How to File For a Domestic Violence Restraining Order

by | May 24, 2021 | Divorce, Separation

File for a domestic violence restraining order will vary by state. In fact, each state has its own rules and requirements when it comes to filing for a protection order. If you think you need a domestic violence restraining order, consider these key points. 

What is a Domestic Violence Restraining Order?

This is a legal order that’s issued by the Superior court. A domestic violence restraining order is intended to stop someone from hurting or harassing you. For example, the court may grant you a protection order if your former partner keeps showing up at your work, or bothering you on social media. If you have children, they can also be included in your restraining  order. 

Applying for a Restraining Order 

In order to apply for a domestic violence restraining order, you will need to fill out a request.. The Superior court can provide you with the correct forms needed. If the person who is harassing you is a family member or if you were previously in a romantic relationship, you will need to file for a Domestic Violence Restraining Order.  But anyone who is experiencing some form of abuse can apply for a restraining order.  If the person abusing you is not a family member and you were never in a romantic relationship, you will need to file for a Civil Harassment Restraining Order.

This is what you’ll need to fill out to begin the process:

Application Form

The application is mainly your personal details as well as those of the person you’re filing a domestic violence restraining order against. It includes things like personal conduct orders, child custody and visitation orders, requests for release of cellular phone numbers, move-out orders, protection of pets, or other special conditions you would like the court to order. 

Affidavit in Support

This sworn statement allows you to share your story and your reasons why you need a domestic violence restraining order. It’s important to be specific in detailing the harassment or abuse, as well as how it has impacted your life and well-being. Similarly, make note of any police involvement during these incidents, whether a criminal protective order was issued, and whether any weapons were used..  

Notice of Proceeding

The court will then rule on your request and either 1) grant the restraining order in full; 2) grant the restraining order in part; or 3) deny the request for a restraining order.  In any event the court will set the matter for a hearing to occur within 20 days.  If the temporary restraining order was granted, it will expire on the date and time of the court date.  The restrained party must be personally served with the request as well as the orders issued and a blank response.  The county sheriff will personally serve the restrained party at no or little cost, or you can hire a professional process server to serve him or her.  

What Does it Cost?

There are no court fees to file a restraining order, although there will be legal fees if you choose to hire an attorney. While it is possible to file for a protection order on your own, a family law attorney can offer invaluable guidance and support during this process.

Your Safety

It’s also relevant to note that domestic violence restraining orders are only able to put a stop to abuse if the individual adheres to the law. Even if you have an order that prohibits all contact, there’s no guarantee that they won’t cross that line. For this reason, it’s still important to have a safety plan in place. 

Contact Us

For help with a domestic violence restraining order, contact us at Whipple, Mercado & Associates by calling (925) 344-5050. Schedule a free consultation today.

Tammy J. Mercado

Tammy J. Mercado has a passion for helping her clients achieve their desired results. She listens and she personally and promptly responds to your texts, emails and phone calls. She offers real solutions to your legal matters. Tammy will carefully evaluate the legal issues in your case, provide you with sound advice and offer you the pros and cons of each possible scenario so you can meet your legal objectives. She encourages clients to participate in their own matters. Tammy believes that client participation is key to a positive result and to keeping attorney fees as low as possible. You can be sure that she will offer you straightforward, sound and honest advice in a professional manner, with integrity and excellence.

Before opening her own law practice, Tammy worked for many high-volume law firms. This gave her extensive, diversified experience in hundreds of complex family law cases as well as civil matters. She is admitted to practice law before all courts in California and the United States District Court for the Northern District of California. She is also a member of the American Bar Association, the Contra Costa Bar Association, the Alameda County Bar Association and the Bar Association of San Francisco. Tammy is also a member of the Rotary Club of Danville.

Tammy is a graduate of John F. Kennedy School of Law and holds a Bachelor of Science in business management from the University of Phoenix. Tammy is also a licensed real estate broker, which comes in handy for valuing property in family law cases as well as real estate matters in the civil arena.

During her off time, Tammy is an avid sailor who crews and races on various boats in the San Francisco Bay. Tammy approaches each case as she would any yacht race: by assessing the other’s strengths, weaknesses, experience, equipment, history and reputation. She is a member of the American Sailing Association, and she is a certified Coast Guard Auxiliary member.

HONORS AND AWARDS
Tammy was selected to receive the prestigious “Business Person of the Year” Award in 2017 for the San Ramon Chamber of Commerce.

Tammy is currently serving as Danville Rotary President for 2017 through 2019.

Mary C. Whipple, CFLS

Mary C. Whipple opened her first law practice in the summer of 2008. She previously was an associate attorney at the Law Office of Cummins & Holmes, a full-service civil litigation law firm in San Ramon. The majority of her experience is in family law, which includes divorce, custody, support, prenuptial agreements and domestic-violence restraining orders. Certified by the California State Bar’s Board of Legal Specialization, she is a specialist in the area of family law. Mary has also represented clients in a variety of non-family-law cases, including juvenile dependency, probate, breach of contract and employment disputes, to name a few.

Mary also previously worked as a contract attorney for O’Melveny & Meyers in San Francisco while simultaneously volunteering at the Bar Association of San Francisco’s Volunteer Legal Services Program, representing defendants in unlawful detainer actions. The program acknowledged Mary with an Outstanding Volunteer in Public Service Award in 2006 for her efforts in providing access to justice.

A seventh-generation Californian, Mary is a graduate of Loyola University Chicago School of Law. She earned her Bachelor of Science in criminology at Southern Oregon University in Ashland, Oregon. She is a member of the State Bar of California, the Alameda County Bar Association, and the Contra Costa County Bar Association.

In addition, Mary is active in her community as a member of the Ambassador’s Committee for the San Ramon Chamber of Commerce; a volunteer at the Contra Costa County and Alameda County Superior Courts, where she assists self-represented litigants in completing their divorces; and a member of Divorce Angel, where she provides information regarding family law matters to members of the community. Since 2007 she has been a volunteer judge for Alameda and Contra Costa County’s Annual High School Moot Court Competition. She is also a member of the Danville/Sycamore Valley Rotary Club. She was awarded the San Ramon Chamber of Commerce 2012 Business Person of the Year; and a graduate of the 2012 class of Leadership San Ramon Valley.

CERTIFIED LEGAL SPECIALTIES
Certified Specialist in Family Law by the State Bar of California Board of Legal Specialization