Determine the type of restraining order you need: domestic violence, civil harassment, workplace violence, elder or dependent adult abuse, or gun violence
Get the correct court forms from the California Courts website or your local courthouse
Fill out the forms with specific details about the abuse, threats, harassment, or violence
Include dates, locations, incidents, witnesses, photos, texts, emails, voicemails, police reports, or medical records if available
File the completed forms with the superior court in the county where you live or where the abuse occurred
Ask the clerk for a temporary restraining order if you need immediate protection
Have the restrained person legally served with the filed papers and any temporary orders
File proof of service with the court
Attend the court hearing on the scheduled date
Bring copies of all evidence and any witnesses if needed
Ask the judge to issue a permanent restraining order
Keep copies of the signed order with you at all times
Give copies of the order to your workplace, school, landlord, or other relevant places
Call 911 if the restrained person violates the order
Renew or modify the order before it expires if needed