California Restraining Orders Guide | ProServer CA

Updated January 2026

Disclaimer:This guide provides general information about restraining orders in California and is current as of January 2026. It is not legal advice. Restraining orders involve serious safety issues—always consult an attorney, law enforcement, or visit the official California Courts website (courts.ca.gov) for the latest details and forms. ProServer CA is a registered process serving company specializing in accurate document delivery; we do not provide legal representation or crisis support.

Restraining orders are court orders designed to protect people from abuse, harassment, threats, stalking, or violence. Common types in California include: Domestic Violence Restraining Orders (DVRO), Civil Harassment Restraining Orders (CHRO), Elder or Dependent Adult Abuse orders, Workplace Violence orders, and Gun Violence restraining orders. Proper service of process is required for an order to be enforceable.

Official California Courts Resources

• Restraining Orders Self-Help Page (Main Hub): courts.ca.gov/1260.htm

• Domestic Violence: courts.ca.gov/1272.htm

• Civil Harassment: courts.ca.gov/1045.htm

• General Forms Page: courts.ca.gov/forms.htm

Key forms (varies by case type; always confirm current versions):

• DV-100: Request for Domestic Violence Restraining Order – courts.ca.gov/document/dv100

• CH-100: Request for Civil Harassment Restraining Orders – courts.ca.gov/document/ch100

• CLETS-001: Confidential CLETS Information – courts.ca.gov/document/clets001

• DV-110: Temporary Restraining Order (DVRO) – courts.ca.gov/document/dv110

• DV-120: Response to Request for DV Restraining Order – courts.ca.gov/document/dv120

• DV-130: Restraining Order After Hearing – courts.ca.gov/document/dv130

• DV-200 / CH-200: Proof of Personal Service – courts.ca.gov/document/dv200

Step-by-Step: Getting and Serving a Restraining Order in California

1. Determine the Type and Eligibility

• Choose the correct type of restraining order based on your relationship and situation:

  • DVRO: Family, household, or intimate partner relationships.

  • CHRO: Neighbors, roommates, acquaintances, strangers, or non-intimate disputes.

  • Other types: Elder/Dependent Adult Abuse, Workplace Violence, Gun Violence (GVRO).

• Gather evidence that supports your request, such as text messages, emails, social media messages, photos, police reports, or written statements from witnesses.

2. File the Request at Superior Court

• Go to the appropriate superior court in your county (or where the abuse/harassment occurred). The court’s website or self-help center can tell you where to file.

• Fill out the necessary request forms (for example, DV-100 for DVRO or CH-100 for CHRO) with clear, detailed descriptions of what happened and why you need protection.

• You can usually ask the judge for a temporary or “ex parte” restraining order for immediate protection; many courts review these requests the same day, especially in domestic violence cases.

3. Temporary Order (If Granted)

• If the judge grants a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO), it typically lasts until the court hearing date—often about 20–25 days, though this can vary.

• The court will provide you with stamped copies of the order and any related documents that must be served on the restrained person.

4. Serve the Papers on the Restrained Person

• The restrained person must be personally served with the court papers; personal delivery is required in most restraining order cases (you cannot serve them yourself).

• Service deadlines: The papers generally must be served a set number of days before the hearing (commonly at least 5 days, but check the specific order and local rules).

• Who can serve:

  • Sheriff’s department (often free in many DVRO cases).

  • Registered process server or another adult (not a party to the case).

• If the restrained person is avoiding service, skip tracing and multiple attempts may be needed. The court can sometimes reissue the TRO and continue the hearing if there’s proof of diligent attempts.

5. File Proof of Service

• After service is completed, the server fills out a Proof of Personal Service (for example, DV-200 or CH-200) and signs it.

• File the completed proof with the court before the hearing so the judge knows the restrained person was properly served and has notice.

6. Attend the Court Hearing

• At the hearing, the judge will listen to both sides, review evidence, and may hear from witnesses.

• If the judge grants a long-term restraining order, it can last up to 5 years in many cases and may be renewed before it expires.

7. Enforce the Order

• Approved orders are typically entered into law enforcement databases (such as CLETS) so officers can see them.

• Violating a valid restraining order can lead to arrest, criminal charges, and other consequences.

• Changes or renewals of the order usually require additional paperwork and proper service.

Serving Tips for Restraining Orders

• Personal service is critical:In most restraining order cases, personal service is mandatory for the order to be fully enforceable; substituted service or publication is usually not allowed unless the court specifically approves an alternative.

• Safety first:Because these cases can involve threats or violence, many people use sheriffs or professional process servers rather than asking a friend or family member to serve papers.

• Documentation matters:Detailed records of attempts, dates, times, and addresses used for service can help if you need to ask the court for more time or alternative service.

ProServer CA: Registered process servers experienced in sensitive, urgent restraining order service across California, including skip tracing for hard-to-locate respondents and careful handling of high-risk situations.

Common Mistakes

• Submitting incomplete forms or leaving out key facts and evidence about abuse, threats, or harassment.

• Missing service deadlines or using improper service methods, which can delay the case or limit what the court can do.

• Forgetting to file Proof of Service before the hearing, which may result in the hearing being continued or the court not being able to grant the requested long-term order.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a temporary restraining order?
In many California courts, a judge can decide on a temporary order the same day the request is filed, especially in domestic violence cases.

How much does it cost?
Filing fees may be waived in certain cases, particularly for domestic violence or stalking; service by sheriff can be free for some protected persons, while private service fees vary.

Will the restrained person have to surrender guns?
In DVRO and Gun Violence Restraining Order (GVRO) cases, courts generally require the restrained person to surrender firearms and not purchase or possess them during the order.

What if I’m served with a restraining order?
Read the papers carefully, follow the temporary order, and file a written response before the deadline if you want the judge to hear your side at the hearing.

Need Professional Service for Restraining Order Papers?

ProServer CA provides fast, compliant personal service of restraining order documents across California—from Bakersfield/Kern County to Los Angeles, San Diego, Fresno, Sacramento, San Francisco, and surrounding regions. Our registered team handles urgent and sensitive deliveries with care, documentation, and attention to court deadlines.

Get a free quote today and help protect your safety with proper service of process.