# How to File a Domestic Violence Restraining Order in Monterey County, California > Step-by-step guide to filing a domestic violence restraining order in Monterey County: where to file, the forms, fees, and local help. **Direct answer.** If someone has hurt, harassed, or threatened you and you're worried about what comes next, a domestic violence restraining order can give you legal protection. This guide is for people in Monterey County — where to file, which forms to use, and how to get free help with the paperwork. ## Where to file in Monterey County File with the Superior Court of California, County of Monterey. The court's Family Law FAQ suggests e-filing your domestic violence restraining order request — attorneys are required to e-file, but self-represented filers aren't, and you can also use the court's free File @ Home program to prepare your documents electronically. If you can't e-file, file in person at the courthouse, by mail, or through a drop box: Per the court's local rules, family-law papers delivered to the Salinas, Marina, or Monterey courthouses are routed to the proper division. Check current guidance on the court's Family FAQ. - Salinas Courthouse, 240 Church Street, Salinas, CA 93901 (building hours Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.) - Drop boxes are in front of the Monterey and Salinas courthouses. - Mail papers to the Clerk's Office at 1200 Aguajito Road, Monterey, CA 93940. ## The forms you'll need The court's own DVRO Quick Start Packet walks you through the core forms: - Quick Start Page — the cover sheet the court's packet builds around; attach it to your filing. - CLETS-001 — confidential information for law enforcement (kept private from the other party). - DV-100 — the request for the restraining order itself; describes what happened and what protection you need. - DV-105 — if you have children, add this request for child custody, visitation, and support (attach to the DV-100). - DV-109 — notice of the court hearing date. - DV-110 — the temporary restraining order a judge can grant before the hearing. - DV-200 — proof of personal service (filled out later by the person who serves the papers). - DV-120 — the form the other party uses to respond (worth knowing about if you receive one). ## What it costs There is no filing fee for a domestic violence restraining order — state law (Family Code § 6221) prohibits a filing fee for DVRO petitions in any California county, so no fee-waiver form (FW-001) is needed for the request itself. ## 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 Monterey 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 Center — answers case questions, helps you figure out which forms you need and how to fill them out, and can review completed forms (walk-in or by appointment). Available by phone or email: selfhelpcenter@monterey.courts.ca.gov or (831) 647-5800 x3005. Details: monterey.courts.ca.gov/self-help ## Questions people ask next ### How long does it take? A judge generally reviews your request within 24 hours of filing, and hearings are typically set within 21 days of a temporary order. ### Do I need a lawyer? No — filing without a lawyer is common. The Self-Help Center can help you identify the right forms and review your completed paperwork. ### What if I can't afford the fee? There's no fee for the DVRO request itself, so no waiver is needed to file. The Self-Help Center can still review your paperwork for free. ### What if I'm in danger right now? Call 911. The National Domestic Violence Hotline (800-799-7233) is free, confidential, and available around the clock. ### Can I file in Spanish? The court's Self-Help Center offers services in English and Spanish, and the Judicial Council publishes Spanish versions of the restraining-order forms. ## 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 Mono County, California](https://justiceos.ai/guides/mono-county-dv-restraining-order) - [How to File a Domestic Violence Restraining Order in Napa County, California](https://justiceos.ai/guides/napa-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/monterey-county-dv-restraining-order