Obtaining a Temporary Restraining Order (TRO)

Do the following to obtain a TRO:

• Call Family Court Services at (619) 687-2292 for assistance in obtaining a TRO.
• Fill out the TRO form.  Forms are available at Superior Court locations.
• Attend a clinic on the use of TROs.  Clinics are held on weekdays between 8:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. at the Court locations.
• Get the TRO approved by a judge.  This can take four to six hours at the Court.
• Have the TRO served by a law enforcement official or someone you appoint.  The server must be older than 18 years.  You cannot serve it yourself.
• Keep a copy of the TRO with you at all times.  Call 911 if a violation occurs.
• Call 911 if the restrained party has not yet been served but harasses you.  The police can serve the TRO on the spot or over the phone.
• Go to the County Sheriff’s Department Restraining/Protective Order website at www.sdsheriff.net/tro to see if the TRO has been served.  You will have to enter the Case Number and the restrained persons last name to access this online database.