# How to File a Domestic Violence Restraining Order in Sacramento County, California

> Plain-language guide to filing a domestic violence restraining order in Sacramento County: where to file, forms, fees, and local help.

**Direct answer.** You have the right to ask the court for protection from someone who is hurting you — a spouse, partner, ex, family member, or person you live with. Below is a calm, plain-language walkthrough of the Sacramento County process.

## Where to file in Sacramento County

File completed domestic violence restraining order forms at the Family Law filing department of the William R. Ridgeway Family Relations Courthouse, 3341 Power Inn Road, Sacramento, CA 95826. Forms filed by 1 p.m. Monday–Friday are generally reviewed the same day. Electronic filing (e-delivery) is also available. Details are on the court's domestic violence restraining order page.

## 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).
- FL/E-LP-665 — Sacramento County's local Family Law Case Participant Form; the court's own DVRO instructions list this as a required local form.
- FL-E/LP-668 — the court's Document Drop-Off Sheet for Domestic Violence and Elder Abuse Restraining Orders; also listed as required by the court.
- DV-120 — the form the other party uses to respond; you'll recognize it if you're served with one.
- FW-001 — request to waive court fees if you can't afford them.

## What it costs

There is no fee to file a domestic violence restraining order under California law (Gov. Code § 70671(f); Fam. Code § 6222). If other court fees come up that you can't afford, file FW-001 to ask the court to waive them.

## 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 Sacramento County

The Family Law Self-Help Center provides domestic violence restraining order packets in person and helps review completed forms. The court also offers instructional videos in Spanish and American Sign Language. Visit the court's self-help page for details.

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.

## Questions people ask next

### How long does it take?

Forms filed before 1 p.m. on a court day are usually reviewed the same day. The hearing is typically set within 21 days.

### Do I need a lawyer?

No. Many people file without one, and the Self-Help Center can help you complete and review your forms.

### What if I can't afford the fee?

There's no fee to file a domestic violence restraining order; for any other court fees, file form FW-001 to ask the court to waive them.

### 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 Sacramento court offers Spanish-language instructional videos and Spanish forms; ask the Self-Help Center for help in 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&sectionNum=6222)

## Related guides

- [How to File a Domestic Violence Restraining Order in Riverside County, California](https://justiceos.ai/guides/riverside-county-dv-restraining-order)
- [How to File a Domestic Violence Restraining Order in San Benito County, California](https://justiceos.ai/guides/san-benito-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.

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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.

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