Respond to domestic violence restraining order
- "Respond" means to let the judge and the other side know whether you agree or disagree with the request for restraining order, and why.
- If you want to respond in writing, you can complete a form and turn it in to the court. Responding in writing is optional and there is no penalty if you don't.
Before you start
⚠️ Anything you put in your papers could be used against you in a criminal case. Talk to a lawyer if you have any concerns.
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If you don't have a lawyer, you may be able to get free help from your local court's self-help center.
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Hire a lawyer to help you with all or a part of your case. It’s possible to go through this process without a lawyer. But, having a restraining order against you may have a lot of consequences, and you may want to hire a lawyer.
How to respond to a request for restraining order
🔗 All court form links open in a new tab so you don’t lose your place.
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Fill out the Response (form DV-120)
- Fill out Response to Request for Domestic Violence Restraining Order (form DV-120)
- Include a copy of any evidence you have (pictures, text messages). If you need more time to put together evidence, you can let the judge know at your hearing (court date).
- If the other side is asking for child custody or visitation orders, you will also need to fill out Response to Request for Child Custody and Visitation Orders (form DV-125).
- If the other side is asking for you to pay support or lawyer's fees, you will also need to fill out a form called an Income and Expense Declaration (form FL-150). This form asks how much money you earn and what your expenses are. Fill out this form and:
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Attach proof of your income (like pay stubs) from the past two months to the form.
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Do not attach a copy of your last year’s taxes. Bring a copy (if you have one) to your court date.
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File (turn in) your forms
File your forms:
- In person at the courthouse: Make 2 more copies of your forms.
- Take your original and 2 copies to the courthouse listed on the papers you were served.
- At the courthouse, you’ll give all copies to the court clerk.
- The clerk will keep the original, stamp your copies, and return the copies to you. One copy is for your records. The other copy is for the other side.
- Online: You can file your papers online (called e-filing). Go to your court website to find out how to e-file.
💵 There is no fee to file these forms.
- In person at the courthouse: Make 2 more copies of your forms.
What's next?
Once you’ve completed and filed your forms, you'll need to have a copy mailed to the other side. This is called service and you will need to find another adult to do this for you.