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Quick answer

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

Filing in Madera County

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

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

Direct answer

Where: Domestic violence restraining-order papers in Madera County are filed with Superior Court of California, County of Madera. The court describes online portal filing on its website. Hours: Published hours or filing windows include The Self-Help Center takes questions by email at facilitator@madera.courts.ca.gov. 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 Madera County

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

The court describes Since July 1, 2023, the court accepts electronically filed petitions for domestic violence restraining orders. The court says they can be filed free of charge on its Public Portal, or through e-filing (an e-filing provider may charge a fee). (https://www.madera.courts.ca.gov/online-services/efiling-dvgv-petition-online-case-information).

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-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 (so you recognize it if served).
  • DV-101: description of abuse, used when you need more space than the DV-100 allows.
  • DV-820: prohibited-items finding and orders; the court's packet includes it when firearms or other prohibited items are alleged.

What it costs

There is no filing fee for an initial domestic violence restraining order request: the court's own DVRO packet says filing the request is free. 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 Madera County

Hours: The Self-Help Center takes questions by email at facilitator@madera.courts.ca.gov. Self-help page: https://www.madera.courts.ca.gov/self-help

Questions people ask next

How long does it take?

Judges usually review requests within a day of filing. A temporary order can be issued quickly, with a hearing generally within 21 days.

Do I need a lawyer?

No. Many people file on their own, and the court's Self Help Center (559-416-5520) can help you complete the forms at no cost.

What if I can't afford the fee?

There's no filing fee for your restraining-order request: the court's packet confirms filing is free. If a different filing or service with a fee comes up, ask for a fee waiver by filing FW-001.

What if I'm in danger right now?

Call 911. For confidential support any time of day or night, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233.

Can I file in Spanish?

Yes: Spanish versions of the forms are available, and you can ask the Self Help Center for help 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.

One payment per case: $19.99; free with a fee waiver.

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