Step-by-Step: How to Get a Restraining Order in San Diego (2025)

Overview

In California, what most people call a “restraining order” is a Domestic Violence Restraining Order (DVRO) or a Civil Harassment Restraining Order (CHO). This San Diego-specific guide explains which one you need, how to file (including e-filing), where to go, how service works, what to expect at your hearing, and where to get free local help. (San Diego Superior Court)

1) Choose the Right Type of Order

San Diego Superior Court provides local guidance pages for DVROs and Civil Harassment orders. (San Diego Superior Court)

2) Get and Complete the Forms

• Download Judicial Council forms (accepted statewide): DV-100 / CH-100 and related documents. (California Courts)

• San Diego also publishes packets (e.g., Civil Harassment Petitioner Packet PKT-002A) with local tips. (San Diego Superior Court)

• Be specific: list dates, times, places, quotes/threats, injuries, witnesses, and what you want (no contact, stay-away distances, firearm restrictions, move-out orders, custody/support if DVRO). (Self-Help Guide to the California Courts)

3) Where to File (San Diego)

Primary courthouse (Downtown):
San Diego Superior Court – Central Courthouse (Family & DVRO processing)
1100 Union Street, San Diego, CA 92101
Family Law business office & Facilitator are on the 4th Floor. Phone lines listed below. (San Diego Superior Court)

• Family Law Business Office: (619) 844-2777

• Family Law Facilitator info line: (619) 844-2200

• Family Court Services: (619) 844-2888 (San Diego Superior Court)

Good to know: The court accepts e-filing for DVRO requests. Check the DV page for current instructions before you go. (San Diego Superior Court)

Other San Diego divisions (if closer to you): East County (El Cajon), South County (Chula Vista), North County (Vista)—Family Court Services has offices at each site. (San Diego Superior Court)

4) Ask for a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO)

When you file, you can request a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO). A judge may grant same-day protections if there’s immediate danger. TROs cover no-contact, stay-away, move-out, and may include firearms restrictions pending the hearing. (Self-Help Guide to the California Courts)

The City’s resource page links to reasons/types of TROs (DV, civil harassment, elder abuse, gun violence, workplace). (San Diego)

5) Serve the Respondent (Enforcement Starts After Service)

• The San Diego County Sheriff – Civil Division serves restraining orders; they publish contact info, locations, and a TRO lookup. (Service is typically arranged after the court issues papers.) (SDSheriff Apps)

• Key numbers: Civil Division main (858) 974-2222; Restraining/Protective Orders service info (858) 974-2110. (SDSheriff Apps)

• Hall of Justice Civil Office (Downtown) posts Restraining Order Intake window hours separately. (San Diego County Sheriff)

6) The Hearing (Final Order)

• Your hearing is usually set within a few weeks. Bring all evidence: photos, medical records, witnesses, texts/emails/social media, police/911 logs, prior incidents. (Self-Help Guide to the California Courts)

• The judge decides whether to issue a final order (DVROs commonly up to 5 years; CHO up to 3 years—check your specific order). California self-help explains the process and forms you’ll need at and after the hearing. (Self-Help Guide to the California Courts)

7) After the Order — Safety & Enforcement

• Keep a certified copy with you; give copies to work/school/childcare as needed.

• If violated, call 911; SDPD has DV resources online. (San Diego)

• You can ask to modify/renew your order before it expires. California’s self-help center covers renewals. (Self-Help Guide to the California Courts)

Evidence Checklist (Bring to Court)

• Your detailed sworn statement (timeline of incidents)

• Police reports / 911 logs

• Medical/clinic records

• Photos/videos of injuries or damage

• Texts/emails/DMs/social posts/voicemails showing threats or harassment

• Witness statements

• Prior orders or case numbers

• Proof of relationship or residence (DVRO cases) (Self-Help Guide to the California Courts)

Free Local Help in San Diego

Tip: Call Your Safe Place before visiting to confirm the entrance (Broadway address vs. specific floor) and walk-in hours. The City’s official page lists the 1122 Broadway, 2nd Floor site and current hours. (San Diego)

Quick Timeline (Typical)

1. File + request TRO — same day if possible (or via e-filing). (San Diego Superior Court)

2. Judge reviews — TRO may be issued same/next business day. (Self-Help Guide to the California Courts)

3. Service by Sheriff — within days (enforcement begins after service). (SDSheriff Apps)

4. Hearing — usually within a few weeks; bring evidence/witnesses. (Self-Help Guide to the California Courts)

5. Final order — issued if legal standards met; then maintain, enforce, and renew as needed. (Self-Help Guide to the California Courts)

FAQs

Can I e-file my DVRO in San Diego?
Yes—San Diego Superior Court accepts DVRO e-filings; verify current instructions on the DV page. (San Diego Superior Court)

Where is Family Court in San Diego?
1100 Union Street, San Diego, CA 92101 (Central Courthouse, 4th floor for Family). (San Diego Superior Court)

Who serves my order?
The Sheriff’s Civil Division serves restraining orders; see their TRO page and office contacts. (SDSheriff Apps)

Which forms do I need?
DV-100 for DVROs; CH-100 for Civil Harassment; plus related notice/TRO and CLETS-001. (California Courts)

Where can I get free help filling forms?
Family Law Facilitator (Room 480) and Legal Aid Society of San Diego walk-in clinics. (Family Law Facilitator)

Final Safety Notes

If you’re in immediate danger, call 911. When browsing at home, consider using a safe device and clear your history. California’s self-help site has safety tips for online research. (Self-Help Guide to the California Courts)