# How to File a Domestic Violence Restraining Order in Sierra County, California > Step-by-step guide to filing a domestic violence restraining order in Sierra County: where to file, the forms, fees, and local help. **Direct answer.** Sierra County is small, but the court's protection is just as real here. If you need a domestic violence restraining order (DVRO), this guide explains where to file in Downieville, which forms to complete, and what happens next — in plain, calm language. ## Where to file in Sierra County Sierra County has one courthouse — the Superior Court of California, County of Sierra: 100 Courthouse Square, Downieville, CA 95936 (You can also mail paperwork to P.O. Box 476, Downieville, CA 95936.) Confirm hours and filing details on the court's official site: https://www.sierra.courts.ca.gov/ ## The forms you'll need There is no court filing fee for a domestic violence restraining order — not to request one, respond to one, or enforce one (Cal. Rules of Court; statewide civil fee schedule). Form FW-001 (fee waiver) is only relevant if you are making a separate, fee-bearing filing. E-filing: Sierra's Local Rules allow e-filing in all case types by email only to superiorcourt@sierracourt.org (Local Rule 8.1). Email received before 4:00 p.m. on a court day is filed that day if accepted; email received after 4:00 p.m. or on a non-court day is filed the next court day. Submit PDFs only — phone photos are rejected — and if your filing is over 20 pages including exhibits, you must file in person or by mail instead. (The e-filing cover sheet in the local rules applies to Appellate Division filings only, not DVROs.) - 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 (good to recognize when papers arrive). ## What it costs Filing a domestic violence restraining order is free — no court filing fee applies. ## 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 Sierra County The court's Family Law Facilitator assists self-represented parties; in Downieville it is at 100 Courthouse Square, reachable at (530) 289-3698, Monday–Friday 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. and 1:00–4:00 p.m. for phone hours — confirm current availability on the court's Family Law Facilitator page. The statewide California Courts self-help guide also walks through every step of the DVRO process: https://selfhelp.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. ## Questions people ask next ### How long does it take? Judges typically review requests within 24 hours, and temporary protection can be ordered before the full hearing. ### Do I need a lawyer? No. Many people file on their own, and the statewide self-help guide plus JusticeOS can walk you through the forms. ### What if I can't afford the fee? There is no filing fee for a domestic violence restraining order, so no waiver is needed for the DVRO itself. ### What if I'm in danger right now? Call 911. The National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 is free, confidential, and available 24/7 — even from a rural area. ### Can I file in Spanish? Judicial Council DVRO forms are available in Spanish translations. If you need help in another language, contact the court or Family Law Facilitator before filing to confirm what filing and language options are 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 Shasta County, California](https://justiceos.ai/guides/shasta-county-dv-restraining-order) - [How to File a Domestic Violence Restraining Order in Siskiyou County, California](https://justiceos.ai/guides/siskiyou-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/sierra-county-dv-restraining-order