If the sheriff or a process server has just handed you a restraining order packet—or you sense one may be coming—read this before you act. California’s new Survivor’s Protection Act (SB 554) rewrites the ground rules on where petitions can be filed and how fast things can move, so the steps you take in the next few days could shape your freedom to travel, your criminal exposure, and your record.
On September 27, 2024 Governor Newsom signed SB 554 (Sen. Dave Cortese) into law, amending Code of Civil Procedure § 527.6 and Family Code § 6301. Because it was not an “urgency” bill, the changes took effect January 1, 2025.
Border-less Filing: The Petitioner Now Chooses the Playing Field
• Any California superior court that is convenient to the petitioner can hear the case: the county where the petitioner lives or stays, the county where you live, the county where the alleged abuse occurred, or any other court with jurisdiction.
• A petitioner does not have to be a California resident; someone harmed in the state can file even after moving elsewhere.
Why This Matters for You as a Respondent
• Venue shopping: You might have to appear in a courthouse hundreds of miles from home.
• Less time to react: Judges can still issue a temporary restraining order (TRO) the same day a petition is filed.
• Multiple bites at the apple: A petitioner who relocates can pursue relief in each new county; it falls to your lawyer to flag duplicate proceedings.
A Defense Attorney's Checklist Under the New Law
• Challenging venue – File a motion to transfer promptly; courts now balance petitioner safety against your inconvenience.
• Remote appearances – Ask for Zoom immediately when distance is an issue.
• Evidence preservation – Secure surveillance video, texts, and witnesses early, especially if they are tied to the county where events occurred.
• Parallel family-law cases – SB 554 applies the same venue rule to domestic violence protective orders; coordinate strategy if a DVRO and criminal matter are split between counties.
Bottom Line
The Survivor’s Protection Act removes geographical barriers for petitioners, but it also alters the landscape for respondents. If you have been served with, or expect to be served with, a California restraining order petition under the new rules, contact experienced counsel right away. A swift, venue-focused defense can protect your rights, your record, and your peace of mind.
Have questions about how SB 554 may affect your case? Contact the Law Office of Christopher Chaney for a confidential consultation.
