After a judge grants you a restraining order
If you've had your day in court and the judge granted you a long-term restraining order (up to 5 years), you may have a couple more steps to take.
Before you start
Consider getting help
Your local self-help center may be able to help you complete the necessary paperwork.
If you already have a copy of the Restraining Order After Hearing (form DV-130) signed by a judge:
- Look at form DV-130, item 30, to see if the judge ordered you to have the restrained person served.
- Click for step-by-step instructions on how to serve.
- If you don't need to serve form DV-130, learn how to enforce your order.
- You do not need to follow the steps below.
If you do not have the Restraining Order After Hearing (form DV-130) signed by a judge, follow the steps below.
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Fill out a form
- Fill out form DV-130 (opens in a new tab).
- To complete the form:
- The court should give you notes (called the minute order) to help you complete the form.
- The minute order should tell you exactly which orders the judge granted.
- Check each order the judge granted.
- Ask your self-help center for help if you're not sure.
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Turn in your form to the court clerk
- Give form DV-130 to the court clerk.
- The clerk will then give it to the judge to review and sign.
- Ask the court clerk when your form will be ready to pick up.
- 💵 There is no fee for turning in this form.
Some courts have a drop box that you can use. If you use a drop box:- include the original and 2 copies to the clerk.
- You will have to go to the courthouse to pick up your copies.
- Papers in the drop box may not be processed right away.
If you can, take your papers to the court clerk to file to avoid delays.
Some courts allow online filing, also called e-filing. You can find out if your court has online filing by visiting your court's website (opens in a new tab). -
Pick up your form from the court clerk
- Make sure to pick up form DV-130 from the court clerk as soon as possible. This form is your restraining order.
- Ask the court clerk for copies, if you need them. You will likely need at least two copies, and the court can give you up to three free copies.
⚠️ Keep a copy of your DV-130 with you at all times. Give a copy to anyone that you want to know about the restraining order, like a childcare provider or school.
Some courts may provide you with a copy by email. You should check in with the court clerk (opens in a new tab) or self-help center to find out how to get your restraining order papers.
What's next?
You may be required to serve (give) a copy of the restraining order to the restrained person.
Look at form DV-130, item 30, to see if the judge has ordered you to serve the restrained person. If so, get step-by-step instructions on how to serve your restraining order.