Whether you're establishing a first custody and visitation order or asking the court to change one, it starts with the same form: FL-300, Request for Order. Here's exactly what to file, how to serve it, and what to expect at your hearing — no legal jargon, just the steps.
The minimum notice you must give the other parent before your hearing — count backward from your hearing date, and add extra days if you serve by mail.
How you serve the other parent changes the math. Pick your method to see how far back you need to count.
Handed directly to the other parent, or by a process server. No extra calendar days on top of the 16 court days.
Mailed to an address inside California. Adds 5 calendar days on top of the 16 court days.
Mailed to an address elsewhere in the U.S. Adds 10 calendar days on top of the 16 court days.
Mailed internationally. Adds 20 calendar days on top of the 16 court days.
Enter your hearing date above to see your deadline.
Are you establishing a first custody/visitation order, or changing (modifying) one that already exists? If you're modifying, find your existing case number — you'll need it on every form.
Most parents need FL-300 (Request for Order), FL-311 (Child Custody and Visitation Attachment), and FL-105 (UCCJEA Declaration). If child support is also part of your request, add FL-150 or FL-155.
Open FL-300 in Formbono and fill it directly in your browser — check the boxes for custody and/or visitation, then use FL-311 to spell out the specific schedule you're asking for.
File with the clerk in the county handling your case, pay the filing fee, or file FW-001 to request a fee waiver if you can't afford it. The clerk will set your hearing date.
Someone other than you (18+, not a party to the case) must serve the other parent with everything you filed, at least 16 court days before the hearing — plus extra days if served by mail.
California law requires both parents to attend court-connected mediation before a contested custody or visitation hearing (Family Code §3170). Bring your parenting plan details and any evidence to court.
Fill any of these directly in your browser — no printing, scanning, or separate PDF editor required.
The main form that asks the court to establish or change custody, visitation, or other family law orders. This is what starts the process.
Attaches to FL-300 to spell out the specific custody type and parenting-time schedule you're requesting.
Tells the court which state has jurisdiction over your child's custody case — required any time custody or visitation is requested.
Only needed if your request also includes child support. FL-155 (Simplified) may work instead if you qualify.
Waives the filing fee if you can't afford it. Free to file, and most who qualify for public benefits qualify automatically.
Family law forms use specific legal terms for custody arrangements. Here's what each one means in plain language.
The right to make major decisions for your child — school, health care, religion. Can be joint (shared) or sole.
Where the child actually lives day to day. Can also be joint or sole, and is separate from legal custody.
The detailed day-by-day, holiday, and vacation schedule spelling out when the child is with each parent.
The law that decides which state's courts have authority over a custody case — usually the child's home state for the last 6 months.
A required meeting with a neutral Family Court Services counselor to try to reach an agreement (or, in recommending counties, to give the judge a recommendation) before your hearing.
The legal standard judges use to decide custody and visitation — weighing the child's health, safety, welfare, and existing relationships.
No. FL-300 and its attachments are designed to be filed without an attorney, and most California courts have a family law facilitator or self-help center that can review your paperwork for free.
If there's an immediate safety concern, you can file FL-305 (Temporary Emergency Orders) along with your FL-300 to ask the court to act before the regular hearing date.
Yes — California law (Family Code §3170) requires both parents to attend court-connected mediation before a contested custody or visitation hearing, statewide. What varies by county is whether the mediator can also give the judge a recommendation if you don't reach an agreement.
The court can still decide based on what you filed and presented, but proper service is essential — without it, your hearing can be delayed or the judge may not be able to act.
There's a standard court filing fee that varies by county, but form FW-001 lets you request a full or partial waiver if you can't afford it.
Formbono is not a law firm and this page is not legal advice. If your situation involves domestic violence or an urgent safety concern, contact a local legal aid organization before proceeding.