California Domestic Violence Restraining Orders (DVRO)

California's Domestic Violence Prevention Act (Fam. Code § 6200 et seq.) lets people in covered relationships seek a restraining order. 'Abuse' is broader than physical injury (§ 6203), and a DVRO can order no-contact, stay-away, move-out, and address custody, support, and firearm restrictions.

This is general information, not legal advice. Talk to a California attorney about how these rules apply to your situation. If you’re in immediate danger, call 911.

A domestic violence restraining order (DVRO) is a court order meant to protect someone from abuse by a person they have a close relationship with.

Who it covers

DVROs come from the Domestic Violence Prevention Act (DVPA), Fam. Code § 6200 et seq. “Domestic violence” means abuse against someone in a covered relationship (Fam. Code § 6211): a spouse or former spouse, a cohabitant or former cohabitant, a dating or engagement partner, a co-parent, a child of a party, or someone related within the second degree (like a parent, sibling, or grandparent).

What “abuse” means

Abuse is broader than physical injury (Fam. Code § 6203). It includes intentionally or recklessly causing or attempting bodily injury, sexual assault, placing someone in reasonable apprehension of imminent serious bodily injury, and behavior that can be enjoined under § 6320 — including harassment, stalking, threats, and disturbing the peace.

What an order can do

A DVRO can order no-contact and stay-away provisions, a move-out (“kick-out”) order, and can address child custody, support, and firearm restrictions while it’s in effect. The California Courts self-help center has the forms and step-by-step process.

How it connects

A DVRO can decide child custody on a temporary basis, and protective issues often arise alongside a divorce.

To get matched with a local California restraining-order attorney, connect with a lawyer.

Frequently asked questions

Who can get a domestic violence restraining order in California?

Someone abused by a person in a covered relationship: a spouse or former spouse, a cohabitant or former cohabitant, a dating or engagement partner, a co-parent, a child of a party, or someone related within the second degree (Fam. Code § 6211).

Does 'abuse' have to be physical?

No. Under Fam. Code § 6203, abuse is broader than physical injury. It includes intentionally or recklessly causing or attempting bodily injury, sexual assault, placing someone in reasonable fear of imminent serious bodily injury, and behavior that can be enjoined under § 6320 — harassment, stalking, threats, or disturbing the peace.

What can a DVRO order?

A DVRO can order no-contact and stay-away provisions, a move-out ('kick-out') order, and can address child custody, support, and firearm restrictions while it's in effect.

Related guides

California Child Custody: Legal vs. Physical & Best Interest California splits custody into legal (decision-making) and physical (where the child lives), each of which can be joint or sole. Courts decide by the child's best interest, weighing § 3011 factors like health, safety, and abuse history. The court cannot prefer a parent based on sex, gender, or sexual orientation.

California Child Support: The Guideline Formula California sets child support with a statewide uniform guideline formula (Fam. Code § 4055) based on both parents' incomes and timeshare. A major reform (SB 343) became operative September 1, 2024, changing how income is allocated and the low-income adjustment. Use the official Judicial Council calculator and confirm the current statute.

California Divorce: No-Fault Grounds, Residency & Timeline California is a pure no-fault state. Almost every divorce rests on 'irreconcilable differences' (Fam. Code § 2310). You must be a California resident six months and a county resident three months before filing (§ 2320), and a divorce can't be final until at least six months after the respondent is served or appears (§ 2339).

California Parentage: Establishing Legal Parents California's Uniform Parentage Act (Fam. Code § 7600 et seq.) governs establishing the legal parent-child relationship. A Voluntary Declaration of Parentage (§ 7570 et seq.) signed by both parents has the force of a judgment. Parentage is the legal predicate for custody, visitation, and child support.

California Property Division: Community Property California is a community property state. Property acquired during the marriage (Fam. Code § 760) is generally divided equally — 50/50 — absent a written agreement (§ 2550). Separate property owned before marriage or received by gift or inheritance (§ 770) isn't divided. This differs from equitable-distribution states.

California Spousal Support: Factors & the 10-Year Rule California has temporary support during a case and long-term support at judgment. Long-term support is set by the Fam. Code § 4320 factors, not a formula. Under § 4336, a marriage of 10+ years is presumed 'of long duration' so the court retains jurisdiction indefinitely — but that's not an automatic right to lifetime support.