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This section tells you about:

1. What is the Restraining Order Help Center?
2. Where is the Restraining Order Help Center?
3. When is it open?
4. Can I reach the ROHC by phone?
5. What kind of help can I get there?
6. Who can fill out the forms?
7. What do I need to bring with me?
8. Does the Center also help with Civil Harassment?
9. Does the Center also help with Elder Abuse restraining orders?
10. Does the Center also help with Workplace Violence restraining orders?
11. Does the Center also help with restraining orders in Juvenile Court?
12. Will I have to pay anything?
     

1. What is the Restraining Order Help Center (ROHC)?
   
   The window at the Restraining Order Help Center is the place to go for information on how to get a restraining order. The staff there will talk to you about your problem and give you the forms and sample books for your specific situation.
   
   Information about resources at court and in the community are also provided. You can get information on temporary shelter, counseling, and other help you might need.
   
    
2. Where is the Restraining Order Help Center?
   
   The Restraining Order Help Center is on the lower level of the Family Court at Park Center Plaza in downtown San Jose.
   
   Click here for the address, map and parking information for Family Court.
   
   When you exit the stairs or elevator you will see a window under a large sign that says "Restraining Order Help Center."
   
   The South County Self Service Center can also help you with Restraining Order forms. You can also get help from the CourtMobile.
   
    
3. Can I reach the ROHC by phone?
   
   To reach the Restraining Order Help Center by phone, call (408) 534-5600 and listen for the Restraining Order Help Center option. If people are waiting in line for help, the staff will not be able to take your call. The message will tell you to come in for help.
    
4. When is it open?
   
   Customers are helped on a first-come, first-served basis Monday thru Friday 8:30 - 12:30 and 1:30 - 4:00. It is not open on court holidays.
   
   For South County Self Service Center hours, check the Self Service Center page. Click here for the CourtMobile schedule.
    
5. What kind of help can I get there?
   
   ROHC staff are trained to ask the specific questions that help identify the correct forms and information for each customer, since each person's case is unique. Research using court computer applications is used to determine if other open cases exist for that individual.
   
   These forms are also available at other locations:
    
   • at the Clerk’s office in Family Court
   • from the Internet at Judicial Council forms page

   There are samples of Domestic Violence and Civil Harassment forms posted on the wall outside the Center.
    

6. Who can fill out the forms?

   The victim of the violence, threats of violence or harassment should be the person who fills out the paper to apply for a restraining order. The Restrained Person should be the person who fills out the Answer form.
   
   If the person filling out forms is unable to write or is having someone else translate their information and enter it on the forms, they must be told what is written and they must sign the forms themselves. Someone who has been told about the situation cannot sign the forms for them.
   
   Minors age 12 or older can also ask for a restraining order.
    

7. What do I need to bring with me?
    
   • If you already have a restraining order, from a police officer or Criminal Court, for example, bring it with you.
   • If you’ve ever had an attorney representing you, bring written proof (an order filed with the Court) that you do not have an attorney now.
   • Bring an interpreter with you if you have trouble speaking or writing in English. Other domestic violence resources may also have people who speak your language who can help you.
   • Paystubs (optional - to apply for fee waiver in some situations - see below)

   Please do NOT bring your children. Try to find someone to take care of your children. The paperwork can take a long time to fill out. Children become very restless while they’re waiting. Also, talking about domestic violence is an “adult” discussion.
    

8. Does the Center also help with Civil Harassment?
   
   Yes, you can get help with Civil Harassment Restraining Orders.
    
9. Does the Center also help with Elder Abuse restraining orders?
   
   Yes, but Senior Adult Legal Assistance (SALA) is an excellent source for help. If they agree to help you with your case, they will be able to provide more help than the staff at the Center can.
    
10. Does the Center also help with Workplace Violence restraining orders?
    
    Yes, unless the business asking for protection is incorporated. If it is, it must be represented by an attorney.
     
11. Does the Center also help with restraining orders in Juvenile Court?
    
    Yes, the staff will help with restraining orders in Juvenile Dependency Court, but first check to see if your Juvenile Court attorney will help you.
     
12. Will I have to pay anything?
    
    It does not cost anything to talk to the staff at the Restraining Order Help Center, and the forms and other handouts are free.
    
    Domestic Violence filings are free. When a Domestic Violence filing is accompanied by a parentage, divorce or legal separation filing, however, there is a fee. If your income is low, you can apply to not pay ("waive") the fee. To show the court what your income is, you should bring your three most recent paystubs or other proof of income.

    Civil Harassment filings are free if there has been violence. If there hasn't been any violence you can apply for a fee waiver if your income is low.
    

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