California family law resources
Free guides, forms, and tools for California family court
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What forms you need, where to file, who to call, and step by step instructions for your county. No account required.
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Find your courthouse
Enter your ZIP code to find the exact courthouse where you file your family law case
I need to change custody or visitation
File a Request for Order (FL-300) to modify existing orders
I need to change child support
Understand the guideline formula and how to request a modification
I was served papers and need to respond
Learn what to file and when — deadlines matter
I need to understand the process
What to expect before, during, and after a family court hearing
I need help writing a declaration
Turn your story into a proper legal declaration for court
I want to calculate child support
Free California guideline calculator based on Family Code § 4055
I need help with evidence
Learn to organize exhibits and documents for your hearing
I need to understand mediation
What to expect before, during, and after family court mediation
I'm going to court for the first time
How family court works, who's in the room, and what to expect
I need spousal support
How spousal support is calculated and how to request it
I need to change my child’s name
How to petition for a name change, serve an absent parent, and what the court considers
I was ordered to pay support but I’m not the father
How to set aside a paternity judgment and child support order with genetic testing
The Family Court Playbook
12 guides from start to finish
Step 1
What Is Family Court
How it works, who's in the room, and your rights as a self-represented litigant
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Step 2
Parent Rights in California
Custody types, visitation, and how courts make decisions
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Step 3
How to File a Request for Order
FL-300 filing guide for custody, support, and visitation changes
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Step 4
How to Write a Declaration
Structure, tone, and common mistakes for MC-030 declarations
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Step 5
How to Prepare Evidence
Organizing documents, exhibits, and records for court
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Step 6
How Child Support is Calculated
The guideline formula, income factors, and timeshare explained
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Step 7
S-Corp & Imputed Income
How courts calculate support when a parent is self-employed or hides income
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Step 8
Spousal Support Overview
Temporary vs long-term support, the 14 FC § 4320 factors, and how to modify
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Step 9
Can I Get Attorney Fees Paid?
Need-based fees under FC § 2030 and sanctions under FC § 271
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Step 10
How to Serve Papers
Methods, deadlines, and proof of service requirements
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Step 11
Mediation Overview
What to expect and how to prepare for mandatory mediation
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Step 12
What to Expect at a Hearing
Preparation checklist and courtroom walkthrough
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More guides
Specific topics and situations