California child custody, start here
For a parent without a lawyer facing a custody, visitation or parenting time matter in California. Onbello prepares court-ready California family law filings for parents without a lawyer.
Researched by Dan Martin, Legal Researcher · Published by Onbello Legal
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Two pages: what to gather, which forms, deadlines, what to bring to the hearing. Free, no account.
Where are you?
I need to ask the court for orders
A Request for Order (FL-300) is the form you file when you need a judge to make or change orders about custody, visitation, child support, or spousal support. It is filed in a case that already exists. FL-300-INFO says not to use it before the Petition that starts the case is filed, though it may be filed together with the Petition.
I was served papers and need to respond
FL-320 is the California Judicial Council form you file after you are served with a Request for Order (FL-300). FL-320-INFO says you must file it with the clerk at least 9 court days before the hearing, and have it served at least 9 court days before the hearing, unless the court ordered a shorter time.
I need to change custody or visitation
You file an RFO when your existing orders aren’t working or when circumstances have changed.
The forms
FL-300 · Rev. July 1, 2025
FL-300 Request for Order (California): how to fill it out, line by line
How to fill out California form FL-300, Request for Order, item by item: caption, restraining order information, custody, support, property control, attorney’s fees, facts to support, and the forms filed with it.
Read the FL-300 walkthrough →
FL-320 · Rev. July 1, 2025
FL-320 Responsive Declaration to Request for Order (California): how to fill it out, line by line
How to fill out California form FL-320, Responsive Declaration to Request for Order, item by item: the consent and do-not-consent structure, the order you want instead, facts to support, and the 9-court-day deadline to file and serve it.
Read the FL-320 walkthrough →
FL-150 · Rev. September 1, 2024
FL-150 Income and Expense Declaration (California): how to fill it out, line by line
How to fill out California form FL-150, Income and Expense Declaration, item by item: employment, age and education, tax information, the other party’s income, income and investment income, deductions, assets, household, monthly expenses, attorney fees, and the child support information page.
Read the FL-150 walkthrough →
California custody guides
Parent Rights in California
Custody types, visitation, and how courts make decisions
Read guide →
How to File a Request for Order
FL-300 filing guide for custody, support, and visitation changes
Read guide →
How to Write a Declaration
Structure, tone, and common mistakes for MC-030 declarations
Read guide →
How to Prepare Evidence
Organizing documents, exhibits, and records for court
Read guide →
Mediation Overview
What to expect and how to prepare for mandatory mediation
Read guide →
What to Expect at a Hearing
Preparation checklist and courtroom walkthrough
Read guide →
Move-away requests
Relocating with children after a custody order
Read guide →
Contempt and enforcement
When the other parent violates court orders
Read guide →
Common questions
Filing, serving and responding
- What forms do I need to file with an FL-300 for custody in California?→
- How many days before the hearing do I have to serve my Request for Order in California?→
- Can I serve the custody papers myself in California?→
- How long do I have to respond to an FL-300 in California?→
- What happens if the other parent doesn’t respond to my Request for Order in California?→
- How do I get my court fees waived for a custody case in California?→
- How do I handle discovery abuse when representing myself in a California custody case?→
- Can I make the other parent pay my attorney fees in a custody case in California?→
- How do I file for custody in California if there’s no court case yet?→
- How do I file for visitation rights in California?→
Custody and parenting time
- How do I get full custody of my child in California?→
- What are my chances of getting 50/50 custody in California?→
- Can an Absent Parent Get 50/50 Custody in California?→
- What Does 50/50 Custody Actually Look Like? Common Schedules and Whether You Can Split Siblings→
- What Is Minor's Counsel in a California Custody Case, and What Happens During the Interview?→
- Can an Aunt or Uncle Get Visitation Rights in California?→
- What Happens After a Long-Term DVRO Is Granted in California? Your Home, Lease, and Custody→
- How to Find and Vet a Family Law Attorney for a High-Stakes Custody Case Involving Domestic Violence in California→
- How to Find Affordable or Pro Bono Custody Help in California→
- Can the judge order supervised visits at a restraining order hearing in California?→
- What’s the difference between legal and physical custody in California, and sole versus joint?→
- Is California a mother state? Can a dad get primary custody?→
- We were never married. How do I get custody of our child in California?→
- Can grandparents get visitation with their grandkids in California?→
- Who pays for supervised visitation in California, and how does it work?→
- What is a step-up plan for custody, and how does it work?→
- What should we put in our California parenting plan?→
- Is California a 50/50 custody state?→
- What is parental alienation, and how do California courts handle it?→
- At what age can a child decide custody in California?→
- Which state has jurisdiction over my child’s custody case?→
- What is a temporary custody order versus a final one in California?→
- What does a California judge look at when deciding custody?→
- What hurts a custody case, and what mistakes should parents avoid?→
- Can I travel out of state or out of the country with my child if we share custody?→
- My child refuses to go to the other parent’s house. What happens now?→
Changing an order
Mediation
Moving with a child
Enforcement and co-parenting
- What do I file if the other parent won’t follow the custody order in California?→
- What can I do if my co-parent tries to take the kids outside our California custody or visitation order?→
- How to Keep Custody Disagreements From Affecting Your Child→
- Coparenting in California With Someone You Barely Know or Had a Short Relationship With→
Free tools
Custody schedule calendar
Free interactive child custody schedule calendar. Visualize 2-2-3, 2-2-5-5, week on/week off, and 60/40 schedules with rotating holidays across any year. No account required.
Open calendar →
Find your courthouse
Enter your ZIP code to find the California family law courthouse where you need to file. Free lookup tool for self-represented litigants.
Find your courthouse →
Legal disclaimer
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