# 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–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–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-120 — the form the other party uses to respond (so you know it if you see one). - FW-001 — request to waive court fees if you can't afford them. ## 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 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 Napa 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 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? Judges usually review requests within 24 hours. A hearing is then typically scheduled within 21 days of a temporary order. ### 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 - [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 Monterey County, California](https://justiceos.ai/guides/monterey-county-dv-restraining-order) - [How to File a Domestic Violence Restraining Order in Nevada County, California](https://justiceos.ai/guides/nevada-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/napa-county-dv-restraining-order