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Domestic Violence Site Map (View Full Virtual Self Help Law Center Site Map) For Everyone Before Going to Court Types of Restraining Orders How Restraining Orders Work Reasonable Proof Needed Asking for Help More Info in 5 Languages During a Domestic Violence Case How DVPA Court Case Works A Week Before Court Checklist for Court Date What to Expect in Court After the Court Hearing File the Form(s) If Things Change Let People Know If Seeking Protection Before Going to Court Types of Restraining Orders How Restraining Orders Work Reasonable Proof Needed Asking for Help During a Domestic Violence Case Step 1: Get Your Court Forms Step 2: File Your Papers at Court Step 3: Give Other Party Copies Step 4: Tell Court: Copies Given Prepare for Court Hearing A Week Before Court Checklist for Court Date What to Expect in Court After the Court Hearing File the Form(s) Let Others Know Enforcing the Order If You Have Children If You Have Any Problems If Things Change If Accused of Abuse Before Going to Court Types of Restraining Orders How Restraining Orders Work Asking for Help During a Domestic Violence Case Review and Obey all Orders Decide if You Will Respond Step 1: Fill in Your Court Forms Step 2: File Your Papers at Court Step 3: Give Other Party Copies Step 4: Tell Court: Copies Given Prepare for Court Hearing A Week Before Court Checklist for Court Date What to Expect in Court After the Court Hearing Who Gets a Copy of DVRO? If Paying Support is Ordered If Order for No Firearms Changing Orders When DV Orders End Other Protected Person If You Are Under 18 If You Want Protection If You Do Not Want Protection Forms for DV Court Cases Ask for Protection Child Custody, Support Temporary Orders To Respond to a TRO After the Hearing Proof of Service Fee Waiver Frequent Questions Do I Need a Lawyer? Meeting Needs for Safety Working Out a Safety Plan What is Abuse? Is Restraining Order Needed? What if it's an Emergency? Stop Other Harassment/Abuse? Will I be Reported to INS? About Domestic Violence Restraining Orders What is a DV Restraining Order? Who Can Seek a DV Restraining Order? Can a Child Get a Restraining Order? How Many Restrained Per Order? What Actions Can RO Stop? Can Judge Make Other Orders? How Long to Get Restraining Order? How Long Will RO Last? Can I Drop RO Request? Going to Court Court Process for DV How do I File? Need Address on Papers? Safe at Home Program? Can Court Fees be Waived? Will Court 'Serve' the Papers? Who Can 'Serve' the Papers? Can't Serve Before Court? If Respondent Does Not Appear? If Petitioner Does Not Appear? Can I Have a Witness? Assistance for a Disability? After the Hearing Person Doesn't Follow Order? Person Moves Out of State? Cancel a Restraining Order? What if Situation Changes? Restraining Orders & Custody What is Child Support? Child Custody and Visitation? Child Custody Mediation? Specific Information for Contra Costa County Where Cases Heard in Contra Costa Court-Based Self-Help Services Legal Aid Agencies and Other Non-Profits Government Agencies Lawyer-Referral Services Dispute Resolution Programs Domestic Violence Resources More Resources and Links Typical Timeline Possible Costs SITE MAP