# How to File a Domestic Violence Restraining Order in Ventura County, California

> Step-by-step guide to filing a domestic violence restraining order in Ventura County: where to file, the forms, fees, and local help.

**Direct answer.** This guide is for anyone in Ventura County who needs the court to step in against domestic abuse. A domestic violence restraining order can order the other person to stay away from you, your home, and your children, stop all contact, and give up firearms. Here's where to file and how the process works.

## Where to file in Ventura County

File at the Ventura County Superior Court, Hall of Justice, 800 South Victoria Avenue, Ventura, CA 93009. Restraining-order requests are one of the few family-law filings Ventura still accepts in person at the clerk's counter — the court's limitation-on-counter-filings notice specifically excepts restraining orders (filed family-law paperwork otherwise goes by drop box, mail, or eDelivery). Electronic filing is permissive, not mandatory, for family law; self-represented filers are exempt from the court's mandatory e-filing orders. The court's official site is http://www.ventura.courts.ca.gov/.

## The forms you'll need

Use the court's own DVRO packet (revised February 2026) as the master checklist — it notes some forms apply only in certain circumstances.

- DV-100 — the request for the restraining order itself; describes what happened and what protection you need.
- MC-025 — attachment pages if you need more space for your declaration.
- DV-105 — request for child custody and visitation orders, if children are involved.
- VN028 — Ventura local form: Declaration re Ex Parte Notice. Because a TRO request is an ex parte application, the court's own DVRO packet lists this local form among the required forms.
- VN189 — Ventura local form: Stipulation for Court Commissioner to Act as Temporary Judge for All Purposes (the court lists this in its DVRO packet).
- 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-200 — proof of personal service (filled out later by the person who serves the papers).
- SER-001 — request for the sheriff to serve court papers, if you want law enforcement to serve.

## What it costs

There is no filing fee for a domestic violence restraining order — the court's own DVRO packet says "There is no filing fee," and state law (Family Code § 6221) prohibits a filing fee for DVRO petitions in any California county. No fee-waiver form (FW-001) is needed for the initial request.

## 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 Ventura County

The Self-Help Legal Access Center is on the first floor of the Ventura Courthouse (800 South Victoria Avenue), in Room 106, and offers walk-in services and appointments for help with court forms and processes. For recorded information, call (805) 289-8724. 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 does the process take?

A judge usually reviews your request within 24 hours, and the hearing is typically scheduled within 21 days if temporary orders are granted.

### Do I need a lawyer to file?

No. Plenty of people file without one, and the Self-Help Legal Access Center can help you understand the forms.

### What if I can't afford the filing fee?

There's no fee for the DVRO request itself, so you don't need a fee waiver to file. If other costs ever come up, ask the Self-Help Legal Access Center about FW-001.

### I'm in danger right now — what should I do?

Call 911. For confidential support around the clock, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233.

### Can I file in Spanish?

Many courts offer Spanish forms and help — ask the Self-Help Legal Access Center.

## 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&sectionNum=6222)

## Related guides

- [How to File a Domestic Violence Restraining Order in Tuolumne County, California](https://justiceos.ai/guides/tuolumne-county-dv-restraining-order)
- [How to File a Domestic Violence Restraining Order in Yolo County, California](https://justiceos.ai/guides/yolo-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.

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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.

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