Ask to renew a civil harassment restraining order
If a judge granted you a long-term restraining order (on form CH-130), you can ask for it to be renewed (extended) before it expires.
️ All links to court forms open in a new tab.
Before you start
You must request renewal of your civil harassment restraining order before it expires
- Check the expiration date on page 1, item 4 on form CH-130 or form CH-730.
- You can apply for a renewal up to 3 months before the expiration date.
- The person who applies must be the person listed in item 1 on form CH-130 or form CH-730.
️ Make sure your restraining order has not expired yet. If it has, you will have to ask for a new restraining order.
How to ask to renew a civil harassment restraining order
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Fill out court forms
Fill out:
- Request to Renew Restraining Order (form CH-700)
- Notice of Hearing to Renew Restraining Order (form CH-710)
Attach a copy of your current restraining order (on form CH-130 or CH-730) to form CH-700.
You can ask your self-help center (link opens in a new tab) to review your paperwork. They can make sure you filled it out properly before you move ahead with your case.
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Fill out your court’s local forms (if any)
Ask your local court clerk if there are local forms you have to fill out. Some courts also have forms on their website. Find your local court’s website.
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Make at least 2 copies of all your forms
One copy will be for you, another copy will be for restrained person. The original is for the court.
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File your forms with the court clerk
You can file your forms:
- In person at the courthouse: Not every courthouse accepts restraining order papers. Go to your court's website and see which location (if more than one) accepts filings of restraining orders.
- To file the forms, give the original and 2 copies to the clerk.
- Your forms will then be reviewed by a judge.
- The clerk will let you know when to return to pick up your court papers.
- Online: You can file your papers online (called e-filing). Go to your court’s website to find out how to e-file.
- The court will return your forms to you electronically.
- Through a drop box: Some courts have a drop box that you can use. It can be located inside or outside the courthouse.
- If you put your court papers in a drop box, make sure include the original plus 2 copies, and use an envelope or rubber band to keep all your papers together.
- You will still have to return to the courthouse to pick up your court papers.
- ️ Using a drop box may not be the fastest way to get your papers reviewed by a judge. If you need protection right away, take your forms to a court clerk or file them online.
- In person at the courthouse: Not every courthouse accepts restraining order papers. Go to your court's website and see which location (if more than one) accepts filings of restraining orders.
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Pick up and review your court papers
- You will get a court date. The date will be listed on the first page of form CH-710.
- Your restraining order will be extended until this court date.
- At the court date, the judge will decide whether to renew (extend) your restraining order for 5 more years.
Civil Harassment Restraining Order