Get Safe. Get Orders. Get Your Life Back.

Urgent Help (24/7)

If a child is missing or at risk: call police, then NCMEC 1-800-THE-LOST. Document times, names, screenshots—everything.

First Moves (Today)

• Go-folder: IDs, kids’ birth certs, insurance, meds, keys, cash cards, spare phone.
• Tell school/childcare: who can/can’t pick up; give them any orders you have.
• Code word: agree on a phrase that means “come get me now.”
• Timeline: 1 page — date → what happened → witness → exhibit.

What a DVRO Can Do (California)

• No contact/harassment/stalking; **stay-away** from home/work/school.
• **Move-out** orders; protect pets, vehicles, phones.
• **Firearm surrender**; no possession during the order.
• Temporary **custody/visitation** and **no-abduction** clauses.
• Sometimes **temporary support**—ask at hearing.

How to File a DVRO (Step-by-Step)

1. Complete: DV-100 (Request). If kids are involved, attach FL-311/FL-341.
2. File with clerk: ask for **DV-110 Temporary Order** + hearing date (**DV-109**). No fee.
3. Copies: get certified; keep paper + phone photos.
4. Serve personally: Sheriff or adult 18+ (not you) serves DV-100/DV-109/DV-110.
5. Prep for hearing: build your Evidence Kit and a 2-minute statement.

Serve Safely (Timing & Proof)

• Serve at least 5 calendar days before hearing (unless ordered otherwise).
• Use **Sheriff** when possible (safer; typically free).
• File DV-200 Proof of Personal Service.
• If service fails: DV-115 Request to Continue + DV-116 Order.

Hearing Day (What to Say)

Your Honor, I’m requesting a restraining order due to an ongoing pattern of abuse.
On [dates], the respondent [specific acts: threats/violence/stalking/harassment].
Exhibits A–C show texts/photos/police/medical records. I’m requesting no contact, stay-away,
firearm surrender, move-out, and temporary custody orders for the child’s safety.

Evidence Kit (Prove a Pattern)

• Timeline: date → what happened → witness → exhibit.
• Screenshots: show date/time; label clearly.
• Third-party proof: police reports, ER/clinic notes, therapist letters.

Tech Safety (Lock It Down)

• Turn off location sharing; check “shared with” lists.
• New email for filings; change all passwords; enable 2FA.
• Update devices; scan for stalkerware.

Need-to-Know (Savage & True)

• Short wins: “Fact → Exhibit → Order requested.”
• Patterns beat stories: one clean page with dates + exhibits.
• Interpreter: request one; ADA via MC-410.
• Find My Court: courts.ca.gov/find-my-court.htm

Official DV Forms (Judicial Council PDFs)