m., per the court's own materials).
- 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 usually reviews your request within 24 hours of filing. If a temporary order is granted, the hearing is typically set within 21 days.

### 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

- [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 Lassen County, California](https://justiceos.ai/guides/lassen-county-dv-restraining-order)
- [How to File a Domestic Violence Restraining Order in Madera County, California](https://justiceos.ai/guides/madera-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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