How to Fill Out California Form DV-100 (w/Examples) + FAQs

You fill out California Form DV-100, Request for Domestic Violence Restraining Order, by typing or printing your information into every numbered section, describing the most recent and worst abuse in your own words, attaching extra pages if you need more space, and signing under penalty of perjury before filing it free of charge with the California Superior Court in the county where you or the abuser lives. The form launches a civil case under the Domestic Violence Prevention Act and asks a judge to issue a Temporary Restraining Order the same day.

A 2024 Judicial Council of California report shows California courts received more than 75,000 domestic violence restraining order petitions in a single fiscal year, and judges granted temporary protection in roughly 70% of properly completed filings. The way you complete DV-100 directly shapes whether the judge signs your DV-110 Temporary Restraining Order on the day you file.

In this guide, you will learn:

• 📝 How to complete every line of DV-100 with the right level of detail
• ⚖️ Which Family Code sections and case law shape what counts as abuse
• 🧾 Which companion forms (DV-109, DV-110, DV-105, CLETS-001) you must file with DV-100
• 🛡️ How to describe coercive control, stalking, and tech abuse so a judge will act
• 🚫 The most common mistakes that cause judges to deny temporary orders

What Form DV-100 Is and Why It Matters

Form DV-100 is the official Judicial Council form a person uses to ask a California family court for a Domestic Violence Restraining Order, often called a DVRO. The form opens a civil case that runs separately from any criminal case, and it can produce both an emergency Temporary Restraining Order and, after a hearing, a long-term order lasting up to five years under Family Code § 6345. The protected person is called the protected party or petitioner, and the person to be restrained is called the restrained party or respondent.

The form matters because it is the only doorway to civil DVPA protection in California for people who share a covered relationship. Federal law, through the Violence Against Women Act, guarantees that valid state DVROs receive full faith and credit in every U.S. state and tribal land. That means a DV-100 you sign in Sacramento can protect you in Nevada, Texas, or anywhere else in the country.

The consequence of skipping DV-100 is severe. Without a signed and filed DV-100, no judge can issue a DVRO, police cannot enter you into the CLETS database, and the abuser keeps the legal right to possess firearms under state law. A common misconception is that filing a police report is enough. A police report can support a criminal case, but it does not give you a civil restraining order or custody, support, or move-out relief.

Who Qualifies to File DV-100

You qualify to file DV-100 if you have a covered relationship with the person you want restrained, as defined in Family Code § 6211. Covered relationships include spouses, former spouses, registered domestic partners, current or former dating partners, people who live or lived together as more than roommates, parents of a shared child, and close blood relatives such as parents, children, siblings, grandparents, and in-laws. Dating does not require sex or cohabitation; courts read the term broadly.

If your relationship is not on this list, you must instead use Form CH-100, Civil Harassment Restraining Order, which uses a higher clear and convincing evidence standard. The consequence of filing the wrong form is dismissal and lost time. A common misconception is that roommates qualify under DVPA; they do not, unless the relationship is romantic or family-based.

What Counts as Abuse Under DVPA

Family Code § 6203 defines abuse as causing or attempting to cause bodily injury, sexual assault, placing a person in reasonable fear of serious bodily injury, or any behavior that has been or could be enjoined under Family Code § 6320. Section 6320 sweeps in stalking, threatening, harassing, telephoning, contacting by mail or email, destroying personal property, and disturbing the peace of the other party. The California Court of Appeal in In re Marriage of Nadkarni read disturbing the peace to include accessing a spouse’s private email, reading and forwarding messages, and destroying mental and emotional calm.

In 2020, the legislature passed Senate Bill 1141, which added coercive control to the definition. Coercive control means a pattern of behavior that unreasonably interferes with a person’s free will and personal liberty, such as isolating them from friends, controlling money, monitoring movements, or threatening immigration consequences. The consequence of not naming coercive control specifically is that judges may overlook nonphysical abuse. A common misconception is that you need bruises to win a DVRO; you do not.

Before You Open DV-100: Gather Your Information

Before you start typing, gather every fact, date, and document you may need. The form asks for full legal names, current addresses, dates of birth, vehicle information, descriptions of incidents, names of children, and details about firearms. Walking into the form with a complete file makes the difference between a rushed, vague petition and a sharp, judge-ready story.

You should also decide whether to keep your address confidential by using the Safe at Home program or by listing a safe mailing address and checking the confidentiality box on the form. The consequence of writing your real address on a public filing is that the abuser instantly receives it through the served packet. A common misconception is that the court will hide your address by default; it will not unless you ask.

Documents and Evidence Checklist

Pull together photos of injuries, screenshots of texts and social media messages, voicemails, threatening emails, medical records, police report numbers, 911 call logs, witness names and phone numbers, and any prior court orders. You will reference these in your declaration and bring copies to the hearing. The court does not require you to attach evidence to DV-100, but a short declaration with attached exhibits often persuades a judge to grant the temporary order on the spot.

The consequence of arriving without evidence is a denial of the TRO and a noticed hearing weeks away, leaving you exposed in the meantime. A real-world example: Maya, a Long Beach nurse, attached three time-stamped screenshots of her ex-boyfriend’s threatening texts to her DV-100. The judge granted the TRO within two hours. A common misconception is that text messages are hearsay and cannot be used; they are admissible as the abuser’s own statements under Evidence Code § 1220.

Companion Forms You File With DV-100

DV-100 never travels alone. You will also complete and file DV-109, Notice of Court Hearing, DV-110, Temporary Restraining Order, and CLETS-001, Confidential CLETS Information. If children are involved, add DV-105, Request for Child Custody and Visitation Orders and DV-140, Child Custody and Visitation Order. If you need to leave the state with a child, add DV-108, Request for Order: No Travel With Children.

For child or spousal support, attach FL-150, Income and Expense Declaration. Filing fees are waived for DVRO petitions under Government Code § 70617(a)(4). The consequence of forgetting CLETS-001 is that law enforcement cannot enter the order into the statewide database, so officers in the field cannot enforce it on a traffic stop. A common misconception is that the clerk will fill in DV-110 for you; the clerk will not, the judge signs the version you prepare.

DV-100 Line-by-Line: How to Fill Out Every Section

The current DV-100 has roughly twenty numbered sections spread across about ten pages. You complete it in the order printed, and you write in plain English. The court accepts handwritten or typed forms, but typed forms read more easily and signal preparation. Use the free fillable PDF on the courts’ website and save your work as you go.

The consequence of leaving a required field blank is a clerk reject slip at the filing window or a denial from the judge. A common misconception is that you can write see attached for everything; only the long narrative sections accept attachments, and each attachment must reference the section number it expands on, such as Attachment 7a.

Section 1: Person Asking for Protection

Section 1 asks for your full legal name, age, and address. If you fear the restrained person finding you, leave the address line blank or write confidential and check the box at item 1.b. You will then list a safe mailing address, such as a friend’s house, a P.O. box, or a domestic violence shelter. You also list your lawyer’s information here if you have one.

The consequence of putting your real home address on this public filing is that the abuser receives it the moment they are served. A real-world example: Jamal, a San Jose father escaping his ex-wife, listed his cousin’s address as the safe mailing address and used Safe at Home for everything else. A common misconception is that the court file is sealed; only certain attachments such as CLETS-001 are confidential, while DV-100 itself is part of the public record.

Section 2: Person to Be Restrained

Section 2 asks for the abuser’s full legal name, age, address, and physical description, including sex, height, weight, race, hair color, eye color, date of birth, driver’s license number, and vehicle information. Be as exact as possible. Police rely on this description when they enforce the order on the street.

The consequence of vague information is a missed arrest. If officers cannot identify the restrained party with certainty, they may decline to act. A real-world example: Priya, a Fresno teacher, listed her husband’s exact license plate, car make, and tattoo locations; police arrested him within hours of his first violation. A common misconception is that a first name is enough; CLETS entry requires a full identifier set.

Section 3: Additional Protected People

Section 3 lets you add family or household members, including children, who also need protection. List each person’s full name, age, sex, and relationship to you. You can include current or former dating partners’ new partners, roommates, parents, and unborn children if a doctor confirms pregnancy.

The consequence of leaving a child off this list is that the order does not protect them at school pickup or daycare. A real-world example: Carlos added his two stepchildren and his elderly mother to Section 3 because the abuser had threatened all three; the judge granted protection for the entire household. A common misconception is that children are automatically covered; they are not unless you list them.

Section 4: Your Relationship to the Restrained Person

Section 4 asks how you know the restrained party. Check the box that matches your relationship under Family Code § 6211. Options include married, registered domestic partners, divorced, separated, dating, used to date, parent of common child, or close relative. If you have more than one qualifying relationship, check every box that applies.

The consequence of checking the wrong box is a finding that you should have filed CH-100 instead. A real-world example: Aisha, who briefly dated and then had a child with the respondent, checked both dated and parent of child, which strengthened jurisdiction. A common misconception is that dating requires a long, exclusive relationship; California courts accept short, casual dating relationships.

Section 5: Other Court Cases

Section 5 asks whether you and the restrained party have any other family, juvenile, criminal, probate, or civil cases. List the case number, court, and type for each. Honesty matters. Judges check the system, and an undisclosed case looks like deception.

The consequence of hiding a pending divorce or custody case is a credibility hit at the hearing. A real-world example: Devon listed an open child welfare case, which actually helped the judge see the broader pattern of abuse. A common misconception is that listing other cases will hurt you; it usually helps because it shows context.

Section 6: Describe Abuse

Section 6 is the heart of the form. You check a box if abuse has happened and then describe the most recent incident, the worst incident, and any prior incidents. Use the actual date, time, location, and what the abuser did and said in their own words. Write in short sentences and in chronological order. If you run out of room, attach extra pages labeled Attachment 6.

The consequence of vague language such as he was abusive is denial. Judges need facts, not labels. A real-world example: Lena wrote, On April 3, 2026, at 9 p.m. in our kitchen, Mark grabbed my wrist, twisted it, and said, “I will end you if you leave.” The judge granted the TRO at 4 p.m. the same day. A common misconception is that you must include every incident from your entire relationship; focus on the most recent, worst, and any pattern that shows escalation.

Section 7: Describe Any Weapons

Section 7 asks whether the restrained party owns or has access to firearms or ammunition. List every gun you know about, including make, model, and location. Even one yes triggers the firearms relinquishment order under Family Code § 6389, which forces the restrained party to surrender, sell, or store all firearms within 24 hours of service.

The consequence of skipping this section is that an armed abuser keeps lawful possession until the long-cause hearing. A real-world example: Sarah listed her husband’s hunting rifle and handgun; the sheriff collected both within a day. A common misconception is that the court automatically searches gun records; it does not, you must put it on the form.

Section 8: Stay-Away Order

Section 8 asks how far the restrained party must stay from you and other protected people, your home, your job, your school, your car, your children’s school and daycare, and your pets. The default is 100 yards. You can ask for less if you must remain near the abuser, such as a shared workplace, but you should ask for more if you fear stalking.

The consequence of asking for an unreasonably large distance, such as 5 miles in a city, is that the judge will reduce it. A real-world example: Tomás, who shared an apartment building with his ex, asked for 100 yards but with an exception for entering the building lobby, which the judge granted. A common misconception is that 100 yards always applies; the judge can tailor distances.

Section 9: Move-Out Order

Section 9 asks the judge to order the restrained party to leave a shared home. You can request this even if the abuser is on the lease or owns the home, under Family Code § 6321. You must show that you have the legal right to live there, that physical or emotional harm will result if the abuser stays, and that you would suffer if forced to leave.

The consequence of skipping this section is that you remain trapped under the same roof. A real-world example: Janelle won a move-out order that required her boyfriend to leave their Oakland apartment within four hours of service. A common misconception is that owning the home blocks a move-out order; it does not.

Section 10: Animals

Section 10 lets you ask for sole control of pets under Family Code § 6320(b). Abusers often hurt or threaten animals to control partners. List each pet by name, type, and any threats made against it.

The consequence of leaving pets unprotected is continued leverage by the abuser. A real-world example: Riley won sole care of her two cats after writing that her ex had threatened to flush them down the toilet. A common misconception is that pets are property to be split later; under DVPA the court can order sole care immediately.

Section 11: Child Custody and Visitation

Section 11 lets you ask for legal and physical custody of your children and to set visitation. You must also file DV-105 for the details. Under Family Code § 3044, once a court finds domestic violence within the past five years, the law presumes that the abuser should not have sole or joint custody.

The consequence of not asking is no custody order at all, and the abuser keeps equal rights. A real-world example: Ben asked for sole legal and physical custody with supervised visitation through a professional supervised visitation provider; the court agreed. A common misconception is that mothers automatically win custody; they do not, and fathers can and should file DV-100 too.

Section 12: Child Support

Section 12 asks for guideline child support. You must attach FL-150. The court uses the California guideline calculator to compute the amount based on each parent’s income and timeshare.

The consequence of skipping this is no support order while you wait for hearings. A real-world example: Nina obtained $1,840 a month in temporary child support at the same DVRO hearing. A common misconception is that you must file a separate support case; you do not, the DVRO hearing covers it.

Section 13: Property Control

Section 13 lets the judge give one party sole, temporary use of a car, phone, computer, or other property. List each item and explain why you need it. This does not change ownership; it only controls who uses it during the order’s life.

The consequence of skipping is that the abuser may seize the family car or phone the next day. A real-world example: Marcus won sole use of the family minivan because the children needed daily school transport. A common misconception is that property control changes title; it does not.

Section 14: Debt Payment

Section 14 lets the court order the restrained party to keep paying certain bills, such as rent, utilities, mortgage, or insurance, while the order is in place. List each debt with the amount and due date.

The consequence of leaving this blank is sudden loss of housing or power. A real-world example: Olivia preserved her electricity and rent by listing both bills here. A common misconception is that community debt rules apply automatically; they do not, you must request the order.

Section 15: Property Restraint

Section 15 prevents either party from selling, transferring, hiding, or destroying community property except in the usual course of business. It freezes the financial picture so a later divorce can divide assets fairly.

The consequence of skipping is that the abuser may drain a joint bank account or sell a car. A real-world example: Chen used Section 15 to stop her husband from withdrawing $40,000 from a joint savings account. A common misconception is that this only applies to married couples; it also applies to registered domestic partners.

Section 16: Insurance

Section 16 prevents either party from canceling or changing health, auto, life, or disability insurance. It keeps coverage steady while the case unfolds.

The consequence of leaving this blank is sudden cancellation of medical coverage during a crisis. A real-world example: Sofia preserved her children’s pediatric coverage by checking this box. A common misconception is that insurers ignore the order; they comply with court orders.

Section 17: Spousal Support

Section 17 asks for temporary spousal or partner support. Married parties or registered domestic partners may use this section. You must attach FL-150 and any wage stubs you have.

The consequence of skipping is no spousal support until you open a separate divorce. A real-world example: Daniel obtained $2,200 a month in temporary spousal support at the DVRO hearing. A common misconception is that only women receive spousal support; the law is gender-neutral.

Section 18: Lawyer’s Fees and Costs

Section 18 asks the abuser to pay your attorney’s fees and court costs under Family Code § 6344. The court considers each party’s ability to pay. Even if you have a free legal aid lawyer, you can ask for fees that reflect your lawyer’s reasonable rate.

The consequence of skipping is paying your own legal bill. A real-world example: Anika recovered $7,500 in fees from her ex-husband after winning her DVRO. A common misconception is that you must lose to get fees; the prevailing protected party usually receives them.

Section 19: Payments for Costs and Services

Section 19 asks the abuser to pay for medical care, counseling, lost wages, damaged property, moving costs, and other out-of-pocket expenses tied to the abuse. List each item with a dollar amount and a short reason.

The consequence of skipping is eating those costs yourself. A real-world example: Vince received $3,200 to cover an emergency room bill and a broken phone. A common misconception is that small claims is the only path; DV-100 covers it faster.

Section 20: Batterer Intervention Program

Section 20 asks the court to order the restrained party to attend a 52-week certified batterer intervention program. The program teaches accountability and tracks attendance. Section 21 covers other orders, such as no alcohol or drugs while exercising visitation.

The consequence of skipping the BIP is that the abuser learns nothing and recycles the abuse. A real-world example: Jordan asked for and received a BIP order with monthly progress reports to the court. A common misconception is that anger management satisfies this; the law requires a specific 52-week DVPA program.

Signature, Date, and Penalty of Perjury

The last page asks you to sign and date under penalty of perjury under Code of Civil Procedure § 2015.5. False statements expose you to a perjury charge under Penal Code § 118, a felony.

The consequence of forgetting to sign is a clerk reject. A real-world example: Reese missed the signature line and lost a full day refiling. A common misconception is that an electronic signature is invalid; California courts accept e-signatures on Judicial Council forms under Code of Civil Procedure § 1010.6.

Three Real-World Scenarios

The right scenario shows how DV-100 plays out for different people. Each row pairs the protected party’s action with what the court does next. These tables also show how the same form bends to different abuse patterns.

Scenario 1: Coercive Control Without Physical Violence

What the petitioner does	What the court does
Maya, a Long Beach nurse, fills out Section 6 describing her boyfriend monitoring her phone, blocking access to money, and isolating her from family	The judge cites SB 1141 and Nadkarni, finds disturbance of peace, and signs a TRO with stay-away, no-contact, and account access orders
Maya checks Section 7 stating no firearms and lists three controlling text screenshots as Attachment 6	The court enters the order into CLETS within 24 hours and sets a hearing within 21 days
Maya files DV-105 asking for sole legal custody of their toddler under FC § 3044	The judge grants temporary sole custody and supervised visitation pending the long-cause hearing

Scenario 2: Stalking and Tech Abuse After a Breakup

What the petitioner does	What the court does
Jamal, a San Jose father, lists his ex-girlfriend’s repeated drive-bys, fake social accounts, and GPS tracking on his car in Section 6	The judge finds stalking under FC § 6320 and grants a 100-yard stay-away with a no-electronic-contact provision
Jamal asks in Section 13 for sole use of his vehicle and orders to remove tracking devices	The court orders the restrained party to remove all tracking apps and pay for vehicle inspection
Jamal lists a safe mailing address and uses Safe at Home for confidentiality	The clerk seals CLETS-001 and routes service through the sheriff

Scenario 3: Physical Violence With Children Present

What the petitioner does	What the court does
Priya, a Fresno teacher, describes a kitchen assault witnessed by her two children and attaches an ER record as Attachment 6	The judge grants a same-day TRO with kick-out under FC § 6321
Priya lists her husband’s two firearms in Section 7	The court issues a firearms relinquishment order; the sheriff collects the guns within 24 hours
Priya files DV-105 and DV-108 asking that the children not leave California	The court grants sole legal and physical custody, supervised visitation, and a travel restriction

Mistakes to Avoid

Even strong cases lose when the form has fixable errors. The list below covers the errors that judges and clerks see most often.

• Writing vague phrases such as he was abusive without dates, places, or quoted words, which leads to a TRO denial
• Forgetting to file CLETS-001, which keeps the order out of police databases and blocks street-level enforcement
• Listing your real address on a public filing instead of a safe mailing address, which exposes you to retaliation
• Skipping Section 7 about firearms, which leaves an armed abuser legally armed until the long-cause hearing
• Leaving children off Section 3 and skipping DV-105, which results in no custody protection
• Failing to sign the last page under penalty of perjury, which causes an automatic clerk reject
• Hiding other court cases in Section 5, which destroys credibility at the hearing
• Asking for unreasonable stay-away distances such as 10 miles, which the judge will scale down or deny
• Filing CH-100 by mistake when DVPA applies, which forces a refile under a higher evidence standard
• Forgetting to attach FL-150 for child or spousal support, which blocks any temporary support order

Dos and Don’ts

Use this list as a final check before walking to the courthouse. Each line ties to a real outcome.

• Do type the form for legibility because clerks reject unreadable handwriting
• Do use exact dates, times, and quotes because specificity drives TRO grants
• Do ask for firearms relinquishment in Section 7 because FC § 6389 gives 24-hour teeth
• Do list every protected person in Section 3 because un-listed children get no protection
• Do request fees in Section 18 because FC § 6344 favors the prevailing protected party
• Don’t exaggerate or invent facts because perjury is a felony under Penal Code § 118
• Don’t put your home address on the public filing because the abuser sees the served packet
• Don’t skip the signature line because unsigned forms are void under CCP § 2015.5
• Don’t assume custody is automatic because FC § 3044 must be triggered by request
• Don’t wait weeks to file because delay weakens the immediate harm needed for a TRO

Pros and Cons of Filing DV-100

Like any legal step, DV-100 has trade-offs. Knowing them upfront helps you walk in clear-eyed.

• Pro: Free filing under Government Code § 70617 removes any cost barrier
• Pro: Same-day TRO protection is possible when the form is complete and well-written
• Pro: Custody, support, move-out, and firearms relief all live inside one filing
• Pro: Full faith and credit under VAWA carries the order across state lines
• Pro: Strong remedies including sole pet care, debt orders, and BIP attendance
• Con: The form is public, so the abuser learns details unless you use confidentiality tools
• Con: A short hearing window forces fast preparation and evidence gathering
• Con: False or exaggerated statements expose you to perjury and counter-claims
• Con: The hearing can be traumatic, especially without a lawyer or advocate
• Con: A denied TRO may signal weak evidence and embolden the abuser before the long-cause hearing

Key Cases and Statutes That Shape DV-100

Several California cases and statutes drive how judges read DV-100. In re Marriage of Nadkarni (2009) 173 Cal.App.4th 1483 expanded disturbing the peace to include reading and forwarding private emails. Burquet v. Brumbaugh (2014) 223 Cal.App.4th 1140 confirmed that unwanted texts, emails, and visits after a breakup count as abuse. Rodriguez v. Menjivar (2015) 243 Cal.App.4th 816 held that controlling, isolating, and intimidating behavior supports a DVRO even without physical violence.

Family Code § 6300 sets the preponderance of the evidence standard, which is far lower than the criminal beyond a reasonable doubt bar. The legislature passed SB 1141 in 2020 to recognize coercive control, and AB 1493 in 2021 to allow stipulated DVROs without a finding of abuse. The consequence of ignoring this case law is missed legal arguments. A common misconception is that DVROs require criminal-level proof; they do not.

Filing, Serving, and Hearing Logistics

After signing DV-100, take the full packet to the family law clerk in the superior court for the county where you or the restrained party lives. The clerk stamps the documents, assigns a case number, and routes the file to a judge for a TRO decision, often the same day. The clerk returns DV-109 with a hearing date, which must be within 21 days, or 25 days for good cause, under Family Code § 242.

Service is the next step. Someone over 18 who is not a party serves the restrained person with the entire packet, including DV-100, DV-109, DV-110 if signed, and any attachments. Free service is available through the local sheriff’s civil division. The consequence of bad service is a continued hearing and an unenforceable order. A common misconception is that mailing the packet is enough; personal service is required.

What Happens at the Hearing

At the hearing, both sides may testify, present evidence, and call witnesses. The judge applies preponderance of the evidence and decides whether to issue a long-term DVRO of up to five years. If the judge grants the order, you receive DV-130, Restraining Order After Hearing, which replaces the DV-110.

The consequence of skipping the hearing is automatic dismissal of the TRO. A real-world example: Eli missed his hearing because of a transit delay; the court dismissed his case and he had to refile. A common misconception is that the abuser’s no-show ends the case; if they were properly served, the judge can grant the long-term order in their absence.

Key Entities Involved in a DV-100 Case

A DV-100 case pulls in many actors. The Judicial Council of California writes and updates the form. The California Department of Justice maintains CLETS, which broadcasts the order to every law enforcement agency in the state. The Office on Violence Against Women at the U.S. Department of Justice funds local advocacy and shelters under VAWA.

Local actors include the family law judge, the courtroom clerk, the family law facilitator’s office, the sheriff’s civil division, certified batterer intervention program providers, and free legal aid groups such as the Family Violence Appellate Project and county domestic violence shelters. The California Partnership to End Domestic Violence coordinates statewide policy. Each entity has a clear role, and knowing who does what speeds your case.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is filing Form DV-100 free in California?

Yes. Government Code § 70617(a)(4) waives all filing fees for domestic violence restraining order petitions, including DV-100, related forms, and sheriff service across every California superior court.

Do I need a lawyer to file DV-100?

No. You can file DV-100 on your own as a self-represented party, and the family law facilitator’s office and free legal aid clinics offer help, but a lawyer often improves your odds at hearing.

Can men file DV-100 in California?

Yes. California’s Domestic Violence Prevention Act is gender-neutral, and any qualifying person under Family Code § 6211, regardless of sex or gender identity, may file DV-100 against a current or former partner or relative.

Will a DV-100 give me custody of my children?

Yes. When you also file DV-105 and prove abuse, Family Code § 3044 creates a presumption against awarding custody to the abuser, and the judge may grant you sole legal and physical custody temporarily.

Can the abuser keep guns after I file DV-100?

No. Once a judge signs the TRO, Family Code § 6389 forces the restrained party to surrender, sell, or store all firearms and ammunition within 24 hours of service to a licensed dealer or law enforcement.

Does a DV-100 work outside California?

Yes. The federal Violence Against Women Act gives California DVROs full faith and credit, meaning every state, tribal land, and U.S. territory must enforce a valid order signed by a California judge.

Can I file DV-100 against a same-sex partner or dating partner?

Yes. Family Code § 6211 covers current and former dating partners and registered domestic partners regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, and judges treat these cases under the same DVPA standards.

Will my address stay private if I file DV-100?

Yes. You can leave the address blank, list a safe mailing address, and enroll in California’s Safe at Home program through the Secretary of State, which provides a substitute address for all public records.

How long does a DV-100 restraining order last?

Yes, it lasts. The TRO covers you until the hearing, usually 21 to 25 days, and a long-term DVRO under Family Code § 6345 can run up to five years and may be renewed permanently.

Can I drop a DV-100 case after I file?

Yes. You can ask the court to dismiss the case at any time, but the judge has discretion, especially if children are involved or evidence shows ongoing danger to the protected party.

What if I lied or exaggerated on DV-100?

No, do not. False statements made under penalty of perjury under Code of Civil Procedure § 2015.5 expose you to a felony perjury charge under Penal Code § 118 and immediate dismissal of your case.

Does a DV-100 affect immigration status?

No. Filing or being named on a DV-100 does not change immigration status by itself, and survivors may also qualify for a U-Visa or VAWA self-petition under federal immigration law.