Quick answer
Step-by-step guide to filing a domestic violence restraining order in Monterey County: where to file, the forms, fees, and local help. Domestic violence restraining-order requests in Monterey County are filed with Superior Court of California, County of Monterey. The court’s own website is the source for current filing location, hours, and local steps.
Filing in Monterey County
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
Where: Domestic violence restraining-order papers in Monterey County are filed with Superior Court of California, County of Monterey. The court describes e-filing on its website. Hours: Published hours or filing windows include Monterey Self-Help Center, 1200 Aguajito Road: Monday to Friday, 9:00 to 4:00. Fee: There is no statewide filing fee for the initial DVRO request (Fam. Code § 6222). Confirm every detail on the court’s own page before you travel.
For the full California process with official citations, see How to file a domestic violence restraining order in California.
Where to file in Monterey County
Domestic violence restraining-order requests in Monterey County are filed with Superior Court of California, County of Monterey. The court’s own website is the source for current filing location, hours, and local steps.
The court describes The court’s e-filing page says self-represented people are encouraged to e-file but are not required to. (https://www.monterey.courts.ca.gov/online-services/electronic-filing-e-filing).
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 § 6222) 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
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 Monterey County
Hours: Monterey Self-Help Center, 1200 Aguajito Road: Monday to Friday, 9:00 to 4:00. Salinas: Wednesdays 9:00 to 3:00 (from August 6, 2025). Remote help: selfhelpcenter@monterey.courts.ca.gov or 831-647-5800, ext. 3005. Self-help page: https://www.monterey.courts.ca.gov/self-help
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 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
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.
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