Domestic Violence and DVRO

Obtaining a Domestic Violence Restraining Order

If you are being abused, threatened, stalked, harassed, or controlled by a partner, a former partner, a co-parent, or a family member, you can ask a California court for protection — and you can ask for it immediately.

What we do

We prepare and file the request for orders (Judicial Council Form DV-100 and the supporting declarations), seek a temporary restraining order on an emergency basis, and then try the case at the hearing that follows. We gather and preserve the evidence that decides these cases: messages, call logs, photographs, medical records, police reports, and witness declarations. We prepare you for your testimony, and we cross-examine the other side.

What the court can order

Personal conduct orders — no contact, no harassment, no threats, directly or through anyone else
Stay-away orders covering your home, your work, your school, and your children’s school
A move-out order requiring the other person to leave a shared residence
Temporary custody and a visitation schedule, including supervised visitation
Child support and spousal support
Surrender of firearms and ammunition
Payment of your attorney’s fees and costs
Protection for your children, other family members, and household pets

How the process moves

A judge can issue a temporary order the same or next court day, without notice to the other side, and that order takes effect as soon as the other person is served. The court then sets a hearing, ordinarily within 21 days, where both sides present evidence. After that hearing an order can last up to five years, and can later be renewed for another five years or permanently.

Between the temporary order and the hearing is where these cases are won or lost. That short window is when evidence has to be collected, witnesses located, and a response to the other side’s account prepared. We use it.

If you are not a U.S. citizen

Being the victim of a crime does not make it unsafe to come forward. Survivors may qualify for a U visa, or for a VAWA self-petition, which allows an abused spouse, child, or parent of a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident to apply for status without the abuser’s involvement, cooperation, or knowledge. Because we practice immigration law in the same office, we can advise you on both at the same time and make sure the family law filing does not undercut the immigration case.

Timing matters

A temporary order can issue the same day. Evidence disappears quickly — messages get deleted, video gets overwritten, witnesses move. If you are in immediate danger, call 911 first, then call us.

Request a confidential consultation

We represent petitioners in domestic violence matters in superior courts throughout California.

This page is general information about California law and is not legal advice. Every case turns on its own facts. Speak with an attorney about your situation.