My Friend Needs Help

Dear friends,

I have a friend who is also from Berkeley. She got a restraining order against her neighbor, but then they became befriends again, and she wants to dissolve the restraining order. She was asking me how to go about it. I told her what I know.

I told her that she can call Hayward Hall of Justice and asks questions. However, they pretty much just send people to their website:

www.alameda.courts.ca.gov

I know that the form requesting to dissolve the civil harassment restraining order (form CH 610) can be filled out, scanned and then filed online, along with a fee waiver form (for those who cannot afford the court fees). 

I know that they pretty much just want you to create an email account, then probably register with them and follow the steps to file the paperwork through e-filing (which stands for "electronic filing"). I was told that there is a "self-help" button where there is some helpful information about filing paperwork online. They also have a live chat, I believe. And, once again, it is always helpful to call the clerk of the court (Hayward Hall of Justice) if the website doesn't give you clear instructions.

One should be able to find the case number and the exact case name by providing names of the parties. 

There should be a button for forms where forms can be found. However, their website can be a mess. I heard that some forms are missing. Sometimes one can Google the name and number of the form and find it that way. I think the form # is CH610. But I am not sure.

Does anybody know how to find the missing forms? Do you guys have any advice for my friend? She would really appreciate it.

Thank you and have a blessed day!

PS: I forgot to ask another question. Once you e-file your request to dissolve your restraining order, the court should respond by email and let you know what your hearing date and time are. They will most likely respond by regular mail as well. So when you fill out your request, make sure to give them a mailing address where you want to receive the letter from the court, somewhere where it will not get lost or stolen.

You have to show up for your hearing in person. Does anybody know how long this whole process take?