CAL.Regulation
California bars courts from requiring advance notice to the restrained party in ex parte restraining-order applications
California enacted AB 1657 (Chapter 368) on September 20, 2026, amending Family Code Sections 6300 and 6326 to protect domestic violence survivors seeking ex parte restraining orders. The act prohibits courts from requiring advance notice to the party to be restrained before accepting a filing or deciding an application, from demanding an explanation for omitting notice, and from maintaining any inconsistent rule, form, or practice. The act takes effect January 1, 2027.
Enrolled text (California Legislative Information) →
Key points
- AB 1657, Chapter 368, Statutes of 2026, amends Family Code sections 6300 and 6326 on ex parte domestic violence restraining orders; effective January 1, 2027.California Legislative Information
- Courts may not require advance notice to the party to be restrained before accepting a filing or deciding an applicationCalifornia Legislative Information
- Courts may not require an explanation or declaration for not providing advance noticeCalifornia Legislative Information
- Courts may not adopt or maintain any rule, form, or practice inconsistent with these prohibitionsCalifornia Legislative Information
- Court clerks may not reject ex parte requests submitted on mandatory Judicial Council forms identifying the partiesCalifornia Legislative Information
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California Legislative Information
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RegulationCal.AB 1657 (Connolly) - Domestic violence: restraining orders (2026)CriminalFor practitionersFor governance