Whether you’re facing physical harm, emotional manipulation, or fear for your safety, you deserve protection. This guide will walk you through your options, your rights, and how our team can stand with you every step of the way.

What Is a DVRO?

A Domestic Violence Restraining Order (DVRO) is a court order that helps keep you and your loved ones safe from someone who has abused you. It can:

• Order the abuser to stay away from you, your home, your children, and your work
• Stop them from calling, texting, emailing, messaging, or contacting you in any way
• Prevent them from owning or possessing firearms
• Provide you with temporary child custody, support, and use of your home or vehicle

You do not need to have been physically hit to qualify. Emotional, verbal, psychological, or financial abuse also count.

Examples of Abuse That Qualify

California law defines abuse broadly. You may qualify for a DVRO if the other person:

• Hit, pushed, kicked, or physically harmed you
• Threatened violence or made you feel afraid for your safety
• Sexually assaulted you
• Called, emailed, or texted you repeatedly to harass or intimidate you
• Showed up at your home or work uninvited
• Tracked your location or monitored your devices
• Controlled your finances, isolated you from friends/family, or manipulated you emotionally
• Destroyed your property or harmed pets
• Screamed at you, demeaned you, or made you feel worthless
• Disrupted your peace and safety at home

If you’re unsure whether your situation qualifies, we’ll talk through it together—no judgment, just support.

Contact our compassionate family law attorneys at (415) 329-4187 today to schedule your appointment.

Who Can You File Against?

You can request a DVRO if the abusive person is:

• Your spouse or ex-spouse
• A current or former dating partner
• Someone you live with or used to live with
• The other parent of your child (biological or step)
• A family member (parent, sibling, grandparent, in-law)
• Someone closely connected to your child (e.g., stepparent or legal guardian)

What Are the Steps?

Here’s how the DVRO process usually works:

Step 1: Confidential Consultation

We begin by listening. We’ll help you understand your rights and whether a DVRO is the best next step. If it is, we’ll move quickly to protect you.

Step 2: File a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO)

We file paperwork with the court asking for immediate protection. You do not need to tell the other person beforehand. If granted, a TRO typically lasts 21–25 days until your court hearing.

Step 3: Serve the Other Party

The court requires the other person be officially notified (served) with the documents. We’ll coordinate safe and legal service, so you don’t have to.

Step 4: Prepare for the Court Hearing

We’ll gather evidence, witness statements, and anything that helps tell your story—including police reports, texts, emails, and photos.

Step 5: The DVRO Hearing

You and the other person will appear before a judge. We will represent you and make your voice heard. If granted, the final restraining order can last up to 5 years, and can be renewed or made permanent.

What About the Children?

A DVRO can include:

• Temporary sole custody to protect your child from harm or emotional distress
• Supervised visitation or no visitation for the restrained person
• Safe exchange locations for pick-up/drop-off

We help you protect your children while reducing conflict and ensuring the court understands your concerns.

What Protections Can Be Included?

Your restraining order can cover:

• Stay-away orders (home, school, work, daycare, car)
• No-contact orders (calls, texts, emails, DMs, gifts)
• Move-out orders (restraining person must leave the home)
• Firearm restrictions
• Exclusive use of your phone, car, or accounts
• Support orders for child or spousal support
• Pets and property protection
• Custody and visitation guidelines

What If They Violate the Order?

Call 911. A DVRO is a court order and violating it is a crime. The police can arrest the person, and you can ask the court for stronger protections or contempt penalties.

Don’t wait another moment to retake control over your life. Contact us at (415) 329-4187 now for help getting a restraining order against your abuser.

Can It Be Changed or Renewed?

• You can request changes if your situation shifts (e.g., new threats, updated custody needs).
• We can help you renew the DVRO before it expires—you don’t need to show new abuse if you’re still afraid.

How Fenchel Family Law Can Support You

You don’t have to do this alone. We offer:

• Quick, discreet consultations
• Emergency filings for protection orders
• Clear legal advice so you understand your options
• Strong courtroom advocacy
• Compassionate, nonjudgmental guidance

Many of our clients have been where you are now. We’re here to protect your future, your peace, and your power.

Ready to Take the First Step?

Contact us today for a confidential consultation. Whether you’re still unsure or ready to act, we’ll meet you where you are—with support, strategy, and strength.

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