Quick answer
Step-by-step guide to filing a domestic violence restraining order in Napa County: where to file, the forms, fees, and local help. File with the Superior Court of California, County of Napa. Civil and family matters (including restraining orders) are handled at:
Filing in Napa County
How to File a Domestic Violence Restraining Order in Napa County, California
Step-by-step guide to filing a domestic violence restraining order in Napa County: where to file, the forms, fees, and local help.
Direct answer
A restraining order is a judge's order telling someone to stop hurting or threatening you, and it carries real legal consequences if they don't. Here's how to ask for one in Napa County, written in plain language for anyone who needs it.
Where to file in Napa County
File with the Superior Court of California, County of Napa. Civil and family matters (including restraining orders) are handled at:
Historic Courthouse: Civil, Family, and Probate 825 Brown Street, 1st Floor, Napa, CA 94559
The filing counter is open Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with a same-day drop box available until 5:00 p.m. Family-law filings may also be e-filed through an approved electronic filing service provider (EFSP).
If you need a same-day decision on your request: under the court's local rules, family-law ex parte papers submitted for same-day decision must be filed at the counter by 10:00 a.m. and cannot use the drop box. Confirm with the clerk how this applies to your restraining-order request.
Court site: napa.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 (so you know it if you see one).
What it costs
There is no filing fee for an initial domestic violence restraining order request: California courts do not charge a fee to file one. FW-001 (Request to Waive Court Fees) is only relevant if some separate fee-bearing filing or service comes up in your case; ask the clerk if you're unsure.
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 Napa County
- Self-help and mediation services: located in the Historic Courthouse alongside the civil and family divisions. Start at the court's website for self-help information: napa.courts.ca.gov
Questions people ask next
How long does it take to get protection?
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. A hearing is then typically scheduled within 21 days of a temporary order. The hearing date is on the stamped DV-109.
Do I need a lawyer?
No. Self-help staff at the Historic Courthouse can help you with forms and procedure at no charge.
What if I can't afford the filing fee?
There's no filing fee for your restraining-order request: cost should not keep you from filing. If a different filing or service with a fee comes up, ask the clerk about FW-001.
What if I'm in danger right now?
Call 911. You can also call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233; it's free, confidential, and open 24/7.
Can I file in Spanish?
California's restraining-order forms are available in Spanish, and court self-help services are offered in both English and Spanish.
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.