How to Serve Domestic Violence Restraining Order (DVRO) Papers in California

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1. What is Service?

Key Terms

Service of Process

Service

After court forms and documents are filed, California law requires that the other party in the case be given official notice through a legal process known as service of process.

Service means that a person other than you—who is at least 18 years old and not involved in your case—must personally hand or mail a copy of the file-stamped (also known as “conformed” or “endorsed”) court forms and documents to the other party. These include all documents the court has ordered served.

  • Under California law, a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) is not legally enforceable against the restrained party until they are served with a copy of the court forms and documents. The court also cannot make permanent orders at the hearing unless proper service has occurred.

2. Server Requirements & Options for Service

Who Can Serve Court Papers?

Under California law, the person who completes service must meet all of the following:

Be 18 years old or older

AND

Not be involved in the case

  • This means that the server:

    • Cannot be a party in the case,

    • Cannot be protected by any current restraining order, and

    • Cannot be someone the court is being asked to protect.