If you’ve been served with a restraining order in Orange County, you have no time to lose. Hearings are scheduled within weeks, and one mistake can cost you your home, your children, your career, and even your freedom. You need an experienced Orange County restraining order lawyer to act fast and protect your rights.
Call Power Trial Lawyers today at (888) 808-2179 for a confidential consultation.
Orange County is known for moving restraining order cases quickly and strictly enforcing compliance—especially with firearms surrender and custody restrictions. Judges across OC courthouses expect fully prepared evidence and responses at the first hearing.
A restraining order in Orange County can affect:
Applies to spouses, exes, co-parents, and dating partners. Judges issue DVROs based on “reasonable proof” of past abuse. Orders can last up to five years, with renewals possible.
For neighbors, coworkers, acquaintances, or strangers. The petitioner must prove harassment by clear and convincing evidence.
Filed by employers on behalf of employees alleging threats or violence.
Protects seniors and dependent adults from abuse, neglect, or financial exploitation.
Focuses specifically on firearm removal. Emergency GVROs last up to 21 days, with extensions possible for up to five years.
Restraining order hearings in Orange County are centralized but can be heard at multiple locations depending on the case type.
| Type | Who Can File | Legal Standard | Court Division | Duration | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DVRO | Spouse, partner, co-parent, household member | Reasonable proof of past abuse | Family Court (Lamoreaux, others) | Up to 5 years, renewable | Custody restrictions, firearm surrender, move-out orders |
| CHRO | Neighbor, roommate, coworker, acquaintance, stranger | Clear and convincing evidence | Civil Court (Central, North, Harbor, West) | Up to 5 years | Stay-away/contact bans, firearm restrictions |
| WVRO | Employer for employee | Threats, violence, credible risk | Civil Court | Up to 3 years | Protects workplace, may include firearm restrictions |
| Elder/Dependent Adult | Elder (65+) or dependent adult | Abuse, neglect, financial exploitation | Civil Court | Up to 5 years | Protects vulnerable adults, financial and physical protections |
| GVRO | Law enforcement, family, household | Significant risk of harm if firearms retained | Civil Court | 21 days to 5 years | Prohibits firearm ownership/possession |
| Criminal Protective Order | Prosecutor during criminal case | Criminal case-related risk | Criminal Court (Central, branch courts) | Duration of case/probation | Prohibits contact, firearms, custody impact |
Day 1
Within 48 Hours
One Week Before Hearing
Hearing Day
How long does it take to get a restraining order in Orange County?
Temporary orders are often granted the same day a petition is filed. Final hearings are usually within three weeks.
Which courthouse will my case be heard in?
It depends on your location and the type of restraining order. Central Justice Center and Lamoreaux are the primary locations, but North, Harbor, and West also hear restraining order cases.
What happens if I ignore a restraining order?
Violating the order—even accidentally—can result in your arrest and criminal prosecution.
Do I have to give up my guns?
Yes, if the order requires it. You must file proof with the court to avoid criminal penalties.
Can restraining orders affect custody?
Yes. A domestic violence finding creates a legal presumption against granting custody to the restrained person.
Every day counts in a restraining order case. Do not wait. Judges in Orange County move quickly, and your defense must be prepared early. Submit a contact submission for a consultation with a qualified lawyer.
Call Power Trial Lawyers at (888) 808-2179 today for an immediate confidential consultation.