# 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-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

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 Modoc 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.

- 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?

Judges usually review requests within 24 hours of filing. A hearing is typically set within 21 days if a temporary order is granted.

### 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

- [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&sectionNum=6222)

## Related guides

- [How to File a Domestic Violence Restraining Order in Merced County, California](https://justiceos.ai/guides/merced-county-dv-restraining-order)
- [How to File a Domestic Violence Restraining Order in Mono County, California](https://justiceos.ai/guides/mono-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/modoc-county-dv-restraining-order
