A nonprofit for survivors. California
Break free.
Restraining orders, without the paperwork maze.
Answer the questions.
Many long, repetitive court forms become one short set of plain-language questions.
Download your forms.
LIZ generates every restraining order form you need, right online.
File with the court.
Online through LIZ from anywhere, or in person at court.
Get a quick decision.
A judge usually decides on a temporary restraining order the same or next business day.
Have the papers served.
Upload your stamped papers, and LIZ will send them directly to the sheriff. The sheriff serves them for free.
You don’t have to do this alone.
If you’re not safe right now, help is available before, during, and after the paperwork. Advocates at the National Domestic Violence Hotline can help you think through a safety plan. You don’t need to have decided anything to call.
In immediate danger. Call 911.
National Domestic Violence Hotline. 1-800-799-7233 (TTY 1-800-787-3224). Free, confidential, 24/7.
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Is this legal advice?
No. LIZ provides form help, not legal advice. LIZ turns your answers into completed California court forms; it can’t tell you what to ask the court for or predict what a judge will decide.
Is it really free?
Yes. LIZ is a nonprofit, and survivors never pay — ever. LIZ is funded by court-ordered payments from the person restrained and by donors. If the court doesn’t order payment, LIZ writes it off.
How long does a judge take?
A judge usually decides whether to grant a temporary restraining order the same business day you file, or the next one.
Can I file from home?
Yes. You can answer the questions and e-file your forms online through LIZ. Or, if you prefer, download the forms and file them in person at the courthouse.
Is my information private?
Yes. We do not save your forms on our site.
How LIZ stays free:
Free for survivors. Always.
LIZ is a nonprofit. Preparing your forms costs us $250, and we ask the court to order the person who harmed you to pay it. If the court doesn’t order it, we write it off completely. It is never your bill, and we will never come after you for it.
Pay it forward:
Free, because someone gave.
LIZ stays free because people who can, give. A donation keeps forms and e-filing free for the next survivor. If LIZ helped you or someone you love, pay it forward.