Request for Domestic Violence Restraining Order
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File DV-100 with Ezel
Fill DV-100 with Ezel
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What is DV-100?
DV-100 starts a domestic violence restraining order case. The court can order the other person to stay away, stop contact, move out of a shared home, give up firearms, and pay child or spousal support. File along with DV-109 (Notice of Court Hearing) and CLETS-001 (Confidential CLETS Information). The court rules on a temporary order the same day or next business day; the hearing is set within 21 days, and the other person must be personally served at least 5 days before the hearing.
What happens if you miss the deadline: There is no filing deadline you can miss. If you cannot complete personal service of the restrained person at least 5 days before the hearing, file form DV-115 (Request to Continue Hearing) before the hearing date so the court can reset the date and your TRO stays in effect.
How to file
- Filing fee
- $0. DV petitions are fee-free under Family Code section 6222.
- Filing method
- in-person, mail, efile (county-specific)
- Filing deadline
- No filing deadline runs against the petitioner. The court rules on a Temporary Restraining Order the same day or next court day under Family Code section 6326. The hearing on the permanent order must happen within 21 days of filing, or 25 days if the court finds good cause under Family Code section 242. The restrained person must be personally served at least 5 days before the hearing. If service cannot be completed, file DV-115 to ask for a new hearing date so the TRO stays in effect.
- How to serve
- Personal service by an adult over 18 who is NOT the petitioner or any person protected on the order. The sheriff or marshal serves for free under Family Code section 6383; use SER-001 (Request for Sheriff to Serve Court Papers). The server fills DV-200 (Proof of Personal Service) and the petitioner files it with the clerk before the hearing.
- Wet signature
- Yes, sign in pen after printing.
- Notarization
- No
- Original and copies
- Original plus three copies. The clerk keeps the original; one copy comes back file-stamped to you; one copy is served on the restrained person; one copy goes to law enforcement (typically through CLETS-001).
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The California county where you are filing. File in the county where you live, where the abuse happened, or where the restrained person lives. Use the county name only (e.g., 'Los Angeles' or 'Alameda'), not 'Los Angeles County'.
- Filers write 'Los Angeles County' or 'County of LA'. Use the county name only ('Los Angeles', 'Alameda').
- Filers pick the county where the abuse happened but file in a county where they no longer have ties; venue is wherever the petitioner lives, the respondent lives, or where the abuse occurred (Family Code section 6301.5).
The full court header that appears in the right caption box. Three lines: court name on line 1, courthouse street address on line 2, city and ZIP on line 3. Look up the right courthouse on selfhelp.courts.ca.gov; many counties have multiple courthouses.
- Filers use the central courthouse for the county when a branch courthouse handles DV cases. Check selfhelp.courts.ca.gov for the exact branch.
- Filers omit ZIP or use a P.O. Box; clerks need the courthouse street address for the caption.
Leave blank if you have not filed before. The clerk stamps the case number on the form when you file. If you already have an open family-law case (FL-100, FL-300) with the same person, you may be able to file DV-100 inside that case; ask the clerk.
- First-time filers write 'N/A' or 'TBD'. Leave it blank; the clerk stamps the number.
- Filers reuse a small claims or unrelated case number from a different matter; only enter a number if you have an existing family-law or DV case with the same person.
Your legal name. The name the court will use to identify you as the protected person. Example: 'Maria Garcia' or 'Maria L. Garcia'. If you have a Safe at Home address-confidentiality program ID, use your real name; the program protects your address, not your name.
- Using a nickname or married name that does not match your ID; the order will name the protected person and must match the name on your DMV record so police can verify in the field.
- Initials only ('J. Doe'); the CLETS database needs the full legal name.
Most DV petitioners file pro se. Leave blank if you are filing without a lawyer. If you do have a lawyer, type their full name and bar number; the lawyer will receive court mail at the address you provide below.
- Pro se filers list a legal-aid intake worker who is not their attorney of record; leave blank unless an attorney has agreed to represent you in this case.
- Filers list a future attorney they hope to retain; only list someone who is signing item 34 with you.
Family Code section 6225 lets you keep your home address confidential if disclosing it would put you at risk. Most petitioners use a P.O. Box, a friend's address, a workplace address, or the Safe at Home program (1-877-322-5227). The restrained person will see whatever address you list here.
- Filers list their home address when the respondent does not know it. You can give a safe mailing address (PO Box, friend's address, DV shelter address) for safety; the form specifically permits this.
- Filers ask to keep their address confidential without enrolling in the Safe at Home program (Government Code section 6206); without enrollment the address is in the public file.
The street address where you want court mail. Many counties accept a P.O. Box. Do not list the same address as the restrained person if you are asking for a stay-away order. If you are in the Safe at Home program, use the Sacramento P.O. Box assigned to you (P.O. Box 846, Sacramento, CA 95812).
- Filers list the residence the respondent already knows, defeating the safety purpose; if the respondent knows your address, that is fine, but if not, use a safe mailing address.
- Apartment number missing; mail returns to the court.
City of the address above.
- Filers list a neighborhood instead of the incorporated city (e.g., 'Hollywood' instead of 'Los Angeles').
Two-letter state code, usually CA.
- Out-of-state filers can still ask a CA court for orders if the abuse happened in California or the respondent lives here, but the case will be in CA state court and not your home state.
5-digit ZIP code, or 9-digit ZIP+4 if you have it.
- Five-digit ZIP only; do not use ZIP+4 unless the form box accepts it.
Optional. Phone where the court can reach you. Skip this if you are worried the restrained person will get the number from court papers.
- Filers list a phone the respondent has access to (shared family plan, phone in respondent's name); use a number the respondent cannot monitor.
- Filers leave blank when they have only a work phone; a court contact number is helpful even if it is your work line.
Optional. Many California courts now use email for hearing notices. Skip this if you do not want the restrained person to see your email.
- Filers list a shared email the respondent can read.
- Filers list an old email they no longer check; the court may use it for hearing notices in some counties.
Optional and rarely used. Most pro se filers leave this blank.
- Pro se filers worry about leaving fax blank. Leave it blank; almost no self-represented person has a fax number, and the court does not need one.
Petitioners under 18 file with the help of a parent, guardian, or other adult. The adult fills items 1.e and 1.f naming themselves and their relationship to the minor. A child 12 or older can file on their own behalf for a DV restraining order under Family Code section 6224 if they have the capacity to understand the proceedings.
- 12-17 year olds can file on their own behalf in some counties (Family Code section 6229) but most clerks expect a guardian ad litem (CIV-010); check with the clerk before filing alone.
- Filers under 12 must file through a guardian ad litem.
If you are under 18, an adult parent, guardian, or guardian ad litem files with you. List their full name. Leave blank if you are 18 or older.
- Filers list a teacher or counselor as the helping adult; only list someone authorized to act for the minor in court (parent, legal guardian, or court-appointed guardian ad litem).
How the helper is related to you. Examples: 'Mother', 'Father', 'Grandmother', 'Aunt', 'Court-appointed guardian', 'Guardian ad litem'.
- Filers write 'family friend'; if the helper is not a parent or appointed guardian, also file CIV-010 (Application for Appointment of Guardian Ad Litem).
Optional, used when the relationship needs more explanation than the previous box can hold.
- Use this only if you checked 'other' on the relationship list.
The legal name of the person you want the judge to restrain. Use their full first and last name; include a middle name or suffix if you know one. Spelling and accuracy matter because law enforcement enters this name into CLETS, the statewide restraining-order database.
- Filers use a nickname only ('Big J'); CLETS needs full legal name. Add aliases in the same field if you know them.
- Filers spell the name as the respondent goes by socially when their legal name on official documents is different; if you know both, list the legal name and add 'aka <other name>'.
Best estimate if you do not know exactly. The form is clear that an estimate is acceptable. Children under 12 cannot be restrained by a DV order; if the person you fear is younger than 12, talk to a family-law self-help center first.
- Estimate is fine if you do not know the exact age; do not skip this field.
Helpful for law enforcement entering the order in CLETS. Leave blank if you do not know.
- Leave blank if you do not know it; do not invent a date. Police use this with the name to identify the right person on a CLETS hit.
Used by law enforcement to identify the restrained person. Pick the closest match if their gender is not listed.
- The form's options reflect the 2020 revision; pick the closest match. The choice does not change relief available.
Used by law enforcement for identification when serving the order. Plain description is fine; the form does not enforce a category list.
- Some filers leave this blank for privacy reasons. The race description helps police identify the respondent on enforcement; if you skip it, write 'unknown' rather than leaving blank.
Family Code section 6211 limits DV orders to intimate partners (current or former), close relatives, and people sharing a household as family (more than just roommates). If none of these fit, the right form is CH-100 (Civil Harassment) instead. The wizard will route you to CH-100 if you cannot check any box.
- Filers check both 'a' (married/RDP/dating/engaged) and 'b' (parent of children together) when both are true; that is fine.
- Filers use DV-100 for relationships outside the FC section 6211 list (a roommate who is not also a relative or partner); those cases need CH-100 (civil harassment), not DV-100.
Children's first and last names. If you have more than two, use one line for the first two and a second line for the rest, or attach a sheet. The wizard surfaces FL-105 (UCCJEA) and DV-105 (Custody) as companion forms when children are listed.
- Filers list only first names; full legal names are needed because custody-and-visitation orders attach to specific children.
- Filers list step-children or adopted children without flagging the legal status; if the children are not biological or adopted of both parties, note that here.
California's DV statute covers a specific list of family relationships. If yours is on this list (e.g., parent abusing adult child, adult child abusing elderly parent), DV-100 is the right form. If not, look at CH-100 (Civil Harassment) instead.
- Use this only for parent / child / sibling / in-law / grandparent relationships under Family Code section 6211(d).
- Cousin or distant relative does not qualify under 6211(d); use CH-100 instead.
Roommates who shared rent and chores but were not family or partners do not qualify for a DV order; they qualify for civil harassment (CH-100). Family-or-household means you shared a home with intimate-partner-like or family-like ties.
- Roommates who do not have a romantic, familial, or co-parenting relationship do not qualify; CH-100 is the right form for plain roommates under CCP 527.6.
Includes emergency protective orders the police gave you (good for 5-7 days), criminal protective orders, and orders from family or civil court. Attach a copy if you have one.
- Filers forget about EPOs (Emergency Protective Orders) issued by police; those count.
- Filers omit expired orders; the form asks about both current and orders that expired within the last 6 months.
Date the judge or police officer signed the order.
- Use the date the order was issued, not the date you were served.
Date the order expires or expired. Emergency police orders typically last 5-7 days; criminal protective orders last as long as the criminal case plus probation.
- EPOs typically expire 5 court days or 7 calendar days after issuance; TROs expire at the next hearing.
- Permanent DV orders run up to 5 years (Family Code section 6345).
Leave blank if there is only one prior order.
- Leave blank if there is only one prior order.
Leave blank if there is only one prior order.
- Leave blank if there is only one prior order.
Open or closed cases between you and the person, in any court. Common examples: a divorce filed by either of you, a custody case, a juvenile dependency case, a criminal case, a guardianship.
- Filers forget criminal cases the respondent is the defendant in (DV criminal charges, stalking, criminal threats); those count.
- Filers list dependency or juvenile cases involving the children; those count too.
Most pro se filers have at most one or two related cases. If a divorce is open, the judge typically wants to hear the DV request in the same case; ask the clerk whether to file DV-100 inside the existing FL case or open a new file.
- Multi-select; check every category that applies. A pending divorce with children is both 'divorce/legal separation' and 'parentage/paternity'.
List the city, state or tribe where the case was filed, the year, and the case number. If there are multiple cases, list them on separate lines. The court uses this to look up the file and avoid conflicting orders.
- Include county, year filed, and case number for each case; without those the judge cannot pull related orders.
Plain description. Used only when the case does not fit the categories above.
- Use this only when none of the listed case types fits.
Date the most recent incident happened. An estimate is fine if you do not remember exactly. The judge wants a date because temporary orders are time sensitive; recent abuse weighs more heavily.
- Filers use a vague date ('last month'); the judge wants a specific date. If you cannot remember, give the closest date and write 'on or about' before it.
- Filers list the abuse that mattered to them most rather than the most recent; item 5 must be the most recent.
Witnesses can testify by declaration (DV-250 form) at the hearing. List names below if you say yes; the court can subpoena them if needed.
- Filers say 'no' when neighbors heard yelling; aural witnesses count.
- Filers say 'yes' but do not list names below; if there were witnesses, list them.
Full names. Briefly note their relationship (neighbor, sister, coworker) so the judge can place them.
- Filers list witnesses who only learned about the abuse later; only first-hand witnesses go here.
- Children who saw or heard count as witnesses; the judge will weigh that for custody.
Weapons include guns, knives, baseball bats, anything used or brandished as a threat. A 'yes' here is one of the strongest factors a judge weighs when granting a TRO and ordering firearm relinquishment under Family Code section 6389.
- Threats with a weapon count even if the weapon was not used; check yes if a weapon was displayed or referenced.
- Common household items used as weapons (kitchen knife, bat) count.
Plain description. Type, color, where they kept it if you saw. This helps law enforcement when they serve the order and ask for firearm relinquishment.
- Generic 'a knife' is fine; you do not need to identify make and model.
Physical harm includes any contact: hitting, pushing, choking, restraining, sexual assault. Emotional harm includes threats, intimidation, isolating you from family, controlling money or movement. Both qualify as abuse under Family Code section 6203.
- Emotional harm counts under Family Code section 6320 (disturbing the peace). Even if there were no bruises, check yes if you experienced fear, distress, or coercion.
- Filers downplay injury as 'no big deal'; the standard is whether it caused harm, not whether it required medical attention.
Specific. What injury, what you felt, where you were, whether you needed medical care. Photos and medical records strengthen the request; you can attach them as exhibits.
- Filers leave this blank when they checked yes; the judge needs to see the harm in writing.
- Filers describe in general terms ('he hurt me'); concrete description is more credible ('he grabbed my wrist hard enough to bruise; the bruise lasted four days').
If yes, the police may have given you an Emergency Protective Order; list it in item 4 above. You can request the police report (under Penal Code section 6228, DV reports are free for victims).
- Filers say 'no' when neighbors called police even though the petitioner did not; if police came, that counts.
- If a report was filed, attach a copy if you have one (DV-100 instructions allow attachments).
Plain language. The judge reads this section first. Be specific about words, actions, time of day, place, and what you did. If you ran out of room, attach DV-101 or a separate sheet titled 'Describe Abuse'.
- This is the heart of the petition. Vague paragraphs ('he is abusive and controlling') do not move the judge; specific facts ('he yelled at me, blocked the doorway, took my phone, said I would regret leaving') do.
- Filers leave it blank thinking the checkboxes are enough; the narrative is where the judge decides credibility.
- Filers run out of space and stop; use DV-101 (continuation) or attach pages.
Pattern matters. A single severe incident can support a DV order; a long pattern of escalating control matters even if any one incident sounds minor on its own.
- Filers under-count by reporting only major incidents; verbal abuse, controlling behavior, and threats also count toward the pattern.
- Choose the closest option; if unsure, pick a higher frequency rather than under-reporting.
Use plain language. The judge wants to know how persistent the behavior has been.
- Use only when none of the listed frequency options fits.
List specific dates if you have them; otherwise rough timeframes. A pattern across months is more compelling than a single date.
- Approximate dates are fine ('three or four times a month since June 2024'); the judge does not need precise calendar dates for repeated patterns.
If yes, describe one earlier incident here. If you have several earlier incidents, pick the worst or most recent one for this section; you can describe more in item 7 or attach DV-101.
- Many filers stop at item 5 thinking one incident is enough; describing prior abuse strengthens the showing of a pattern under Family Code section 6320(c).
Estimate if you do not remember exactly.
- If you only remember the year or season, write 'on or about' with the best estimate.
- Item 6 must be different abuse from item 5; this is not 'second incident of same type', it is 'different abuse'.
Same as item 5 above.
- Same as item 5: aural witnesses and children who saw or heard count.
Full names with brief relationship.
- Only list first-hand witnesses; people who learned about the abuse later are not witnesses to the incident.
Same as item 5.
- Threats and displays count, not just use.
Type, color, where it was.
- General description is fine.
Same as item 5.
- Emotional harm counts; do not skip if the harm was psychological.
Specific injuries, fear, medical care.
- Concrete is better than general; describe what specifically happened to your body or mind.
Same as item 5.
- Note any police contact even if no report was filed.
What was said, done, or sent. Specific is better than general.
- The earlier-abuse narrative shows pattern; spend time on it. One paragraph beats one sentence.
- Filers leave this blank when they ran out of space; use DV-101 continuation.
Same as item 5.
- Higher option is safer than lower if uncertain.
Plain language.
- Use only when none of the listed options fits.
Specific dates or rough timeframes.
- Approximate ranges are fine for repeated incidents.
Optional but recommended if you have a longer history. The more the judge sees the pattern, the easier it is to grant a 5-year permanent order at the hearing.
- Item 7 is for any other abuse that does not fit under items 5 or 6; do not feel obligated to fill it just because the form has the box. Skip if you have nothing more to add.
Estimate is fine.
- If you check 'other abuse' but cannot date a specific incident, list the start of the pattern with 'on or about'.
Same as item 5.
- Aural and child witnesses count.
Full names with brief relationship.
- First-hand witnesses only.
Same as item 5.
- Threats and displays count.
Type, color.
- Brief description is sufficient.
Same as item 5.
- Emotional harm counts.
Specific injuries.
- Specific is better than general.
Same as item 5.
- Note police contact even when no report was filed.
What was said or done.
- Specific facts are persuasive; generalizations are not.
- Use DV-101 if you run out of space.
Same as item 5.
- Pick the closest option.
Plain language.
- Use only when none of the listed options fits.
Specific dates or rough timeframes.
- Ranges are fine for repeated incidents.
If yes, attach DV-101 (Description of Abuse) or a separate sheet titled 'Describe Abuse' and turn it in with this form.
- Filers cram everything into the small fields; use DV-101 (continuation) or attach pages. Run-on cramped narratives are harder for the judge to read.
Common: your minor children, an elderly parent who lives with you, a new partner, a roommate. The judge can extend the stay-away and no-contact orders to cover them. List up to 4 here; use a separate sheet for more.
- Filers do not realize they can include children even when the children are not the named petitioner; if children are at risk, list them here.
- Filers can include current dating partners, friends, family members at the same address, and others affected by the abuse.
Full legal name.
- Use full legal name (first middle last); the order names the protected person and police verify by name.
Estimate is fine.
- Estimate is acceptable.
Plain description.
- Be specific (e.g., 'son, age 10' rather than 'family member').
Affects whether the move-out and no-contact orders fit naturally for them.
- If yes and you ask for a move-out order in item 13, the protected person is also covered.
Leave blank if there is no second person.
- Full legal name.
Estimate is fine.
- Estimate is acceptable.
Plain description.
- Be specific.
Yes / No.
- Match item 13 if you ask for a move-out order.
Leave blank if not applicable.
- Full legal name.
Estimate is fine.
- Estimate is acceptable.
Plain description.
- Be specific.
Yes / No.
- Match item 13 if you ask for a move-out order.
Leave blank if not applicable.
- Full legal name.
Estimate is fine.
- Estimate is acceptable.
Plain description.
- Be specific.
Yes / No.
- Match item 13 if you ask for a move-out order.
If yes, attach a separate sheet titled 'DV-100, Other Protected People' and turn it in with this form.
- Use a separate sheet if you have more than 4 protected people; clerks accept attachments.
Brief explanation. The judge needs a reason to extend the order to people other than you. Common reasons: the children saw or heard the abuse, the person threatened them, they live in the same home, the abuser has gone to their school or workplace.
- Generic 'they need protection too' is not enough; tie each protected person to a specific reason (witnessed abuse, was directly threatened, lives in the household and is at risk).
- Filers leave this blank thinking the relationship column is enough; the judge needs the reason.
Family Code section 6389 requires the restrained person to surrender all firearms within 24 hours of being served and to file proof of relinquishment (DV-800 / JV-252) within 48 hours. Saying 'yes' helps law enforcement enforce the surrender. Firearm parts and ammunition are also covered.
- Filers say 'no' because the respondent does not currently have firearms; the question is also about ammunition and parts. Check 'yes' if there is any firearm material in the household.
- Filers do not know and pick 'no'; pick 'don't know' if you are unsure. Federal law (18 USC section 922(g)(8)) bars the respondent from possessing firearms during the order regardless.
Type, make/model if you know, color. Includes parts (receiver, frame) and ammunition (bullets, shells, magazines).
- General description is fine ('handgun', 'shotgun', 'AR-15-style rifle'); you do not need make and model.
- Ammunition counts; list it ('about 200 rounds of 9mm ammunition').
Quantity. For ammunition, rough count is fine.
- Estimate is fine if you are not sure of the count.
Where they keep it. Helps law enforcement locate the weapon during the seizure.
- List even partial info ('in the bedroom closet', 'in the truck'); helps law enforcement comply with the relinquishment order under Family Code section 6389.
Leave blank if only one firearm.
- General description sufficient.
Quantity.
- Estimate acceptable.
Where they keep it.
- Partial location info still helps.
Leave blank if not applicable.
- General description sufficient.
Quantity.
- Estimate acceptable.
Where they keep it.
- Partial location info still helps.
Leave blank if not applicable.
- General description sufficient.
Quantity.
- Estimate acceptable.
Where they keep it.
- Partial location info still helps.
Leave blank if not applicable.
- General description sufficient.
Quantity.
- Estimate acceptable.
Where they keep it.
- Partial location info still helps.
Leave blank if not applicable.
- General description sufficient.
Quantity.
- Estimate acceptable.
Where they keep it.
- Partial location info still helps.
This is the foundation of every DV restraining order. It bans the restrained person from harassing, attacking, striking, threatening, hitting, following, stalking, destroying property, surveilling, impersonating, blocking movement, contacting by phone or other electronic means, and disturbing the peace. Almost every DV petitioner asks for this. ...
- Almost every DV-100 filer should check this; personal-conduct orders under Family Code section 6320 cover not just physical abuse but also harassment, threats, and disturbing the peace.
- Filers leave it blank thinking they only need a stay-away order; the personal-conduct order is the foundation.
No-contact bans calls, texts, emails, social media, in-person contact, and contact through third parties (a friend, a child). Stronger than the personal-conduct order in item 10. If you and the restrained person share children and you need contact for parenting, the judge can carve out 'peaceful contact for purposes of court-ordered visitation o...
- No-contact orders bar texts, calls, social media, and indirect contact through third parties. If the respondent has been contacting you indirectly (through their family or friends), check yes.
- Filers want some contact for co-parenting; you can ask for 'peaceful contact for child exchange only' instead of full no-contact.
Court orders this almost every time. The default is 100 yards (about a city block). The judge can extend it to your home, work, school, vehicle, your children's school or childcare. If you check 'yes', list every place below.
- If you check yes here, fill in the places below; checking yes without specifying places leaves the order vague and harder to enforce.
Be inclusive. The order applies wherever the judge says, but only at places you list. Common adds: gym, grocery store, family member's house, place of worship, child's medical clinic.
- List specific places (your home, your work, your school, your child's school, your church); do not check 'wherever I am' as your only choice because police find that hard to enforce.
- Include the places of other protected people too if you listed them in item 8.
Specific addresses are best. The order is enforceable only at places named.
- Use specific addresses where possible (your gym at 123 Main St, your therapist's office at 456 Oak Ave); generic 'any place I go' is harder to enforce.
100 yards is the standard; judges grant it without much justification. Larger distances need a reason (e.g., your workplace is in a small town and 100 yards is not enough buffer).
- 100 yards (about a football field) is the typical default; pick the higher option (other yards) if you need more (e.g., the respondent has a sniper rifle, you live in a small town).
- Going below 100 yards is uncommon and may signal to the judge that you are willing to be near the respondent; usually 100 yards is right.
Number of yards. Judges rarely grant more than 200 yards without a specific reason.
- Numeric only; 'far away' is not a distance.
- Realistic distances; 1000+ yards may be hard to enforce in dense urban settings.
Affects whether you also need a move-out order (item 13) and whether the standard 100-yard distance can be enforced. If you live with the restrained person, the answer is 'yes' and you typically also check 'live together' below.
- If yes, expect the judge to ask hard questions about how the stay-away order will work in practice. Honest 'yes' beats hiding it.
- Living in the same apartment complex but different units counts as 'close'; explain the layout in the next field.
Helps the judge size the distance and decide whether you need a move-out order.
- Pick the closest match; the judge uses this to tailor the stay-away distance and move-out order.
Plain description.
- Use only when none of the listed options fits.
If yes, the judge may carve out an exception so you can keep showing up at work or class while the order is in place. Without the carve-out, the restrained person could be arrested for being there at the same time as you.
- If yes, the stay-away order will need workplace-specific carve-outs; the judge will not bar the respondent from working, but will set rules.
- Same employer at different sites still triggers this; explain the layout.
Plain name.
- Use the legal name of the employer (e.g., 'Acme Corp' not 'the warehouse').
Confirms the company-name field above is a same-workplace situation.
- Check this if you both work for the same employer.
Plain name of the school.
- Full school name (e.g., 'Long Beach City College' not 'LBCC').
Confirms the school-name field is a same-school situation.
- Check this if you both attend the same school.
Used when neither workplace nor school fits.
- Use for shared spaces other than work or school (gym, place of worship, mutual aid group).
Confirms the 'other' explanation above.
- Check this if 'other' applies.
Available only when you and the restrained person currently share a home (Family Code section 6321). The judge can grant this in a TRO without notice if you show physical assault or threatened assault and that physical or emotional harm would otherwise result. Almost always paired with the stay-away order in item 12.
- Move-out orders are limited to a residence the petitioner has a legal right to live in (Family Code section 6321); if you are not on the lease and have no other ownership interest, this may be denied.
- Filers do not realize they can ask even if the respondent owns the home alone; co-residency for some time can establish the right under section 6321(b).
Full street address of the shared home. The order applies to this specific address.
- Full street address with city and ZIP; the order will name the address.
The judge needs to see you have a legal or equitable right to be there before evicting the other person. Even one strong basis is enough; check every box that applies. If your name is not on the lease but you have lived there a while, check 'lived for'.
- Multi-select; check every category that fits (lease, ownership, length of residence, parent/spouse with legal right).
- If you are not on the lease, check 'lived there for X years' under section 6321(b); CA case law treats long co-residency as a basis even without lease.
Whole number.
- Whole years; round down.
Whole number, 0-11.
- Months in addition to years; if you have lived there 2 years 5 months, write 2 in years and 5 in months.
Plain explanation of why you have the right to be there. Tenancy at sufferance with permission counts.
- Use only when no listed basis fits.
Use this for orders that do not fit items 10-13. Examples: order the person to give back your phone, your keys, your immigration papers; order the person to stop posting about you online; order the person to allow you to retrieve clothes and medication with a police escort. The judge has wide discretion under Family Code section 6320(a).
- Use this for narrow extras (e.g., return of essential personal property, a specific exchange location); broad 'any other orders' is unhelpful.
Specific. The judge can only order what you ask for. Plain language is fine; you do not need to cite statutes.
- Be specific; vague requests are denied. Examples: 'Return petitioner's medication and ID found in the home', 'Order respondent not to come within 25 yards of the child's school during drop-off and pick-up'.
- Filers ask for relief that requires a different form (custody = DV-105; child support = item 24 or DV-100 separately).
Check this only if you and the restrained person share a child and you want the judge to make or change a custody or visitation order. You must also fill out DV-105 (Request for Child Custody and Visitation Orders) and FL-105 (Declaration Under UCCJEA) and attach both. The wizard will surface DV-105 and FL-105 as companion forms in the next-step...
- Custody and visitation orders need DV-105 (Request for Child Custody and Visitation Orders) attached; checking this box without DV-105 leaves custody undecided.
- Filers also need DV-140 (Child Custody and Visitation Order) ready for the judge to sign.
Family Code section 6320(b) lets the judge protect animals from the restrained person. Common when a pet has been threatened or hurt as a way to control or scare you. You can also ask for sole possession of a pet you and the restrained person both claim.
- Family Code section 6320(b) explicitly allows protective orders for animals; do not skip if the respondent has hurt or threatened pets.
- List the animals below if you check yes.
Pet name, microchip number, or other way to identify the animal.
- Pet name or registration ID; either is fine.
Plain word.
- Common type (dog, cat, horse, parrot).
Optional.
- Leave blank if mixed or unknown; not required.
Optional, helps with identification if law enforcement is asked to help retrieve.
- Brief description (e.g., 'black and white', 'tabby').
Leave blank if there is only one animal.
- Pet name or registration ID.
Plain word.
- Species.
Optional.
- Optional.
Optional.
- Brief description.
Leave blank if not applicable.
- Pet name or registration ID.
Plain word.
- Species.
Optional.
- Optional.
Optional.
- Brief description.
Leave blank if not applicable.
- Pet name or registration ID.
Plain word.
- Species.
Optional.
- Optional.
Optional.
- Brief description.
Bans the restrained person from getting close to the animals. Default 100 yards.
- If you check yes, the respondent must stay a specific distance from the animals.
100 yards is the standard.
- 100 yards is the typical default.
Number of yards.
- Numeric only.
Bans transferring, selling, threatening, attacking, or borrowing against the animals. Pair with the stay-away above for full protection.
- Check this if you fear the respondent will retaliate by harming, hiding, or selling the animals.
Awards you the animal until further court order. Use when you and the restrained person both claim the pet.
- Sole possession means only you keep the animals; the respondent cannot have access.
Pick every reason that fits. The judge weighs who normally feeds, walks, and pays vet bills more than who paid the adoption fee.
- Multi-select; pick every reason that applies (you have cared for them, you can afford their care, they bonded with you).
- Specific examples in the narrative help (e.g., 'I have been the primary caregiver for the past 3 years; I take them to the vet, feed them, and walk them daily').
Plain explanation.
- Use when no listed reason fits.
Family Code section 6324. Lets you keep using a car, a phone, a computer, household items, work tools, etc., even when title is in the other person's name. Limited to the duration of the order.
- Property control is temporary, not permanent; at the hearing, the judge can extend it during the order's life. Long-term property division goes to family-court divisions.
- List specific items (vehicle, business equipment, computer); 'all the household property' is too vague.
Be specific. The order applies only to property you describe. Include serial numbers, addresses, or license plates when possible.
- Be specific (year, make, model for vehicles; address for real property; description for tools).
- If you list a vehicle, also include the license plate.
Plain reason. The judge wants to see practical need (work, school, medical, childcare) more than ownership.
- Tie the request to abuse or to ongoing need (e.g., 'I need the car to get to work and to take the children to school; he has taken the keys multiple times to control me').
- Generic 'because I need it' is weaker than 'because [specific abuse + specific reason]'.
Bans the restrained person from canceling, cashing out, borrowing against, transferring, or changing beneficiaries on health, life, auto, home, or other insurance for you, the restrained person, or your children. Common ask when the restrained person controls finances.
- Freezes barring the respondent from changing health, auto, life, or property insurance during the order; common in marital cases. Do not skip if the respondent has changed coverage in retaliation before.
California is a two-party consent state for recording calls (Penal Code section 632). The judge can grant a one-party-consent exception so you can collect evidence if the restrained person calls or messages in violation. The recordings can then be used at the hearing.
- California is a two-party-consent state for recording; the order can authorize one-party recording for compliance evidence. Check yes if the respondent's pattern is verbal threats or coercion you cannot prove without recording.
Available only if you and the restrained person are married or registered domestic partners (current, not former). Family Code section 6324 mirrors the FL-100 ATROs. The judge orders both of you to keep using community property only in the usual course of business or for necessities, and to notify each other of unusual expenses.
- This applies only to married/RDP filers; do not check unless you and the respondent are married or registered domestic partners.
- The standard ATROs in family-law cases (see FL-110) are similar but separate; this item adds them inside the DV order.
The default is to serve the restrained person at least 5 court days before the hearing. If you cannot find them or are otherwise blocked, the judge can grant extra days. Better to file DV-115 (Request to Continue Hearing) closer to the hearing date if service is genuinely stuck. Only check this if you already know service will be hard.
- The 5-day service deadline (Family Code section 243) is tight; ask for a continuance under Family Code section 245 (right to one continuance plus good-cause continuance) if the respondent is hard to find.
- Filers wait until the hearing to ask; ask before the deadline lapses.
Plain reason. The judge wants to see you have tried in good faith.
- Be specific (e.g., 'respondent is currently in jail; sheriff has not been able to serve at the address on file').
- Generic 'I need more time' is denied; explain why service has not happened.
Family Code section 6324. Maintains the status quo on shared bills until the case is sorted out. Ask the judge to order the person to keep paying bills they have been paying. The judge can order full payment or a portion.
- List specific debts below; 'all the bills' is too vague.
- Debts that are not yours alone may not be ordered to the respondent only; ask about debts in your name where the respondent is supposed to be the payer.
Name of the bank, landlord, utility, or other creditor.
- Use the creditor's legal name (e.g., 'Wells Fargo Bank' not 'the bank').
- If the debt is rent, list the landlord's name.
Plain description.
- Brief description (e.g., 'rent for January 2026', 'electric bill', 'car payment').
- Generic 'utility' is weaker than 'PG&E electric service for 123 Main St'.
Dollar amount the person should pay each month or each time the bill comes due.
- Use the actual amount; do not estimate. If the bill is recurring, list the next amount due.
- No commas in the dollar amount on AcroForm fields; pypdf may strip them.
When the bill is due. Use a specific date or describe the schedule (e.g., 'monthly on the 15th').
- Use MM/DD/YYYY; vague 'monthly' is weaker than 'the 1st of each month starting February 2026'.
Leave blank if there is only one debt.
- Creditor legal name.
Plain description.
- Brief specific description.
Dollar amount.
- Actual amount; no commas.
When the bill is due.
- MM/DD/YYYY or recurring schedule.
Leave blank if not applicable.
- Creditor legal name.
Plain description.
- Brief specific description.
Dollar amount.
- Actual amount; no commas.
When the bill is due.
- MM/DD/YYYY or recurring schedule.
Plain reason. The judge wants to see who has been paying historically, who can afford to pay now, and how non-payment affects you and any children.
- Tie the debts to abuse or financial control if applicable (e.g., 'respondent took my paycheck and used it on his expenses, leaving rent unpaid').
- Without context, the judge has no basis to order the respondent to pay your debts.
Coercive debt is a known abuse pattern: the abuser opens accounts in your name, runs up cards, or co-signs you onto loans without consent. A 'special finding' here helps you defend against the debt later if a creditor sues you (the credit bureau or court can void the debt).
- Special findings under Family Code section 6342 about debts caused by abuse can affect later property division; check yes if the respondent ran up debts as part of the abuse.
Check the row(s) above that the person made without your permission as part of the abuse.
- Reference the debts by item number (e.g., 'Debt 1, Debt 3') so the judge can find them.
Common: opened a credit card with your information; took out a loan in your name; forged your signature on a co-borrower line. The judge can find the debt was abuse-caused even if you do not know exactly how.
- If yes, explain in the next field; if no, the judge cannot make a finding.
Plain account of how it happened, when you found out, and any documents you have (bills, statements, credit reports).
- Specific facts win (e.g., 'respondent took out a credit card in my name without my knowledge in March 2025; I discovered it on a credit report').
Family Code section 6342. Things like medical bills, mental-health counseling, temporary housing, replacement of damaged property, locksmith fees. Bring receipts, invoices, or estimates to the hearing; the judge cannot grant amounts you cannot prove.
- Expenses caused by the abuse (medical, therapy, missed work, repair costs); list each below with documentation if you have it.
- Filers list ongoing living expenses (groceries, utilities) here; those are not 'caused by the abuse' under Family Code section 6342.
Who is owed.
- Creditor or service provider legal name (e.g., 'Kaiser Permanente' for medical bills).
Plain description tied to a specific incident.
- Specific (e.g., 'ER visit on 03/15/2026 for injuries from the assault').
Dollar amount.
- Actual amount; no commas.
Leave blank if not applicable.
- Provider legal name.
Plain description.
- Specific description tied to abuse.
Dollar amount.
- Actual amount; no commas.
Leave blank if not applicable.
- Provider legal name.
Plain description.
- Specific description tied to abuse.
Dollar amount.
- Actual amount; no commas.
Leave blank if not applicable.
- Provider legal name.
Plain description.
- Specific description tied to abuse.
Dollar amount.
- Actual amount; no commas.
Available only if you have a minor child with the restrained person. Family Code section 6341. The judge can order temporary child support at the hearing. The state guideline calculator (DissoMaster) determines the amount based on both parents' income and time with the child. Bring pay stubs or tax returns to the hearing.
- Only check yes if you and the respondent share children; otherwise the judge will not order support.
- Child support requires FL-150 (Income and Expense Declaration) to compute the right amount; filers often skip FL-150 and the judge cannot make an order.
If you receive TANF / CalWORKS, the local child support agency joins the case automatically; you do not have to file separately. Attach FL-150 (Income and Expense Declaration) so the judge can run the guideline calculator.
- Multi-select; check every option that applies (you receive public assistance, you do not, etc.).
- If you receive CalWORKs / TANF, the local child support agency (LCSA) becomes a party; you cannot waive child support without their involvement.
Available only if you and the person are currently married or registered domestic partners. Family Code section 6341. Temporary spousal support is calculated under a county-specific formula (Santa Clara or Alameda guideline in most counties). Bring FL-150 (Income and Expense Declaration) and recent pay stubs to the hearing.
- Only check yes if you are married or registered domestic partners; non-married couples cannot get spousal support.
- Spousal support also requires FL-150.
Family Code section 6344. If you ask and the judge grants the restraining order, the judge MUST award fees and costs as long as the restrained person can afford to pay. Even if you do not have a lawyer right now, ask anyway; if you hire one before the hearing the order is in place.
- Pro se filers can still ask; if you later retain counsel, the order can cover those fees retroactively under Family Code section 6344.
- If you ask, also list amounts in the narrative or attach a fee declaration.
Penal Code section 1203.097. A 52-week certified program with weekly classes on accountability, abuse effects, and gender roles. Standard ask in DV cases; the judge often orders this with the permanent order at the hearing. The restrained person reports back to the court on enrollment and completion.
- Court-ordered batterer intervention is a 52-week program under Penal Code section 1203.097; check yes if you want it ordered.
- Cost is on the respondent; do not skip due to fee concerns about yourself.
Family Code section 6347. Used when the restrained person controls the cell phone account in your name or your child's name. The judge orders the wireless carrier (T-Mobile, Verizon, AT&T) to transfer the line(s) to you. You become financially responsible for the line(s) once transferred. If you only need control of a specific phone device, item...
- Public Utilities Code section 1758 lets the court order the wireless carrier to transfer specified phone numbers from the respondent's account to yours.
- Useful when the respondent controls the family plan and uses phone access as a tool of control.
Pick whose line this is.
- Only list numbers you want transferred to your account; transfer separates the number from the respondent's account.
- Children's numbers can be transferred too; the order names whose numbers go where.
10-digit phone number including area code.
- Include area code; carrier will not transfer without it.
Leave blank if there is only one number.
- Only list numbers you want transferred.
10-digit phone number.
- Include area code.
Leave blank if not applicable.
- Only list numbers you want transferred.
10-digit phone number.
- Include area code.
Leave blank if not applicable.
- Only list numbers you want transferred.
10-digit phone number.
- Include area code.
Count any sheets you attached: DV-101 (Description of Abuse), an extra page for protected people, an extra page for firearms, etc. The judge wants to know up front how much paper there is.
- Numeric only; count attached DV-101 / DV-105 / supplementary sheets.
- Do not include the DV-100 itself in the count; only attachments.
Use the date you actually sign in pen. Sign at the courthouse the morning you file, in front of the clerk if you can; clerks have noticed an uptick of clerks asking petitioners to date and sign in their presence.
- Sign on the day you file (or the day the form is taken to the clerk); future dates are not allowed.
- Do not pre-date; the verification under penalty of perjury is dated as of the actual signing.
Your name printed on the form. You will sign next to it in pen by hand at the courthouse. Penalty of perjury declaration: signing means everything in the form is true to the best of your knowledge.
- Print exactly the name you used in item 1; mismatches confuse the clerk.
- The form is signed under penalty of perjury (CCP 2015.5); the printed name is verified by the wet-ink signature next to it.
Most DV petitioners file pro se; leave this blank if you are not represented.
- Pro se filers leave blank.
- If your lawyer signs, it is on the day they sign, which can be the same day as item 33.
Leave blank if pro se. Otherwise the lawyer's full name and bar number; the lawyer signs in pen on the line.
- Pro se filers leave blank.
- If a lawyer signs, print their name and bar number on the form caption block.
Sources
- Form DV-100, Request for Domestic Violence Restraining Order (Rev. January 1, 2025)
- DV-100-INFO How Do I Ask for a Domestic Violence Restraining Order?
- Cal. Family Code section 242 (hearing within 21 / 25 days)
- Cal. Family Code section 6222 (no filing fee for DV petitions)
- Cal. Family Code section 6383 (free sheriff or marshal service)
- California Courts Self-Help: Domestic Violence Restraining Order
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