Domestic violence restraining orders in Los Angeles, California
This page is for people in Los Angeles County who need protection from abuse by a partner, ex-partner or close relative. It explains who can ask, how fast a temporary order is decided, and the hearing, and links to licensed lawyers with family law on record. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
Who can ask[1]
A domestic violence restraining order can protect you from someone you have dated or had an intimate relationship with, including a spouse or domestic partner, or from a relative such as a child, parent, sibling or grandparent, including in-laws.
Cost and timing[1][2]
There is no court fee to ask for a domestic violence restraining order, and you do not need a lawyer. After you turn in the forms, a judge decides on a temporary order the same day or by the next business day.
The hearing[3]
The court sets a hearing within 21 days after the temporary order is granted or denied (25 days if the court finds good cause), where both sides can be heard and the judge decides on a longer order.
Steps to take[1][4]
- Fill out the request forms using the court's self-help guide.
- File them with the Los Angeles Superior Court.
- Have the other person served before the hearing, and attend the hearing.
Lawyers in Los Angeles, California
The directory lists 9,698 lawyers with an active California license and an office of record in Los Angeles, California; 242 of them have Family Law as a practice area on record (listed in the directory's source file; origin not confirmed, not a certification).
A license record shows a lawyer may practice. It does not show experience with a specific kind of case.
You can check any lawyer's license yourself with the State Bar of California lookup.
State Bar of California license lookup · Browse these lawyers in the directory
Questions
Does it cost money to get a restraining order?[1][2]
No. There is no court fee for a domestic violence restraining order.
How fast can I get protection?[1]
The judge decides on a temporary order the same day or by the next business day after you file.
You choose which lawyer to contact and what to share. Nothing you type is sent to a lawyer without your say-so.
Sources
- Domestic violence restraining orders, Judicial Branch of California (official). Checked 2026-10-30.
- California Family Code section 6222 (no filing fee), California Legislature (official). Checked 2026-10-30.
- California Family Code section 242 (hearing timing), California Legislature (official). Checked 2026-10-30.
- Superior Court of Los Angeles County, Superior Court of Los Angeles County (official). Checked 2026-10-30.
This page is general information, not legal advice, and reading it does not create a lawyer-client relationship. Laws change and every situation is different. Check the official sources linked here and talk to a licensed lawyer about your facts.
Reviewed and last updated 2026-10-31. To report an error, write to notices@esqcopilot.com.