Domestic Violence Lawyers in San Francisco
Get protection and legal support in domestic violence cases. We help you file restraining orders and take urgent steps to keep you and your children safe.
Schedule a ConsultationWhat Is a Domestic Violence Restraining Order (DVRO)?
A Domestic Violence Restraining Order (DVRO) is a court order that restricts the accused person from contacting, approaching, or harming the protected party. The aim of a DVRO is simple: to protect the safety and peace of the person requesting it. A DVRO can stop the restrained person from contacting, harassing, threatening, or coming near the protected person. It can also extend protection to children, family members, pets, and shared homes or workplaces. In some cases, it also includes orders about custody, visitation, or financial support.
When someone applies for a DVRO, the court may grant immediate protection through a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO). This TRO lasts until the hearing, where both sides can present evidence. At the hearing, the judge decides whether to issue a DVRO, which can remain in place for up to five years.
At Bay Area Law Group, we guide clients through every step of this process. Whether you are seeking protection or defending against a DVRO request, we help present the facts clearly, protect your rights, and focus on the outcome that safeguards your future.
What Happens During a Domestic Violence Case?
A domestic violence case begins when one party files a request for a domestic violence restraining order (“DVRO”). The judge reviews the request and may issue a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO) that stays in effect until the court holds a full hearing.
Regardless of whether a TRO is granted, the DVRO request gets set for a hearing. The accused party must be served with the DVRO paperwork and the notice of the hearing date so they have the opportunity to respond.
At the hearing, both parties present evidence. This can include things such as texts, photos, witness statements, or police reports. The judge decides whether to grant or deny the DVRO. If granted, the DVRO can last up to five years and may later be renewed if necessary.
At Bay Area Law Group, we prepare clients for each stage of the process, from filing or responding, to preparing evidence, to advocating in court. We focus on protecting your rights and presenting the strongest possible case, whether you are seeking protection or defending against allegations.
When Should You Contact a Domestic Violence Attorney?
If you feel unsafe, have been accused of abuse, or are dealing with a restraining order, it’s important to act quickly. Domestic violence cases move fast, and the results can affect housing, custody, immigration status, and future court rulings.
You should contact us if:
- You need to file a restraining order for protection
- You’ve been served with a DVRO and need to respond
- A restraining order is affecting your custody or divorce case
- You’ve been falsely accused of domestic violence
- You’re unsure how to protect yourself or your children
At Bay Area Law Group, we provide focused representation for both survivors and those accused of domestic violence. We act quickly, protect your rights, and guide you through each stage of the process. Our attorneys serve clients throughout the Bay Area, including San Francisco, Oakland, Berkeley, Daly City, San Mateo, Redwood City, Walnut Creek, and San Jose.
Legal Support for Victims and the Wrongfully Accused
Domestic violence cases rarely exist in a vacuum, they often unfold at the same time as divorce or child custody disputes. A restraining order can reshape nearly every aspect of your family law case, from parenting time and custody rights to who remains in the home and even support obligations.
Beyond the legal consequences, there’s also a very real human toll. Allegations of domestic violence can carry stigma, damage reputations, and create long-term barriers in custody or divorce negotiations. For victims, the fear and disruption are overwhelming. For the accused, even unfounded claims can cause lasting harm.
At Bay Area Law Group, we handle both divorce and domestic violence matters together, ensuring that one case doesn’t undermine the other. We coordinate strategy across case files, ensure consistent evidence and arguments, and position your case in the strongest light. Whether you need protection or defense, we bring clarity to complicated situations and fight for the best possible outcome.
And because the outcome of these cases can shape your future for years to come, we don’t leave you guessing. We prepare you for hearings, testimony, and every step in the process so you walk into court confident and supported. With our team by your side, you’ll have a strong legal partner to safeguard your rights.
What to Expect After a DVRO Is Granted
A restraining order carries immediate legal consequences. It can remove the restrained party from the home, restrict custody access, and limit communications. Violating the order may lead to sanctions, arrest, jail time, or criminal charges.
At Bay Area Law Group, we make sure our clients understand exactly what a DVRO requires and how it impacts their family law case. For protected parties, we help you understand the scope of the order, enforce its terms, and keep your broader divorce or custody case on track. For restrained parties, we explain your obligations and help avoid unintended violations.
At Bay Area Law Group, we guide clients through every stage after a DVRO is granted- protecting safety, preserving parental rights, and making sure the bigger picture of your divorce and custody case is never lost.
Why Bay Area Law Group Handles Domestic Violence Cases Differently
Domestic violence cases demand steady guidance and sharp strategy. At Bay Area Law Group, you’ll work directly with an experienced family law attorney who listens to your concerns, identifies risks, and builds a case grounded in evidence and California law. You’ll always know who is handling your case, and you’ll have direct access throughout the process.
We have represented clients on every side of domestic violence litigation: victims of abuse seeking DVROs, individuals wrongly accused of domestic violence, and cases involving competing restraining order requests filed both ways. That breadth of experience allows us to anticipate arguments, spot weaknesses, and present cases with the clarity judges expect.
Our courtroom work also extends to custody disputes where domestic violence findings trigger the Family Code Section 3044 presumption. We’ve litigated trials on whether custody restrictions should apply, and we know how to present the evidence needed, whether to protect children from ongoing risk or to demonstrate that the presumption should not apply.
We serve clients across the Bay Area, including San Francisco, San Mateo, Redwood City, Hillsborough, Alameda, Piedmont, Atherton, Contra Costa County, Santa Clara County, Oakland, Berkeley, Daly City, and San Jose.
When everything you value, your safety, your children, and your future, is on the line, you need clear direction and strong advocacy. We focus on protecting both your immediate needs and your long-term stability.
What You Should Know About Domestic Violence Cases in California
| Case Type | Description | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| Restraining Order Types | Temporary Restraining Order ("TRO"): a short-term order issued by a court to prevent immediate harm or harassment. It remains in place until the hearing on the DVRO request takes place. Restraining Order After Hearing ("DVRO" or "ROAH"): a restraining order that can be issued after a full hearing where both parties have the opportunity to present evidence. | Understanding order types |
| Evidence Courts Might Look At | Text messages, photos, police reports, medical records, voicemail messages, social media posts, cell phone recordings, witness testimony, etc. | Building your case |
| Impact on Child Custody | Domestic violence significantly impacts child custody determinations in California, as courts must prioritize the health, safety, and welfare of children. Under California law, there is a rebuttable presumption that awarding custody to a parent who has perpetrated domestic violence within the past five years is detrimental to the child's best interests. | Parents with custody concerns |
| Filing Location | DVRO requests are filed in family court. A petition for a DVRO may be filed in the following locations: (1) the county where the requesting party resides or is temporarily located, (2) the county where the defendant resides, (3) the county where the offense occurred, or (4) any other court that has jurisdiction. | Where to file |
| Restraining Order Violations | Violating a restraining order in California carries significant legal consequences. Under California Penal Code Section 273.6, a willful and knowing violation of a restraining order is generally a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of up to $1,000 and/or up to one year in county jail. | Understanding consequences |
| Who Can Request a DVRO | A DVRO can be sought by individuals in various relationships with the alleged abuser, including current or former spouses, cohabitants, individuals in a dating relationship, or those who share a child. Additionally, minors under the age of 12 may have a Guardian Ad Litem (GAL) appointed to request on their behalf. | Eligibility requirements |
| Role of an Attorney | Domestic violence cases move quickly, and the outcome can change your life. Whether you're seeking protection or defending against accusations, an attorney makes the difference. We help gather and present the right evidence, prepare you for testimony, and make sure all deadlines and legal procedures are followed. | Why legal help matters |
California Domestic Violence Laws: FAQs
A court can grant a DVRO if the person requesting it shows that abuse occurred. The legal standard is called preponderance of the evidence, which means the judge must believe it is more likely than not that the abuse happened. Unlike in criminal cases, the burden of proof is lower, and corroboration (like witnesses or police reports) is not required. A DVRO can be issued based solely on credible testimony if the judge finds it convincing. But that doesn’t mean DVRO hearings are simple.
Because the standard is relatively low, judges often rely heavily on how evidence is presented. Testimony, text messages, photos, and other records can all make a difference. Having an attorney is critical, whether you’re seeking protection or defending against allegations, because the outcome of a DVRO hearing can impact custody, support, and even where you live. At Bay Area Law Group, we know how to organize and present the facts so judges understand the full picture. We’ve helped clients successfully secure DVROs for protection and defended against unfounded requests. With us, you don’t face the process alone, you have skilled advocates protecting your rights and your future.
If you’ve been served with a DVRO request, you have the right to appear at the hearing and present your side of the story. To oppose the request, you’ll need to provide evidence that challenges the claims of abuse or shows the allegations are exaggerated, unfounded, or being misused in the context of a divorce or custody dispute.
Because the legal standard for granting a DVRO is relatively low (preponderance of the evidence), it may not be enough to simply deny the allegations. You will want to have clear, organized evidence, such as text messages, emails, witness statements, or other documentation that supports your version of events. Judges rely heavily on credibility and consistency, so how you present your case matters as much as what you present.
At Bay Area Law Group, we help clients prepare thorough and persuasive responses to DVRO requests. We analyze the allegations, gather supporting evidence, and prepare you for testimony and cross-examination. Whether the claims are exaggerated or completely false, we work to present the facts clearly and protect your rights. Winning or losing a DVRO case can affect custody, housing, and your personal reputation, so having strong legal representation is essential.
Evidence in a domestic violence case can include many things: texts, emails, photos, voicemails, witness testimony, police reports, medical records, etc. But it’s not just about having evidence—it’s about how it’s presented. Judges focus heavily on credibility and consistency when deciding whose version of events to believe.
Even strong evidence can fall flat if it’s incomplete, disorganized, or challenged effectively by the other side. That’s why legal representation is so important. At Bay Area Law Group, we know what courts consider persuasive, how to organize evidence for maximum impact, and how to prepare you for testimony. Whether you’re pursuing a DVRO or defending against one, we help ensure your side of the story is heard clearly and convincingly.
Schedule a Confidential Consultation
When safety and parental rights are on the line, you can’t afford delays or mistakes. We help clients file or oppose DVROs, protect their role as parents, and navigate the custody and divorce issues that often arise alongside domestic violence matters.
Call Bay Area Law Group or use our online form to set up a consultation. We’re ready to protect what matters most.
Domestic Violence Services Throughout the Bay Area
Bay Area Law Group provides domestic violence representation to clients in the following communities:
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