A temporary restraining order can be enforced only once the restrained person has been served, and the court can make it long-term only with proof of service before the hearing. The papers must be served in person, a set number of days ahead, and not by the protected person. StrikeServe assigns a California registered process server, records each attempt with GPS and a timestamp, and returns the completed DV-200 or CH-200 so you can file it before your court date.
The sheriff serves domestic violence restraining orders at no charge, and for many people that is the right choice; this page explains when a private server is used instead.
The restrained person receives file-stamped copies of the request, the notice of hearing and any temporary order, plus blank response forms.
Your request and the orders you are asking for.
States the hearing date and the service deadline.
Served if granted. Once served, police can enforce it.
Completed and signed by the server; filed before the hearing.
The civil harassment equivalent of DV-100.
The civil harassment equivalents.
Blank response forms (DV-120 or CH-120) go in the packet, plus anything else listed on the DV-109 or CH-109.
The protected person cannot serve the papers. The server must be at least 18 and not a party: the sheriff or marshal, a qualifying friend or relative, or a registered process server. Under Family Code section 6383 a law enforcement officer serves a domestic violence order on request and no fee may be charged; civil harassment orders based on violence, a credible threat or stalking are likewise served by the sheriff free under Code of Civil Procedure section 527.6(z).
The sheriff is free and can enforce the order at the moment of service. The trade-off is scheduling: sheriff civil units generally attempt service on weekdays during business hours and may take days or weeks. If the hearing is close or the restrained person is only home in the evening, a private server who can go tonight or this weekend may be the difference between a proof on file and a continued hearing.
Three flat tiers, the same price in all 58 California counties. Every tier includes up to three attempts and a court-formatted proof of service.
First attempt within 5–7 business days. When the hearing is weeks out and the address is reliable.
First attempt within 2–3 business days. When the DV-109 or CH-109 deadline is within a week or two.
Order by noon; first attempt the same day. When the deadline is days away or evening and weekend attempts are the only realistic option.
File-stamped papers, blank response forms, the service address and any notes.
Routine, Rush or Same-Day. Flat price, up to three attempts. Same-Day orders must be placed by noon.
Each attempt appears on your timeline with GPS coordinates and a timestamp.
Court-formatted, signed under penalty of perjury, or a Declaration of Non-Service if service fails.
Ready when you are. Upload the packet to start.
Family Code section 243 requires that the respondent be personally served with the petition, any temporary order and the notice of hearing at least five days before the hearing, and the court may shorten that time. Code of Civil Procedure section 527.6(m) sets the same rule for civil harassment orders. The DV-109 or CH-109 states the days set for your case; count back from the hearing and choose a tier whose first-attempt window ends before that deadline.
Without a proof on file, the judge cannot issue the long-term order; the usual result is a continued hearing and a reissued temporary order. StrikeServe's attempt log and Declaration of Non-Service show the court that diligent efforts were made.
The server never brings the petitioner along, never asks the petitioner to point out the restrained person, and does not disclose the petitioner's location. Put a description, photo, vehicle details, work hours and any weapons or threat history in the order notes so the server can plan a safe approach. Once a DV-110 or CH-110 is served, the restrained person can be arrested for violating it, so the date and time on the proof matter to police too.
The server varies the time of day across the included attempts, tries a workplace or second address, and documents each visit. If the address is bad, StrikeServe's skip-tracing service can locate a current one.
The signed DV-200 or CH-200 appears in your dashboard when the serve is complete. File the original before the hearing and bring a copy.
Order online in a few minutes, or call and we will set it up with you.