[Read this glossary entry on atharkhan.com](https://atharkhan.com/glossary/temporary-restraining-order/) A **temporary restraining order**, often called a [[TRO|TRO]], is a [[Court Order|court order]] that temporarily restricts specified conduct under the applicable law. It is a form of [[Injunction|injunctive relief]]. The order's actual terms, governing statute, and any later court action determine its scope and duration. ## In California Family Law TROs are often used in [[Domestic Violence|domestic violence]] proceedings while a request for longer-term protection awaits a hearing. [[Cal. Fam. Code § 6300|Family Code section 6300]] permits protective orders on the statutory showing of past abuse. It also provides that an ex parte restraining order under the specified provisions must not be denied solely because the other party was not given notice. That is not a universal rule for every kind of temporary order or [[Ex Parte Hearing|ex parte hearing]]. In a domestic violence case, the [California Courts explanation of DV-109, DV-100 and DV-110](https://selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/respond-to-DV-restraining-order) distinguishes the hearing notice, the requested relief, and the temporary orders actually made. Filing a request does not mean every requested restriction has been granted. The signed order must be read carefully. Temporary protection is not the same as the later order after a hearing. [[Cal. Fam. Code § 242|Family Code section 242]] governs hearing timing in its proceedings and addresses enforceability when a hearing is delayed, including extensions under section 245. Other proceedings have their own rules. Protective orders can also arise in juvenile proceedings under [[Cal. Welf. and Inst. Code § 213.5|Welfare and Institutions Code section 213.5]]. ## Example A person requests a domestic violence restraining order before the scheduled hearing. The judge grants temporary no-contact protection but does not grant every item requested. The temporary order controls what has been ordered for that period; the request alone does not add restrictions that the judge did not impose. The hearing and any extension or later order must still be tracked.