# How to File a Domestic Violence Restraining Order in Stanislaus County, California > Step-by-step guide to filing a domestic violence restraining order in Stanislaus County: where to file, the forms, fees, and local help. **Direct answer.** This guide is for anyone in Stanislaus County who needs court protection from domestic violence. It explains where to file in Modesto, which forms to fill out (the court publishes a DV "Protected Person's Packet" with everything you need), what it costs, and where to get free help — all in plain language. ## Where to file in Stanislaus County File at the Superior Court of California, County of Stanislaus: 1100 I Street, Modesto, CA 95353 Confirm clerk hours and filing details on the court's official site: http://stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/ ## The forms you'll need The court's DV Protected Person's Packet lists the required and attachment forms (revised January 2025): Required: - CLETS-001 — confidential information for law enforcement (kept private from the other party). - 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. - DV-200 — proof of personal service (filled out later by the person who serves the papers). Attachment forms, if they apply to your circumstances: - MC-020 — general attachment page - DV-101 — description of abuse, if you need more space - DV-105 — child custody, visitation, and support request (attach to the DV-100) - DV-140 — child custody and visitation order - FL-150 — income and expense declaration (only required if addressing support issues) All documents must be typed or printed legibly in blue or black ink, per California Rules of Court 2.104. The packet is available in the Clerk's Office, the Stanislaus County Law Library (1101 13th Street, Modesto), and on the court's website: http://stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/ The court's DV packet describes filing in person with the clerk — confirm current e-filing options for DV TRO applications on the court's official site before assuming they're accepted electronically. ## 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. Don't let the question of cost slow you down — the clerk and self-help center can help. ## 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 Stanislaus County The court's Self Help Center assists people representing themselves: 800 11th Street, Room #220, Modesto, CA 95353 More details: http://stanislaus.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 the process take? A judge usually reviews your request within 24 hours. If temporary protection is granted, the full hearing is typically scheduled within 21 days. ### Do I need a lawyer? No. Many people file without one — the Self Help Center exists to assist self-represented filers. ### What if I can't afford the fee? There's no fee for the DVRO request itself, so no waiver is needed to file. Use the court's DV Protected Person's Packet as your checklist. ### 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. ### Can I file in Spanish? Yes. DVRO forms are published in Spanish, and you can ask the court about interpreter assistance. ## 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 Sonoma County, California](https://justiceos.ai/guides/sonoma-county-dv-restraining-order) - [How to File a Domestic Violence Restraining Order in Sutter County, California](https://justiceos.ai/guides/sutter-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/stanislaus-county-dv-restraining-order