Quick answer
Step-by-step guide to filing a domestic violence restraining order in Modoc County: where to file, the forms, fees, and local help. File with the Superior Court of California, County of Modoc:
Filing in Modoc County
How to File a Domestic Violence Restraining Order in Modoc County, California
Step-by-step guide to filing a domestic violence restraining order in Modoc County: where to file, the forms, fees, and local help.
Direct answer
This guide is for anyone in Modoc County who needs legal protection from abuse or threats by a partner, family member, or household member. It explains where to file, which papers to complete, and what to expect, in clear, plain language.
Where to file in Modoc County
File with the Superior Court of California, County of Modoc:
Robert A. Barclay Justice Center 205 S East Street, Alturas, CA 96101 (530) 233-6516
Court site: modoc.courts.ca.gov
Note: the court's local rules and any e-filing procedure could not be verified on its public site: call the clerk or visit in person to confirm the current filing method and whether any local form is required before you file.
The forms you'll need
There is no court filing fee for a domestic violence restraining order, not to request one, respond to one, or enforce one (Cal. Rules of Court; statewide civil fee schedule). Form FW-001 (fee waiver) is only relevant if you are making a separate, fee-bearing filing. Note: the court's local form MOD-13 (Declaration of Restrained Person Regarding Firearms) applies to the restrained person, not to your initial filing.
- 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 (helpful to recognize if one is served on you).
What it costs
Filing a domestic violence restraining order is free: no court filing fee applies.
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 Modoc County
- Court Self-Help Center: a free service of the Modoc County Superior Court for people without a lawyer. The court confirms free assistance is available; contact the court at (530) 233-6516 for the current location and hours. See the court's site for self-help resources: modoc.courts.ca.gov
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: filing on your own is common. The court's Self-Help Center provides free assistance to people representing themselves.
What if I can't afford the fee?
There is no filing fee for a domestic violence restraining order, so no waiver is needed for the DVRO itself.
What if I'm in danger right now?
Call 911. For confidential 24/7 support, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233.
Can I file in Spanish?
The California courts publish Spanish versions of the restraining-order forms. Ask the court's self-help staff if you need them.
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.