Prepare for your court date
Copies of court papers. Take copies of all your papers to your court hearing, including a copy of your Proof of Service.
Notes of what you plan to say. It can help to plan out and make notes about what you want to say to the judge. You can read from your notes in court if you need to. Read over the court papers in your case and write out anything else you want the judge to know.
Copies of any evidence. For example, if you have pictures, text messages, or emails, you will need to print them out and make 3 copies of each piece of evidence. One copy is for you, one is for the judge, and one is for the other side.
If you have recordings (video or audio), check in with your local Self-Help Center before your court date. Sometimes judges may require a transcript for a recording. A transcript is a written version of the recording that shows exactly what was said.
Bring a support person, if you are the protected person and want one. If you asked for the restraining order, your support person can sit next to you when you present your case. But, your support person cannot speak for you.
If you have a disability and need an accommodation or a sign language interpreter, you can ask for an accommodation.
If you asked to change the child custody or visitation (parenting time) order, you may need to go to mediation before your court date. Find out what to expect in mediation if you have not been before.
What to expect in court
If you have a remote hearing (you will be on the phone or on a computer), get tips on what to expect in a remote hearing.
Usually, the judge asks the person who made the request to talk first. No matter who talks first, you will both get a chance to speak.
When it is your turn to speak, that means it is your turn to tell the judge the facts that support your position. It is okay for you to use notes. You can also bring in evidence or witnesses to support the facts of your case. The judge will listen to both sides and then decide whether or not to grant the request to change or end orders.
The judge makes a decision
Usually, the judge will make a decision that day. If the judge feels they need more information, the judge may ask you to come back another day.
If the judge changes the restraining order: There will be a new Restraining Order After Hearing (form DV-130), that shows the changed orders. Keep this order with you at all times. It is your new restraining order.
If the judge ends the restraining order: You will receive a Findings and Order to Terminate Restraining Order After Hearing (form DV-400) showing that the restraining order was ended.
Once you have your filed amended Form DV-130 or your Form DV-400: The court will send the filed amended DV-130 or the DV-400 and proof of service to law enforcement. That way, police across the country will know the order was changed or ended.
You and the other person in your case must follow the order.