Fill out gun violence restraining order forms

The first step in getting a gun violence restraining order is for you to tell the court why the restraining order is needed to prevent the other side from hurting themselves or someone else in the near future. You do this by filling out a set of court forms. Filling out the forms usually takes one to several hours for most people.

Before you start

You will need to give details on your forms about why a restraining order is needed to prevent the other person from hurting themselves or someone else. Writing about your experience can be upsetting and bring up a lot of emotions. You can get help from your court's free Self-Help Center or ask someone you trust to help you fill out the forms. 

Do I need a lawyer?
You don't need a lawyer but you can hire one if you have the resources. Many people don't have the money to hire a lawyer and rely on free help. You can get free help from your local Self-Help Center. You can also check with your local bar association for resources available in your area. 

Request a gun violence restraining order

You will need to fill out at least four forms to ask for a restraining order. 

Forms will not save automatically. To save a form (so you can work on it later), download the form by clicking on the upper right-hand corner, save to a computer that you can safely use, and open the saved form.
 
  • Fill out all required forms

     

     

    1. Petition for Gun Violence Restraining Order (form GV-100)

     Use this form to tell the judge:  

    • Why a restraining order is needed

    • What orders you want the judge to make 

    • If you want a restraining order right away (if so, check form GV-100, item 10)

    This section is important because the judge will decide whether to grant a restraining order based on what you write in this section. On form GV-100, item 6, you will explain how the other person poses a significant danger towards themselves or someone else in the near future if they have a firearm, firearm part, ammunition, or magazine. You will also explain what has already been tried to lessen the danger before you filed the restraining order.

    What if I don't have exact dates?

    If you don't remember the exact day something happened, give an estimate and write down that it is an estimate. To help you remember, think about whether the incident happened around a holiday or special occasion.

     

    2. Confidential CLETS Information (form CLETS-001)

    The information on this form will help police enforce the restraining order. The court will not use the information on this form and the person you are asking for a restraining order against will not get a copy. Some information is mandatory and is marked with an asterisk (*). You may not have all the other information about the restrained person. Fill in as much as you can.

    3. Notice of Court Hearing (form GV-109

    The court will complete most of this form. You only need to complete items 1 and 2. 

    4. Temporary Restraining Order (form GV-110)

    You need this form if you are asking for protection right away (if you checked form GV-100, item 10). The court will complete most of this form. You only need to complete items 1 and 2.

  • Check to see if you have any local forms to complete

    Some county courts have additional local forms they require you to use. The most common local form will have questions about whether you told the other side that you are asking for a restraining order. Contact your court's free Self-Help Center, or the court clerk’s office, to see if they have any local forms you need to use. You can find your local court at Find My Court.

     

  • Make two copies of all your forms

    After you’ve completed and signed all your forms, make two copies. You'll need the two copies, plus the original, when you file with the court.

File Your Request

What's Next

Once you’ve completed the forms and made copies, you’ll file them with the court. 

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