Family law paperwork depends on what needs to happen in the case. Starting a divorce, putting a parenting agreement in writing, and asking to change an existing order involve different documents and steps.
This guide introduces common family law matters in Orange County, with links to more detailed explanations of each process.
Spouses can use FL-700 to start a divorce together. Both participate in the filing, and completing the joint-petition process requires agreement on the final terms. Filing the petition starts the case; financial disclosures, a written agreement, and final judgment paperwork are still required.
Read about joint petition divorce using FL-700.
Summary dissolution is a separate, simplified divorce process that uses FL-800. It has specific eligibility requirements involving the length of the marriage, children, property, debts, and support. Agreeing to divorce does not, by itself, establish eligibility.
Read about summary dissolution in California.
FL-120 is used to respond to a petition for divorce, legal separation, or annulment. It provides information about the marriage and identifies the orders the responding spouse wants the court to make. It is different from FL-320, which responds to a Request for Order.
FL-200 starts a parentage case by asking the court to determine a child’s legal parents. The case may also address child custody, parenting time, and child support. Filing the petition starts the process; it does not by itself establish parentage or create court orders.
FL-220 is used to respond to an FL-200 parentage petition. It lets the responding party state their position on parentage and the requested orders. A parentage response uses FL-220 rather than the divorce response form FL-120.
Financial disclosures provide information about income, expenses, property, and debts. This exchange is part of the divorce process, including cases started by joint petition. It helps both spouses understand the finances involved before completing their agreement.
Read about financial disclosures in a California divorce.
A Request for Order, usually made on FL-300, asks the court to decide specific issues in a family law case. Common matters include custody, parenting time, child support, and spousal support. The requested orders determine which supporting documents are needed. Filing, service, and hearing requirements also apply.
Read about Requests for Order using FL-300.
An RFO can also ask the court to order the other party to contribute toward attorney’s fees. These requests involve financial information and additional supporting paperwork. The court decides whether to award fees.
Read about requesting attorney’s fees in an Orange County family law case.
A parenting plan addresses how parents share responsibilities and time with their children. It can cover decision-making, weekly schedules, holidays, and exchanges.
Parents who agree can submit a written agreement for the judge’s approval. When an existing court order needs to change, a private agreement alone does not replace that order.
Read about co-parenting plans and reviewing arrangements.
Mediation gives parties an opportunity to discuss disagreements with a neutral mediator. In parenting disputes, it can help parents develop an agreement about custody and parenting time. Any agreement submitted to become a court order remains subject to the judge’s approval.
Read about family law mediation and preparing agreements.
A person who cannot afford court fees can ask for a fee waiver when filing documents in a divorce, parentage, or other family law case. The court reviews the request and decides whether the fees can be waived.
The request uses FW-001, Request to Waive Court Fees. The applicant also completes the required identifying information on FW-003, Order on Court Fee Waiver. The court uses FW-003 to issue its decision.
Document preparation information is available on the family law document preparation page.
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