Quick answer

Filing a domestic violence restraining order in San Diego County: where to file, forms, no-fee filing, and free local help. Domestic violence restraining-order requests in San Diego County are filed with Superior Court of California, County of San Diego. The court’s own website is the source for current filing location, hours, and local steps.

Filing in San Diego County

How to File a Domestic Violence Restraining Order in San Diego County, California

Filing a domestic violence restraining order in San Diego County: where to file, forms, no-fee filing, and free local help.

Last reviewed September 28, 2026 against official California Courts guidance.

Direct answer

Where: Domestic violence restraining-order papers in San Diego County are filed with Superior Court of California, County of San Diego. The court's published filing location includes Central Courthouse, 1100 Union Street, 4th floor, Room 480, San Diego, CA 92101. The court describes online form help on its website. Hours: Published hours or filing windows include Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Tuesday to 4:00 p.m.), closed for lunch 12:00 to 1:00 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 San Diego County

Domestic violence restraining-order requests in San Diego County are filed with Superior Court of California, County of San Diego. The court’s own website is the source for current filing location, hours, and local steps.

The court describes Since July 1, 2023, the court accepts a request for a domestic violence restraining order (DV-100) by e-filing, through one of its approved e-filing service providers. The court also links to a free online interview, Guide and File, that prepares the forms and lets you print or e-file them. (https://www.sdcourt.ca.gov/sdcourt/familyandchildren2/dvtroefiling).

Central Courthouse, 1100 Union Street, 4th floor, Room 480, San Diego, CA 92101. There are also offices at the North County, East County and South County courthouses.
Domestic violence restraining order packets are available at the business offices of the Central, North County, East County and South County courthouses. They are not available at the Hall of Justice.
Family law matters in central San Diego are handled on the 4th floor of the Central Courthouse, 1100 Union Street, San Diego, CA 92101.
Family Law Facilitators at every court location can help with the paperwork, first come, first served, with no appointments. The court says to plan on at least half a day to a full day at the courthouse.

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).
SDSC D-049: the court's local Family Law Certificate of Assignment, Venue Declarations form; the court says this local cover sheet is required for new cases only.
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 apply for a domestic violence restraining order in San Diego County, according to the court, including when you e-file. The only possible cost is a private e-filing provider's own service fee if you choose to file online.

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: plan to spend at least half a day at the courthouse.

Local help in San Diego County

Family Law Facilitator's Office (FLF) Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Tuesday to 4:00 p.m.), closed for lunch 12:00 to 1:00 p.m. First come, first served. Self-help page: https://www.sdcourt.ca.gov/sdcourt/generalinformation/selfhelp

Questions people ask next

How long does it take?

Expect at least half a day at the courthouse to file. A judge reviews your request quickly, and the hearing is usually within 21 days.

Do I need a lawyer?

No. The court's free DV clinics and Family Law Facilitators help self-represented people every day.

What if I can't afford the fee?

There's no fee to apply in San Diego County; the only possible cost is a private e-filing provider's service fee if you file online.

What if I'm in danger right now?

Call 911. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 800-799-7233, free, confidential, 24/7.

Can I file in Spanish?

Many courts offer Spanish forms and help. Ask the DV clinic or Family Law Facilitator when you arrive.

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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