Quick answer
Step-by-step guide to filing a domestic violence restraining order in Mendocino County: where to file, the forms, fees, and local help. File with the Superior Court of California, County of Mendocino. The court has two courthouses:
Filing in Mendocino County
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 to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.
Ten Mile Justice Center 700 South Franklin Street, Fort Bragg, CA 95437, counter hours Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1:00 to 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-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 (useful to recognize if you are served with one).
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
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 Mendocino County
- 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
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.