A Request for Order, commonly called an RFO, is used to ask the court to make, change, or enforce certain orders in an existing California family law case. The request is generally made on Judicial Council form FL-300.
A Request for Order may address:
An RFO may be filed in a divorce, legal separation, parentage, or domestic-partnership case.
FL-300 Request for Order—California Courts
A regular Request for Order provides the other party with notice and schedules a hearing.
A request for temporary emergency orders, sometimes called an ex parte request, follows additional procedures and notice requirements. Anyone who needs advice about whether a situation legally qualifies as an emergency should consult a licensed California attorney.
The person serving the documents must be at least 18 years old and cannot be a party to the case.
The filed FL-300, its attachments, and a blank Responsive Declaration to Request for Order (FL-320) generally must be served at least 16 court days before the hearing unless the court orders a different deadline. Additional time is generally required when service is completed by mail. FL-300—California Courts California Code of Civil Procedure § 1005
The required method of service depends on the circumstances and the directions contained in the filed documents. Personal service may be required in some cases.
Carefully follow the service method and deadline stated in the filed paperwork.
A person responding to an RFO may use form FL-320 to state whether the person agrees or disagrees with each request and to explain what orders the court should make instead.
The filing and service requirements for a response are provided in the court forms and filed paperwork. Additional forms may be required depending on whether the request concerns custody, visitation, support, attorney’s fees, or another issue.
How to Respond to a Request for Order—California Courts
When custody or visitation is contested, the court generally requires mediation.
LDA Legal Solutions offers private family law mediation to help parents discuss custody, visitation, parenting schedules, exchanges, holidays, and other parenting-plan terms. When parents reach an agreement, the agreed terms can be prepared for filing with the court.
Private mediation may help parents resolve issues before a hearing, although it may not replace any court-ordered mediation requirement.
A Request for Order may be used to ask the court to change an existing custody, visitation, or support order. The court determines whether to grant the requested change.
LDA Legal Solutions is located in Tustin and assists self-represented individuals throughout Orange County with preparing:
We prepare and organize documents based on the information and instructions provided by the client. We also provide procedural information about filing and service. Most of the document-preparation process can be completed remotely.
Learn more about our family law document preparation services, call 714-900-2484, or schedule a complimentary 15-minute informative consultation.
This article provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. LDA Legal Solutions is not a law firm and cannot provide legal advice or representation. Court requirements, deadlines, forms, and procedures may change. Individuals who need advice about their rights, legal strategy, evidence, or emergency circumstances should consult a licensed California attorney.
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