# 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.** You deserve to feel safe. A domestic violence restraining order is a court order that can require an abusive person to stay away from you, stop contacting you, and follow other protections a judge orders. This guide explains how to file one in Madera County. ## Where to file in Madera County File at the Madera County Superior Court — Family Law Center, 200 South G Street, Madera, CA 93637. The court's domestic violence packets direct filers to the Civil Division on the 4th floor — or you can file electronically, 24 hours a day, through an approved electronic filing service provider (EFSP). Confirm hours on the official court site. ## 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-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. - FW-001 — request to waive court fees; only relevant if some separate fee-bearing filing or service comes up in your case. ## 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 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 Madera 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. - Madera Family Law Facilitator / Self Help Center, 200 South G Street, Madera, CA 93637 — (559) 416-5520, Monday–Friday 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. The court also offers guided online help for domestic violence restraining orders. - Madera County Community Action Agency — Victim Services, 812 W. Yosemite Avenue, Madera, CA 93637 — (559) 661-1000; after-hours hotline 1-800-355-8989. - 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? 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 - [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 Los Angeles County, California](https://justiceos.ai/guides/los-angeles-county-dv-restraining-order) - [How to File a Domestic Violence Restraining Order in Marin County, California](https://justiceos.ai/guides/marin-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/madera-county-dv-restraining-order