RADFORD & ROME, LLP · LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA

Los Angeles Domestic Violence Restraining Order Attorneys

When safety, your home, or your relationship with your children is at stake, preparation matters. Radford & Rome, LLP represents clients seeking and responding to domestic violence restraining orders in Los Angeles.

Former prosecutors. Prepared advocates for your family.

Domestic Violence Restraining Order Representation

Why Choose Radford & Rome?

Our partners’ experience as former prosecutors informs their approach to witness testimony, digital evidence, and disputed accounts. We examine the specific allegations and the relief requested, with close attention to hearing dates and any orders already in force.

Partners David Rome and Willie Radford bring their experience as former prosecutors to evaluating evidence, preparing witnesses, and presenting contested issues. We provide direct advice about the issues your case presents and prepare for the steps needed to pursue your objectives.

Our office is at 1800 Vine Street, Los Angeles, CA 90028. We serve clients in Los Angeles and across Southern California. Tell us about any upcoming hearing or response deadline when you contact the firm.

Which restraining-order procedure applies?

The relationship between the people involved matters. California’s domestic violence laws cover specified relationships, including spouses, former spouses, dating partners, qualifying cohabitants, and certain relatives. A dispute with a person outside those categories may require a different type of protective order. See Family Code section 6211. Identifying the correct procedure is an early part of evaluating a request.

Abuse is not limited to physical injury

California law permits protection against conduct including threats, stalking, harassment, and disturbing another person’s peace. Family Code section 6320 also addresses coercive control, including certain patterns of isolation, control over finances or movements, and reproductive coercion. The context and pattern of conduct matter. An application should describe what happened, rather than rely only on labels such as “controlling” or “abusive.”

The California Courts domestic violence restraining-order guide explains that abuse may be emotional, psychological, verbal, or physical, and may occur online. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

Temporary orders and the hearing serve different roles

A judge may consider a request for temporary protection before the full hearing. At the hearing, the court considers whether to issue a longer-term order; an initial order after hearing can last up to five years. A denied temporary request does not by itself resolve every issue scheduled for the hearing. Carefully read what the court actually ordered and the next scheduled date. See the California Courts restraining-order process guide.

Preparing a request for protection

Write a clear chronology with dates or approximate dates, specific conduct, the people present, and the effect on you or your children. Preserve relevant messages, photographs, and other records in their original form where possible. Identify witnesses with firsthand knowledge. Organizing evidence helps the court understand a series of incidents without losing the context.

Discuss the protections you actually need with your attorney: contact restrictions, distance requirements, or arrangements involving children or the residence. Do not contact the other person to manufacture evidence, and do not access accounts or devices without authorization.

What if you have been served?

Read the request, temporary orders, and hearing notice immediately. A disagreement with the allegations does not permit you to disregard an order. California Courts explains that a temporary domestic violence restraining order may require surrender, sale, or lawful storage of firearms and ammunition, with proof of compliance. Follow the actual order and applicable deadlines. See the California Courts response guide.

For your defense, preserve complete message threads and identify evidence that supports your account. A response should address the specific incidents alleged, with a coherent timeline. Avoid direct or indirect contact prohibited by the order, including contact through friends or social media. Ask counsel how to address necessary child exchanges or property issues through lawful channels.

Custody and criminal cases may overlap

A qualifying domestic violence finding may trigger the custody presumption under Family Code section 3044. A family-court order and a criminal protective order are also separate orders; do not assume changing one changes the other. Provide counsel with every relevant order and information about pending criminal proceedings.

Our partners’ experience as former prosecutors informs their approach to evidence, witness testimony, and disputed allegations. When family and criminal issues overlap, those issues need coordinated attention before statements are filed or testimony is given.

Preparing for Your Restraining Order Consultation

Bring the full packet, proof of service if available, existing custody or protective orders, and the evidence supporting your position. Tell us the hearing date first. Early preparation gives your attorney time to evaluate the requested relief and organize the material the court needs to consider.

Related family law services: child custody and parenting plans; divorce and property division.

Radford & Rome, LLP is based in Los Angeles and represents clients in family law matters across Southern California. Learn about our family law representation or request a consultation. Call (213) 550-3477 to discuss your case.

This page provides general information about California law and is not legal advice for a particular case. Reading it or contacting the firm does not create an attorney-client relationship.