Facing a Domestic Violence Restraining Order (DVRO) hearing is one of the most stressful experiences a father can go through. A restraining order can impact your ability to see your children, remain in your home, and even affect your job. At Reel Fathers Rights, we know that false or exaggerated allegations are unfortunately common in family court, and we’re here to help you fight back.

If you’re facing a DVRO hearing, what you don’t do is just as important as what you do. Here are the top five mistakes to avoid if you want to protect your rights and prevail in your hearing.

1. Do Not Violate the Temporary Restraining Order (TRO)

When a temporary restraining order (TRO) is issued, it’s crucial that you follow every condition to the letter. Even if the allegations are false, violating the TRO—no matter how small the infraction—can severely hurt your case.

🚫 Avoid:

  • Contacting the petitioner (even if they reach out to you first)
  • Going to their home, workplace, or anywhere they frequent
  • Sending messages through friends or family
  • Posting anything about the case or the petitioner on social media

✅ What to Do Instead:

  • Follow all court orders until the hearing
  • Document any attempts by the petitioner to contact you
  • Consult with your attorney before taking any action

Ignoring the TRO can make you look guilty and give the court a reason to issue a permanent restraining order against you.

2. Do Not Lose Your Cool in Court or in Public

One of the biggest mistakes fathers make is losing their temper in or outside the courtroom. Even if the allegations are completely false, showing anger or frustration can reinforce the idea that you are a threat.

🚫 Avoid:

  • Yelling, arguing, or making aggressive gestures in court
  • Sending heated texts or emails
  • Posting rants or threats on social media
  • Reacting emotionally to false accusations

✅ What to Do Instead:

  • Stay calm and composed at all times
  • Let your attorney do the talking
  • Stick to the facts and present evidence that supports your case

Judges are watching your demeanor and behavior closely. Staying composed strengthens your credibility and makes it harder for the other side to paint you as dangerous.

3. Do Not Ignore the Importance of Evidence

A DVRO hearing is won with evidence, not just testimony. Too often, fathers believe that their word alone will be enough to prevail. It won’t be.

🚫 Avoid:

  • Relying only on verbal denials
  • Thinking the judge will just “see the truth”
  • Assuming the burden of proof is on the petitioner

✅ What to Do Instead:

  • Gather texts, emails, call logs, and witness statements
  • Provide evidence of false claims (e.g., timestamps, alibis, or contradictions in their story)
  • Obtain character references, especially from neutral third parties
  • If possible, present audio or video evidence that disproves the allegations

The more clear and objective evidence you present, the better your chances of defending yourself successfully.

4. Do Not Go Into the Hearing Unprepared

Walking into a DVRO hearing without preparation is like going into battle without armor. The petitioner will likely have an attorney or legal aid helping them—you need a solid strategy, too.

🚫 Avoid:

  • Showing up without legal representation
  • Failing to review the allegations in detail
  • Ignoring court deadlines or procedural rules

✅ What to Do Instead:

  • Hire an experienced fathers’ rights attorney
  • Prepare a detailed response to each allegation
  • Submit any required paperwork before deadlines
  • Practice answering potential questions calmly and clearly

At Reel Fathers Rights, we’ve helped hundreds of fathers fight back against false restraining orders and we know exactly what it takes to win these cases.

5. Do Not Assume This Won’t Affect Your Custody Case

A DVRO is more than just a restraining order—it can severely impact your custody rights. If granted, it can lead to:

  • Supervised visitation or even no visitation at all
  • A loss of legal decision-making authority over your child
  • An uphill battle to regain 50/50 custody

🚫 Avoid:

  • Thinking that the DVRO and custody case are separate
  • Failing to present evidence that you are a great father
  • Giving up or assuming you can “fix it later”

✅ What to Do Instead:

  • Emphasize your role as an active and loving father
  • Provide evidence of your relationship with your child
  • Work with an attorney who understands how DVROs affect custody battles

A false restraining order is often used as a weapon in custody disputes. If you don’t fight it aggressively, it can cost you your parental rights.

Serving Fathers in Southern CaliforniaAt Reel Fathers Rights, we are dedicated to fighting for fathers in:
✅ Los Angeles County
✅ Orange County
✅ San Bernardino County
✅ San Diego County
✅ Riverside County