How to File a Restraining Order in Los Angeles County: Complete Guide

Los Angeles County is the largest county in California — and it handles more domestic violence restraining order filings than any other jurisdiction in the state. With multiple courthouses spread across the county, understanding where to file and how the process works in LA is critical to protecting yourself quickly.

This guide walks through the entire DVRO process specific to Los Angeles County: which courthouse to use, what forms you need, how emergency protective orders work with LAPD and LA Sheriff, and where to get free legal help.

Los Angeles County Courthouses That Accept DVRO Filings

LA County has multiple Superior Court locations that handle domestic violence restraining orders. You should file at the courthouse closest to where you live — or where the abuse occurred. Here are the major courthouses:

Stanley Mosk Courthouse (Central District)

Address: 111 N. Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012
Department: Family Law — handles the highest volume of DVRO filings in the county
Self-Help Center: Room 112, open weekdays. Facilitators review your DVRO forms before filing at no cost.

Burbank Courthouse (North Central District)

Address: 300 E. Olive Avenue, Burbank, CA 91502
Serves Burbank, Glendale, La Crescenta, and surrounding communities. Family Law division handles DVROs.

Santa Monica Courthouse (West District)

Address: 1725 Main Street, Santa Monica, CA 90401
Serves the Westside — Santa Monica, Malibu, Venice, Culver City, and surrounding areas.

Compton Courthouse (South Central District)

Address: 200 W. Compton Boulevard, Compton, CA 90220
Serves Compton, Lynwood, Paramount, Carson, and surrounding communities.

Norwalk Courthouse (Southeast District)

Address: 12720 Norwalk Boulevard, Norwalk, CA 90650
Serves Norwalk, Whittier, Downey, Cerritos, Bellflower, and surrounding areas. One of the busiest family law courts in the county.

Van Nuys Courthouse (Northwest District)

Address: 6230 Sylmar Avenue, Van Nuys, CA 91401
Serves the San Fernando Valley — Van Nuys, Reseda, Encino, Northridge, Chatsworth, and surrounding areas.

Pomona Courthouse (East District)

Address: 400 Civic Center Plaza, Pomona, CA 91766
Serves the eastern part of the county — Pomona, West Covina, Covina, Azusa, Glendora, and surrounding areas.

Long Beach Courthouse (South District)

Address: 275 Magnolia Avenue, Long Beach, CA 90802
Serves Long Beach, Lakewood, Signal Hill, and surrounding communities.

The DVRO Filing Process in Los Angeles County

The process follows California's statewide procedure, but there are LA-specific details you should know.

Stage 1: Emergency Protective Order (EPO) — First 72 Hours

If you are in immediate danger, call 911. LAPD officers and LA County Sheriff deputies can request an Emergency Protective Order from an on-call judge by phone — available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. An EPO goes into effect immediately and lasts up to 7 days.

What an EPO can do in Los Angeles County:

• Order the abuser to leave your home immediately
• Grant you temporary custody of children
• Order the abuser to stay away from you, your home, your workplace, and your children's school
• Prohibit the abuser from contacting you

Important: An EPO is temporary. You must file for a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) at the courthouse before the EPO expires to maintain protection.

Stage 2: Temporary Restraining Order (TRO)

Go to your local LA courthouse and file form DV-100 (Request for Domestic Violence Restraining Order). Filing is completely free — there is no filing fee for a DVRO in California.

Steps at the courthouse:

1. Visit the Self-Help Center first. Every major LA courthouse has one. Facilitators will review your DV-100 and supporting forms for completeness — for free.
2. File at the clerk's window. Submit your completed forms.
3. Same-day judge review. A judge reviews your request the same day. If granted, you receive a Temporary Restraining Order effective immediately.
4. Serve the restrained person. The TRO must be served on the abuser by someone other than you (a friend, process server, or the Sheriff — LA Sheriff offers free service for DVROs).

The TRO lasts until your court hearing, typically scheduled 20-25 days after filing.

Stage 3: Permanent DVRO Hearing

At the hearing, both parties can present evidence and testimony. If the judge grants the permanent order, it can last up to 5 years and is renewable.

LA County hearings happen at the same courthouse where you filed. Key preparation:

• Bring any evidence of abuse: photos, text messages, medical records, police reports
• Bring witnesses if available — they must appear in person
• Arrive early and check in with the clerk
• If you have an attorney, they can present your case and cross-examine the other party

Free Legal Help in Los Angeles County

Several organizations provide free legal representation for DVRO cases in LA County:

• Legal Aid Foundation of Los Angeles (LAFLA) — Free representation for DV survivors. Call 800-399-4529.
• Bet Tzedek Legal Services — Free restraining order help. Call 323-939-0506.
• Neighborhood Legal Services of LA County — Serves the San Fernando Valley and northeast LA. Call 818-896-5211.
• LA County Bar Association Lawyer Referral — 30-minute consultation for $35. Call 213-243-1525.
• Courthouse Self-Help Centers — Free form review and filing guidance at every major LA courthouse.

You can also browse our Los Angeles County attorney directory for DV attorneys who serve LA County. If a criminal case is also pending, read our companion guide on Marsy's Law rights in Los Angeles County — it covers how to enforce your notification, restitution, and privacy rights at every stage of the criminal case.

LA-Specific Filing Tips

Which Courthouse Should I Use?

File at the courthouse closest to where you live. If you've relocated for safety, you can file at the courthouse near your new address. If you're unsure which district you're in, call the LA Superior Court general information line at 213-830-0803.

What If I Don't Speak English?

LA Superior Court provides free court interpreters for DVRO hearings — you must request one when you file. The Self-Help Centers also have staff who speak Spanish and other languages. Court forms are available in Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese, and other languages at courts.ca.gov.

Can I File If I'm Undocumented?

Yes. California courts issue DVROs regardless of immigration status. The court will not ask about your immigration status, and you do not need a Social Security number to file. VAWA (Violence Against Women Act) protections may also apply — ask your attorney or legal aid organization about immigration-specific protections.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a restraining order in LA County?

A Temporary Restraining Order can be issued the same day you file. The permanent hearing is typically scheduled 20-25 days later. Emergency Protective Orders are immediate through LAPD/Sheriff.

Is there a fee to file a DVRO in Los Angeles County?

No. There is no filing fee for domestic violence restraining orders in California. Service by the LA County Sheriff is also free for DVRO cases.

What if the abuser violates the restraining order?

A restraining order violation is a criminal offense under California Penal Code § 273.6. Call 911 immediately. Keep a copy of your restraining order with you at all times — show it to the responding officers.

Can I get a DVRO against someone I'm not married to?

Yes. DVROs cover current or former dating partners, cohabitants, co-parents, and close family members. There is no requirement for marriage or a specific relationship length.

What if I need to change my hearing date?

File a Request for Continuance at the same courthouse where your case is pending. If the other party has already been served, you typically need to notify them of the new date. The court may grant or deny the request.

Need help preparing your DVRO forms? RightsReach's free intake tool can help you get started — generate your DV-100 forms here.