Caption
Include full case caption, court name, case number, and party names exactly as on existing protective order so the clerk and judge can identify the record without ambiguity.
DV-135 lets a protected person or respondent request court reconsideration when circumstances change, safety improves, or terms need adjustment. Filing clarifies legal status, can restore rights limited by the order, and documents the request for judicial review under family court standards.
Petitioners, protected persons, and respondents use DV-135 to ask the court to modify or dissolve an existing protective order.
Attorneys preparing DV-135 coordinate evidence, prepare declarations under penalty of perjury, and advise clients on service and hearing strategy. Attorneys reduce procedural errors and often prepare accompanying motions or declarations to support modification or dissolution requests.
A party filing without counsel must carefully follow local filing procedures, prepare clear factual declarations, and obtain proper service. Courts may offer self-help centers; errors in format or service commonly result in delays or the need to refile documents.
Include full case caption, court name, case number, and party names exactly as on existing protective order so the clerk and judge can identify the record without ambiguity.
Provide a chronological, concise statement of changed facts with dates and locations. Avoid conclusions; focus on verifiable specifics that support why the order should be modified or dissolved.
Clearly state whether you seek full dissolution, narrowing of terms, modification of contact provisions, or other specific relief; list the exact language you ask the court to enter.
Attach exhibits such as police reports, medical records, third-party declarations, or communications. Number exhibits and reference them in the statement of facts for easy judicial review.
Provide proof of service details including method, date, recipient, and certificate of service form; inadequate service can result in delays or dismissal of the request.
Summarize prior restraining orders, hearings, and orders with dates and outcomes. A concise history helps the court place the current request in proper procedural context.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Document upload and format settings | Accept PDF and DOCX; flatten PDFs before signing. |
| Signature authentication and verification methods | Email link, SMS code, or ID verification. |
| Service of process and proof tracking | Attach proof of service and timestamped receipts. |
| File export naming and bundling rules | Save as single PDF with exhibits appended. |
| Filing fee payments and fee waiver handling | Record payment or attach fee waiver before submission. |
Digital signing and e-submission require compliant platforms and appropriate authentication to meet court and privacy expectations.
File promptly after circumstances change; no fixed statewide deadline.
Service often required before hearing; follow proof-of-service rules.
Court sets hearing date; notice period varies by county.
Processing can take days to weeks depending on caseload.
Ex parte applications require immediate filing and must show urgent necessity.
| 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 | Trial varies | Trial varies | Trial varies | Trial varies |
| Bulk Send | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
Save finalized package as PDF/A to preserve formatting and support long-term archival and court compliance; include a separate cover sheet and bookmarked exhibits.
Merge form and attachments into a single PDF for e-filing where required; maintain a separate index page listing exhibits and file sizes for clerk convenience.
Retain original wet-signed copies if the court requires them; scan and name files clearly with date and signer to reconcile electronic and paper records.
Export to PDF and DOCX for attorney review; maintain one immutable signed PDF for submission and editable copies for internal use.