# How to File a Domestic Violence Restraining Order in Tulare County, California > Step-by-step guide to filing a domestic violence restraining order in Tulare County: where to file, the forms, fees, and local help. **Direct answer.** A domestic violence restraining order can legally require an abusive partner or family member to stop the abuse, stay away from you, and follow court-ordered boundaries. This guide covers how to file in Tulare County — which courthouse, which forms, and where to get free help with the paperwork. ## Where to file in Tulare County File at the Tulare County Superior Court. Per the court's own DVRO packet (revised January 2026), return your forms to either the Visalia Courthouse Clerk's Office (Room 201), 221 S. Mooney Blvd, Visalia, CA 93291, or the South County Justice Center clerk's window, 300 E. Olive Ave, Porterville, CA 93257. The court's official site is https://www.tulare.courts.ca.gov/. Filing options: Tulare's local rules expressly allow DVRO petitions (and related filings) to be submitted electronically during and after normal business hours (Local Rule 936). You can also file in person. After filing, the clerk sends your forms to the judge for review right away and will call you when your paperwork is ready for pickup — you'll receive copies of the Notice of Hearing and certified copies of the Temporary Restraining Order if one is granted. ## The forms you'll need Use the court's own "Domestic Violence Restraining Order: Mandatory Forms" packet (revised January 2026) as your checklist: Complete and file: - DV-100 — the request for the restraining order itself; describes what happened and what protection you need (original and 1 copy). - DV-109 — notice of the court hearing date. - DV-110 — the temporary restraining order a judge can grant before the hearing (with attachments if you requested custody/visitation). - CLETS-001 — confidential information for law enforcement (kept private from the other party). - DV-800 — receipt for firearms, firearm parts, and ammunition. - DV-250 — proof of service by mail (leave blank for now). - DV-120 — the form the other party uses to respond (included in the packet; mention briefly so readers recognize it). File after service: - DV-200 — proof of personal service (filled out later by the person who serves the papers). If you're also asking for custody, visitation, or support, the court has a separate "Optional Forms" packet (DV-105, DV-140, DV-125, and others). The court's packet notes that fillable versions of the Judicial Council forms are available online at the California Courts site. ## What it costs There is no fee to file the DVRO forms in Tulare County, per the court's own mandatory-forms packet (state law, Family Code § 6221, also prohibits a DVRO filing fee anywhere in California). No fee-waiver form (FW-001) is needed for the request itself. A hearing will be set about three weeks from your filing date even if no temporary order is granted. ## 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 to the hearing. ## Local help in Tulare County Free help is available from the Superior Court's Self-Help Resource Center (also known as the Family Law Facilitator): call (559) 737-5500. It has locations at 3400 W. Mineral King, Suite C, Visalia, CA 93291, and at the South County Justice Center, 300 E. Olive, Porterville, CA 93257. Staff can walk you through the forms, explain service, and answer procedural questions — but cannot represent you in court. If you are in danger right now, call 911. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 800-799-7233 — free, confidential, 24/7. 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 until a judge looks at my request? Usually within 24 hours of filing. A hearing is typically scheduled within 21 days if temporary orders are granted. ### Do I need an attorney? No. Many people file on their own, and the Self-Help Resource Center offers free guidance on completing and serving the forms. ### I can't afford the filing fee — what are my options? There's no fee for the DVRO filing itself, so no waiver is needed. Also note: you can appear remotely at DVRO hearings in Tulare County (Local Rule 937) — ask the clerk how to arrange it. ### I'm in danger right now. What do I do? Call 911. For confidential support any time of day or night, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233. ### Can I get help in Spanish? Many courts offer Spanish forms and help — ask the Self-Help Resource Center; its materials note Spanish-language information is available through the California Courts site. ## 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 Trinity County, California](https://justiceos.ai/guides/trinity-county-dv-restraining-order) - [How to File a Domestic Violence Restraining Order in Tuolumne County, California](https://justiceos.ai/guides/tuolumne-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/tulare-county-dv-restraining-order