# How to File a Domestic Violence Restraining Order in Santa Barbara County, California > Step-by-step guide to filing a domestic violence restraining order in Santa Barbara County: where to file, the forms, fees, and local help. **Direct answer.** This page is for anyone in Santa Barbara County who needs the court's protection from a partner, family member, or someone close. Below you'll find where to file, the forms to fill out, what it costs, and where to get free in-person help. Take it one step at a time. ## Where to file in Santa Barbara County File at the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Barbara. The main courthouse is: 1100 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 The court also serves residents at its Santa Maria and Lompoc divisions. You can file in person, by mail, or electronically — the court's e-filing FAQ confirms ex parte documents can be e-filed (bring courtesy copies to the hearing if time is short). Check hours and filing options on the court's official site: https://www.santabarbara.courts.ca.gov/ ## The forms you'll need Per the court's own DVRO forms packet: If you're e-filing, the court's instructions note that documents relating to one request should go in a single electronic envelope, with each form that has a different form number uploaded as a separate PDF. - DV-100 — your request for the restraining order, where you describe what happened and what protection you need. - SC-4012 — Santa Barbara local form: Declaration Re Ex Parte Notice. A TRO request is an ex parte application, so the court wants this local declaration about notice to the other side. - DV-101 — description of abuse, if you need more space. - DV-109 — the notice that sets the court hearing date. - DV-110 — the temporary restraining order a judge can issue before the hearing. - CLETS-001 — confidential information for law enforcement, kept private from the other party. - DV-105 / DV-108 / DV-140 / DV-145 — if children are involved: child custody/visitation orders and no-travel-with-children orders. - DV-120 — the other party's response form (good to recognize so the papers make sense). ## What it costs There is no filing fee for a domestic violence restraining order — state law (Family Code § 6221) prohibits a filing fee for DVRO petitions in any California county, so no fee-waiver form (FW-001) is needed for the request itself. Cost should never be the reason you don't seek protection. ## 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 Santa Barbara County The court's Legal Resource Center is staffed by a California-licensed attorney and helps with Domestic Violence Restraining Orders and responses. Walk-in hours are Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.: More details: https://www.santabarbara.courts.ca.gov/ 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. - Santa Barbara Courthouse: 1100 Anacapa St., 2nd Floor Self-Help Center, Santa Barbara, CA 93101 — 805-568-3303 - Santa Maria: 312 E. Cook St., Santa Maria, CA 93454 — 805-691-2457 - Lompoc Courthouse: 115 Civic Center Plaza, Lompoc, CA 93436 (Wednesdays) ## Questions people ask next ### How long does it take? A judge typically reviews your request within 24 hours. If protection is granted right away, you'll get a temporary order before the full hearing. ### Do I need a lawyer? No. Many people file without one. The Legal Resource Center listed above can help you complete the forms. ### What if I can't afford the fee? There's no fee for the DVRO request itself, so no waiver is needed to file. The court has a Legal Resource Center that can help with paperwork. ### What if I'm in danger right now? Call 911. The National Domestic Violence Hotline (800-799-7233) is free, confidential, and open 24/7. ### Can I file in Spanish? Yes — DVRO forms are available in Spanish, and court staff can direct you to bilingual 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 Mateo County, California](https://justiceos.ai/guides/san-mateo-county-dv-restraining-order) - [How to File a Domestic Violence Restraining Order in Santa Clara County, California](https://justiceos.ai/guides/santa-clara-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/santa-barbara-county-dv-restraining-order