Revised July 1, 2016
What if I do not speak English?
When you file Form DV-120, ask the court clerk if a court
interpreter is available for your hearing. If an interpreter is
not available, bring someone to interpret for you. Do NOT
ask a child, a witness, or anyone to be protected by the
order to interpret for you.
What if I have a gun or ammunition?
If a restraining order is issued, you cannot own, possess,
or have a gun, other firearm, or ammunition while the
order is in effect. If you have a gun or other firearm in
your immediate possession or control, you must sell it to,
or store it with, a licensed gun dealer, or turn it in to a law
enforcement agency. You must also prove to the court that
you turned in or sold your gun. Read Form DV-800-
INFO, How Do I Turn In, Sell, or Store My Firearms?, for
more information.
What if I am deaf or hard of hearing?
DV-120-INFO, Page 2 of 2
How Can I Respond to a Request for
Domestic Violence Restraining Order?
(Domestic Violence Prevention)
How Can I Respond to a Request for Domestic Violence
Restraining Order?
DV-120-INFO
Do I need a lawyer?
You are not entitled to a free court-appointed lawyer for
this case but having a lawyer represent you or getting
legal advice from a lawyer is a good idea, especially if
you have children. If you cannot afford a lawyer, you can
represent yourself. There is free or low-cost help available
in every county. For help, ask the court clerk how to find
free or low-cost legal services and self-help centers in
your area. You can also get free help with child support at
your local family law facilitator's office.
office or go to www.courts.ca.gov/forms for Request for
Accommodations by Persons With Disabilities and
Response (Form MC-410). (Civ. Code, § 54.8.)
Assistive listening systems, computer-
assisted real-time captioning, or sign
language interpreter services
are available if you ask at least five days
before the proceeding. Contact the clerks’
Can I use the restraining order to get
divorced or terminate a domestic
partnership?
No. These forms will not end your marriage or registered
domestic partnership. You must file other forms to end
your marriage or registered domestic partnership.
What if I have children with the other
person?
The judge can make temporary orders for child custody
and visitation. If the judge makes a temporary order for
child custody, the parent with custody may not remove
the child from California before notice to the other parent
and a court hearing. Read the order for any other
restrictions. There may be some exceptions. Ask a
lawyer for more information.
What if I want to leave the county or state?
You must still comply with the restraining order,
including custody and visitation orders. The restraining
order is valid anywhere in the United States.
Will I see the person who asked for the
order at the court hearing?
Yes. Assume that the person who is asking for the order
will attend the hearing. Do not talk to him or her unless
the judge or that person's attorney says that you can. Any
temporary restraining order made by the court is in effect
until the end of the hearing.
What if I am a victim of domestic violence?
For a referral to a local domestic violence or legal
assistance program, call the National Domestic Violence
Hotline:
For help in your area, contact:
1-800-799-7233
TDD: 1-800-787-3224
It’s free and private.
They can help you in more than 100 languages.
[Local information may be inserted]
What if I need a restraining order against
the other person?
Do not use this form to request a domestic violence
restraining order. For information on how to file your
own restraining order, read Form DV-505-INFO. You
can also ask the court clerk about free or low-cost legal
help.
For your protection and privacy, please press the Clear
This Form button after you have printed the form.
