Restraining Orders in Los Angeles County

I. Understanding Restraining Orders in Los Angeles County

When you’re facing harassment, abuse, or threats—or if you’ve been falsely accused—a restraining order is more than just a piece of paper. It’s a powerful legal tool that can alter where you live, whether you see your children, and even your ability to possess firearms.

In Los Angeles County, restraining orders are governed by California Code of Civil Procedure § 527.6, Family Code §§ 6200–6409, and other relevant statutes depending on the type of protective order.

At Power Trial Lawyers, we help clients obtain or challenge restraining orders strategically, discreetly, and effectively, offering hands-on representation in courts across the county—from Stanley Mosk in Downtown LA to Long Beach, Van Nuys, and Compton.

II. Types of Restraining Orders in LA County (And Who They Protect)

California offers four main types of restraining orders, each designed for different relational contexts and threats. Understanding which applies is the first step toward success in court.

1. Domestic Violence Restraining Orders (DVROs)

For individuals abused by a:

• Spouse or ex-spouse
• Dating partner or ex-partner
• Parent, sibling, or child
• Cohabitant (current or former)

DVROs may include emergency protection, custody orders, move-out orders, and firearm prohibitions. They are often filed in family law departments within LA County Superior Court.

2. Civil Harassment Restraining Orders (CHROs)

For abuse, stalking, or credible threats from:

• Neighbors
• Roommates
• Acquaintances
• Former friends
• Online harassers

CHROs are common in multi-unit housing conflicts, business disputes, and social media-based threats. They’re filed in civil court, not family court.

3. Elder or Dependent Adult Restraining Orders (EHROs)

For individuals age 65+ or adults with disabilities who are:

• Physically or financially abused
• Neglected or isolated
• Manipulated or coerced

These are often used in nursing home abuse and financial exploitation cases, especially where caretakers or family members are involved.

4. Gun Violence Restraining Orders (GVROs)

Allows family or law enforcement to request that a judge temporarily remove firearms from someone posing a danger. These are especially common in cases involving:

• Mental health crises
• Threats of mass violence
• Domestic disturbances with gun ownership

Need help identifying the right type of order? Speak with a trusted Los Angeles restraining order lawyer today at (213) 800-7664.

III. Where to File a Restraining Order in Los Angeles County

Los Angeles County has over a dozen courthouses, each handling restraining orders based on geographic jurisdiction and case type (civil or family). Filing in the correct court is critical to avoid delays or dismissal.

Most Active LA Restraining Order Courthouses:

• Stanley Mosk Courthouse (Central LA) – Primary civil & family filings
• Compton Courthouse – High-volume DVRO filings
• Long Beach Courthouse – South Bay & coastal cases
• Van Nuys Courthouse East – San Fernando Valley protection orders
• Pasadena Courthouse – Handles East/Northeast LA DV & CHRO matters
• Pomona, West Covina, Inglewood, Torrance, Lancaster – Region-specific filings

Some courthouses only accept e-filing, while others still require in-person appearances for ex parte orders.

IV. Filing Process: How to Get a Restraining Order in Los Angeles

Obtaining a restraining order in Los Angeles can be fast, but the legal process is nuanced and paperwork-heavy. Here’s a breakdown of the critical steps:

1. Initial Forms and Case Assessment

• Complete Judicial Council forms: Request for Order, Confidential CLETS info, declarations
• Identify if emergency ex parte relief is needed
• File at the appropriate courthouse

2. Emergency or Temporary Restraining Order (TRO)

• Issued same day in most cases
• Protects the applicant until the full hearing
• Can include move-out, no-contact, custody orders

3. Service of Process

• Respondent must be personally served
• Use Sheriff or registered process server
• Must meet statutory deadlines for valid service

4. Court Hearing

• Typically scheduled within 21–25 days
• Both parties may present evidence, witnesses, and testimony
• Judges expect clear documentation and credible proof

5. Permanent Order Decision

• Lasts up to 5 years
• Can be renewed indefinitely if abuse is likely to resume
• May impact custody, immigration, employment, and gun rights

V. What to Expect at Your Restraining Order Hearing

LA County judges handle thousands of restraining order cases annually—and they can spot weak or malicious claimsimmediately. Whether you’re requesting protection or responding to an accusation, courtroom strategy matters.

Key Elements Judges Consider:

• Timeline of events (specificity)
• Credibility and demeanor
• Police reports or lack thereof
• Injuries, texts, voicemails, and witness declarations
• Whether the protected party is truly afraid

Having an experienced Los Angeles restraining order lawyer argue your case can significantly shift the court’s perception and the outcome.

VI. Defending Against a Restraining Order in LA County

If you’ve been served with a restraining order, the consequences can be life-altering:

• You may be forced to move out
• You’ll lose your firearm rights immediately
• You may lose custody rights or visitation access
• It will appear on background checks

At Power Trial Lawyers, we handle:

• False or retaliatory restraining order claims
• Misunderstood family disputes
• High-conflict divorces
• Allegations based on vague or unprovable claims

We fight to get unjust restraining orders dismissed or significantly limited in scope.

VII. Why Hire Power Trial Lawyers for Your Restraining Order Case

Because restraining orders aren’t just legal—they’re personal.

With offices in Downtown LA and deep litigation experience across Stanley Mosk, Long Beach, Van Nuys, and beyond, Power Trial Lawyers brings:

• Specialized focus on DVRO, CHRO, EHRO, GVRO cases
• Proven success in obtaining and defeating protective orders
• Strategic filing tactics tailored for each LA courthouse
• High-conflict case resolution including family law crossover

When it’s your future, your family, or your reputation on the line, you need a Los Angeles restraining order lawyer who knows how to win in court and negotiate out of it.

Call us today at (213) 800-7664 for a confidential case review.

VIII. Common Questions About Restraining Orders in LA County

How long does it take to get a restraining order in Los Angeles?

• You can get a temporary order same day
• Full hearing usually within 3 weeks

Do I need a police report to file?

• No, but it strengthens your case. Declarations, texts, and witness statements can also suffice.

Will this go on my record?

• Yes, if the order is granted. It appears in CLETS, which is viewable by law enforcement and certain employers.

Can I modify or cancel a restraining order?

• Yes. Either party can request a modification, early termination, or renewal before expiration.

IX. 🛠️ Helpful Resources

• 🔗 LA Court Restraining Order Forms
• 🔗 Sheriff Civil Process
• 🔗 California Judicial Council – Restraining Order Info

Call a Los Angeles Restraining Order Lawyer Today

Whether you’re seeking urgent protection or fighting to clear your name, you need an advocate who knows LA’s courtrooms, judges, and strategy.

At Power Trial Lawyers, we fight hard—because your freedom, safety, and dignity matter.

👉 Call (213) 800-7664 or Schedule a Consultation now.