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Divorce prep · California
Protective orders for domestic violence in California
A judge decides quickly whether to grant temporary protection (a temporary restraining order). A long-term domestic violence restraining order can last up to 5 years. The person you want protection from must be served with the court papers. There is no fee to ask the court to renew your order.
Educational only. Not legal advice. Sources checked November 2, 2026.
What the official sources say
- A judge decides quickly whether to grant temporary protection (a temporary restraining order). California Courts Self-Help Guide: Domestic Violence Restraining Orders. Checked November 2, 2026
- A long-term domestic violence restraining order can last up to 5 years. California Courts Self-Help Guide: Domestic Violence Restraining Orders. Checked November 2, 2026
- The person you want protection from must be served with the court papers. California Courts Self-Help Guide: Domestic Violence Restraining Orders. Checked November 2, 2026
- There is no fee to ask the court to renew your order. California Courts Self-Help Guide: Renew a Domestic Violence Restraining Order. Checked November 2, 2026
Official links
- California Courts Self-Help Guide: Domestic Violence Restraining Orders
- California Courts Self-Help Guide: Renew a Domestic Violence Restraining Order
How to keep these papers
Keep dated copies of the papers you already have in one place, and write the day something happened on the same day. KeepMyProof is a private phone app for that: folders with checklists, the day it happened next to the day you saved it, and one PDF of a folder when someone asks.
- Bank, retirement and debt statements
- Pay stubs and tax returns
- Household bills and expenses
- Home, car and property papers
- Agreements and court papers you have
- Messages sent to you
- Co-parenting log: dated handoff and visit notes
Download the free printable checklist (PDF)
One page, no email needed.
Coming soon to Google Play.
More for California
- How child support works in California
- Child custody and parenting plans in California
- How to get a copy of your divorce record in California
- Divorce residency rules and where to file in California
- Divorce document checklist: the full guide
- Protective orders for domestic violence: all states
Neighbouring states
- Protective orders for domestic violence in Arizona
- Protective orders for domestic violence in Nevada
- Protective orders for domestic violence in Arkansas
- Protective orders for domestic violence in Colorado
Questions
Where do these California facts come from?
Each fact on this page is copied from an official source: California Courts Self-Help Guide: Domestic Violence Restraining Orders; California Courts Self-Help Guide: Renew a Domestic Violence Restraining Order. We checked that each source still says it on November 2, 2026. Rules and forms change, so open the official link and read the current version before you rely on it.
Is this legal advice?
No. This page is educational only and is not legal advice. KeepMyProof is not a law firm. For advice about your situation, ask a lawyer licensed in California or your court's self-help center.
Which papers should I keep for divorce prep?
A good start: Bank, retirement and debt statements; Pay stubs and tax returns; Household bills and expenses; Home, car and property papers; Agreements and court papers you have; Messages sent to you; Co-parenting log: dated handoff and visit notes. Keep only papers you are allowed to have, write the date on each note, and keep originals somewhere safe.
How can I keep these papers private on my phone?
KeepMyProof keeps copies of the papers you already have in folders with checklists, encrypted on your phone, with no account and no ads. It is free for the first items you save. It is coming soon to Google Play.
Educational only. Not legal advice.