For the person served · California · Not legal advice
How to respond to a domestic violence restraining order in California (DV-120)
If you were served DV-100, DV-109 and DV-110, a temporary restraining order may already apply to you. If DV-110 was served, DV-120-INFO says: "You must follow the orders." Your court date is on DV-109. You can respond in writing on form DV-120, with no court fee, and have someone 18 or older mail a copy to the other side. Go to the hearing.
First: what you must do now
If DV-110 was served, DV-120-INFO says you must follow the orders, including no-contact and firearms orders (24 hours to relinquish, 48 hours to file a receipt on DV-800).
Responding in writing with DV-120 (optional)
DV-120 items 8–28 mirror DV-100 requested orders. Item 29 is optional additional reasons. Item 32 is your signature under penalty of perjury. DV-120-INFO says anything you write can be used in a criminal case.
DV-120 preparation waitlist
JusticeOS prepares petitioner forms today. DV-120 prep is not built yet.
Email us to join the DV-120 prep waitlistQuestions people ask next
Do I have to file DV-120?
No. DV-120-INFO says responding in writing is optional and there is no penalty if you do not. You should still know your court date.
Is there a fee to file DV-120?
No court fee.
How do I serve DV-120?
Someone 18 or older, not you, mails a copy to the person asking for the order and completes DV-250, which you file.
When is the hearing?
It is on DV-109. By law it is generally within 21 days, or 25 for good cause, after the temporary order is granted or denied (Fam. Code § 242).
What if I do not go to the hearing?
The judge can make orders against you without hearing from you.
What happens to my guns?
If DV-110 orders it, you must sell, store with a licensed dealer, or turn them in within 24 hours and file a receipt within 48 hours.
Can JusticeOS fill out DV-120 for me?
Not yet. Our free reader explains served papers; DV-120 prep is on the waitlist.
If you need protection instead, see how to file a DVRO.
JusticeOS is not a law firm and does not give legal advice. We help you complete the forms you select, at your direction.