Quick answer

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

Filing in Stanislaus County

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.

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

Direct answer

Where: Domestic violence restraining-order papers in Stanislaus County are filed with Superior Court of California, County of Stanislaus. The court's published filing location includes Forms are available at the Family Law Clerk’s Office, 1100 I Street, Modesto. The court describes filing by email on its website. Hours: Published hours or filing windows include Requests submitted by 8:45 a.m. are ready for pickup the following court day, 12:00 to 12:30 p.m., at 1100 I Street, Family Law lobby, Window #1. 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 Stanislaus County

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

The court describes The court links free programs (LawHelp Interactive and Guide & File) to prepare your documents online. It says you can email completed forms to its office for review, then print them and bring them to the courthouse, or e-file many of them. (https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/forms-filing/e-filing/prepare-and-file-online).

Forms are available at the Family Law Clerk’s Office, 1100 I Street, Modesto. Filings may be submitted in person, by mail or by fax.
Requests submitted by 8:45 a.m. are ready for pickup the following court day, 12:00 to 12:30 p.m., at 1100 I Street, Family Law lobby, Window #1.

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 § 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. Don't let the question of cost slow you down: the clerk and self-help center can help.

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 Stanislaus County

Self-help page: https://www.stanislaus.courts.ca.gov/self-help

Questions people ask next

How long does the process 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 temporary protection is granted, the full hearing is typically scheduled within 21 days. The hearing date is on the stamped DV-109.

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

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.

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