Amber Heard: It's Not About Money, It's About Protection from Johnny

Amber Heard wants restraint, not money, from Johnny Depp ... so say people connected to the actress.

Our sources say money is "the lowest priority" in her legal war with Depp. As we reported, both sides have been in settlement discussions and our Amber sources say Johnny's side has proposed a financial settlement ... spousal support totaling $50k a month for 8 months. After taxes, that comes to around a quarter of a million bucks.

Our Amber sources say they have not responded to Johnny's offer, because there was a string attached -- a mutual restraining order. The sources say Amber would never agree to be the subject of a restraining order when she was not the one who committed violence. Thus, it's a deal breaker.

Amber, we're told, wants her day in court next Friday in her attempt to win a permanent restraining order against Johnny. She feels like she needs protection and now believes she's standing up for other domestic violence victims ... especially when the perpetrator is rich and famous.