Quick answer
Step-by-step guide to filing a domestic violence restraining order in Santa Barbara County: where to file, the forms, fees, and local help. File at the Superior Court of California, County of Santa Barbara. The main courthouse is:
Filing in Santa Barbara County
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 § 6222) 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
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 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 to Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.:
More details: https://www.santabarbara.courts.ca.gov/
- 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?
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. If protection is granted right away, you may get a temporary order before the full hearing; the hearing date is on the stamped DV-109.
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
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.