Possible Costs for Domestic Violence Restraining Order Cases

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Asking the Court to help protect you will cost some money. Exact amounts will differ from case to case, from person to person, from court to court, and from year to year.

The following list of possible costs is offered simply to convey the information that this process has costs associated with it. If specific information is required, it might be good to consult a lawyer.

General costs

Time off work
Transportation to and from the courthouse
Telephone charges
Mailing costs

Getting help before the proceedings

Hiring a lawyer (also called an attorney), or
Employing the services of a legal clinic, and/or
Buying self-help books

Getting started with the proceedings

THERE IS NO CHARGE TO OBTAIN THESE FORMS OR TO FILE PAPERS WITH THE COURT.

THERE IS NO CHARGE FOR "SERVICE OF PROCESS" BY THE SHERIFF'S DEPARTMENT IF YOU HAVE A VALID FEE WAIVER ON FILE.

Investigation and preparation stage of the proceedings

Getting copies of documents certified to present to the court costs money. Such documents might include:
- Photographs of injuries;
- Police reports;
- Emergency Protective Orders previously issued;
- Divorce papers - if relevant;
- Medical or death records - if relevant;
- School records - if relevant.

Trial or hearing stage of the proceedings

It is possible that there will be court reporter costs.
If the trial has to be postponed or continued, there might be court fees.

After the trial

If the protected person moves to another county in California, or another state in the United States, there may be transfer fees to be paid.

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