How to File Form FL-300 Request for Order in California

Master the universal motion cover sheet every California family-law litigant needs. This guide explains FL-300 instructions, attachment rules, service timelines, and courtroom tips that prevent costly rejections.

Parent filling out FL-300 request for order form at home

Form FL-300 Request for Order is the gateway to nearly every routine decision a California family-law judge makes—temporary custody schedules, child or spousal support modifications, enforcement of prior orders, even property control during divorce. Filing it correctly preserves precious court time and protects your credibility. Missteps—like forgetting the Proof of Service or omitting mandatory attachments—can trigger continuances, losing weeks or months. This 2,400-word playbook breaks the process into seven digestible steps, sprinkling in courtroom-tested tips, a ten-item checklist, and answers to the most-googled questions about FL-300 motions.

1. Overview & Common Use-Cases

Think of FL-300 as a customizable cover sheet. It alerts the clerk that you seek an order—not just to file paperwork. Whether you need an initial child custody schedule, a tweak to child support, or enforcement of make-up parenting time, FL-300 is step one. Even contempt requests and emergency move-away stays start with this form.

Typical Motions Requiring FL-300
Scenario Main Attachment Support Docs
First Custody Order FL-311 Parenting Plan FL-105, School Calendar
Change in Child Support FL-150 Income Decl. Pay Stubs, Tax Returns
Spousal Support Reduction FL-150 Job-loss Proof
Contempt/Enforcement MC-031 Declaration Payment Ledger, Emails
Key take-aways:
  • Use FL-300 whenever you want the court to change or enforce an order.
  • Each request type usually needs at least one specific Judicial Council attachment.
  • Local courts may impose extra coversheets—always check local rules.

2. Completing Form FL-300 Step by Step

A. Download & Save the PDF

Grab the official FL-300 PDF from the Judicial Council website. Save it to your computer before typing—browser autofill sometimes corrupts fields.

B. Caption the Case Correctly

Copy the court name, branch address, and case number exactly from prior pleadings. Errors here can cause rejection at the filing window.

C. Item 2 – Your Requests

Use plain-English headings: “Modify Legal Custody” or “Terminate Spousal Support.” Avoid vague labels like “Various Orders.” Provide specific relief (“alternate weekends starting Friday 4 PM”) to help the clerk route documents and the judge frame the minute order.

D. Hearing Dates

Some counties let you reserve online; others assign dates automatically. Write “To be set by the clerk” when unsure and call within 48 hours to confirm.

Key take-aways:
  • Never hand-write if your penmanship is questionable—typed forms reduce clerk errors.
  • Use 12-pt font minimum; illegible tiny text may be stricken.
  • Stick to measurable requests; judges cannot enforce “as agreed between parties.”

3. Mandatory Attachments & When They Apply

FL-300 rarely travels alone. California rules trigger additional forms depending on what you’re asking. The matrix below shows the big hitters:

Request Type Attachment Why Needed
Custody / Visitation FL-311 Spells out schedule so bailiff can enforce
Child Support FL-150 Provides income data for guideline calc
Move-Away MC-031 + Exhibits Room to argue La Musga factors
Contempt MC-031 Details willful violation with evidence

If your narrative won’t fit the FL-300 checkboxes, use a Judicial Council attachment page (Form MC-025) and title it “Attachment to FL-300 Item 2.”

Key take-aways:
  • Incorrect or missing attachments are the #1 reason motions are bounced.
  • Always attach a freshly completed Income & Expense Declaration when money is at stake.

4. Serving FL-300 Paperwork Correctly

California requires strict notice so the other parent can respond. You choose personal service or mail service depending on the hearing date.

Personal Service

  • Any adult 18+ not a party can serve.
  • Must occur at least 16 court days before hearing.
  • Use Proof of Personal Service (FL-330).

Mail Service

  • Add five calendar days to the deadline.
  • Server completes Proof of Service by Mail (FL-335).
  • Include blank responsive forms (FL-320, FL-150) or your motion may be continued.
Service Deadline Cheat-Sheet
Motion TypeLast Day to Serve (Personal)Mail Deadline
Standard RFO16 court days16 court + 5 calendar
Emergency (ex parte)Before 10 AM preceding court dayNot allowed
DCSS Child Support30 days35 days
Key take-aways:
  • Servers must be non-parties—your new spouse cannot serve if named in declaration.
  • File the Proof of Service with the court immediately; keep stamped copies.
  • Forget to include blank forms and you risk a continuance under CRC 5.92.
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5. After You File: Tracking & Oppositions

Filing clerks in high-volume counties like Los Angeles or Orange can take a week to process the motion. Expect a stamped copy back with an opposition due date—usually nine court days before the hearing. Check your county’s online case portal for docket updates. If the other side files an opposition, you may reply with FL-320 at least five court days before the hearing.

Key take-aways:
  • Mark the opposition deadline immediately; missing it waives your rebuttal.
  • Remote hearings are common—make sure the clerk has your correct email for Zoom links.

6. Evidence & Declaration Strategies

Judges read hundreds of pages weekly—help them help you. Use bolded headings for each topic (“School Attendance,” “Income Change”) and number every paragraph. Attach exhibits after your declaration, each labeled Exhibit A, B, C with a simple index sheet. Screenshots of texts should display date, time, and phone number for authenticity.

Key take-aways:
  • One exhibit per page keeps photocopies legible.
  • Cite exhibits in the declaration body (“See Exhibit C, therapist letter”).
  • Courts frown on audio files—transcribe key parts instead.

7. Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Rejection

FL-300 rejections waste filing fees and delay relief. Below are six frequent blunders and easy fixes:

  • Wrong Court Address: Verify branch location on minute orders.
  • Missing Page 2: FL-300 is two pages—add both even if page 2 blank.
  • Illegible Copies: Print single-sided, black ink; no smudges.
  • Incorrect Service Proof: Use FL-330 for personal, FL-335 for mail.
  • Fee Waiver Omitted: Attach FW-001 & FW-003 if you cannot pay.
  • Overreaching Requests: Don’t seek criminal sanctions in civil RFO—file contempt separately.
Key take-aways:
  • Double-check every form number in the top right corner.
  • Blue-ink signatures prove originals in photocopies.

FL-300 Filing Checklist

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes—courts still require a formal Request for Order accompanied by a written Stipulation and Order. FL-300 tells the clerk to route your agreement to a judge. Without it, the stipulation may sit in a file clerk’s bin for weeks. Mark Item 2 “Other” and attach your signed agreement so the judge can simply sign and return it as the new order.

The motion is technically unserved and the court lacks jurisdiction to issue orders against the other parent. Judges often continue the hearing, but some will drop it from calendar entirely. Have the server sign a fresh Proof of Service immediately and re-file well before the statutory deadline. If too late, reserve a new hearing date and start over.

Yes—but you must also attach local “Ex Parte” forms and a declaration showing immediate risk of harm or abduction. Check the “temporary emergency orders” box on FL-300 page 2 and provide a proposed order. Remember to give shorter notice—often by 10 AM the day before the ex-parte appearance. If granted, the emergency order will last until the full hearing.

Most family-law judges skim hundreds of pages daily. They will read the declaration and consult key exhibits you cite. Aim for a concise 10-page declaration with no more than 25-30 pages of exhibits, grouped logically. Highlight or bookmark critical passages. Overloading the file with irrelevant screenshots can dilute your strongest points.

Post-pandemic, many California counties offer Zoom or CourtCall for non-evidentiary RFOs. Check your minute order or departmental website. Even if remote, you must still file paper courtesy copies in some courts. If you need in-person testimony—such as cross-examining an opposing witness— request it in your moving papers or during the first call of the calendar.

Related Guides

Need more detail before court day?

Review the Financial Disclosures Guide