how to file a restraining order without an attorney in torrance, ca

by Prof. Federico Gleichner III 6 min read

To file for a restraining order you (or your attorney) will need to fill out a number of forms and submit them to the court. These forms require you to document: who is to be protected, including family or household members,

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How do I file a temporary restraining order in California?

Oct 18, 2018 · To file for a restraining order you (or your attorney) will need to fill out a number of forms and submit them to the court. These forms require you to document: who is to be protected, including family or household members, who you are filing the order against, any history of restraining orders or court cases between the two parties,

Do I need a lawyer to get a restraining order?

Filing for a temporary restraining order in Torrance, CA requires going to court and providing evidence of harassment or threats of violence against you. Working with a dedicated family lawyer will help ensure that your petition is given the consideration it deserves in the courtroom and that you have favorable representation in any hearings.

What does it mean to file a restraining order in court?

How can I obtain a restraining order? For those in the Torrance area restraining orders are obtained at the Torrance Superior Court, 825 Maple Ave., Torrance. The public should go to the 5th floor of the courthouse to an office outside the far north courtroom.

How do I get a restraining order for elder abuse in California?

In the California legal system, a restraining order prevents a specific person from harassing, abusing, stalking, or threatening another person. The party that is protected is known as the protected person.The other party (e.g., the abuser) is known as the restrained person.Restraining orders are also referred to as “protective orders.” California law recognizes four types of …

How do I file a restraining order in Torrance CA?

If you want to obtain a restraining order to prevent domestic violence, you may go to the Torrance Courthouse located at 825 Maple Avenue, Torrance, or call (310) 787-3697.

How much does it cost to file a restraining order in California?

Generally, you must pay a $395.00 fee to file the Request. If the harassment has included violence or threats of violence, however, there is no filing fee pursuant to California Code of Civil Procedure section 527.6(p).Jan 2, 2022

What proof do you need for a restraining order in California?

Anyone seeking such an order must be prepared to present some evidence in addition to their own written statements and testimony in Court. This standard means that the Court must see photographs, text messages, e-mails or any other physical evidence that can support claims made by the Petitioner.Feb 1, 2017

How do you file a restraining order in California?

To serve your papers, follow these steps:Figure out WHEN you have to serve your papers by. You will have to serve the papers on the restrained person by the deadline the judge writes on your papers. ... Serve your papers on the restrained person. ... File your proof of service.

How does a restraining order work?

To get a Restraining Order, you must prove to the Court at the hearing that you have been a victim of harassment, first degree, harassment, second degree, or stalking by the Defendant. The judge will decide whether to grant you a Restraining Order at the end of the hearing.

What is a Clets form?

“CLETS” is an acronym for the California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System. ... CLETS information can only be accessed by authorized law enforcement and criminal justice personnel. Any information obtained from the system can be used for “official use” only.Jul 23, 2020

How long is a restraining order in California?

After having a court hearing, a judge can grant you a “restraining order after hearing” that can last up to five years. However, if there is no termination date on the order, the order will last three years from the date it was issued.Feb 16, 2022

How long is a permanent restraining order in California?

five yearsHow long does a court order last? The maximum length of a restraining order is five years from the court date or court hearing date upon which the order was issued.

How long does it take to get a temporary restraining order in California?

A temporary restraining order can be granted the day you take your forms to the court, but the process usually takes up to 1 business day. A court hearing may be held the day you filed to issue the TRO.Nov 16, 2020

Are California restraining orders public record?

Generally speaking, restraining orders are public record in California. Unless they have been sealed for some reason, like any other court order or document, a restraining order, or protective order as they are otherwise known, are a matter of public record.Oct 19, 2020

How much does a restraining order cost?

It doesn't cost you anything – there's no application fee for filing a restraining order in the District Court. However, if you use a lawyer, you'll need to pay the lawyer's fees.

Does a restraining order go on your record in California?

Does A Restraining Order Show Up In A Record Check? Yes, in most situations. ... This means they are entered into the California criminal database, known as CLETS, "California Law Enforcement Telecommunications System", often called a "rap sheet".

How to serve a restrained person?

To serve your papers, follow these steps: 1. Figure out WHEN you have to serve your papers by. You will have to serve the papers on the restrained person by the deadline the judge writes on your papers. This is so that the restrained person has a few days to respond to your papers and prepare for court.

What is a domestic partner?

married or registered domestic partners, divorced or separated, dating or used to date, living together or used to live together, parents together of a child, OR. closely related (parent, child, brother, sister, grandmother, grandfather, in-law). You get legal help from a local domestic violence agency in your county.

What is the term for the person who delivers the paperwork to the other side?

"Serving" means that the other side must get copies of any paper you file with the court. In “service” a third person (NOT you) is the one who actually delivers the paperwork to the other side. The person who does this is called the “server” or “process server.”

What is the Department of Health Care Services?

Department of Health Care Services#N#DHCS oversees comprehensive health care, including mental health and drug treatment programs, for about 13 million Californians—nearly one-third of the state's population. Our largest program is Medi-Cal, the backbone of California's health-care safety net.

Can you extend a temporary restraining order?

If the restrained person was not served, you can ask the judge to extend the temporary restraining order until a new court date to give you more time to serve your papers. Read How to Ask for a New Hearing Date ( Form DV-115-INFO) for detailed instructions.

Where to get a car released in Torrance CA?

You must obtain a vehicle release from the Torrance Police Department at 3300 Civic Center Drive, Records Division (310) 618-5529. The vehicle will only be released to the registered owner. If you are not the registered owner, you will need to obtain a notarized letter authorizing release of the vehicle to you.

What is the purpose of a court proceeding?

The court proceeding provides an impartial forum where both sides of the case can be heard and the truth determined.

What is the 3 second rule?

The three (3) second rule will allow you to easily judge this distance. The three second rule indicates that if you see the vehicle in front of you pass a object (i.e. cross walk line, light pole, etc.) you should not pass that same object in less than three seconds. 21453 (a) VC. Failing to stop for red signal lights.

How long can a vehicle be impounded?

The Watch Commander cannot release a vehicle impounded for 30 days.

How long does it take to report an accident to the DMV?

Each driver must make a report to DMV within 10 days, whether you caused the accident or not and even if the accident occurred on private property. Mail the completed report form to the address on the form. You can read the California Driver Handbook "Reporting The Accident To DMV" for additional information.

Can you carry a concealed weapon in California?

California has strict restrictions on the criteria to carry a concealed firearm, however the Chief of Police may in certain circumstances issue a permit to a resident of the City of Torrance.

Can you tint your car in California?

The main requirements for legal window tinting in California are: The windshield and front driver's side and passenger's side windows cannot receive any aftermarket tinting. If the rear window of a vehicle is tinted, the vehicle must have outside rearview mirrors on both sides.

What is a restraining order in California?

In the California legal system, a restraining order prevents a specific person from harassing, abusing, stalking, or threatening another person. The party that is protected is known as the “ protected person .”. The other party (e.g., the abuser) is known as the “ restrained person .”. Restraining orders are also referred to as “ protective orders ...

How long does a temporary restraining order last?

Note that a temporary restraining order, or “TRO,” (see Section 6), may last only a few months. A TRO is usually granted ex parte and prior to a permanent one. 9. Further, an emergency protective order, or “EPO,” lasts up to five business days or seven calendar days.

How long are protective orders valid in California?

workplace violence. California protective orders can remain in effect for up to five years. Some, though, will only be valid for months or even days. Examples of these types include: temporary restraining orders, and. emergency protective orders.

What is an emergency protective order?

emergency protective orders. A violation of a protective order is a crime per California Penal Code section 273.6 PC. The crime is charged as a misdemeanor (as opposed to a California felony or an infraction ). The offense is typically punishable by: imprisonment in the county jail for up to one year, and/or.

What is a protective order?

threats of violence. 1. In addition, a protective order can include terms for: personal conduct orders that stop the restrained party from committing certain acts (e.g., making phone calls, harassing, threatening, destroying personal property, and assaulting the protected party).

How old do you have to be to get an elder abuse restraining order?

A person can ask for an elder abuse or dependent abuse restraining order if: the person is 65 years of age or older (or is between 18 and 64 years of age with certain mental and physical disabilities), and. the person is a victim of abuse, neglect, physical injury, or deprivation by a caregiver. 5. 2.3.

What is civil harassment?

Civil harassment. A person can ask for a civil harassment restraining order if: the person is being harassed, stalked, abused, or threatened by someone else, and. the person is not in a close relationship with the restrained party (as with domestic violence restraining orders). 6. 2.4.

What is a restraining order?

A restraining order is issued by a judge. It prohibits an individual from coming near the person protected by the order. A restraining order can limit the restrained party from contacting or communicating with the protected person. Restraining orders are a critical device individuals can use if they have experienced physical or mental abuse.

What happens if you violate a restraining order?

If the restrained person violates the order, then he or she can be fined, jailed, or both. A restraining order can order a person to: Not contact you or any household member. Not go near you, your children, or others who live with you, regardless of where you go.

How long does a temporary restraining order last?

TROs typically last only for a few weeks, after which they will either expire or be replaced by the full restraining order.

Where to go after filling out family law forms?

After you have completed the forms, you should visit the family law facilitator or self-help center at your courthouse and have your forms reviewed. You want to file a complete set of forms that have been filled out accurately.

Can an employer seek a restraining order?

Only an employer can seek a workplace restraining order. The order is sought to protect an employee from violence or a credible threat of violence if the violence was carried out in the workplace or could reasonably be carried out there.

What is civil harassment?

Civil harassment is stalking, sexual assault, abuse, threats of abuse, or serious harassment by someone you have not dated and not had a close relationship with. Civil harassment is also abuse from a family member who is not included in the list under domestic violence.

Do you have to pay a filing fee for a petition?

You may have to pay a filing fee. If the petition claims that there has been violence or threats of violence against the employee, then you probably do not have to pay a fee. In other situations, you might. If you cannot afford the fee, ask for a fee waiver.

How to get a temporary restraining order in California?

1. Get the court-approved forms. California provides fill-in-the-blank forms that you can use to request that a judge issue a temporary restraining order (TRO). There's no need to draft complicated court documents, and typically you don't need an attorney.

How long does a restraining order last?

Give copies to friends or family members as well as anyone included as a "protected person" in your restraining order. Keep in mind that even though this order is called "permanent," it's not really permanent in the sense that it lasts forever. However, it does typically last for several years and can be renewed.

How to get an EPO?

1. Go to the nearest police station. An emergency protective order (EPO) is issued by a police officer at any time, day or night, and is effective immediately. While typically an officer will issue an EPO when responding to a domestic violence call, you also can request one at a police station.

How long does it take to get a TRO?

A judge will review your request and issue a TRO within 24 hours. Make enough copies that you have one for your records and one to distribute anywhere you frequent, such as your school or workplace. If you speak to a judge when you file your request, you may receive your order the same day.

How old do you have to be to serve a TRO?

To serve the restrained person, you must have someone over the age of 18 who has nothing to do with your case hand-deliver the form to them.

How to speak to a judge?

When you present your case, speak only to the judge. Try to speak loudly and slowly, in a calm and clear voice. The person you want restrained may shout at you or try to distract you.

How long does a TRO last?

If a permanent order is issued, it will last between one and five years. The judge may issue your order from the bench.

Domestic Violence & Restraining Orders in Torrance

Domestic violence charges are extremely serious. Whether you are the victim of domestic abuse or if you have been accused of violence or neglect in your home, you need to get tough legal representation on your side to ensure that your rights and interests are protected in a court of law.

How Domestic Violence Affects a Family Law Case

If you've been the victim of domestic violence, we are prepared to provide you with the counsel and advocacy you need to achieve resolution and put an end to a dangerous situation. We can review your case and help you take the immediate steps necessary to protect yourself and your children.

Custody and Support Orders Influenced by Domestic Violence Allegations

Accusations of domestic violence can lead to severe consequences. You could face a restraining order and lose your rights to custody of your children or even be banned from entering your home. You should take legal action immediately to make sure that your rights are guarded if you have been falsely accused of abuse or neglect in your home.

How long does a restraining order last?

The order you have now only lasts for about 3 weeks. Serve the Restraining Order forms. The forms can be served by someone you know, a process server, or the Sheriff. If you are going to use someone you know, that person must be over 18 and not protected by the restraining order.

What is a process server?

A "process server" is a business you pay to deliver court forms such as restraining orders to the other party. You can search the telephone book or Internet for information on process servers to assist you. File your Proof of Service.