Quick answer
Step-by-step guide to filing a domestic violence restraining order in Tuolumne County: where to file, the forms, fees, and local help. File at the Family Law window on the first floor of the Justice Center Courthouse, 12855 Justice Center Drive, Sonora, CA 95370. The court's domestic violence page is https://www.tuolumne.courts.ca.gov/self-help/family-law/domestic-violence, and it opens with a reminder: if you are in danger now, call 911.
Filing in Tuolumne County
How to File a Domestic Violence Restraining Order in Tuolumne County, California
Step-by-step guide to filing a domestic violence restraining order in Tuolumne County: where to file, the forms, fees, and local help.
Direct answer
When someone close to you becomes a threat, the court can order them to stop. In Tuolumne County, domestic violence restraining orders are filed at the courthouse's Family Law window. This page lays out the process step by step so you know exactly what to bring and what happens next.
Where to file in Tuolumne County
File at the Family Law window on the first floor of the Justice Center Courthouse, 12855 Justice Center Drive, Sonora, CA 95370. The court's domestic violence page is https://www.tuolumne.courts.ca.gov/self-help/family-law/domestic-violence, and it opens with a reminder: if you are in danger now, call 911.
You can file in person at the Family Law window, or email your completed forms to the court at onlinefiling@tuolumne.courts.ca.gov. Only DVRO and Gun Violence Order forms are accepted through the email option, and everything is processed during normal business hours. You can also complete the DV forms online through the court's TurboCourt link and then print or submit them.
The forms you'll need
Your initial request is made on Judicial Council forms. The court's official DV page points you to TurboCourt to complete these forms online, or you can download them and print them for in-person or email filing:
DV-120 is the form the other party uses to respond; it is not part of your filing packet; mention it only so you recognize it if you receive it back.
The court notes that DV forms can be completed online and then printed for filing, and warns that websites you visit may be viewable later by someone else: consider clearing your browsing history or using a friend's or library computer.
- 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).
What it costs
Filing an initial request for a domestic violence restraining order is free; there is no filing fee, and you don't need a fee-waiver form (FW-001) for the initial request. If you later file something else in court that does carry a fee, FW-001 is how you ask the court to waive it.
What happens after you file
A judge reviews your request, typically by the next court day. If a temporary order is granted, a hearing is usually scheduled within about three weeks. The other party must be legally served with the papers. Bring your forms and any evidence to the hearing.
Local help in Tuolumne County
The court's Self-Help Center is on the first floor of the Justice Center Courthouse, open Monday to Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 to 3:00 p.m., and can help you with the DVRO forms and process: call (209) 533-6565. If you are in danger right now, call 911. The National Domestic Violence Hotline is 800-799-7233, free, confidential, 24/7.
Questions people ask next
How quickly will a judge review my request?
Typically by the next court day. If a temporary order is granted, expect a hearing within about three weeks.
Do I need a lawyer?
No: many people file on their own, and the Self-Help Center can help you with the forms and the process.
What if I can't afford the fee?
Filing your initial DVRO request is free, so there is no fee to pay and no fee-waiver form needed for that filing.
What if I'm in danger this minute?
Call 911. You can also reach the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233 any time, day or night.
Are the forms and help available in Spanish?
Ask the Self-Help Center at (209) 533-6565 what Spanish-language assistance is available.
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.