Respond to civil harassment restraining order
- "Respond" means to let the judge and the other side know whether you agree or disagree with the request for restraining order, and why.
- If you want to respond in writing, you can complete a form and turn it in to the court. Responding in writing is optional and there is no penalty if you don't.
Before you start
⚠️ Anything you put in your papers could be used against you in a criminal case. Talk to a lawyer if you have any concerns.
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If you don't have a lawyer, you may be able to get free help from your local court's self-help center.
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Hire a lawyer to help you with all or a part of your case. It’s possible to go through this process without a lawyer. But, having a restraining order against you may have a lot of consequences, and you may want to hire a lawyer.
How to respond to a request for a restraining order
🔗 All court form links open in a new tab.
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Fill out the Response form (CH-120)
- Fill out Response to Request for Civil Harassment Restraining Orders (form CH-120)
- Attach a copy of any evidence you have (pictures, text messages). If you need more time to put together evidence, you can let the judge know at your hearing (court date).
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Make copies of your forms
- After you’ve filled out and signed the Response, form CH-120, make 2 copies.
- You'll need the 2 copies, plus the original, when you file with the court.
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File your forms
File your forms:
- In person at the courthouse: Make 2 more copies of your forms.
- Take your original and 2 copies to the courthouse listed on the papers you were served.
- At the courthouse, you’ll give all copies to the court clerk.
- The clerk will keep the original, stamp your copies, and return the copies to you. One copy is for your records. The other copy is for the other side.
- Online: You can file your papers online (called e-filing). Go to your court website to find out how to e-file.
💵 You may have to pay a filing fee to file your response (form CH-120).
You will not have to pay a fee if:
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The other person checked item 13a on their CH-100.
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You can’t afford the fees. You can ask the clerk for a fee waiver.
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You qualify for a fee waiver if you receive public benefits, your income is less than a set amount, or you can't afford the fee and meet your basic needs.
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You will have to pay a fee of $435-$450 to file your Response if you do not qualify for a fee waiver for either of these reasons.
- In person at the courthouse: Make 2 more copies of your forms.
What's next?
Once you’ve completed and filed your forms, you'll need to have a copy mailed to the other side. This is called service and you will need to find another adult to do this for you.