# How to File a Domestic Violence Restraining Order in Mendocino County, California > Step-by-step guide to filing a domestic violence restraining order in Mendocino County: where to file, the forms, fees, and local help. **Direct answer.** A domestic violence restraining order is a court order that can protect you from someone who has abused or threatened you. This guide covers how to file one in Mendocino County — the right courthouse, the forms, and the free help available to you. ## Where to file in Mendocino County File with the Superior Court of California, County of Mendocino. The court has two courthouses: Ukiah Courthouse (main courthouse — Civil Clerk's Office, Room 107) 100 North State Street, Ukiah, CA 95482 — counter hours Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–3:30 p.m. Ten Mile Justice Center 700 South Franklin Street, Fort Bragg, CA 95437 — counter hours Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–noon and 1:00–3:30 p.m. Restraining-order filings are handled by the Civil Division. Confirm with the clerk which branch to file at, or prepare your forms with the court's online Guide & File service, which can e-file or generate printable forms. Court site: mendocino.courts.ca.gov ## The forms you'll need - 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 (useful to recognize if you are served with one). - FW-001 — request to waive court fees if you can't afford them. ## What it costs There is no filing fee for an initial domestic violence restraining order request. 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 Mendocino 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 Legal Access Center — located in the Ukiah courthouse (100 North State Street), with clinics also held at the Fort Bragg courthouse. Free forms assistance and procedure help. - Family Law Facilitator's Office — at the Ukiah courthouse. Confirm current location, hours, and how to reach it on the court's official site before you go. ## Questions people ask next ### How long does it take? Expect a judge to review your papers within about 24 hours. If a temporary order issues, the hearing is usually set within 21 days. ### Do I need a lawyer? No. The court's Self-Help Legal Access Center helps self-represented people with forms and procedure for free. ### What if I can't afford the fee? There's no filing fee for your restraining-order request, so cost should not keep you from filing. If a different filing or service with a fee comes up, ask the court about a fee waiver with form FW-001. ### What if I'm in danger right now? Call 911. The National Domestic Violence Hotline (800-799-7233) is also available 24/7, free and confidential. ### Can I file in Spanish? Spanish versions of the restraining-order forms are available, and the court offers services in English and Spanish. Ask the Self-Help Legal Access Center. ## 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 Mariposa County, California](https://justiceos.ai/guides/mariposa-county-dv-restraining-order) - [How to File a Domestic Violence Restraining Order in Merced County, California](https://justiceos.ai/guides/merced-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/mendocino-county-dv-restraining-order