Step 1: Get Your Court Forms

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You may want to work with someone to help you while filling them out. It will take a lot of time, but will be easier, in the long run, than telling your story to people over and over again as the court process proceeds. Forms may be handwritten, but they must be printed neatly so other people can read them easily.

NOTE: You may not need all of these forms. Or you may need more forms. If you're not sure which forms to use, talk to your Family Law Facilitator  or a lawyer. 

For help in getting low-cost legal aid, click here.

For help finding local court forms you may need, go to your county's court website: click here.

For a restraining order, you need to fill out:

• Request for Order (Form DV-100)
  See the instructions for this form.
  This 5-page form tells the judge the facts of the case and what Orders you are asking the judge to make.
• Notice of Court Hearing (Form DV-109)
  This form has information about the court hearing that will be held. 
• Temporary Restraining Order (Form DV-110)
  This form will become your Temporary Restraining Order if it is signed by the judge.

If you have children:

If you and the person to be restrained share parenting responsibilities of any children under the age of 18, you will need to complete these additional forms and attach them to the Request for Order Form DV-100:

• Child Custody, Visitation, and Support Request (Form DV-105)  
  This form tells the judge what arrangements you'd like to make for custody of
  your children, visitation, mediation and child support.
  For more information, click here. 
• Child Custody and Visitation Order (Form DV-140)  
  Attach this form if you need Custody and Visitation Orders before the hearing.
  

For more information about Child Custody, click here. 

If you want child support, you also need to fill out:

• Income and Expense Declaration (Form FL-150 (a,b,&c))
  See the instructions  for this form.
  or
  Financial Statement (Simplified) (Form FL -155)  
  See the instructions  for this form.
  You will use one or another of these forms to tell the judge about your financial situation. You will need one of these forms if you are asking the judge to order
  child support, attorney fees, or service costs.
  

To help you decide if form FL-150 or form FL-155 is right for you, read an information sheet called "Which Financial Form - FL-150 or FL-155?" (DV-570) in English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean or Vietnamese. Click on the language you need:

• English
• Spanish
• Chinese
• Korean
• Vietnamese

For more information about Child Support, click here. 

Fill out the forms, and then take them to the court clerk.

• For information about where to file your forms in your county, click here.

Other forms you will need (don't fill them out now):

• Response to Request for Domestic Violence Restraining Order
  (Form DV-120)
  See the instructions  for this form.
• Restraining Order After Hearing (Form DV-130)
• Proof of Service (in Person) (Form DV-200)

 
For a checklist of the forms you need called "Forms You need for a Temporary Restraining Order" (DV-505) in English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean or Vietnamese, click on the language you need:

• English 
• Spanish
• Chinese 
• Korean 
• Vietnamese 
  
  

Go to Step 2:  File your court forms. For information on how to do this, click the "Next" button.

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