What to Bring to Your Restraining Order Hearing: A Printable Checklist
Oct 28, 2026By Veronica T. Barton, California domestic violence defense attorney and creator of DEFEAT the DVRO. Last updated October 28, 2026.
The short answer
Bring three printed sets of every exhibit (one for the judge, one for the other side and one for you), the court papers you were served, notes on what you want to say, any witnesses, your photo ID, and a notepad and pen. If you have video or audio, bring a laptop with the right cable and a backup on a thumb drive. Dress as you would for a job interview and arrive at least 30 minutes early.
A restraining order hearing is often decided in minutes, and being organized is the easiest way to look credible. Print this page and use it the morning of your hearing.
Before you leave the house
- ☐ All exhibits printed in 3 sets: one for the judge, one for the petitioner and one for you
- ☐ All exhibits marked with letters (A, B, C and so on)
- ☐ The court papers you were served, such as the notice of court hearing and the request for the restraining order
- ☐ Notes on what you want to say to the judge, including the answer to each allegation
- ☐ A written list of your evidence, so you can find each exhibit quickly
- ☐ A laptop and HDMI cable, if you have video or audio evidence
- ☐ A thumb drive backup of any video or audio
- ☐ Notepad and pen
- ☐ Photo ID
- ☐ Water bottle
- ☐ Phone charged
- ☐ Witnesses who know when and where to be, if you have any
When you arrive
- ☐ Arrive at least 30 minutes early. Security lines can be long.
- ☐ Check in with the courtroom clerk
- ☐ Find a seat in the back and stay quiet until you are called
- ☐ When your name is called, stand up calmly and walk to the counsel table
- ☐ Set your exhibits, evidence list and notes on the table in the order you plan to use them
When the hearing ends
- ☐ If the order is denied, thank the judge briefly, gather your things and leave separately from the petitioner
- ☐ If the order is granted, you can appeal, but it is complicated, so speak with an attorney before deciding
- ☐ Do not approach the petitioner under any circumstances, and leave the building separately
What to wear
Business casual. Wear what you would wear to a job interview, and avoid logos, distracting accessories and anything with profanity. The judge starts forming an impression of your credibility in the first 30 seconds, so give yourself the best start.
How to behave in the courtroom
- Be respectful to the judge, the courtroom staff and the petitioner, even if you are upset.
- Do not interrupt the judge. Wait for your turn to speak.
- Stay calm. Getting emotional or angry can hurt your case.
- Maintain eye contact with the judge when you can.
- Speak clearly. Do not mumble or slouch.
If you freeze in court
Do these three things in order. First, take a slow breath, because the judge has seen people pause before. Second, look at your notes and find the place you are at. Third, if you still cannot continue, say, "Your Honor, may I have a moment to look at my notes?" That request is always allowed.
Why exhibits and copies matter
The California Courts Self-Help Guide page on preparing for your court date also says to bring three copies of anything you want the judge to review, and to take your witnesses with you and make sure they know when and where to go. Preparing exhibits is more than printing them: you need to know when to present each one and how to explain it. The DEFEAT the DVRO course covers that in Step 4, and its Respondent Workbook includes a printable Day of Court Checklist and a Court Cheat Sheet to keep at the counsel table.
Frequently asked questions
What should I bring to a restraining order hearing?
Bring three printed sets of your exhibits, the papers you were served, notes on what you want to say, your witnesses, photo ID, and a notepad and pen. If you have video or audio, bring a laptop with the right cable and a backup on a thumb drive.
How many copies of my evidence do I need?
Three: one for the judge, one for the other side and one for you. Mark each exhibit with a letter so everyone can find it.
What should I wear to a restraining order hearing?
Business casual, as you would dress for a job interview. Avoid logos, distracting accessories and anything with profanity.
How early should I arrive?
At least 30 minutes early. You may have to go through security, and the line can be long.
What if I freeze or forget what to say?
Take a slow breath, check your notes, and if you still cannot continue, ask, "Your Honor, may I have a moment to look at my notes?"
Can I bring witnesses?
Yes. Take them with you and make sure they know when and where to go.
Can I read from notes in court?
Yes. The California Courts guide says you can bring notes and read from them.
Where to start
If you plan to represent yourself, take the free first class. It is about 19 minutes, with no credit card required. 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. The full course is $596, or 4 payments of $149 with Klarna, with lifetime access and a 48-hour money-back guarantee.
See how the free court help, legal aid, the course and hiring an attorney compare.
Start the free class at defeatthedvro.com
This post is educational and is not legal advice. Reading it does not create an attorney-client relationship.
