Quick answer
Plain-language guide to filing a domestic violence restraining order in Sacramento County: where to file, forms, fees, and local help. Domestic violence restraining-order requests in Sacramento County are filed with Sacramento Superior Court. The court’s own website is the source for current filing location, hours, and local steps.
Filing in Sacramento County
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
Where: Domestic violence restraining-order papers in Sacramento County are filed with Sacramento Superior Court. The court's published filing location includes William R. The court describes e-delivery on its website. Hours: Published hours or filing windows include Monday to Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; Friday 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. 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 Sacramento County
Domestic violence restraining-order requests in Sacramento County are filed with Sacramento Superior Court. The court’s own website is the source for current filing location, hours, and local steps.
The court describes The court says domestic violence restraining orders are filed at the William R. Ridgeway Family Relations Courthouse or by e-delivery. (https://www.saccourt.ca.gov/self-help/restraining-orders).
- William R. Ridgeway Family Relations Courthouse, Third Floor, Room 314
- Completed forms filed Monday to Friday (not court holidays) by 1:00 p.m. are considered and answered the same day. Forms submitted after 1:00 p.m. are ready the next day.
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.
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
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 Sacramento County
Family Law Self-Help Center Hours: Monday to Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.; Friday 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Self-help page: https://www.saccourt.ca.gov/self-help
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
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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