Petitioner details
Full contact and identifying information for the person seeking protection, including preferred contact methods, DOB when applicable, and any safety concerns about disclosure.
Filing a DV-100 begins a legal process that can produce immediate temporary orders and, after a hearing, longer-term protection. The form gives the court the facts it needs to assess immediate risk and to order remedies that address safety, housing, custody, and financial concerns.
Several parties commonly prepare or support completion of the DV-100 depending on circumstances and resources.
Assistance varies by county; many courts offer clerk guidance, self-help centers, and advocate programs to explain local procedures.
Full contact and identifying information for the person seeking protection, including preferred contact methods, DOB when applicable, and any safety concerns about disclosure.
Full legal name, physical description, last known address, and relationship to petitioner to ensure accurate service and judicial identification at hearing.
A clear, chronological account of recent incidents with dates, locations, witnesses, injuries, and tangible impacts to document immediacy and pattern.
Specific remedies requested such as stay-away, move-out, temporary custody, child support, and attorney-fee orders; specify distances and exclusion zones where relevant.
Attach police reports, medical records, photos, text messages, emails, or witness declarations — label exhibits and reference them in the narrative.
If immediate protection is needed, request an ex parte temporary restraining order and explain the imminent danger or reasons for emergency relief.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Upload document | Use searchable PDF, preserve original formatting |
| Place fields | Add name, date, signature, and checkbox fields |
| Authentication | Use email or SMS verification for signer ID |
| Evidence attachments | Attach exhibits as separate, labeled PDF files |
Courts and process servers accept specific file types and evidence formats; prepare files so they are printable and legible.
Use platform features that preserve original document fidelity, produce a court-ready PDF, and keep a tamper-evident audit trail for filing and enforcement.
Temporary orders may issue the same day upon ex parte showing
A full hearing is typically set within weeks of filing
Respondent must be served before the scheduled hearing
File proof of service with the court prior to hearing
Requests to extend orders require notice and court approval
Gather evidence and complete DV-100 and exhibits before filing.
Clerk stamps and places petition on calendar; request temporary relief if needed.
Arrange lawful service and submit proof to the court prior to hearing.
Judge holds hearing and may issue long-term protection or dismiss the petition.
| Order Type | Domestic Violence (DV-100) | Civil Harassment (CH-100) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary use | domestic/intimate partner abuse | non-intimate harassment |
| Parties involved | spouse, partner, cohabitant | neighbor, roommate, stranger |
| Typical relief | stay-away, custody, move-out | stay-away, no custody orders |
| Venue | family or superior court | superior or civil court |
| signNow | DocuSign | Adobe Sign | PandaDoc | HelloSign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $8/user/mo | $15/user/mo | $14/user/mo | $19/user/mo | $15/user/mo |
| Free Trial | 7-day free trial | Varies by vendor | Varies by vendor | Varies by vendor | Varies by vendor |
| Bulk Send | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Envelope Cap | No cap | 100 envelopes/user/year | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan |
A petitioner documents repeated threats and one physical assault occurring at home over two months, including photos and a police report
A petitioner and respondent are former cohabitants with escalating harassment including stalking and property damage, documented with photos and timestamps
Confirm county requirements for affidavits or acknowledgements.
Use in-person notary or approved RON if accepted by court.
Witness signatures rarely required on the petition itself.
Process server signs a proof of service form under penalty of perjury.
RON sessions often require recording and retention.
Notaries must retain journal entries per state law.
Use jurat or acknowledgment as required by the document.
Court clerk reviews notarization and service before hearing.