Quick answer
Step-by-step guide to filing a domestic violence restraining order in Sutter County: where to file, the forms, fees, and local help. File at the Superior Court of California, County of Sutter: the New Yuba City Courthouse, 1175 Civic Center Blvd, Yuba City, CA 95993. Counter hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m.
Filing in Sutter County
How to File a Domestic Violence Restraining Order in Sutter County, California
Step-by-step guide to filing a domestic violence restraining order in Sutter County: where to file, the forms, fees, and local help.
Direct answer
If someone close to you is hurting, threatening, or controlling you, a domestic violence restraining order can set legal boundaries and help keep you safe. This guide walks through the Sutter County filing process in plain language: where to go, which papers to fill out, and what happens next.
Where to file in Sutter County
File at the Superior Court of California, County of Sutter: the New Yuba City Courthouse, 1175 Civic Center Blvd, Yuba City, CA 95993. Counter hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The court's domestic violence self-help page is at sutter.courts.ca.gov/self-help/domestic-violence, and the court's main site is sutter.courts.ca.gov.
The forms you'll need
The forms are free at the court's civil division or Self-Help Center, and the Self-Help Center has simplified instruction packets for requests with and without children.
- 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-105: if the case involves minor children, request custody and visitation orders on this form (file it with the initial packet when children are involved).
- DV-120: the form the other party uses to respond (mention briefly so readers recognize it).
What it costs
There is no filing fee for an initial domestic violence restraining order request. FW-001 (Request to Waive Court Fees) is only relevant if some separate fee-bearing filing or service comes up in your case.
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 to the hearing.
Local help in Sutter County
The Sutter County Family Law Facilitator / Family Law Information Center can answer procedural questions and help with forms: (530) 822-3305. It cannot represent you in court.
One Sutter-specific rule to know: when you seek ex parte (emergency) orders, notice to the other person is required; the court publishes an optional local form, CV-02 (Declaration Re: Notice of Ex Parte Application for Order), for documenting your notice efforts. Ask self-help or the clerk how to use it before you file, since a missing or unclear notice can delay your request. If you are in danger right now, call 911. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 800-799-7233, free, confidential, available 24/7.
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. The hearing date is on the stamped DV-109.
Do I need a lawyer?
No: many people file on their own. The court's Family Law Information Center can help you understand the forms and the process.
What if I can't afford the fee?
There's no filing fee for your restraining-order request, so cost should not keep you from filing. If a different filing or service with a fee comes up, file form FW-001 to ask the court to waive it.
What if I'm in danger right now?
Call 911. You can also call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 any time; it's free and confidential.
Can I file in Spanish?
Many courts offer Spanish forms and assistance: ask the Self-Help Center when you file.
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.