Marin: Filing a Domestic Violence Restraining Order

HelpSelf's county-specific resources will help you file a domestic violence restraining order (DVRO) in your county. This article explains how to file a DVRO in Marin County.

• Where to file:

You can file your papers in person at:Marin County Superior Court3501 Civic Center DriveSan Rafael, CA 94903

• Who can help review my paperwork?

Self-Help Services and the Family and Children's Law Center can help review your paperwork. You can contact them at:Legal Self Help Services, (415) 444-7130Civic Center, Hall of Justice, Room C-27, San Rafael, CAFamily and Children's Law Center, (415) 492-923030 North San Pedro Road, Suite 245, San Rafael, CA

• How do I file my forms?
• (1) File your forms in person with the court at the Clerk's Office in Room 113. File before 10:30 am if you want your forms back the same day.
• (2) Pick up your restraining order from the Clerk's Office in Room 113 between 1:30 pm and 2:30 pm.
• If you file your papers with the court before 10:30 am, your papers will be ready the same day between 1:30-2:30 pm.
• If you file your papers after 10:30 am, your papers will be ready the next day between 1:30-2:30 pm.

• Do I have to give notice to the Respondent before I file my temporary restraining order forms?

No. Marin does not require you to give notice to the Respondent before filing your initial temporary restraining order forms.But remember, you will still need to serve the document on the Respondent at least 5 days before the hearing date listed on your DV-109.Also, there are no local Marin County DVRO forms.

• Who can serve my papers on Respondent?

Respondent must be served at least five days before the hearing. The Sheriff's office will serve your papers for free. You can also have someone over the age of 18 who is not party to the case hand-deliver the documents to the person to be restrained. More information here.