To end an active domestic violence restraining order (DVRO) in California, you must file a request with the court, have the other party served, and attend a hearing. Only a judge can approve ending the order.
Under California Family Code § 6345, either party may ask to change or end an existing order. Even if both parties agree, the restraining order remains in effect until the judge changes or ends it.
Who Can Ask to End a Restraining Order?
The protected person or the restrained person named as a party in the case can ask the court to end a domestic violence restraining order.
Other people protected by the order, such as children or relatives, generally cannot file their own request to end it.
A judge will review the request and decide whether ending the order is appropriate.
What Forms Do You Need to File?
You generally need Form DV-300 and Form DV-310 to request that a California court end an active domestic violence restraining order. You must also serve a blank Form DV-320 and complete the required proof-of-service paperwork.
As court forms are subject to periodic changes and updates, it is important to confirm that you are using the most current versions of the following forms:
- DV-300: Request to Change or End Restraining Order
- DV-310: Notice of Court Hearing and Temporary Order to Change or End Restraining Order
- DV-320: Response to Request to Change or End Restraining Order, which must be provided as a blank form when serving the other party
These forms replaced the earlier general family law request process in January 2025. California has since updated Form DV-300, so use the latest version available from the California Courts website.
You may also need to serve a blank response form and complete proof-of-service paperwork.
Do You Have to Go to Court to End a Restraining Order?
Yes. A court hearing is required before a judge can approve a request to end an active domestic violence restraining order.
There is generally no filing fee for this request. However, you must arrange for the other party to receive the required court papers through proper legal service.
Both sides have an opportunity to explain their positions. The judge may approve or deny the request based on the circumstances.
What Happens to Custody or Support Orders if the Restraining Order Ends?
Child custody, visitation, and support orders made as part of a domestic violence restraining order remain in effect after the protective order ends unless a judge separately changes them.
Under California Family Code § 6340, these related orders continue unless a judge separately changes or ends them.
For example, ending a restraining order does not automatically change an existing parenting schedule or child support obligation. A separate request may be needed to address those matters.
At Berenji Divorce & Family Law Group, our Los Angeles family law attorneys help clients understand how ending a restraining order may affect their existing custody and support arrangements.
What Should You Do Before Filing to End a Restraining Order?
Before filing, review your current restraining order, confirm your case number, and consider whether ending the order could affect your safety or other family law matters.
Helpful steps include:
- Obtain a copy of your current restraining order
- Download the latest DV-300, DV-310, and DV-320 forms
- Review any existing custody, visitation, or support orders
- Gather information explaining why you want the order changed or ended
- Speak with a family law attorney about the possible consequences
A lawyer can also provide tailored legal guidance beyond these steps for your specific circumstances.
Contact the Los Angeles Domestic Violence Attorney at Berenji Divorce & Family Law Group for Legal Help
Berenji Divorce & Family Law Group helps clients in Los Angeles, CA, understand the process of requesting changes to domestic violence restraining orders.
If you have questions about ending an order, contact Berenji Divorce & Family Law Group at (213) 277-2586 for a confidential consultation to learn more about your rights and options.
Berenji Divorce & Family Law Group Beverly Hills Office
9465 Wilshire Blvd #333
Beverly Hills, CA 90212
(213) 277-2586
Berenji Divorce & Family Law Group Los Angeles Office
550 S. Hill Street STE 1467
Los Angeles, CA 90013
(213) 277-2586
