FL-300 – Request for Order

Jurisdiction: Country: United States | Province/State: California

What is a FL-300 – Request for Order?

FL-300 is the primary form you use to ask the Superior Court of California for orders in a family law case. You use it to request new orders or to change existing orders. It is a Judicial Council form accepted in every California county. It sits in the middle of most family law disputes, from parenting to support to fees.

You use FL-300 when your case is already open. That means you filed (or were served with) a petition for divorce, legal separation, nullity, or parentage. You cannot start a case with FL-300 alone. It works within an existing family law case number and puts your specific requests in front of a judge.

Who typically uses this form?

Parents who need a custody schedule or want to adjust parenting time. Spouses or domestic partners who need support while the case is pending or want to modify existing support. Parties asking for attorney’s fees and costs, or for orders about property control. You may be self-represented or represented by counsel. FL-300 serves both.

Why would you need this form?

You may need a schedule for exchanges during the school year. You may need child support because daycare costs have increased. You may need spousal support due to a job loss. You may need attorney’s fees to level the playing field. You may need immediate orders to prevent harm or loss. FL-300 is the vehicle to request those orders and get a hearing date.

Typical usage includes

• You need temporary orders while your divorce is pending. For example, you seek a weekday exchange, or an order that your spouse continue health insurance for the children.
• You want to modify an existing order. Perhaps parenting time no longer fits the school schedule. Or your income changed, and support must be updated.
• You want the court to enforce or clarify orders. For example, you ask for make-up time because exchanges did not occur. Or you seek an order about who pays specific community bills while your case is ongoing.
• You need attorney’s fees based on need and ability to pay. Or you seek fees as a sanction for litigation conduct.
• You need temporary emergency orders. FL-300 lets you request them with a separate emergency attachment if immediate harm is likely.

FL-300 collects your requested relief and your supporting facts. You attach additional forms depending on what you want. You then file, serve, and attend the hearing the court sets. After the hearing, the court issues an order that controls the parties’ conduct.

When Would You Use a FL-300 – Request for Order?

You use FL-300 when you need the court to step in and issue an order in a family law case. The most common situation is custody and parenting time. You may need a detailed weekly schedule, holiday schedule, and rules for exchanges. You may ask for supervised visitation if safety is a concern. You may ask to change exchanges to a safer location. You may also seek orders on decision-making for school, healthcare, or travel.

You also use FL-300 for support requests. If you have a child support order that no longer reflects income or timeshare, you should request a change. If you lost your job or your hours dropped, you should request a modification quickly. If you are the higher earner, you may seek a modification when the other parent’s income rises or when daycare ends. For spousal or domestic partner support, you request temporary support early in the case. You can later request long-term support orders or seek to modify them based on changes.

You may need attorney’s fees and costs. If you cannot afford counsel but the other party can contribute, you request fees. If the other party’s conduct has increased costs, you may seek fees as a sanction. FL-300 is the form you file to get those issues set for a hearing.

You also use FL-300 to manage property and financial issues while your case is pending. You may ask for exclusive use of a home. You may ask to control a business account to pay necessary expenses. You may ask for an order restricting the sale or transfer of assets. If a vehicle needs insurance and payment authority, you can ask for that.

In urgent cases, you can request temporary emergency orders. You would use that route if a child faces immediate harm or if assets face immediate loss. You attach the emergency form and show why the court must act before the hearing. The court then decides if temporary orders should issue on short notice.

Typical users include self-represented parents, spouses, or domestic partners in Superior Court family law departments. Attorneys use the same form on behalf of their clients. The form is designed for both and guides you to attach the right supporting paperwork.

Legal Characteristics of the FL-300 – Request for Order

FL-300 is a formal request. It is not an order by itself. Think of it as the mechanism to give the other party and the court clear notice of what you want and why. It triggers a hearing where the judge can issue binding orders.

What makes the result legally binding is the court’s order after the hearing. The court issues a written order that you or the other party can prepare on the court’s standard order forms. Once signed by the judicial officer and filed, that order is enforceable. If the court grants temporary emergency orders before the hearing, those are binding once signed.

Enforceability rests on proper notice and service, a clear description of the requested relief, and a supporting declaration with facts. You must serve the papers within the required time. You must include a blank response form for the other party to use. The court relies on your sworn declaration and any required attachments. When the court issues the order, you must serve and file it if directed to prepare it. The order then governs conduct. Support orders can be enforced by wage assignment. Custody and visitation orders can be enforced by contempt or other remedies.

You sign FL-300 under penalty of perjury. This makes your statements sworn testimony on paper. False statements can lead to sanctions or other consequences. The court expects facts, not speculation. For support, you should file an Income and Expense Declaration. The court uses that to calculate child support and to evaluate spousal support. The court often requires current pay stubs or other proof.

The court applies legal standards to your requests. For custody and parenting time, the court focuses on the child’s best interests. For child support, the court uses guideline calculations. For spousal support, the court considers statutory factors such as need, ability to pay, and the marital standard of living. For attorney’s fees, the court considers the relative access to funds and fairness, and may consider conduct.

Because this is a Superior Court of California form, it is accepted statewide. Each county may have filing and scheduling practices. Some courts require you to reserve a hearing online before you file. Some require earlier service to allow mediation. Follow your local department’s instructions once you have your hearing date.

How to Fill Out a FL-300 – Request for Order

Follow these steps in order. You will avoid common mistakes and delays.

1) Confirm you have an open case.

• You need a family law case number. If you do not have one, file your petition first.
• Identify whether you are Petitioner or Respondent. Use the same roles as on your petition.

2) Reserve a hearing date if required.

• Many courts require you to reserve a date before filing. Call or use the court’s reservation system, if available.
• Write down the date, time, department, and courthouse address.

3) Complete the caption at the top.

• Enter the court’s name, street address, and mailing address for your courthouse.
• Enter the names of Petitioner and Respondent exactly as they appear in your case.
• Enter your case number.
• In the attorney/party box, list your name, address, phone, and email. Check “In Pro Per” if you are self-represented.

4) Fill out the hearing information.

• On the first page, list the hearing date, time, department, and room if you have already reserved one.
• If your court sets dates after filing, leave those spaces blank. The clerk will stamp the hearing information.

5) Complete the “To (name)” notice line.

• Write the full name of the other party (or their attorney if they have one). This makes the notice direct and clear.

6) Decide whether you need temporary emergency orders.

• If you need immediate protection against harm or immediate loss, check the box for temporary emergency orders.
• You must also complete the temporary emergency form and follow the short-notice rules.
• If you do not need emergency relief, leave that box unchecked.

7) Select the orders you want.

• Check each box that applies: child custody and visitation, child support, spousal or partner support, property control, attorney’s fees, or other orders.
• Do not check a box unless you plan to support it with facts and, if required, the correct attachments.

8) Child custody and visitation (parenting time).

• If you check custody or parenting time, attach the child custody/visitation attachment form.
• Propose a complete schedule. Include weekdays, weekends, exchanges, holidays, and vacations.
• Specify exchange locations and transportation responsibilities. Address school breaks and summer.
• Include decision-making details for education, medical, and extracurricular activities if needed.
• If safety is an issue, explain why. Propose supervised visitation or safe exchanges if appropriate.

9) Child support.

• If you request child support, you should also file an Income and Expense Declaration.
• Include your recent pay stubs or proof of income. If you are self-employed, provide a profit and loss summary.
• State the percentage of time each child spends with each parent. Be realistic and specific.
• List health insurance availability and costs. Include childcare, uninsured medical, and other add-on expenses.

10) Spousal or domestic partner support.

• If you request spousal support, file an Income and Expense Declaration.
• Provide facts about income, expenses, work history, education, and the length of the relationship.
• Explain changes since the last order. For example, job loss, disability, or significant income changes.
• If you seek a temporary order early in the case, say so clearly.

11) Attorney’s fees and costs.

• If you request fees, state the amount requested and what it covers.
• Explain your need and the other party’s ability to pay. Use your financial declaration to support this.
• If you seek fees because of the other party’s conduct, explain the conduct and how it increased costs.
• Attach the standard fee request attachments if you have them. They help the court evaluate the request.

12) Property control.

• If you need orders to control or protect property, describe the property and the problem.
• Ask for specific authority. For example: exclusive use of the home, authority to make mortgage payments, or limits on withdrawals.
• If you want to restrain transfers, state the risk and why a restraint is necessary.

13) Other orders.

• Use the “Other orders” section for anything not covered above.
• Be specific. Vague requests are hard for the court to grant or enforce.
• Examples include travel provisions, passport controls, exchange of documents, or orders about insurance.

14) Write your supporting declaration.

• The form provides space for your declaration. Use it to explain the facts that support each request.
• Use dates, amounts, and concrete examples. Avoid opinions and generalities.
• Organize by topic: custody, support, fees, property. Match the order of your requests.
• Attach exhibits if helpful. Label them clearly (Exhibit A, B, C). Refer to them in your declaration.
• Redact private information like full account numbers or Social Security numbers.

15) Add required attachments.

• For custody/visitation, attach the custody attachment.
• For child support and spousal support, attach your financial declaration.
• For spousal support, you may also attach the spousal support declaration attachment.
• For attorney’s fees, attach the fee request and supporting declaration attachments if available.
• If asking for temporary emergency orders, attach the temporary emergency form and explain the immediate harm or loss.

16) Review for completeness and consistency.

• Make sure every checked box has supporting facts and the right attachments.
• Check names, case number, and hearing details for accuracy.
• Ensure your requests are clear and measurable. The court cannot enforce vague orders.

17) Sign and date the form.

• Sign under penalty of perjury. Your signature confirms the truth of your statements.
• If an interpreter is needed at the hearing, note that in your filing or make the request as your court requires.

18) Make copies.

• Make at least two copies: one for you and one to serve. Some courts require extra copies for mediation.

19) File your papers with the Superior Court clerk.

• File the original with the clerk’s office for your courthouse.
• Pay any filing fee or file a fee waiver request if you qualify.

20) Serve the other party.

• Serve the other party with a filed copy of FL-300 and all attachments.
• Include a blank response form so the other party can respond.
• Use a neutral adult (not you) to serve. Service by mail or personal service may be allowed depending on your case status and requests.
• Many requests require personal service. When unsure, use personal service to avoid delay.
• Complete and file a proof of service before the hearing. Keep a copy.

21) Prepare for your hearing.

• Bring updated income proof, your filed forms, and your exhibits.
• Bring proposed order forms to help the court finalize rulings.
• Arrive early. Check in with the clerk or bailiff. Be ready to explain your requests in simple terms.

22) After the hearing.

• The court will issue orders. You may be directed to prepare the written order on standard forms.
• Serve and file the signed order. Keep a copy with you. Follow every term exactly.

Practical tips

• Be specific. “Alternate weekends” is not enough. State start and end times, exchange locations, and holidays.
• Be complete. For support, the court needs current financial data. Missing financial data causes delays.
• Be timely. Late service can cause continuances. Serve early if mediation is required before the hearing.
• Be focused. Ask for what you need now. You can request other issues later if needed.
• Be factual. Support each request with concrete facts and documents. The court decides based on evidence, not assumptions.

Using FL-300 well gives the court what it needs to help you. You clarify your requests, support them with facts, and give proper notice. The court then has authority to issue orders that protect your children, your finances, and your case.

Legal Terms You Might Encounter

• Request for Order means a formal request asking the court to make, change, or enforce a family law order. FL-300 is the paper you use to ask for that action. Your requests might include support, custody, parenting time, or fees. The court schedules a hearing based on this filing.
• Requesting party, also called the moving party, is the person who files FL-300. You are the requesting party if you want the court to issue or change an order. Your job is to explain what you want and why. You must also arrange proper service for the other party.
• Responding party is the other side in your case. They can agree, oppose, or propose different terms. They may file a responsive declaration and provide their own evidence. The court weighs both sides at the hearing.
• Orders are the court’s decisions. They can be about money, parenting, or procedure. On FL-300, you describe the orders you want. The judge’s signed decision after your hearing becomes the controlling order.
• Temporary orders are short-term orders that last until the hearing or until the court changes them. You can ask for temporary orders in FL-300 if you need relief sooner. The court decides whether to grant any temporary relief.
• Modification means changing an existing order. Use FL-300 to ask for a modification. Explain what has changed since the last order and why a new order is necessary. Clear, recent facts help the court assess your request.
• Declaration is a written statement signed under penalty of perjury. In FL-300, your declaration explains the facts supporting each request. Attach extra pages if needed. Your declaration should be specific, dated, and consistent with any exhibits.
• Attachments are extra pages or documents you include to support your requests. Label each attachment with the case number, a clear title, and the item number from FL-300 it supports. Common attachments include budgets, schedules, and proposed parenting plans.
• Service of process means delivering your filed papers to the other party in a way the court accepts. The rules depend on what you are asking for and local procedures. You cannot serve papers yourself. Use an adult who is not a party.
• Proof of Service is the form completed by the person who served your papers. It lists what was served, how, when, and on whom. You file the Proof of Service so the court knows the other party received notice. Without it, your hearing may be delayed, or your requests may be denied.
• Hearing is the court date when the judge reviews your requests and the other party’s response. Bring filed copies, evidence, and a simple outline of your points. The judge may make orders, continue the hearing, or ask for more information.
• Stipulation is a written agreement between the two parties. If you and the other party agree on some or all issues, present a signed stipulation to the court. The court can turn it into an order, which may resolve all or part of your FL-300.
• Order After Hearing is the written order that reflects what the judge decided. You or the other party may be directed to prepare it. Review it carefully for accuracy. Once signed, it becomes enforceable and replaces prior orders in conflict with it.

FAQs

Do you need to file financial information with FL-300?

If you ask for support or attorney’s fees, you usually need a current financial declaration. Attach recent pay stubs and any documents showing income or expenses you claim. If you ask for changes to support, bring the prior order and updated numbers.

Do you have to attend mediation if you request custody or parenting time?

Many courts require mediation or child custody recommending counseling before the hearing. If you request custody or parenting time on FL-300, expect to attend. Your hearing may be delayed if you skip it. Schedule quickly once you get your hearing date.

Do you need to serve the other party, and how?

Yes. Proper service is required. An adult who is not a party must serve the papers. Depending on your requests and local rules, service may need to be personal or by mail. The server must complete a Proof of Service. File that proof before the hearing.

Do you have to appear in person, or can you appear remotely?

Many courts allow remote appearances by phone or video. Your notice of hearing or local procedures will explain options and any steps to request remote access. If the court approves a remote appearance, test your setup and join early on the hearing day.

Do you need attachments if you run out of space on FL-300?

Yes. Use a separate page for each topic. Include your case number, a title such as “Attachment to FL-300,” and the item number you are expanding. Number the pages. Keep the same structure as the form so the judge can follow your points.

Do you need a separate request to change more than one issue?

No. You can include multiple requests in one FL-300. Use separate sections and attachments for each topic, such as support, custody, or fees. Lay out your facts and evidence for each request so the court can decide them clearly and efficiently.

Do you need to respond if you receive an FL-300?

You should respond if you oppose or want different terms. Use a responsive declaration to explain your position and attach supporting documents. Serve your response on time and file a Proof of Service. Bring your evidence to the hearing.

Do you need to pay a filing fee, and what if you can’t afford it?

There is often a fee to file FL-300. If you cannot afford the fee, you can ask the court to waive it. File your fee waiver request at the same time as the FL-300. If the court grants the waiver, you do not pay the filing fee.

Checklist: Before, During, and After the FL-300

Before signing

• Confirm your case number, court location, and department information.
• Identify exactly what you want the court to order or change.
• Gather your current orders that you want to modify or enforce.
• Collect financial records if you request support or fees:
• Recent pay stubs and last year’s income records.
• Monthly expenses and childcare costs.
• Health insurance premiums, union dues, and extraordinary costs.
• Prepare a proposed parenting schedule if custody or parenting time is involved.
• List specific facts showing why your requested orders are needed.
• Organize exhibits: messages, calendars, school or activity schedules, receipts.
• Draft clear attachments with headings and item references.
• Check whether mediation is required for custody or parenting time requests.
• Plan service: find a qualified server and confirm the service method.
• Budget for filing fees or prepare a fee waiver request.

During signing

• Verify your name, address for service, and contact details are correct.
• Confirm the case caption and case number match your existing case.
• Check every box that applies to your requests; leave others blank.
• Ensure each request is supported by facts in your declaration.
• Reference attachments by item number and label them cleanly.
• Review dates, amounts, schedules, and names for accuracy.
• Remove confidential details that do not need to be public.
• Read your declaration aloud to ensure clarity and consistency.
• Sign and date the form under penalty of perjury.
• Sign all attachments that contain declarations or factual statements.

After signing

• Make at least two copies of everything: one for you, one for the other party.
• File your FL-300 with the court. Pay the fee or submit your fee waiver request.
• Get a hearing date and time from the clerk or as set by court procedure.
• Calendar your hearing, mediation, and any service deadlines.
• Arrange proper service by a non-party adult. Provide the server with:
• Filed FL-300 and all attachments.
• Any required notices.
• Blank response forms if applicable.
• Ensure the server completes the Proof of Service. File it promptly.
• If mediation is required, schedule and attend before the hearing.
• Prepare a concise hearing outline and organize your exhibits.
• Bring filed copies and Proof of Service to the hearing.
• Store a full set of filed documents, organized by date and issue.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Don’t forget required financial disclosures when asking for support or fees. If you skip them or provide stale numbers, the court may deny or delay your request. Your credibility also suffers.
• Don’t serve papers late or the wrong way. Improper service can cause a continuance or dismissal of your requests. It can also frustrate any temporary relief you seek.
• Don’t leave requests vague or unsupported. General statements without dates, amounts, or documents weaken your case. The judge needs specific facts tied to each request.
• Don’t ignore mediation requirements for custody or parenting time. Missing mediation can delay your hearing or lead to temporary orders you do not want. Schedule promptly.
• Don’t forget to attach the orders you want to modify. Without the prior order, the court has limited context. You risk confusion and wasted time at the hearing.

What to Do After Filling Out the Form

1. File the signed FL-300 with the court. Pay the filing fee or submit a fee waiver request. Obtain a hearing date and any court instructions that go with it. Ask the clerk if the court requires a reservation or additional notices.
2. Serve the other party correctly. Use a qualified server who is not a party. Provide all filed documents and any notices. If the court requires personal service for your type of request, follow that rule. Have the server sign a Proof of Service. File the Proof of Service before the hearing.
3. Schedule and complete any required mediation. If you requested custody or parenting time changes, expect mediation. Bring a proposed parenting plan, your calendar, and notes about the child’s schedule. Stay child-focused and specific.
4. Prepare your evidence. Mark and organize exhibits so you can find them quickly. Bring prior orders, pay stubs, expense summaries, and any written communications you plan to reference. Prepare a short outline of your key points.
5. Engage with the other party, if appropriate. See if you can agree on some or all issues. If you reach an agreement, prepare a written stipulation for the court to sign. Partial agreements can narrow the issues at the hearing.
6. Attend your hearing. Arrive early or connect early if appearing remotely. Check in with the clerk. Keep your presentation clear and brief. Answer the judge’s questions directly. Take notes on the judge’s rulings.
7. Address the written order. The court may direct one party to prepare an Order After Hearing. Review the draft carefully for accuracy. If you disagree with the wording, act quickly to address it before the court signs. Keep a signed copy once filed.
8. Follow the court’s orders. Start complying with any new schedules or payments right away. Keep proof of payments and communications. Note any deadlines the court sets for future filings.
9. Fix errors or update requests if needed. If you discover a mistake before the hearing, you can file corrected papers. Serve the corrected version and file a new Proof of Service. If your situation changes after filing, bring updated facts to the hearing or file a new request later.
10. Seek a continuance if you cannot proceed as scheduled. If you need more time for service, mediation, or evidence, request a continuance. Provide a clear reason. Follow the court’s procedures for seeking a new date.
11. Maintain your records. Keep a complete set of filed documents, Proofs of Service, and the signed Order After Hearing. Create both a digital and a paper file. Organized records help if you need to modify or enforce orders later.
12. Consider enforcement or modification. If the other party does not follow the order, explore enforcement options. If circumstances change, prepare a new FL-300 with updated facts and attachments. Show what changed and why the court should act.