Domestic Violence Temporary Restraining Order (TRO or DVRO)

A Domestic Violence Temporary Restraining Order (TRO or DVRO) is a California temporary civil restraining order that is effective for three weeks and can be made permanent for one to three years. Domestic Violence Temporary Restraining Orders keep an abuser from coming near to, harassing or contacting a domestic violence victim. The victim can go to court and fill out the necessary paperwork. The alleged abuser is then served with the paperwork by the Sheriff's office or through an uninvolved third party. Once the abuser is served, there is a court hearing (“Hearing to Show Cause”) where the judge decides if it is necessary to issue a permanent Domestic Violence Restraining Order. The hearing may be conducted in an formal (trial-like) or informal manner, which depends on the judge. If the judge believes abuse, stalking or harassment has occurred, and there is a credible threat of violence in the future, the judge will likely issue a permanent restraining order for one to three years. A violation of the restraining order is a criminal offense. The abuser can be subjected to criminal proceedings—specifically a misdemeanor contempt of court.