The first step in getting a civil harassment restraining order is to tell the court about the harassment, stalking, threats, or harm you've experienced, as well as the protection you want. You do this by filling out a set of court forms. Filling out the forms usually takes one to several hours for most people.
PRINT EMAILYou will need to give details about why you need a restraining order. Writing about your experience can be upsetting and bring up a lot of emotions. You can get help from your court's free Self-Help Center or ask someone you trust to help you fill out the forms.
Do I need a lawyer?You don't need a lawyer but you can hire one if you have the resources. Many people don't have the money to hire a lawyer and rely on free help. You can get free help from your local Self-Help Center. You can also check with your local bar association for resources available in your area.
You will need to fill out at least five forms to ask for a restraining order.
Forms will not save automatically. To save a form (so you can work on it later), download the form by clicking on the upper right-hand corner, save to a computer that you can safely use, and open the saved form.
Note: If the other person has been violent towards you, stalked you, or threatened violence, you will not have to pay the court filing fee. To make this request, check item 13a on form CH-100.
What do I write in the "Description of Harassment" section (form CH-100, item 7)?This section is important because the judge will decide whether to grant you a restraining order based on what you write in this section. On form CH-100, item 7, you will explain how the person you want protection from has been violent towards you, stalked you, threatened violence, or harassed you.
What is harassment?It means violence, like hitting, kicking, pulling hair, throwing things, or sexually assaulting someone. It also means threatening to do any of those things or any other violent acts. Harassment also includes other repeated actions that make someone feel scared, annoyed, or harassed and cause emotional harm, such as stalking someone, keeping someone under surveillance, or repeatedly making threatening phone calls, emails, or internet posts.
Start with the most recent incident first, even if it is not the worst incident. Write down the facts of what happened. The judge needs facts to make a decision. For example, if the person has been harassing you, tell the judge what the person did to harass you, like how many times they harassed you, and what they did each time to harass you. If you have proof (like an email or a text message), you can include it with your request.
Once you are finished writing about the most recent event, you can write about another incident you want the judge to know about at item 7(b). Give as much detail as you can. If there has been more than one incident, be sure to write down how long the harassment has been going on, how often it has happened, and any physical or emotional harm it has caused. If you need more space to write, you can use form MC-025.
What if I don't have exact dates?
If you don't remember the exact day something happened, give an estimate and write down that it is an estimate. To help you remember, think about whether the incident happened around a holiday or special occasion.
2. Confidential CLETS Information (form CLETS-001)
The information on this form will help police enforce your restraining order. The court will not use the information on this form and the person you want a restraining order against will not get a copy. Some information is mandatory and is marked with an asterisk (*). You may not have all the other information about the restrained person. Fill in as much as you can.
3. Notice of Court Hearing (form CH-109)
The court will complete most of this form. You only need to complete items 1 and 2.
4. Temporary Restraining Order (form CH-110)
You need this form if you are asking for protection right away (if you checked form CH-100, item 7). The court will complete most of this form. You only need to complete items 1, 2, and 3.
5. Civil Case Cover Sheet (form CM-010)
This form tells the court basic information about the type of case you are filing.
How do I fill out CM-010 for a civil harassment restraining order?You can download the forms or you can use an online program to fill them out. To use the online program, click the button below and choose the "Restraining Orders" interview.
If you are alleging violence, stalking, or threats of violence, or if you cannot afford the fees, you will not have to pay a filing fee. Learn more
If you think you qualify for #1 and #2, you can apply for both. If you don't qualify for #1 or #2, you will have to pay court fees (starting at $435) when you turn in your papers.
If the person wanting protection is under 18 years old or if you have a witness that is under 18, you can ask to keep their information private. Learn more
Anything you file in this case will be available to the public. If there is sensitive information about a child in this case, you can ask the judge to make the information confidential, which means that the public would not have access to it. This can include the child's name, address, or allegations involving the child. To make this request, contact your local Self-Help Center for help.
Some county courts have additional local forms they require you to use. The most common local form will have questions about whether you told the other side that you are asking for a restraining order. Contact your court's free Self-Help Center, or the court clerk’s office, to see if they have any local forms you need to use. You can find your local court at Find My Court.
After you’ve completed and signed all your forms, make two copies. You'll need the two copies, plus the original, when you file with the court.
File Your Request
Once you’ve completed the forms and made copies, you’ll file them with the court.
See all the steps of the process of making a request for a restraining order in a civil harassment case