Asking the Court for Custody, Visitation or Support Orders

The FL-300 Request for Order is the form most California parents use to ask the family court for custody, visitation, child support or other orders. It looks simple. In my experience, it's also where many self-represented parents make mistakes that cost them weeks or months.

A complete FL-300 packet usually includes:
•    FL-300, the Request for Order itself
•    FL-311, if you're asking for custody or visitation orders
•    FL-150, the Income and Expense Declaration, if support is at issue
•    A declaration explaining the facts, often on form MC-030 or an attachment

Once the court sets a hearing date, the papers generally must be served on the other parent at least 16 court days before the hearing, with extra time if you serve by mail. Your county may also have local forms or rules, such as a required mediation orientation.
The most common problems I see are missing attachments, late service, and declarations that are long on emotion and short on facts. A clear, organized packet helps the judge understand exactly what you're asking for and why.