Response to Request for Domestic Violence Restraining Order

Court name and address. Must match the court on the DV-100 you were served with; venue is fixed by the petition.

• Filers sometimes pick the courthouse closest to their own address rather than the court that issued DV-100. The case is open in the original court; you cannot change venue with DV-120.

Case number stamped on the DV-100 you were served with. The case is already open.

• Some filers leave this blank thinking the clerk fills it; the case already exists, so the respondent must copy the number from DV-100.

Item 1: name of the person asking for the restraining order, copied from item 1 of DV-100.

• Spelling drift. The clerk uses this name to match the response to the case file; a misspelling routes it incorrectly.

Item 2: your full legal name. Match the spelling on item 2 of DV-100 unless that spelling is wrong, in which case use the correct spelling and note the correction in item 4.

• Using a nickname or shortened name when DV-100 listed the legal name.

Mailing address where the court and the petitioner can send you papers. Privacy options: P.O. box, Safe at Home address, your lawyer's address, or another person's address with permission.

• Listing a home address you cannot safely reach; missing court mail delays or defaults the case.

City for the mailing address.

• Filer abbreviates city ('LA').
• Filer types neighborhood instead of city.

State for the mailing address. Two-letter postal code.

• Filer types full state name in a small field.
• Filer leaves blank for in-state CA.

ZIP code for the mailing address.

• Filer enters ZIP+4 with no separator.
• Filer omits the ZIP.

Optional email. The court may use it to contact you.

• Filer lists a stale email no longer monitored.
• Filer types personal email but does not check it.

Optional phone. Use a number you can answer safely; or leave blank.

• Filer leaves blank for safety; that is OK and explicit on the form.
• Filer lists a number unsafe to receive calls on.

Optional fax. Most respondents leave blank.

• Filer types phone in fax field.
• Filer types 'N/A'.

Optional. Your lawyer's name, if you have one.

• Pro se respondent leaves blank (correct).
• Pro se respondent types 'In Pro Per' here; that goes in the 'Attorney for' line.

Optional. Lawyer's California State Bar number, if you have one.

• Pro se respondent fills with driver's license number.
• Out-of-state attorney fills home-state bar number.

Optional. Lawyer's firm name, if you have one.

• Pro se respondent fills with employer.
• Filer types 'Self'.

Item 4: corrections to the name, age, gender, or DOB the petitioner listed for you in item 2 of DV-100. Leave blank if it is all correct.

• Filers sometimes use this box to argue the merits; it is for identity corrections only.

Item 5: whether the petitioner correctly described the relationship in item 3 of DV-100. The relationship category determines whether the court has jurisdiction under the Domestic Violence Prevention Act (Family Code section 6211).

• Picking 'no' when the relationship is correct just because the respondent does not like the label. The category is statutory, not adversarial.

If item 5 is 'no', describe the actual relationship.

• Filer leaves blank when correcting the relationship description.
• Filer types vague phrase like 'wrong'.

Item 6: corrections or additions to the prior court cases or restraining orders the petitioner listed in item 4 of DV-100.

• Filer leaves blank when prior cases were missed on DV-100.
• Filer types only county without case number.

Item 6: checkbox indicating you are attaching a copy of an existing order for the judge.

• Filer checks without actually attaching.
• Filer leaves blank when copy is attached.

Item 7: agree or disagree with the petitioner's request to also protect family or household members (DV-100 item 8).

• Leaving blank because item 8 of DV-100 was blank; if no extra people were listed, the safe answer is 'agree' (no order requested = nothing to oppose).
• Filer leaves blank.
• Filer disagrees but does not list which protected persons should be removed.

If you disagreed with item 7, explain why or describe a different order.

• Filer leaves blank after picking disagree.
• Filer types vague phrase rather than concrete alternative.

Item 8: agree or disagree with the no-abuse order requested in DV-100 item 10.

• Disagreeing on principle. The no-abuse order only prohibits already-illegal conduct; refusing to commit to non-abuse is rarely a winning posture and often hurts the respondent at the hearing.
• Filer leaves blank without picking agree/disagree.
• Filer disagrees with the no-abuse order; this is rare and signals attorney consultation needed.

Optional explanation when you disagree with item 8.

• Filer leaves blank when disagreeing.
• Filer types narrative without proposing alternative.

Item 9: agree or disagree with the no-contact order in DV-100 item 11.

• Filer leaves blank without picking agree/disagree.
• Filer disagrees but leaves the explain field blank, weakening the response.

If you disagree with the no-contact order, propose a peaceful-contact carve-out (for example, to coordinate parenting).

• Filer leaves blank when proposing peaceful-contact carve-out.
• Filer types vague request without specifics.

Item 10: agree or disagree with the stay-away order in DV-100 item 12.

• Filer leaves blank without picking agree/disagree.
• Filer disagrees but leaves the explain field blank, weakening the response.

If you disagree with stay-away, explain unavoidable contact (shared workplace, shared school events).

• Filer leaves blank when describing unavoidable contact.
• Filer types narrative without proposing carve-out distance or location.

Item 11: agree or disagree with the move-out order in DV-100 item 13. Family Code section 6321 controls.

• Filer leaves blank without picking agree/disagree.
• Filer disagrees but leaves the explain field blank, weakening the response.

If you disagree with move-out, describe your housing situation: lease or deed status, alternative housing, who pays rent or mortgage.

• Filer leaves blank when challenging move-out.
• Filer types narrative without proposing housing alternative.

Item 12: agree or disagree with any 'other orders' in DV-100 item 14.

• Filers default to agree without reading item 14, which is a catch-all that can include broad orders.
• Filer leaves blank without picking agree/disagree.
• Filer disagrees but leaves the explain field blank, weakening the response.

If you disagree with item 12, describe what you would accept.

• Filer leaves blank after picking disagree.
• Filer types vague phrase rather than concrete alternative.

Item 13: whether you are the parent of any children listed in DV-105.

• Filer leaves blank.
• Filer answers parent when child is not theirs (filer should refuse to comment on custody).

Item 13b: if you are a parent, agree or disagree with custody / visitation in DV-105. If you disagree, you must also file DV-125 (Response to Request for Child Custody and Visitation Orders).

• Disagreeing without attaching DV-125. The judge cannot craft alternative custody orders without the structured input DV-125 collects.
• Filer leaves blank when a parent.
• Filer disagrees but does not propose a custody/visitation alternative.

Item 14: agree or disagree with animal-protection orders in DV-100 item 16. Family Code section 6320(b) governs.

• Filer leaves blank without picking agree/disagree.
• Filer disagrees but leaves the explain field blank, weakening the response.

If you disagree about an animal, explain (registration in your name, service animal, sole care).

• Filer leaves blank when an animal is shared.
• Filer types narrative without registration or service-animal proof.

Item 15: agree or disagree with control-of-property orders in DV-100 item 17.

• Confusing 'control of property' with 'ownership'. The DV order does not change title; it gives temporary use to one party.
• Filer leaves blank without picking agree/disagree.
• Filer disagrees but leaves the explain field blank, weakening the response.

Optional explanation when disagreeing with item 15.

• Filer leaves blank after picking disagree.
• Filer types vague phrase rather than concrete alternative.

Item 16: agree or disagree with the insurance freeze order in DV-100 item 18.

• Filer leaves blank without picking agree/disagree.
• Filer disagrees but leaves the explain field blank, weakening the response.

Optional explanation when disagreeing with item 16.

• Filer leaves blank after picking disagree.
• Filer types vague phrase rather than concrete alternative.

Item 17: agree or disagree with the order allowing the petitioner to record communications (DV-100 item 19). No text explanation field is provided on the form.

• Filer leaves blank without picking agree/disagree.
• Filer disagrees but leaves the explain field blank, weakening the response.

Item 18: agree or disagree with the property-restraint order in DV-100 item 20. Routine necessaries (rent, food, business expenses) remain allowed.

• Filer leaves blank without picking agree/disagree.
• Filer disagrees but leaves the explain field blank, weakening the response.

Optional explanation when disagreeing with item 18.

• Filer leaves blank after picking disagree.
• Filer types vague phrase rather than concrete alternative.

Item 19: agree or disagree with the order to pay debts owed for property (DV-100 item 22). May include a coercive-control finding.

• Filer leaves blank without picking agree/disagree.
• Filer disagrees but leaves the explain field blank, weakening the response.

Optional explanation when disagreeing with item 19.

• Filer leaves blank after picking disagree.
• Filer types vague phrase rather than concrete alternative.

Item 20: agree or disagree with the order to pay expenses caused by abuse (DV-100 item 23). Family Code section 6342 lets the court order restitution for medical bills, moving costs, lost earnings.

• Filer leaves blank without picking agree/disagree.
• Filer disagrees but leaves the explain field blank, weakening the response.

Optional explanation when disagreeing with item 20.

• Filer leaves blank after picking disagree.
• Filer types vague phrase rather than concrete alternative.

Item 21: position on the child support request (DV-100 item 24). Three options: agree, disagree, agree to pay guideline. Guideline support is the formula amount under Family Code section 4055.

• Picking 'agree' without filing FL-150 (Income and Expense Declaration). The judge needs FL-150 to run the guideline calculation.
• Filer leaves blank.
• Filer disagrees but does not provide income evidence (FL-150).

Item 22: agree or disagree with the spousal support request (DV-100 item 25). For spouses or registered domestic partners.

• Filer leaves blank without picking agree/disagree.
• Filer disagrees but leaves the explain field blank, weakening the response.

Optional explanation when disagreeing with item 22.

• Filer leaves blank after picking disagree.
• Filer types vague phrase rather than concrete alternative.

Item 23: optional checkbox asking the petitioner to pay your lawyer's fees and costs. Available only if (1) the request for restraining order is denied, (2) the judge finds it was frivolous or made to abuse, intimidate, or cause delay, AND (3) the petitioner can afford to pay.

• Checking this box without meeting all three conditions; the judge will deny it.
• Filer checks but does not file MC-013-INFO or fee declaration.
• Filer leaves blank when seeking attorney fees.

Item 24: agree or disagree with the batterer intervention program order (DV-100 item 27). Penal Code section 1203.097 requires a 52-week program if the order is granted.

• Filer leaves blank without picking agree/disagree.
• Filer disagrees but leaves the explain field blank, weakening the response.

Optional explanation when disagreeing with item 24.

• Filer leaves blank after picking disagree.
• Filer types vague phrase rather than concrete alternative.

Item 25: agree or disagree with the wireless phone account transfer (DV-100 item 28). Family Code section 6347 authorizes the transfer.

• Filer leaves blank without picking agree/disagree.
• Filer disagrees but leaves the explain field blank, weakening the response.

Optional explanation when disagreeing with item 25.

• Filer leaves blank after picking disagree.
• Filer types vague phrase rather than concrete alternative.

Item 26: firearm status. Three options: no prohibited items owned; turned in / sold / stored prohibited items; ask for a work exception under Family Code section 6389(h). DV-120-INFO Part 1 lists prohibited items as firearms (handguns, rifles, shotguns, assault weapons), firearm parts (receivers, frames), and ammunition (bullets, shells, cartridges, clips). 'Ghost guns' (untraceable / homemade) are included.

• Checking 'I do not own' when the respondent has hunting rifles or family heirlooms in storage; possession includes constructive possession of firearms in your name or under your control. Confer with a lawyer if you are uncertain.
• Filer leaves blank; firearm status is mandatory in DV cases (Family Code 6389).
• Filer picks 'no firearms owned' but knows firearms exist; perjury risk.

Item 26b sub-option: where the DV-800/JV-270 receipt for turned-in items lives. 'Attached' if you are filing it now; 'already filed' if you filed it earlier.

• Checking 'attached' but not actually attaching the receipt; the clerk catches this at filing.
• Filer picks 'turned in' without attaching DV-800/JV-270 receipt.
• Filer leaves blank after picking 'turned in'.

Item 26c(1): whether you are a sworn peace officer. Required to evaluate the work exception.

• Filer answers yes without proof of sworn peace officer status.
• Filer leaves blank after picking 'exception'.

Item 26c(2): whether any other orders or laws prohibit you from having firearms or ammunition. Examples: prior DV restraining order, certain misdemeanor convictions (Penal Code 29805), federal prohibitions under 18 U.S.C. 922(g). The judge cannot grant a work exception if any apply.

• Filer leaves blank after picking 'exception'.
• Filer answers no when other orders or convictions independently prohibit firearms (PC 29800).

Item 26c(2) explanation if 'yes'.

• Filer leaves blank after answering 'yes'.
• Filer types narrative without identifying the specific order.

Item 26c(2) explanation if 'I don't know'.

• Filer leaves blank after answering 'I don't know'.
• Filer types vague phrase rather than describing why they're uncertain.

Item 26c(3): explain your job and why you need a firearm or ammunition. Family Code section 6389(h) requires you to show (1) carrying a firearm is required for your work AND (2) your employer cannot reassign you to a position where it is not necessary.

• Vague descriptions like 'security guard' without showing the employer cannot reassign. The judge needs concrete employer details.
• Filer leaves blank after picking 'exception'; the court must evaluate the necessity.
• Filer types vague phrase about hobby use; only employment-based exceptions are typically allowed.

Item 27: body armor status. Three options: do not own any; relinquished what you had; granted (or asking for) a Penal Code section 31360(c) exception from a chief of police or sheriff. DV-120-INFO Part 2 controls.

• Filer leaves blank.
• Filer picks 'do not own' when body armor is in possession; perjury risk.

Item 28: agree or disagree with the order barring you from looking up the protected person's location (DV-100 item 31).

• Filer leaves blank without picking agree/disagree.
• Filer disagrees but leaves the explain field blank, weakening the response.

Optional explanation when disagreeing with item 28.

• Filer leaves blank after picking disagree.
• Filer types vague phrase rather than concrete alternative.

Item 29: free-text overall reasons you do not agree. Optional but the most useful narrative space on the form.

• Using this box to attack the petitioner's character rather than describing what happened. The judge weighs concrete facts; emotional attacks tend to backfire.

Overflow checkbox: indicates you are attaching a continuation sheet titled 'DV-120, Additional Reasons I Do Not Agree with the Request'.

• Filer fails to attach DV-120-MIL or other continuation.
• Filer leaves blank when narrative does not fit.

Item 30: optional out-of-pocket expense claim if the judge denies the restraining order. Family Code section 6342 lets the court order the petitioner to pay your expenses if the TRO was granted without sufficient supporting facts.

• Filers list speculative damages (lost reputation, emotional distress); only documented out-of-pocket expenses are recoverable.

Expense 1 description.

• Filer leaves blank when expense reimbursement is claimed.
• Filer types only category name without specifics.

Expense 1 reason.

• Filer leaves blank when expense is claimed.
• Filer types narrative tied to dispute rather than direct cause.

Expense 1 dollar amount.

• Filer enters cents.
• Filer types narrative in dollar field.

Expense 2 description.

• Filer leaves blank when expense reimbursement is claimed.
• Filer types only category name without specifics.

Expense 2 reason.

• Filer leaves blank when expense is claimed.
• Filer types narrative tied to dispute rather than direct cause.

Expense 2 dollar amount.

• Filer enters cents.
• Filer types narrative in dollar field.

Expense 3 description.

• Filer leaves blank when expense reimbursement is claimed.
• Filer types only category name without specifics.

Expense 3 reason.

• Filer leaves blank when expense is claimed.
• Filer types narrative tied to dispute rather than direct cause.

Expense 3 dollar amount.

• Filer enters cents.
• Filer types narrative in dollar field.

Item 31: number of pages attached. Count any MC-025 overflow, order copies, or DV-800/JV-270 receipts.

• Filer leaves blank when attaching MC-025 or DV-120-MIL.
• Filer counts only form pages, not attachments.

Item 32: signature date. The form is sworn under penalty of perjury under California law.

• Filer dates the form before completing it.
• Filer leaves blank intending to sign at the courthouse counter.

Item 32: typed or printed name of the respondent. Wet-ink signature goes on the printed copy filed with the court.

• Filer signs above the line but never types their name.
• Filer types lawyer's name when filer is pro se.

Item 33: lawyer signature date, if you have a lawyer.

• Pro se respondent leaves blank (correct).
• Pro se respondent fills with own date here; this is for the lawyer.

Item 33: lawyer name, if you have a lawyer.

• Pro se respondent types own name; lawyer typed name only.
• Filer leaves blank when lawyer is signing.