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Yes! You can use AI to fill out Form DV-140, Child Custody and Visitation Order (Domestic Violence Prevention)

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Form DV-140, Child Custody and Visitation Order (Domestic Violence Prevention), page 1
Complex · 79/100Form Complexity Index

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What this form asks for

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Form DV-140, the Child Custody and Visitation Order, is a mandatory Judicial Council of California form used in domestic violence prevention cases to establish legally binding orders for child custody and visitation. It specifies legal and physical custody, visitation schedules (including supervised or unsupervised visits), and restrictions on travel or access to children's information. Today, this form can be filled out quickly and accurately using AI-powered services like Instafill.ai, which can also convert non-fillable PDF versions into interactive fillable forms.
Fillable fields170
Pages4
Sections50
Tables and lists3
Questions that depend on earlier answers86
Form Complexity IndexComplex, 79/100

The AI checks your answers before you download

14 checks built for this form, so a wrong date or a missing answer is caught before anyone else sees it.

Exclusive Attached Form Selection

This validation ensures that exactly one checkbox is selected under the 'This form is attached to' section, either DV-110 or DV-130. This is critical because the context of the order (temporary vs. permanent) depends on which form it accompanies. If zero or both are checked, the submission should be flagged for manual review to clarify the order's legal basis.

Child Age Verification

This check validates that the 'Date of birth' for each child listed in Section 3 corresponds to an age of less than 18 years. The DV-140 form is specifically for orders concerning minor children. If a date of birth indicates an individual is 18 or older, an error should be triggered as the court's jurisdiction under these statutes may not apply.

Mutually Exclusive Visitation Orders

This validation enforces logical consistency between visitation sections. If Section 8 ('must have no visitation') is checked, then Sections 9 ('Supervised Visitation'), 11 ('Visits With No Supervision'), and 12 ('Visitation Schedule') must be disabled or cleared. Granting visitation in one section while completely denying it in another creates a legally unenforceable and contradictory order.

Supervised Fee Percentage Summation

For Sections 9 (Supervised Visitation) and 10 (Supervised Exchanges), if a 'Professional' supervisor is selected, this check ensures the fee percentages assigned to 'Person in 1', 'Person in 2', and 'Other' sum to exactly 100%. This prevents financial ambiguity and future disputes over payment responsibility. A failure would prompt the user to correct the percentages before submission.

Conditional Requirement for 'Other' Descriptions

This check applies to multiple sections (e.g., 1, 2, 7, 9, 10, 12, 14) where an 'Other (describe)' option exists. If the 'Other' checkbox is selected, the corresponding text field must be populated with a description. This ensures that orders are not left vague and that all necessary details for an alternative arrangement are captured, preventing ambiguity and enforcement issues.

Case Number Consistency Across Pages

This validation verifies that the 'Case Number' field, which appears on every page of the form, is not only present but also contains the exact same value on all pages. This is crucial for ensuring all pages are correctly associated with the same legal case when filed and processed. A mismatch could lead to pages being lost or filed incorrectly.

And 8 more checks
  • Judicial Justification for Custody to Restrained Person
  • Visitation Schedule Time Logic
  • Child Name Cross-Reference for Access Restriction
  • Travel Restriction Completeness
  • Unsupervised Visitation Justification Requirement
  • Habitual Residence Selection Completeness
  • Visitation Schedule Frequency and Start Date
  • Supervised Visitation Schedule Specificity

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How to Fill Out DV-140 Online for Free in 2026

What the AI walks you through.

  1. Navigate to an AI-powered form-filling service like Instafill.ai and upload or select the DV-140 form.
  2. Provide the case number and the full names and relationships of the protected and restrained persons.
  3. Enter the names and birth dates for all children under 18 who are subject to the order.
  4. Specify the requested orders for legal custody (decision-making) and physical custody (where the child lives), indicating if it's sole or joint.
  5. Detail the visitation plan, including whether visits are supervised or unsupervised, the schedule, and arrangements for child exchanges.
  6. Indicate any other requested orders, such as travel restrictions or limitations on accessing the children's school or health records.
  7. Review the completed form for accuracy, then download, print, and file it with the court as required.

Common Mistakes in Completing DV-140

The ones the AI is built to catch.

Forgetting or Mismatching the Case Number on All Pages
People often fill in the case number on the first page but forget it on subsequent pages, or they enter it incorrectly. This happens due to oversight when dealing with multi-page documents. An incorrect or missing case number can cause the court clerk to reject the filing or misfile the document, leading to significant delays and impacting the enforceability of the order. To avoid this, carefully enter the exact case number in the designated field at the top of every single page before submission.
Providing a Vague or Incomplete Visitation Schedule
In Section 12, filers often use vague terms like 'alternating weekends' without specifying exact start/end times, pickup/drop-off locations, or who is responsible for transportation. This ambiguity creates confusion and is a primary source of future conflict, often requiring parties to return to court for clarification. To prevent this, clearly define every detail: day, start time (e.g., 'Friday at 6:00 PM'), end time (e.g., 'Sunday at 6:00 PM'), exact exchange locations, and the person responsible for transport. An AI-powered tool like Instafill.ai can help by prompting for all necessary details to ensure the schedule is complete and enforceable.
Confusing Protected and Restrained Persons in Key Sections
The form uses 'Person in 1' (Protected Person) and 'Person in 2' (Restrained Person) as shorthand, which can be confusing. Filers may accidentally check the wrong box in critical sections like Custody (7) or Visitation (9, 11), resulting in an order that grants rights to the wrong person. This error can render the order nonsensical and require an emergency court hearing to correct. Always double-check that 'Person in 1' and 'Person in 2' correspond to the names listed in Sections 1 and 2 on the first page.
Incomplete Supervised Visitation Arrangements
When filling out Section 9 for supervised visitation, people frequently check the box but fail to provide crucial details, such as who the supervisor will be or how a professional's fees will be split. An order for supervised visitation is unenforceable without a designated supervisor and a clear plan for payment, rendering the request ineffective. To avoid this, ensure you specify the supervisor type (nonprofessional or professional), provide their name if known, and clearly allocate payment percentages so they total 100%.
Making Contradictory Selections Regarding Visitation
A common error is to select conflicting options, such as checking the box for 'No visitation' in Section 8 while also filling out a detailed visitation schedule in Section 12. This logical contradiction makes it impossible for the judge to know the filer's true intent, which can lead to an unintended order or a delay in the ruling. Carefully review the entire form to ensure your selections are consistent. AI form-filling tools like Instafill.ai can help prevent these mistakes by flagging contradictory inputs before submission.
Checking an 'Other' Box Without Providing an Explanation
Many sections on the form, such as relationship to children (1, 2) or custody arrangements (7), have an 'Other (describe)' option. Filers often check the 'Other' box but forget to write in the required explanation. This leaves the court with incomplete information, making that part of the order vague and potentially unenforceable. If you select any 'Other' option, you must provide a clear and concise description to ensure the court understands your specific request.
Failing to Properly List More Than Four Children
The form only has space to list four children in Section 3. If there are more, filers are instructed to check a box and attach a separate page, but they often forget to do one or both of these steps. This can result in the custody and visitation order not applying to all of the children involved, creating a serious legal gap. If you have more than four children, you must check the box in Section 3 and attach a separate sheet of paper clearly labeled 'DV-140, Children' with the additional children's full names and dates of birth.
Incomplete Travel Restriction Orders
In Section 4, a person might check a box to restrict travel outside a county or the state but fail to check who the restriction applies to ('Person in 1,' 'Person in 2,' or 'Other'). This omission makes the order unenforceable, as it doesn't specify which parent is bound by the travel limitation. To create a valid order, you must select both the geographic boundary (e.g., 'State of California') and the person who is being restricted from traveling with the children without permission.
Incorrect Fee Allocation for Supervised Services
In Sections 9 (Supervised Visitation) and 10 (Supervised Exchanges), the form requires allocating payment responsibility by percentage. A frequent mistake is entering percentages for Person 1, Person 2, and/or 'Other' that do not add up to exactly 100%. This creates an ambiguous payment order and can prevent supervised services from starting. Always double-check your math to ensure the fee percentages sum to 100%. Using a tool like Instafill.ai can help by automatically validating such calculations.
Failing to Specify Children for Information Access Block
Section 5 allows a party to stop the restrained person from accessing a child's records. However, filers sometimes check the main box for Section 5 but then fail to specify whether the block applies to 'All the children listed in 3' or only specific children. This ambiguity can lead to providers being unsure of their legal obligation to withhold or release information. To avoid this, you must clearly select either the 'All children' option or the 'Only the children listed here' option and name them if necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions About DV-140

 

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Yes. You pay $0 today. Cancel before Nov 14 and you are never charged. Keep it, and it is $19.99 a month for 5 fills of your DV-140.
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This plan is for your DV-140: your own AI agent fills it as often as 5 times a month. To fill other forms and upload your own, choose a Professional plan from your account.
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From your account, in two clicks, any time. No email, no call.
How does the AI fill out DV-140?
You answer a few questions in plain words, or upload a document you already have. The AI reads what you give it and puts each answer into the right field of DV-140, on every page, in seconds. It checks the answers against the form's own rules, and you review and change anything before you download, print or sign.
What happens to my information?
It is encrypted in transit and at rest, and it is never used to train AI.
How complex is DV-140 to fill out?
DV-140 has a Form Complexity Index of 79 out of 100, in the complex tier: 170 fillable fields across 4 pages. Instafill.ai's AI fills it in under a minute, with every field there for you to review before you download.
What is Form DV-140 and when is it used?
Form DV-140, the Child Custody and Visitation Order, is a mandatory California court form used to establish custody and visitation rules in a domestic violence case. It is not a standalone document and must be attached to either a Temporary Restraining Order (DV-110) or a Restraining Order After Hearing (DV-130).
Who are the 'Protected Person' and 'Restrained Person' on this form?
The 'Protected Person' (item 1) is the individual seeking protection from domestic violence, who is also a parent or guardian of the children. The 'Restrained Person' (item 2) is the person whose actions are being restricted by the court order.
What is the difference between legal custody and physical custody in Section 7?
Legal custody (7a) refers to the right to make important decisions about a child's health, education, and welfare. Physical custody (7b) determines where the child lives on a regular basis.
Can I use this form to prevent the other parent from taking our children out of state?
Yes, in Section 4, you can ask the court to order that a parent must get written permission from the other parent or a court order before taking the children outside of a specific county, the state of California, or the United States.
What does 'Supervised Visitation' in Section 9 mean?
Supervised visitation means that a parent's time with their children must be monitored by another adult, who can be a professional provider or a nonprofessional person approved by the court. This is ordered to ensure the children's safety during visits.
What should I do if I have more than four children to list on the form?
If you need to list more than four children, check the box in Section 3. Then, on a separate piece of paper, write 'DV-140, Children' at the top, list the additional children's names and birthdates, and attach it to the form.
Can I stop the other parent from getting my child's school or medical records?
Yes, Section 5 of the form allows you to ask the judge to block the restrained person's access to the children's school, medical, dental, and other important records and information.
The judge ordered 'no visitation' in Section 8 on my temporary order. Is this permanent?
An order for no visitation on a temporary restraining order (attached to form DV-110) is not permanent; it is only in effect until your court hearing. You must attend your court hearing to present your case if you want the judge to consider allowing visitation.
What happens if someone violates the orders on this form?
Violating a court order, including the custody and visitation terms on Form DV-140, is a serious offense. The person who violates the order may be subject to civil or criminal penalties, including fines and jail time.
What is the purpose of the Visitation Schedule in Section 12?
Section 12 provides a detailed, day-by-day schedule for visitation, including start and end times, who is responsible for transportation, and the location for drop-offs and pick-ups. This ensures all parties have a clear understanding of the court-ordered visitation plan.
Can I use an AI tool to help me fill out Form DV-140?
Yes, services like Instafill.ai use AI to help you accurately auto-fill form fields, which can save time and reduce errors. This is especially helpful for complex legal forms with many repeating details.
How can I fill out this form online using Instafill.ai?
You can upload the DV-140 PDF to the Instafill.ai platform. The service will make the document interactive, and its AI can help you populate the fields with your information before you print or save the completed form.
My copy of the DV-140 PDF is not fillable. What can I do?
If you have a flat, non-fillable PDF, you can use a service like Instafill.ai. It can convert non-fillable PDFs into interactive, fillable forms that you can easily complete on your computer.
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Other forms like this one

domestic violence forms: Form DV-100, Request for Domestic Violence Restraining Order, Dakota County CDA New Admissions Informal Review Request Form (Housing Choice Voucher Program) and HUD Form 5382, Certification of Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, or Stalking, and Alternate Documentation, DV-100, Request for Domestic Violence Restraining Order (Domestic Violence Prevention), Form DV-200, Proof of Personal Service (CLETS) (Domestic Violence Prevention), Judicial Council of California Form DV-110, Temporary Restraining Order (CLETS-TRO) (Domestic Violence Prevention), Form DV-109, Notice of Court Hearing (Domestic Violence Prevention), Form DV-101, Description of Abuse (Domestic Violence Prevention), Form DV-108, Request for Orders to Prevent Child Abduction (Domestic Violence Prevention), Form DV-116, Order on Request to Continue Court Hearing (Temporary Restraining Order) (CLETS-TRO) (Domestic Violence Prevention), Form DV-130, Restraining Order After Hearing (Order of Protection) (Domestic Violence Prevention), Form DV-105, Request for Child Custody and Visitation Orders (Domestic Violence Prevention), Form DV-145, Order to Prevent Child Abduction (Domestic Violence Prevention), State of Michigan Form MC 282, Domestic Violence Screening for Referral to Mediation, MC 282a, Domestic Violence Screening, Form CR-161, Criminal Protective Order—Other Than Domestic Violence (CLETS—CPO), Form CR-162, Order to Surrender Firearms, Firearm Parts, and Ammunition in Domestic Violence Case (CLETS—CPO), Form CR-102, Domestic Violence Plea Form With Waiver of Rights—Misdemeanor (Criminal), Form CR-160, Criminal Protective Order—Domestic Violence (CLETS—CPO), Form DV-120, Response to Request for Domestic Violence Restraining Order (Domestic Violence Prevention), Judicial Council of California, Form DV-177, Notice of Request for Release of Minor's Confidential Information (Domestic Violence Prevention)

child custody forms: Form 12.995(c), Safety-Focused Parenting Plan, Form FL-341(E), Child Custody and Visitation (Parenting Time) Application Attachment, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.902(d), Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) Affidavit, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.941(a), Petition for Enforcement of Out-of-State Custody Decree and for Order to Pick Up Minor Child(ren), Form DV-105, Request for Child Custody and Visitation Orders (Domestic Violence Prevention), Form FL-105/GC-120, Declaration Under Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA), form-fl-105gc-120-declaration-under-uniform-child-custody-jurisdiction-and-enforcement-act-uccjea-1, Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction Enforcement Act Affidavit, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.905(a), Supplemental Petition to Modify Parental Responsibility, Visitation or Parenting Plan / Time-Sharing Schedule and Other Relief, Florida Supreme Court Approved Family Law Form 12.995(a), Parenting Plan, Form DV-305, Request to Change Child Custody and Visitation Orders (Domestic Violence Prevention), Form ICWA-030, Notice of Child Custody Proceeding for Indian Child (Indian Child Welfare Act), Form FL-260, Petition for Custody and Support of Minor Children, Form FL-270, Response to Petition for Custody and Support of Minor Children, Affidavit Regarding Minor Children (Superior Court of Arizona in Maricopa County), Joint Legal Decision-Making Education Order, Sole Legal Decision-Making Education Order, Exhibit: Out-of-State Party Declaration (Form FM-OSP-302), Standard Possession Order, Counter-Petition to Modify the Parent-Child Relationship

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