How Long Do DVROs Last in California?

A Domestic Violence Restraining Order (DVRO) can be one of the most critical protections available for individuals experiencing abuse in California. For survivors, understanding how long a DVRO lasts is essential for planning safety, stability, and long-term legal strategy. Although DVROs are commonly associated with immediate crises, the length of protection can vary substantially depending on the type of order, evidence presented, and the court’s assessment of ongoing risk.

This comprehensive guide explains each stage of the DVRO process, from the moment a request is filed to long-term or even permanent protections. Whether you are seeking protection or responding to a DVRO request, knowing the timelines and requirements can help you make informed decisions about your next steps.

What Is a DVRO in California? Understanding the Basics

A DVRO is a court order designed to protect individuals who have experienced abuse or threats from someone with whom they share a close relationship, such as a spouse, partner, co-parent, close family member, or someone they’ve dated. The court can grant orders that restrict contact, remove the restrained person from the home, and protect children if they are exposed to harm.

California law recognizes several categories of conduct as abuse, including physical violence, threats, harassment, stalking, coercive control, emotional abuse, and destruction of property. Because domestic violence often escalates quickly, the DVRO process is structured to provide both immediate and long-term protection.

For full guidance on domestic violence cases, you can visit our Domestic Violence Practice Area page.

The Three Types of DVROs and Their Timelines

California issues DVROs in three distinct stages. Each stage serves a different purpose and has a different duration.

Emergency Protective Order (EPO)

An EPO is the fastest and shortest form of protection. It is typically requested by a law enforcement officer when responding to a domestic violence call. The judge can approve an EPO 24/7.

Duration:

• Usually 5 to 7 days
• Long enough to allow the protected person to file for a Temporary Restraining Order

Temporary Restraining Order (TRO)

A TRO is granted after the protected person files court documents describing the abuse and the need for protection. TROs can include stay-away orders, personal conduct orders, custody orders, and removal from a shared home.

Duration:

• Usually 20 to 25 days
• Lasts until the court hearing, where a judge decides whether to issue a long-term DVRO

“Permanent” DVRO (After Hearing)

This is the longest and most comprehensive protective order. After reviewing evidence and testimony from both sides, the judge decides whether to grant a DVRO.

Duration:

• Up to 5 years under California law
• In some cases, DVROs can be issued for longer or be made permanent, but only upon renewal.

These timelines make DVROs uniquely flexible: immediate protection is available, and long-term safety can be secured after a full hearing.

How Long Does a “Permanent” DVRO Last?

The court has wide discretion when setting the duration of a DVRO after the hearing. Under California Family Code §6345, a judge can grant a DVRO for:

• 1 year or less
• 3 years
• 5 years (the most common maximum)
• Longer than 5 years in certain cases
• Permanent in rare but serious situations

Judges typically consider:

• Whether the abuse was recent or severe
• Whether there is a risk of future harm
• The history of the relationship
• Any ongoing child custody or co-parenting issues
• Degree of ongoing fear or intimidation
• Whether the restrained person accepts responsibility or continues harmful behavior

DVROs can be highly tailored; some focus on harassment or contact restrictions, while others include child custody orders, residence exclusion, or firearm restrictions.

Can a DVRO Be Extended or Renewed? Yes, Here’s How It Works

One of the most important legal protections in California is the ability to renew a DVRO without needing to prove new acts of abuse. This is a crucial safeguard for survivors whose abusers remain a long-term threat.

When to Request a Renewal

A renewal request must be filed before the DVRO expires, typically:

• 3 months before expiration is ideal.
• The court may grant a hearing sooner if needed.

What the Judge Considers for Renewal

The court evaluates:

• Whether the protected person still has a reasonable fear of future abuse.
• Past violations of the DVRO.
• The length and severity of the initial abuse.
• Any ongoing patterns of intimidation, harassment, or control.

Importantly, no new abuse is required. A survivor’s ongoing fear, if reasonable, is sufficient.

How Long a Renewal Can Last

A renewed DVRO can last:

• 5 more years
• Or permanently, depending on the case

Permanent DVROs are often granted when the original abuse was severe or when the restrained person has a history of violating orders.

What Happens When a DVRO Expires?

If the DVRO expires and is not renewed, its protections automatically end. This means:

• The restrained person may legally contact the protected person again (unless another order is in place).
• Child custody or visitation orders connected to the DVRO may be modified.
• Firearm restrictions may end unless separate orders exist.

For survivors, allowing a DVRO to expire unintentionally can create unexpected risks. Legal counsel can help assess whether a renewal is advisable.

“Given the different legal standards for a renewal versus an initial issuance of a restraining order, it is often a better strategy to renew the current restraining order than to run the risk of having to file for a new restraining order later on. However, every case is different, and a restraining order may inhibit the other party's employment opportunities, which might be of consequence if support is at issue.”
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— Nicole You, Family Law Attorney

Violations of a DVRO Can Impact Its Duration

If the restrained party violates a DVRO, the court is more likely to:

• Extend the order
• Increase restrictions
• Impose criminal penalties
• Consider permanent protection

Violations can include direct contact, indirect messages, using social media, contacting through third parties, or showing up uninvited. Even “accidental” contact can raise concerns for the judge.

How Domestic Violence Allegations Affect Custody And the Length of a DVRO

DVROs often intersect with child custody issues. A finding of domestic violence in the past five years triggers California’s Family Code §3044 presumption, meaning the abusive parent is presumed not to receive joint or sole custody unless they overcome the presumption.

This factor can influence the length of a DVRO because the court must consider:

• The safety of the children
• Co-parenting communication
• Past exposure to domestic violence
• Risk of future harm

A longer DVRO may be appropriate if the abuse affected the children or if co-parenting remains high-conflict.

To learn more, explore: Can A DVRO Affect Custody or Visitation in California?

Factors That Influence How Long a DVRO Lasts

Judges assess several factors when determining duration, including:

• History and severity of abuse.
• Whether there were threats involving weapons.
• Prior calls to law enforcement.
• Whether children were present during the abuse.
• Any evidence of coercive control or stalking.
• The overall pattern of fear and intimidation.
• Whether the restrained person has complied with previous orders.
• The protected person’s need for long-term safety and stability.

There is no “one-size-fits-all” duration. Each DVRO is tailored to the risks and needs of the people involved.

“The DVRO process is most efficient when filings are clear and well-supported by evidence, third-party testimony, police reports, photographs, and videos, service is completed promptly to avoid unnecessary continuances, allegations are narrowly focused on imminent safety concerns, and the request is prepared with legal guidance to avoid procedural delays and ensure potential defenses are addressed and evaluated.”
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— Ashley Bell, Family Law Attorney

How Long Is the Process to Obtain a DVRO?

Although the question often focuses on how long a DVRO lasts, many people also wonder how long it takes to secure one.

General timeline:

• Filing for a TRO: Same-day processing in most counties
• TRO review: Within 24 hours
• Court hearing for a long-term DVRO: Approximately 3–4 weeks
• Extensions: Granted if the hearing must be postponed

The process moves quickly because the court’s priority is immediate safety.

“The biggest way to move a DVRO case along faster is preparation. Courts act quickly when the paperwork is clear, factual, and focused on safety, not emotion. A detailed declaration, organized evidence, and strict compliance with court instructions allow judges to assess risk efficiently and issue protection without unnecessary delays.”
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— Garen Gevorkian, Family Law Attorney

FAQs: How Long Do DVROs Last in California?

How long does a DVRO last in California?

A long-term DVRO in California typically lasts up to 5 years, but it can be issued for longer or even permanently, depending on the severity of the abuse and risk of future harm.

Do DVROs automatically expire?

Yes. When the expiration date arrives, the order ends unless the protected person files a request to renew it before that date.

Can a DVRO be permanent?

Yes. California allows courts to issue permanent restraining orders in cases of severe abuse, repeated violations of prior orders, or credible long-term safety concerns.

Do I need to show new abuse to renew a DVRO?

No. California law does not require new incidents of abuse to renew a DVRO. A reasonable fear of future harm is enough.

How long does a Temporary Restraining Order last?

A TRO usually lasts 20–25 days until the full hearing, where the judge decides whether to issue a long-term DVRO.

Final Thoughts

Understanding how long a DVRO lasts is essential when planning for safety, child custody, and long-term stability. Whether you are seeking protection or challenging allegations, the duration of each restraining order stage reflects both your immediate needs and future risks.

If you are navigating a domestic violence case, the legal team at Cage & Miles can help guide you through each step: filing, hearings, renewals, and long-term strategy. To speak with a family law attorney, visit the Contact Page.