# 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.** If someone close to you has hurt you or threatened to, a domestic violence restraining order can give you legal protection. This guide walks through where to file in Marin County, which forms you need, and where to get free help — in plain language, one step at a time. ## Where to file in Marin County File with the Superior Court of California, County of Marin: Marin County Superior Court — Civic Center 3501 Civic Center Drive, San Rafael, CA 94913 Per the court's own local rules (Rule 7.7), applicants for a domestic violence restraining order can get the necessary forms and filing information at the Legal Self Help Center (Room C-44), and submit completed forms to the clerk in Room 113 before 10:30 a.m., Monday–Friday. Attorneys must file electronically; self-represented filers may e-file or file in person in Room 113. Court site: marin.courts.ca.gov ## 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-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. - FW-001 — request to waive court fees if you can't afford them (not needed for the DVRO itself, since there is no fee — see below). ## 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 A judge reviews your request, usually within 24 hours. Results are 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 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. - Legal Self Help Center — Hall of Justice, Room C-44, Civic Center, San Rafael; phone (415) 444-7130. In-person, email (selfhelp@marin.courts.ca.gov), phone, and Zoom drop-in help in English and Spanish. Details: marin.courts.ca.gov/legalselfhelpcenter ## 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, your hearing is typically scheduled within 21 days. ### 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 - [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 Madera County, California](https://justiceos.ai/guides/madera-county-dv-restraining-order) - [How to File a Domestic Violence Restraining Order in Mariposa County, California](https://justiceos.ai/guides/mariposa-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/marin-county-dv-restraining-order