Quick answer

Step-by-step guide to filing a domestic violence restraining order in San Mateo County: where to file, the forms, fees, and local help. Domestic violence restraining-order requests in San Mateo County are filed with Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo. The court’s own website is the source for current filing location, hours, and local steps.

Filing in San Mateo County

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.

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

Direct answer

Where: Domestic violence restraining-order papers in San Mateo County are filed with Superior Court of California, County of San Mateo. The court describes online form help on its website. Hours: Published hours or filing windows include The court says the Self-Help Center is providing services remotely through expanded LiveChat hours on its website. 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 Mateo County

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

The court describes The court’s free Self-Prep and File service includes a restraining order interview, which the court lists as one you can e-file with the court or print and file. (https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/forms-filing/self-prep-and-file).

The court’s page says to turn in the forms at the Clerk’s office; the judge decides on the temporary orders later that day or the next day, no later than one business day.
For help asking for a domestic violence restraining order, the court points to the Bay Area Legal Aid Domestic Violence Restraining Order Clinic, (650) 358-0745.
The court’s page states there is no fee to ask for a restraining order.
The court’s e-filing page says self-represented parties may e-file through any electronic filing service provider.

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 § 6222, 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

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 (photos, messages, police reports) to the hearing.

Local help in San Mateo County

Self-Help Center / Family Law Facilitator Hours: The court says the Self-Help Center is providing services remotely through expanded LiveChat hours on its website. Self-help page: https://sanmateo.courts.ca.gov/legal-resources-self-help

Questions people ask next

How long does it take to get a restraining order?

Under Fam. Code § 6326, a judge issues or denies an ex parte request the same court day or the next court day if filed too late for review that day., and a temporary order can be granted before the full hearing. The hearing date is on the stamped DV-109.

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

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.

One payment per case: $19.99; free with a fee waiver.

Start your filing with JusticeOS