How to prepare
What to prepare and bring
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. Read over the court papers in your case and write out anything else you want the judge to know. You can read from your notes in court if you need to.
Copies of any evidence. If the restrained person has violated the restraining order, bring any evidence you have. 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 want one. Your support person can sit next to you when you present your case. But, your support person cannot speak for you.
Attend by phone or videoconference. If you, a witness, or support person would like to participate by phone or videoconference, go to the court's website for more information.
What to expect in court
Usually, the person asking to renew the restraining order speaks first. You can tell the judge why you want to renew the order. If they have violated the restraining order, tell the judge. If you are still afraid of the restrained person, let the judge know. You do not need to show that the restrained person has abused you since the last order.
When it is your turn to speak, that means it is your turn to present your case. Presenting your case means explaining to the judge the facts that support your case. It is okay for you to bring notes and read from them. 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 to renew the restraining order.
If the judge renews the restraining order, get a copy of the new order
If the judge or clerk did not, you will need to fill out Order to Renew Domestic Violence Restraining Order (form DV-730), attach the restraining order (form DV-130) that the judge renewed, and give it to the clerk. The judge will sign form DV-730 renewing your restraining order.
- If the clerk prepares this order instead, review it carefully to make sure it matches what the judge ordered.
- The clerk will file the original and can give you up to 3 copies stamped "Filed."
What's next?
If the judge renewed the restraining order, you will need to have a copy served on the restrained person, even if they were in court.