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Quick answer

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

Filing in Marin County

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

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

Direct answer

Where: Domestic violence restraining-order papers in Marin County are filed with Superior Court of California, County of Marin. The court describes online portal filing on its website. Hours: Published hours or filing windows include Self-represented people may submit temporary restraining order papers to the clerk’s office in Room 113, through ePortal, or through e-filing, Monday to Friday before 10:00 a.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 Marin County

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

The court describes The court accepts electronically filed domestic violence restraining orders, under Family Code 6307. It says they can be submitted free through ePortal (after registering an account), or through e-filing (an e-filing provider may charge a fee). (https://www.marin.courts.ca.gov/online-services/domestic-violence-gun-violence-restraining-orders).

  • Self-represented people may submit temporary restraining order papers to the clerk’s office in Room 113, through ePortal, or through e-filing, Monday to Friday before 10:00 a.m.

The forms you'll need

One Marin-specific rule: if you already have a Family Law or Parentage case with the other party (or you're filing one at the same time) file your DVRO request in that case rather than opening a separate case. And if you're asking the DVRO to change an existing custody or visitation order without giving the other party notice, include a separate declaration explaining why you didn't give notice.

  • 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.
  • DV-130: the restraining order after hearing. Include a blank DV-130 with your filing (the court rules require it); the judge completes it if your request is granted.
  • 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; you don't fill it out yourself, but you serve a blank copy on them with your other papers.

What it costs

Marin's local court rules state there is no filing fee for domestic violence restraining orders. If any other fee comes up, you can file FW-001 to ask the court to waive it.

What happens after you file

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. In Marin, results are often available after 3:00 p.m. at the Clerk's Office (or through the court's ePortal if you filed electronically). If a temporary order is granted, a hearing is typically scheduled within 21 days. The other party must be legally served with the papers; you can't serve them yourself. Marin also permits remote appearances for DVRO hearings. Bring your forms and any evidence to the hearing.

Local help in Marin County

Self-help page: https://www.marin.courts.ca.gov/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. Many people file on their own. The Legal Self Help Center at the Civic Center can help you with paperwork and procedure for free.

What if I can't afford the fee?

Marin County charges no filing fee for domestic violence restraining orders. For any other fee, file form FW-001 to request a waiver.

What if I'm in danger right now?

Call 911. You can also call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233; it's free, confidential, and available 24/7.

Can I file in Spanish?

Many California courts offer Spanish forms and bilingual assistance. Ask the Legal Self Help Center, which provides services in English and 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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