What to Do If You Can't Afford a Lawyer for a Restraining Order Hearing

By Veronica T. Barton, California domestic violence defense attorney and creator of DEFEAT the DVRO. Last updated October 28, 2026.

The short answer

Do not skip the hearing because you cannot afford an attorney. Start with the free help: the California Courts Self-Help Guide for people who received restraining order papers, your court's self-help center, and legal aid if you qualify. Then build your own case, because the judge decides based on what is presented at the hearing. If you want more structure for representing yourself, the first class of DEFEAT the DVRO is free, and the full course costs $596 or 4 payments of $149.

Many people who are served with a restraining order cannot afford an attorney, and many go to the hearing on their own. I handle these cases for a living and I built a course for people in exactly this position, so I have something to sell you. I will put the free options first because that is the order I would try them.

Your options, in the order I would try them

1. Read the court's guide for people who received restraining order papers

The California Courts Self-Help Guide for people who received restraining order papers is free. It explains what the papers mean, how to respond in writing (which is optional), and how to prepare for your court date. Start there, and write down your hearing date.

2. Visit your court's self-help center

You can find your court's self-help center. The staff can help with forms, deadlines and how the court works. They generally cannot tell you what strategy to use in your case, and wait times can be long, so go early.

3. Ask legal aid whether you qualify

Legal aid organizations in your county may offer clinics, workshops or representation, depending on your income and what they have capacity for. Many have eligibility rules, so check as soon as you receive the papers. If they cannot take your case, ask whether they can refer you or offer a clinic.

4. Take the free first class of DEFEAT the DVRO

The free first class is about 19 minutes with no credit card. It explains how to ask for a continuance, what to print and bring to court, how to reread the petitioner's papers, what is at stake if you lose, and the five-part strategy for the hearing.

5. Learn the hearing skills yourself

This is where an attorney would normally help, and where the free guides stop. The court's guide explains how to prepare, but it does not teach cross-examination, objections or hearsay. DEFEAT the DVRO covers those. It has 25 short lessons in 6 steps (about 2 hours), a Respondent Workbook, cross-examination scripts, an objections framework and a closing argument template. It costs $596, or 4 payments of $149 with Klarna, with a 48-hour money-back guarantee. It does not replace an attorney and it does not guarantee a result.

6. Pay for advice, not for the whole case

If a full retainer is out of reach, you can pay for one attorney session and still go to the hearing yourself. My DVRO Strategy Session is $750 and includes up to 15 minutes of attorney document review before the call, then a 30 minute private consultation. If you want an attorney to appear for you, my consultation is $350 (about 15 minutes), applied to your fees if you hire the firm for the same matter, and my attorney rate is $750 per hour. Flat fees are quoted when possible.

What to do before the hearing, whatever you decide

• Read every page you were served and write down each allegation. For each one, note what actually happened and what evidence you have.
• Put the hearing date in your calendar. If you need more time to prepare, the free first class explains how to ask for a continuance.
• Gather your evidence, such as text messages, emails, photos and witnesses, and make three copies of anything you want the judge to see: one for you, one for the judge and one for the other side.
• Plan what you want to say. You can bring notes and read from them.
• Do not skip the hearing. If you do not go, the judge can decide the case without hearing your side.

“Participating in her course Defeat the DVRO has given me a real, easy to understand strategy that allowed me to look at all the infuriating and annoying legal paperwork in front of me and shift completely, moving away from feeling powerless to being powerful.”
Rebecca, Google review. Individual experience. Results vary. Every case is different.

Frequently asked questions

What if I can't afford a lawyer for a restraining order hearing?

Use the free help first: the California Courts self-help guide, your court's self-help center and legal aid if you qualify. Then prepare your own case. You can also take the free first class of DEFEAT the DVRO, and add the full course or a one-time attorney session if you want more help.

Can I represent myself at a restraining order hearing?

Many respondents go to the hearing without an attorney. Whether that is the right choice depends on what is at stake in your case. If you are unsure, a strategy session with an attorney can help you decide.

Is there a course for people who cannot afford an attorney?

Yes. DEFEAT the DVRO is a self-paced online course for respondents who plan to represent themselves. The first class is free and the full course is $596, or 4 payments of $149 with Klarna.

Does DEFEAT the DVRO replace an attorney?

No. It does not provide an attorney to appear for you, it is not legal advice, and it does not guarantee a result.

What is the cheapest way to prepare?

The free first class of DEFEAT the DVRO, the California Courts guide, and your court's self-help center are all free.

Can I get a refund?

Yes. The course has a 48-hour money-back guarantee.