# How to File a Domestic Violence Restraining Order in San Mateo County, California > Step-by-step guide to filing a domestic violence restraining order in San Mateo County: where to file, the forms, fees, and local help. **Direct answer.** If you need protection from someone close to you, a domestic violence restraining order (DVRO) can be the first step. This guide explains, in plain language, where to file in San Mateo County, which forms you'll need, and what happens next. You don't have to do this alone — help is listed at the bottom of the page. ## Where to file in San Mateo County File at the clerk's office of the Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo. For domestic violence cases, go to the Family Law counter: 400 County Center, Redwood City, CA 94063 You can also e-file: the court accepts electronically filed documents in Domestic Violence Restraining Order cases, and its free Guide and File program can walk you through the forms and e-file the request for you. E-filing is never mandatory for self-represented filers. Visit the court's official site for hours and filing details: https://www.sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/ ## The forms you'll need Make at least 2 copies of your forms. The court also notes: if you're filing against a relative, have your forms reviewed by the Family Law Facilitator; if you're filing against a partner, someone you dated, or your spouse, use Bay Area Legal Aid's DVRO clinic review. - FL-8 — San Mateo local form: Declaration Re: Notice of Ex Parte Application for Orders (Local Rules of Court 5.6). A TRO request is an ex parte application, so be ready to explain what notice you gave the other side — this form has a checkbox specifically for DVPA restraining-order applications. - DV-100 — the request for the restraining order itself; describes what happened and what protection you need. - DV-101 or MC-020 — if you need more space to describe what happened. - DV-109 — notice of the court hearing date. - DV-110 — the temporary restraining order a judge can grant before the hearing. - DV-130 — fill out items 1–3 as well, per the court's DVRO process sheet. - CLETS-001 — confidential information for law enforcement (kept private from the other party). - DV-105 — if you have children together and want child custody/visitation orders, fill this out and attach it to the DV-100; also fill out DV-140 and attach it to the DV-110. - FL-150 — only if you're also asking for child support or spousal/partner support. - DV-120 — the form the other party uses to respond (so you'll recognize it when papers reference it). ## What it costs There is no fee to ask for a restraining order — "It is free," per the court's own DVRO page (state law, Family Code § 6221, prohibits a DVRO filing fee in any California county). 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 — photos, messages, police reports — to the hearing. ## Local help in San Mateo County The court's Self-Help Center / Family Law Facilitator can help with restraining-order paperwork and process — in person at 400 County Center (6th Floor), Redwood City, and through the online live chat on the court's self-help page: https://www.sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/ The court's official restraining-order assistance sheet also lists: - Bay Area Legal Aid's Domestic Violence Restraining Order Clinic: 1048 El Camino Real, Suite A, Redwood City, CA 94063 — (650) 358-0745 (forms, review of completed forms, and DVRO assistance) - CORA (Community Overcoming Relationship Abuse) 24-hour hotlines: (800) 300-1080 or (650) 312-8515 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 to get a restraining order? A judge usually reviews your request within 24 hours, and a temporary order can be granted before the full hearing. ### Do I need a lawyer? No. Many people file on their own, and the court's self-help center can walk you through the paperwork. ### What if I can't afford the court fee? There's no fee for the DVRO request itself, so no waiver is needed to file. Never let cost stop you from filing — the clerk and the self-help center can help. ### What if I'm in danger right now? Call 911. You can also call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 — free, confidential, and available 24/7. ### Can I file in Spanish? California courts provide DVRO forms in Spanish, and many self-help centers have bilingual staff. Ask the self-help center for help. ## 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 Luis Obispo County, California](https://justiceos.ai/guides/san-luis-obispo-county-dv-restraining-order) - [How to File a Domestic Violence Restraining Order in Santa Barbara County, California](https://justiceos.ai/guides/santa-barbara-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-mateo-county-dv-restraining-order