A standard Los Angeles County domestic violence restraining order (DVRO) requires three mandatory Judicial Council forms — DV-100, DV-109, and DV-110 — plus the confidential CLETS-001 form and the LA County Family Law Case Cover Sheet (FAM-020). If children are involved, add DV-105 and DV-140. Filing is free; there is no court fee to request a DVRO. Los Angeles Paralegals prepares the complete form packet for a flat $249.
Key Takeaways
- No filing fee: the court charges nothing for a DVRO request under Family Code §6222.
- Same-day protection is possible: a Temporary Restraining Order can be granted the day you file, often before the other party is present.
- Hearings are set fast: typically within 21 days of filing.
- LA County adds a local form: the Family Law Case Cover Sheet (FAM-020) is required alongside the statewide forms.
- Service is mandatory: a judge cannot issue a long-term order until the other party has been personally served, which the Sheriff does for free.
Who Qualifies for a DVRO?
A domestic violence restraining order is available if you have been abused — physically, sexually, or through threats, stalking, harassment, or destruction of property — by someone you have a qualifying relationship with. Under Family Code §6211, that includes a current or former spouse or registered domestic partner, someone you are dating or used to date, someone you have a child with, a close relative (parent, child, sibling, in-law), or someone you currently live with or used to live with as more than a roommate.
If your situation doesn't fit one of these relationships, you may still qualify for a different order, such as a civil harassment restraining order (form CH-100) — that uses a separate set of forms not covered in this guide.
The Complete Forms List
These are the current Judicial Council forms used statewide, plus the Los Angeles County local form. Each links directly to the official PDF.
Forms you file to start your case
| Form | What it is | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| DV-100 | Request for Domestic Violence Restraining Order | Required |
| CLETS-001 | Confidential CLETS Information | Required — kept out of the public file |
| DV-109 | Notice of Court Hearing | Required — the clerk sets your hearing date |
| DV-110 | Temporary Restraining Order | Required — the judge signs this if granted |
| FAM-020 | Family Law Case Cover Sheet (LA County local form) | Required in LA County — lacourt.org forms |
If you share children with the other party
| Form | What it is | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| DV-105 | Request for Child Custody and Visitation Orders | If children |
| DV-105(A) | City and State Where Children Have Lived | If required by DV-105 |
| DV-140 | Child Custody and Visitation Order | If children — becomes the judge's order |
| DV-108 | Request for Order: No Travel With Children | Optional |
| DV-145 | Order: No Travel With Children | Optional |
If you're also asking for child or spousal support
| Form | What it is | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| FL-150 | Income and Expense Declaration | If requesting support — file two copies, leave the copy served on the other party blank |
After you file — service and firearms
| Form | What it is | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| DV-200 | Proof of Personal Service | Required before your hearing |
| DV-250 | Proof of Service by Mail | Used for certain follow-up documents |
| DV-800 / JV-252 | Proof of Firearms Turned In, Sold, or Stored | If the order includes a firearms provision |
If you are the respondent (the person named in the request)
| Form | What it is | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| DV-120 | Response to Request for Domestic Violence Restraining Order | File at least 2 days before the hearing |
| DV-130 | Restraining Order After Hearing | The judge's final order if the request is granted |
How to File: Step by Step
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Fill out DV-100
Add DV-105/DV-140 if you share children. Be specific and detailed in the abuse description — the judge decides on the temporary order based only on what you write.
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Complete CLETS-001 separately
It is not part of the public file and is used only for law enforcement records.
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File everything with the clerk
Bring your local Family Law courthouse the completed forms, along with the LA County Family Law Case Cover Sheet (FAM-020). There is no filing fee.
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Get a hearing date
The clerk fills out DV-109 with your court date, typically within 21 days.
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Receive your Temporary Restraining Order
If granted, DV-110 is enforceable immediately the same day, before the other party is served.
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Arrange service
Have the Sheriff's Department (free) or any adult who is not a party serve the other person with the filed papers, a blank DV-120, and DV-120-INFO.
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File proof of service
DV-200 must be filed before your hearing date. Without it, the judge cannot issue a long-term order.
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Attend the hearing
Bring evidence and witnesses. If the judge grants the long-term order, you'll leave with a signed DV-130.
A long-term order cannot be issued without proof of service. If you can't complete service before your hearing, ask the court for more time using form DV-115 rather than missing the deadline.
Where to File in Los Angeles County
DVRO requests are heard in the Family Law division, and which courthouse is correct generally depends on where you or the restrained person live — confirm venue with the court before filing. Family Law/Self-Help or Domestic Violence Clinic locations across the county include:
- Stanley Mosk Courthouse — 111 N. Hill St, Los Angeles (Restraining Order Center, Room 227)
- Pasadena Courthouse — 300 E. Walnut Ave, Pasadena (Self-Help Center, Room 300)
- Van Nuys Courthouse (East) — 6230 Sylmar Ave, Van Nuys (Self-Help Center, Room 350)
- Chatsworth Courthouse — 9425 Penfield Ave, Chatsworth (Self-Help Center, Room 3700)
- Long Beach Courthouse — 275 Magnolia Ave, Long Beach (Self-Help Center, Room 3101)
- Inglewood Courthouse — One Regent St, Inglewood (DV Clinic, Room 204)
Full statewide list and venue rules: lacourt.org — Domestic Violence Restraining Orders.
What Los Angeles Paralegals Prepares For You
As a registered Legal Document Assistant, we prepare your complete DVRO paperwork accurately and completely, so nothing gets rejected at the filing window for a missing signature or blank field.
- DV-100, CLETS-001, DV-109, and DV-110, fully completed
- DV-105 / DV-140 and related child custody forms, if applicable
- The LA County FAM-020 cover sheet
- FL-150 Income and Expense Declaration, if you're requesting support
- A clear checklist for service and your hearing date
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to file a domestic violence restraining order in Los Angeles County?
The court does not charge a filing fee for a DVRO request. Family Code §6222 makes filing, serving, and the hearing free of court costs. Los Angeles Paralegals charges a flat $249 fee to prepare the full set of forms; that fee covers document preparation only, not court costs, since there are none.
What is the difference between the temporary order and the permanent order?
A judge can grant a Temporary Restraining Order (DV-110) the same day you file, usually without the other person present. It lasts until your hearing, normally set within 21 days. At the hearing, the judge decides whether to issue a Restraining Order After Hearing (DV-130), which can last up to five years and be renewed.
Do I need a lawyer to file a DVRO in Los Angeles?
No. You have the right to represent yourself, and the Judicial Council forms are designed for self-represented filers. We prepare the paperwork for a flat fee but cannot give legal advice or appear with you at the hearing.
Which LA County courthouses handle DVROs?
Any Los Angeles Superior Court location with a Family Law division, including Stanley Mosk, Pasadena, Van Nuys, Chatsworth, Long Beach, Pomona, Santa Monica, Torrance, Inglewood, Compton, Lancaster, and Whittier. The correct courthouse depends on where you or the other party live — confirm on lacourt.org before filing.
What happens if I don't serve the other party?
A judge cannot issue a long-term restraining order unless the other party has been personally served with your request and the temporary order. The Sheriff will serve the papers for free, or you can have any adult who isn't a party do it. If you can't complete service in time, ask the court for more time using form DV-115.
Do the forms change if children are involved?
Yes. Add DV-105 (and DV-105(A) if the children have lived outside California), plus DV-140, and DV-108/DV-145 if you want a no-travel order. If you're asking for child or spousal support, also file FL-150.