{"id":371827,"date":"2016-03-31T21:34:29","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:34:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/california-law\/california-protective-orders-laws.html"},"modified":"2025-04-11T13:09:55","modified_gmt":"2025-04-11T18:09:55","slug":"california-protective-orders-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/california-law\/california-protective-orders-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"California Protective Orders Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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California Protective Orders Laws<\/h1>\n
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\n By Kit Yona, M.A.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by John Mascolo, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n

When abuse crimes happen, victims need help. California offers a variety of restraining orders to aid victims in their time of need. Whether you’re suffering from domestic violence<\/a> or harassment or know someone with access to firearms who seems a danger to themselves and others, California has a protective order designed to help.<\/p>\r\n

Given the options, knowing which order fits your situation is tricky. This guide to California protective orders will explain what each one does, how to apply for the one you need, and how long it can last. Understanding the behavior that drives abusers<\/a> can also help you avoid a bad situation. Read on for improved knowledge about types of restraining orders in California.<\/p>\r\n

If you need a protective order in California, contact a lawyer<\/a>.<\/p>\r\n

California Protective Orders Laws: The Basics<\/h2>\r\n

While they target different types of abusers, most protective orders in California operate the same way. Except for the gun violence protection order<\/a>, California restraining orders focus on keeping the abuser away from their victim. These civil orders aren’t perfect, but they can effectively deter the restrained person.<\/p>\r\n

Whether temporary or final, protective orders use provisions tailored to each case to instruct abusers about what they can and cannot do. Orders may have somewhat different objectives, but most offer similar provisions for relief<\/a>. The abuser can’t do any of the following to a victim:<\/p>\r\n