California Code, Family Code - FAM § 6301

(a) An individual need not be a resident of the state to file a petition for an order under this part.  A petition for an order under this part may be filed in any superior court in this state, consistent with Section 410.10 of the Code of Civil Procedure, which may include, but is not limited to:

(b) An order under this part may be granted to any person described in Section 6211, including a minor pursuant to subdivision (b) of Section 372 of the Code of Civil Procedure.

(c) The right to petition for relief shall not be denied because the petitioner has vacated the household to avoid abuse, and in the case of a marital relationship, notwithstanding that a petition for dissolution of marriage, for nullity of marriage, or for legal separation of the parties has not been filed.

(d) The length of time since the most recent act of abuse is not, by itself, determinative.  The court shall consider the totality of the circumstances in determining whether to grant or deny a petition for relief.