# How to File a Domestic Violence Restraining Order in San Joaquin County, California > Filing a domestic violence restraining order in San Joaquin County: where to file, the forms, fees, and local help. **Direct answer.** You can ask the court for protection from abuse by a partner, ex, family member, or someone you live with — even without a lawyer. This page explains the San Joaquin County process in plain terms: where to go, what to fill out, and what happens after. ## Where to file in San Joaquin County File your domestic violence restraining order request at the Stockton Courthouse, 180 E. Weber Ave., Stockton, CA 95202 — domestic violence form review is handled at the Self-Help Center there (Suite 105). See the court's restraining orders page for current counter hours. Important filing detail: DVRO requests must be filed in person (or by mail/drop box). The court's e-filing portal (AppFile) explicitly does not accept "Request for Domestic Violence Restraining Order" filings — its rules list DVRO and elder-abuse restraining-order requests as excluded from electronic filing. Don't try to e-file the request through the portal; it won't go through. ## 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; 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 filing fee for a restraining order in San Joaquin County, per the court's own restraining-orders page (state law, Family Code § 6221, also prohibits a DVRO filing fee anywhere in California). No fee-waiver form (FW-001) is needed for the request itself. ## 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 San Joaquin County The court's Self-Help Center / Pro Per Clinic reviews domestic violence restraining order forms for completeness (free, first-come, first-served — note it reviews but cannot fill the forms out for you). Domestic violence form review hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday 8:00 a.m.–3:30 p.m.; Wednesday 8:00 a.m.–11:00 a.m., at 180 E. Weber Ave., Suite 105, Stockton. See sjcourts.org for hours. The court also lists PREVAIL (formerly the Women's Center of San Joaquin County) at (209) 941-2611 for domestic violence assistance. 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? Judges generally review requests within about a day of filing. Arrive early at the Self-Help Center — spots fill quickly. ### Do I need a lawyer? No. The Self-Help Center helps many self-represented filers every week. ### What if I can't afford the fee? There's no filing fee for the request itself, so no waiver is needed. File at the Stockton Courthouse in person (DVRO requests aren't accepted through the court's e-filing portal). ### What if I'm in danger right now? Call 911. You can also reach the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 anytime — it's free and confidential. ### Can I file in Spanish? Many courts offer Spanish forms and help. Ask the Self-Help Center what is available. ## 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 San Francisco County, California](https://justiceos.ai/guides/san-francisco-county-dv-restraining-order) - [How to File a Domestic Violence Restraining Order in San Luis Obispo County, California](https://justiceos.ai/guides/san-luis-obispo-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/san-joaquin-county-dv-restraining-order