Yang Law Offices
DVRO lawyer
Domestic Violence Restraining Order Attorneys — Protection for You and Your Family
Whether You Need a Restraining Order or Are Responding to One: Steady, Compassionate Guidance
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Domestic Violence Restraining Orders in California: What to Expect and How We Help
A domestic violence restraining order (DVRO) is one of the strongest protections California law offers, and it can also carry serious consequences for the person it names. We handle both sides with the seriousness they deserve: helping you get real protection quickly when you need it, and helping you respond fairly and effectively if an order has been filed against you. These cases move fast and often overlap with custody and divorce, so having the right guidance from the start matters.
Domestic Violence Restraining Orders
A DVRO, under California’s Domestic Violence Prevention Act, protects you from abuse or threats by someone you have a close relationship with — a spouse, ex, dating partner, co-parent, or close family member. It can order that person to stop the abuse, stay away, and have no contact with you or your children.
Emergency, Temporary, and Long-Term Protection
Protection can begin immediately. An emergency or temporary order can protect you right away, and after a hearing the court can issue an order lasting up to five years, and in some cases longer. We prepare your evidence and your testimony so you are ready for that hearing.
Responding to a DVRO Against You
Being named in a restraining order is serious, and ignoring it only makes things worse. A DVRO can affect your custody rights, your firearms, your housing, and your record. We help you answer the petition, gather your evidence, and present your side clearly at the hearing.
Safety and truth both matter in these cases. Whether you are protecting yourself and your children or defending your name, you deserve an advocate who moves quickly, knows the law, and treats you with dignity.
What makes us different.
At Yang Law Offices, we handle domestic violence restraining orders with urgency, discretion, and genuine care. Because these cases so often run alongside divorce and custody, we see the whole picture, not just the hearing in front of us, and we protect your long-term interests as well as your immediate safety. With deep knowledge of California family law and bilingual services (English & 中文), we serve clients across Los Angeles, the San Gabriel Valley, and Orange County.
Call Now, I’m ListeningFrequently asked questions
What is a DVRO and who can get one in California?
A domestic violence restraining order is a court order under California’s Domestic Violence Prevention Act (Family Code section 6200 and following). You can seek one against someone you have a close relationship with: a current or former spouse or partner, someone you dated, a co-parent, or a close relative. If the person is a stranger, neighbor, or coworker instead, the right tool is usually a civil harassment restraining order.
What counts as domestic violence or abuse under California law?
Abuse is broader than physical violence. It includes threats, stalking, sexual assault, and “disturbing the peace” of the other person, which California law understands to include coercive control — a pattern of behavior that takes away someone’s freedom or sense of safety. You do not have to wait for physical harm to seek protection.
What can a domestic violence restraining order include?
A DVRO can do more than order no contact. It can require the restrained person to stay away and move out of a shared home, set temporary child custody and visitation, order child or spousal support, require the surrender of firearms, and direct participation in a batterer intervention program. The order is tailored to what you and your family actually need.
How does a DVRO affect child custody?
Significantly. Under Family Code section 3044, if a court finds that a parent committed domestic violence within the past five years, there is a rebuttable presumption that giving that parent custody would harm the child. This makes a DVRO one of the most important factors in a custody case, which is exactly why both sides need to take it seriously and get it right.
I have been served with a DVRO — what should I do?
Follow the order exactly, and do not contact the protected person, even to explain or apologize. Violating a restraining order is a separate crime. Because a DVRO can affect your custody rights, your firearms, and your record, speak with an attorney right away so you can respond to the petition and present your side at the hearing.
testimonials
Client Testimonials
Sarah C.
A complex child custody case
“ I had a very complicated custody case that many lawyers refused to take on. Elizabeth Yang was the only lawyer that took my call and listened to what my circumstances were. A judge granted full custody to the other party because of a practically default ruling where I had been absent for the majority of the hearings. The odds were stacked against me, but we won! My case was given to Ken, an intelligent and highly capable lawyer that respectfully court session after court session, won over the judge’s opinion. We were granted a mediator that will look into our case and decide what is best for my son and our family. This law firm is involved, dedicated, and professional. They understand the law but they also understand the personal side of how court affects someone mentally and emotionally. I am so thankful that every lawyer before them turned me down. I was forced to pick the firm that listened, cared, and won. Sarah C.
Russel R
Father’s rights and child custody
“ Wow I am so glad I came across this law firm on yelp. Best father rights law firm in California. James is the best child custody lawyer period. Says how it is. Super sharp and wise. For anyone who is accused of child abuse let him help you. Father’s have rights!!!! James you are an angel Russel R
Winnie W.
Guidance through divorce
“ What I love most about Elizabeth is her heart and her positivity. Let’s be real here, a divorce is not just a legal case, it feels like the rug is pulled from underneath you and I love that I feel loved and cared for by Elizabeth during the divorce process. She has published a lot of books, advocating this concept called “socially married” which really shows that she is not a lawyer who wants my money but wants to help me become the happiest and strongest person. I am really thankful to her guidance during my divorce . Winnie W.
Danthu P.
Legal advice and professional trust
“ I have known Elizabeth as a woman of trust and integrity in her profession. We met initially when she came to speak at my college back when I was still a college student and she has empowered me as a young woman to stand up for justice. When I needed her support legally and understanding as an educator for my young students who came from low socioeconomic backgrounds, she always call right away to understand my situation and give heloful advice for me so that I can feel assured of the tough decisions I had to make. Her office has been practicing business, family law and estate planning, in which I will continue to have her assistance in. She is also experienced in drafting patent validity opinion letters, requests for reexamination, intellectual property licensing agreements, and trademark consent agreements. In regard to family law, Elizabeth further has extensive experience dealing with family law issues involving child custody, child support, alimony , asset division, pre-nuptial agreements, and post-nuptial agreements. Danthu P.
Isabel G.
Family court and coparenting
“ This is an overdue review of the experience I had with Elizabeth Yang. Having a family court case is one of the most stressful things a family can experience. There was a lot of high conflict in mine with coparenting issues and a need for a suitable custodial arrangement. Child support and support for health insurance services were also a part of our case. Throw a special needs child in the middle and there is a lot to review, a lot of information to weed through, and important strategies and needs to consider. I always appreciated that Elizabeth and Elaine always made sure to include all my requests and complaints into smart and succinct dispositions/arguments for the court. Having a lot of experience with other attorneys, I can say that Elizabeth stayed focused on the facts of the case. She understood I needed help in advocating for our family needs and was on top of it. A lot of attorneys waste your time and money and you go in circles repeating the same information. I didn’t experience that here. In addition, I retained Elizabeth’s services while I was a graduate student. She has been beyond patient with my payment plan. She is an empathetic woman who is focused and wants to help you and is confident in court. I would definitely recommend her for your family court case if you find yourself in that unfortunate need. Isabel G.
Still not convinced?
These are some of the hardest situations a person can face, and it is normal to feel unsure about going to court, whether you are the one seeking protection or the one who has been served. You do not have to carry it alone, and you do not have to decide everything today. The first step is simply understanding your options and your rights under California law, with no pressure and no judgment. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
Contact Us
Call Now: (877) 492-6452 or send an inquiry.
Our locations.
Yang Law Offices lists these four Southern California locations.
Monterey Park, CA 91754
Open Monterey Park in Google Maps 555 S Flower St., 51st Floor
Los Angeles, CA 90071
Open Los Angeles in Google Maps La Palma Center 2187, 6 Centerpointe Drive Suit 700
La Palma, CA 90623
Open La Palma in Google Maps 388 Cordova St., Unit 100C
Pasadena, CA 91101
Open Pasadena in Google Maps