Quick answer
Step-by-step guide to filing a domestic violence restraining order in Trinity County: where to file, the forms, fees, and local help. File at the Trinity County Superior Court, 11 Court Street, Weaverville, CA 96093. The court's official site is https://www.trinity.courts.ca.gov/: the family law division page confirms the court handles domestic violence restraining orders.
Filing in Trinity County
How to File a Domestic Violence Restraining Order in Trinity County, California
Step-by-step guide to filing a domestic violence restraining order in Trinity County: where to file, the forms, fees, and local help.
Direct answer
If you're being abused by a partner, family member, or household member, you can ask the Trinity County court for a domestic violence restraining order. This guide explains the process in plain terms: where to file, which forms you need, and what to expect at each step.
Where to file in Trinity County
File at the Trinity County Superior Court, 11 Court Street, Weaverville, CA 96093. The court's official site is https://www.trinity.courts.ca.gov/: the family law division page confirms the court handles domestic violence restraining orders.
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; in Trinity County, the clerk has delegated authority to grant qualifying fee waivers (Local Rule 4.13), so that part is handled quickly.
Filing by email: Trinity's Local Rules accept filings by email at court_filings@trinitycounty.org (Local Rule 4.11). Email submissions received on a court day are deemed filed that day. No DVRO-specific local cover sheet was found in the court's rules or its official domestic-violence packet.
- 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
Filing a domestic violence restraining order is free: no court filing fee applies.
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 Trinity County
The court's Access to Justice Self-Help Center is on the first floor of the courthouse and can help with the paperwork for custody, support, or protection filings. If you are in danger right now, call 911. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 800-799-7233, free, confidential, available around the clock.
Questions people ask next
How fast can I get an order?
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 orders are granted, the hearing is typically set within 21 days. The hearing date is on the stamped DV-109.
Can I file without a lawyer?
Yes. Many people do, and the courthouse Self-Help Center can walk you through the forms.
What if I can't pay the filing fee?
There is no filing fee for a domestic violence restraining order, so no waiver is needed for the DVRO itself.
What should I do if I'm in danger right now?
Call 911 immediately. The National Domestic Violence Hotline (800-799-7233) is also available 24/7 for confidential support.
Is help available in Spanish?
Many courts offer Spanish forms and assistance: ask the Self-Help Center for details.
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.