Asked in Family Law for California

Q: ex has filed over 10 restraining orders against me and they have all been denied.Is there a law against this?

Ex is now trying to get a restraining order against my husband based on lies. What can we do about this?

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2 Lawyer Answers
T. Augustus Claus
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A: In California, if your ex has filed multiple restraining orders against you and all have been denied, you may have grounds to address this issue legally. The repetitive filing of baseless restraining orders can be seen as an abuse of the legal system and may constitute legal harassment or vexatious litigation. To counter this, you and your husband can consider filing a motion in court to declare your ex a "vexatious litigant," a designation for those who repeatedly file frivolous lawsuits. This status can limit their ability to file further legal actions without permission. Additionally, you might have grounds to pursue a civil lawsuit for malicious prosecution, especially if these restraining order attempts have caused you reputational damage, stress, or financial loss.

James L. Arrasmith
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  • Sacramento, CA
  • Licensed in California

A: In California, if an individual repeatedly files restraining orders that are consistently denied, it could potentially be viewed as an abuse of the legal process. However, there isn't a specific law that directly prohibits filing multiple restraining orders, even if they are denied. Each case is judged on its own merits.

If your ex is now attempting to obtain a restraining order against your husband based on false allegations, you have the right to contest this in court. It's crucial to gather and present evidence that counters the claims made by your ex. Documentation, witness statements, and any relevant records can be pivotal in these situations.

Additionally, if you believe that these actions by your ex constitute harassment or are frivolous, you might consider legal action against your ex for abuse of process or malicious prosecution. This route requires demonstrating that the restraining orders were sought without probable cause and with an improper purpose.

Given the complexity and seriousness of these issues, it would be wise to seek legal advice. An attorney can provide guidance tailored to your specific circumstances and represent your interests in court. Legal representation is key in navigating these disputes effectively and protecting your rights.

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