The cost of a restraining order in California depends on the type, whether you use professional help, and whether you qualify for a fee waiver.
Filing Fees by Type
| Type | Filing Fee |
| Domestic Violence (DVRO) | Free — No filing fee |
| Civil Harassment (CHRO) | $435 |
| Elder Abuse | Free — No filing fee |
| Workplace Violence | $435 |
Total Cost Breakdown
| Cost Item | DVRO | CHRO |
| Filing fee | $0 | $435 |
| Process server | $0–$150 | $50–$150 |
| Document preparation | $499–$799 | $499–$799 |
| Attorney (if hired) | $2,000–$5,000 | $2,000–$5,000 |
| Total (with doc prep) | $499–$949 | $984–$1,384 |
| Total (with attorney) | $2,000–$5,150 | $2,485–$5,585 |
Free Filing for Domestic Violence
California does NOT charge a filing fee for Domestic Violence Restraining Orders. This means the only costs are: – Process server — Can be free through the Sheriff’s department for DV cases – Document preparation — Optional but recommended
A DVRO can literally cost $0 out of pocket if you prepare the forms yourself and use the Sheriff for service.
Fee Waivers for Civil Harassment
If you can’t afford the $435 CHRO filing fee, you may qualify for a fee waiver. File Form FW-001 with your petition. You qualify if: – You receive public assistance (CalWORKs, SSI, Medi-Cal, SNAP) – Your household income is 125% or less of the federal poverty level – You can’t pay court costs and still afford basic necessities
Why Professional Document Preparation Is Worth It
Your restraining order petition is your one chance to convince a judge that protection is needed. A well-prepared petition with detailed, organized descriptions of incidents is dramatically more likely to be granted than a hastily completed form.
Superior Court Docs ensures every form is complete, properly formatted, and presents your case as clearly as possible. Starting at $499.
📞 (213) 973-7248 or get started.
Related: California Restraining Orders Guide | Types of Restraining Orders
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