Important: This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Court fees and requirements change frequently. Always verify with your local court before filing.
Domestic Violence Protection in California
Open-data reference.
If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
For confidential help, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7: call 1-800-799-7233 or text START to 88788. You can also visit thehotline.org. The filing process below is informational reference data, not a substitute for immediate safety help.
Filing a domestic violence protection in California costs free of charge. The typical timeline is TRO same-day; permanent hearing within 21-25 days, and no mandatory waiting period applies.
Physical assault, battery, sexual assault, stalking, harassment by household/family member
What This Means for Your Domestic Violence Protection Filing in California
Filing for domestic violence protection in California costs free of charge at the courthouse, the first financial barrier most self-represented filers face. Free. File DV-100 at Superior Court. Beyond the filing fee, no mandatory waiting period applies, and the typical case timeline is TRO same-day; permanent hearing within 21-25 days. County-level surcharges and service-of-process fees can add to that total; see our court fee waiver guide for who qualifies to file without paying.
Procedurally, California lays out 8 distinct steps, and the clerk typically requires 4 core document categories to open your case. Residency rules matter: Not required - file where abuse occurred or where petitioner lives. Grounds or legal theory must be stated clearly in the initial petition - Physical assault, battery, sexual assault, stalking, harassment by household/family member (see our pro se filing guide for common filing mistakes to avoid).
Filing Fee Details
Free. File DV-100 at Superior Court.
Key Requirements
- Describe specific incidents with dates
- Victim advocates available free
- Can file without attorney
- Court will keep address confidential if requested
Step-by-Step Process
- 1
Go to courthouse or call hotline (1-800-799-7233)
- 2
Meet with victim advocate (free)
- 3
Complete petition describing incidents
- 4
Judge reviews same day
- 5
Temporary protective order issued if granted
- 6
Law enforcement serves respondent
- 7
Full hearing within 21-25 days
- 8
Permanent order issued at hearing
Important Notes
Free to file. Estimated. Verify with local court.
Grounds / Eligibility
Physical assault, battery, sexual assault, stalking, harassment by household/family member
Quick Reference
- Filing Fee
- Free
- Residency
- Not required - file where abuse occurred or where petitioner lives
- Waiting Period
- None required
- Typical Timeline
- TRO same-day; permanent hearing within 21-25 days
Official Resources
Compare All States
See Domestic Violence Protection requirements in all 10 states
State Comparison →Other Civil Processes in California
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to file for domestic violence protection in California?
The filing fee for domestic violence protection in California is Free. Free. File DV-100 at Superior Court.
How long does domestic violence protection take in California?
TRO same-day; permanent hearing within 21-25 days
Do I need a lawyer for domestic violence protection in California?
You are not legally required to hire an attorney for domestic violence protection in California, but legal representation is recommended for complex cases. Free or low-cost legal aid may be available, see lawhelp.org for California resources.
Is there a waiting period for domestic violence protection in California?
There is no mandatory waiting period for domestic violence protection in California.
What are the residency requirements for domestic violence protection in California?
Not required - file where abuse occurred or where petitioner lives
What documents are needed for domestic violence protection in California?
Key requirements include: Describe specific incidents with dates; Victim advocates available free; Can file without attorney.
Where does this data come from?
This information is sourced from California court websites, legal aid organizations, and public court fee schedules, last verified 2026-03. See our methodology for full sourcing details.
Read our methodology - how this data is sourced, computed, and verified.
| Publisher | PlainCivil |
| Sources | Public state court datasets and federal civil-justice records |