California Civil Harassment Restraining Order Guide: File Without an Abusive Partner

Domestic violence restraining orders get most of the attention — but they only cover intimate partners, family members, and household members. If someone else has been threatening, stalking, or harassing you, California law has a separate tool for your situation: the civil harassment restraining order (CHRO).

CHROs cover neighbors who won't leave you alone, coworkers who have made credible threats, strangers who are stalking you, or acquaintances whose behavior has crossed a legal line. This guide covers who qualifies, what behaviors trigger a CHRO, how to file, and how to enforce it.

What Is a Civil Harassment Restraining Order?

A civil harassment restraining order is a court order that tells someone to stop harassing you, threatening you, or coming near you — and sets criminal consequences if they don't comply. It's filed in Civil Court (superior court, civil division) and is governed by California Code of Civil Procedure § 527.6.

Unlike a Domestic Violence Restraining Order (DVRO), a CHRO does not require an intimate partner or family relationship. The person you're filing against can be anyone — as long as their conduct meets the legal standard for civil harassment.

The Legal Standard: What Counts as Harassment

California law defines civil harassment as:

• Harassment as a serious repeat annoyance (against a person with no close relationship to you)
• Menace, threat of violence, or act of violence (even a single credible threat can qualify)
• Stalking (a course of conduct that causes substantial emotional distress)

"Harassment" in this context has a specific legal meaning. It includes repeated annoying phone calls, offensive unwanted contact, direct threats, or following someone in a way that causes reasonable fear. A single heated argument with a neighbor generally doesn't qualify — but a pattern of threatening behavior or one serious threat can.

Who Can File a Civil Harassment Restraining Order

You can file a CHRO if the person harassing you is NOT:

• Your current or former spouse or registered domestic partner
• Your current or former dating partner
• Someone you live with or have lived with
• A close family member (parent, sibling, child, grandparent, in-law)

If your harasser fits one of those categories, you likely need a DVRO instead. If they don't, a CHRO may be the right path.

Common situations where a CHRO applies:

• A neighbor who has repeatedly threatened you, damaged your property, or followed you
• A coworker, supervisor, or client who has made credible threats of violence or engaged in severe workplace harassment
• A stranger who has stalked you (followed you, waited outside your home or workplace, sent threatening messages)
• An acquaintance, friend, or casual date — someone you know but who is not an intimate partner — who has made threats or engaged in stalking behavior
• A distant relative or family member who doesn't live with you and is not in a covered DV category but has threatened or harassed you

There is no filing fee for a civil harassment restraining order in California. You do not need an attorney to file.

Types of Harassment Covered by a CHRO

Stalking

California law (Penal Code § 646.9) makes it a crime to follow, track, or monitor someone in a way that causes them substantial emotional distress and reasonable fear for their safety. Online stalking — repeated threatening messages, doxxing, spreading personal information — also qualifies. You do not need physical following for it to count as stalking in a civil context.

Credible Threats of Violence

A single serious threat of physical harm can support a CHRO. A credible threat means a statement or act that would make a reasonable person in your position believe the person intended to carry out the threat. "I'm going to hurt you," communicated in person, by phone, in writing, or online, can qualify — especially with supporting evidence like text messages, voicemails, or witness accounts.

Sexual Assault by a Non-Partner

If you were sexually assaulted by someone who is not an intimate partner or family member, you can file a CHRO in Civil Court. This covers situations where the assault was committed by a stranger, acquaintance, coworker, or other non-intimate party. A CHRO cannot be used to address abuse by an intimate partner — that requires a DVRO.

Workplace Harassment

California's civil harassment law also covers workplace harassment: conduct by an employer, manager, supervisor, or coworker that creates a hostile work environment or involves a credible threat of violence. Employers are specifically prohibited from retaliating against employees for filing CHRO requests. If you're dealing with severe workplace harassment and your employer isn't responding, a civil harassment restraining order may be an appropriate step.

Youth Harassment (Minors)

Minors (people under 18) who are being bullied can seek a Youth Restraining Order under California Welfare & Institutions Code § 213.5. This allows a parent or guardian to file on the minor's behalf to stop bullying-related harassment.

How to File a Civil Harassment Restraining Order in California

Step 1: Get the Forms

Start with the CH-100 (Request for Civil Harassment Restraining Order). You'll also need:

• CH-109 — Notice of Court Hearing (completed by the court after your request is reviewed)
• CH-110 — Temporary Restraining Order (granted by the judge if warranted)
• CLETS-001 — Confidential CLETS Information (law enforcement notification system)

All forms are free at California Courts or at your county courthouse civil court clerk's office. RightsReach can help you prepare the CH-100 — our free intake tool generates a completed form based on your answers, in under 10 minutes.

Step 2: Write Your Description — This Is the Core of Your Case

In the CH-100, the most important section is your description of the harassment. Be specific: give dates, locations, and exact descriptions of what was said or done. Include the names of any witnesses and describe any evidence you've saved — texts, emails, voicemails, photos. The judge's decision is based almost entirely on what you write here.

Bad: "He has been harassing me for months and I'm scared."

Good: "On March 3, he sent me five threatening texts telling me he would 'make me pay.' On March 7, he came to my apartment building twice and buzzed every unit asking for me by name. I have screenshots of all five texts and a witness statement from my neighbor in unit 4B who saw him on March 7."

Step 3: File at the Courthouse

File your CH-100 at the civil court clerk's office in the county where the harassment occurred, where the person you're filing against lives, or where you live. The clerk assigns a case number and routes your request to a judge — usually within one to two business days.

Step 4: Judge Reviews Your Request

If the judge grants a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) based on your declaration alone, it will be in effect until the hearing date. If they don't grant a TRO, the hearing still goes forward — so show up regardless.

Step 5: Service of Process

The person you're filing against must be personally served with the TRO and notice of hearing — at least five days before the hearing. Service can be done by a process server, sheriff's deputy, or any adult over 18 who is not a party to the case. The server fills out a Proof of Service (CH-200) form. File it with the court before the hearing.

Step 6: The Hearing and After

At the hearing, you present your evidence and explain why you need protection. If the judge grants the order, it can be effective for up to 5 years. Renewals are available before expiration. An attorney in our directory can represent you at the hearing — many handle CHRO cases at no cost.

Civil Harassment Restraining Order vs. Domestic Violence Restraining Order

The most important question when choosing between a CHRO and a DVRO is the relationship between you and the person causing harm.

	DVRO	CHRO
Filed in	Family Court	Civil Court
Who it covers	Intimate partners, family members, household members	Coworkers, neighbors, strangers, acquaintances, non-intimates
Legal standard	Abuse (violence or threat with prior conduct)	Credible threat of violence, stalking, or repeat annoyance
Single incident	Usually not — typically requires pattern of abuse	One serious credible threat can qualify
Protections	Broader (move-out orders, custody, emergency support, firearms surrender)	Stay-away orders, no-contact orders, personal conduct orders

If your harasser is your partner, ex-partner, or family member — file a DVRO instead. If they are not, file a CHRO. If you're unsure which category a relationship falls into, consult with an attorney — see our attorney directory for CHRO and civil harassment specialists. You can file both simultaneously if circumstances warrant.

After the Order: Enforcement, Violations, and Renewals

Enforcement

Once issued, your CHRO is entered into the California law enforcement database (CLETS) and must be honored nationwide. Carry a certified copy with you. Give one to local law enforcement. The order is enforceable anywhere in the United States.

Violations

Violating a civil harassment restraining order is criminal contempt of court under California Penal Code § 273.6 — punishable by up to one year in county jail, a fine, or both. If someone violates your order, call 911 immediately. Save all evidence of the violation: text messages, emails, voicemails, screenshots, a written log of each incident with date, time, and what happened.

Renewals

A civil harassment restraining order can last up to 5 years. To renew, file a CH-700 (Request to Renew Restraining Order) before the order expires. File at least 60 days before expiration to ensure there is no gap in protection. The renewal process is simpler than the initial filing — the court considers whether you still need protection and whether circumstances have changed.

If the person who harassed you has moved, changed behavior, or you have new evidence of threatening conduct, file a new CH-100 promptly — do not wait for an old order to expire if new incidents have occurred.

County-Specific Filing Information

Every California county has civil court self-help resources. Filing locations, available services, and wait times vary — find your county:

• Los Angeles County
• San Diego County
• Orange County
• Santa Clara County
• Alameda County
• Sacramento County
• Browse all 57 California counties →

How RightsReach Can Help

RightsReach helps California residents understand their legal options when facing non-partner harassment. Our free tools include:

• Form preparation: Our intake tool prepares your CH-100 based on your situation — in under 10 minutes
• Attorney matching: Access our directory of California attorneys who handle civil harassment cases — including many who offer free consultations
• County resources: Courthouse addresses, self-help center hours, and civil harassment services for all 57 California counties

Harassment from someone outside an intimate relationship is just as serious as any other threat to your safety — and California law recognizes that. You don't need an attorney to file a CHRO. You don't need money. You need a record of what happened and a clear description of why you're afraid.

Start with the intake form — we'll help you figure out the right path forward.

If You're in Immediate Danger

Legal options matter — but your safety comes first. If you're in danger right now:

• National DV Hotline: 1-800-799-7233 (TTY: 1-800-787-3224)
• Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741
• Emergency: 911

For more on your legal rights and resources, see our full legal resources page.