FL-300: Request for Order
Ask for orders, not a monologue - name the relief, then prove it with dated facts.
FL-300 is California's official Request for Order. You use it to ask the Superior Court to make orders about custody, visitation (parenting time), support, and other issues while a family law case is open. It is not FL-150 (financial disclosure). Your packet may also need FL-105 for UCCJEA jurisdiction facts and declarations for the parenting story. Confirm which forms your request requires with official CourtHelp instructions or counsel you hire.
Official sources
- FL-300 PDF (English): https://courts.ca.gov/system/files?file=2025-07%2Ffl300.pdf
- California Courts Self-Help (FL-300): https://selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/jcc-form/FL-300
- Custody and visitation RFO how-to: https://www.selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/request-for-order/custody-visitation
- FL-300-INFO (optional instructions): https://courts.ca.gov/sites/default/files/courts/default/2024-11/fl300info.pdf
When to use FL-300 for custody
California Courts Self-Help states that you use FL-300 to ask a judge for custody and visitation orders or to change an existing order. You generally need a family law case on file in Superior Court. Use item 2 on FL-300 for custody and visitation requests and item 9 for supporting facts; you may attach MC-031 declarations if you need more space. File and serve per court rules. County copy counts, fees, and local requirements may vary.
| Form | Job in the packet |
|---|---|
| FL-300 | Tell the court what you want ordered now (parenting, other relief as checked). |
| FL-105 / GC-120 | Child residence history and competing cases (FL-105 in family law; GC-120 section in guardianship). |
| FL-150 | Income and expense disclosure when support or financial orders are requested; keep numbers consistent. |
1
Caption the relief
Parenting schedule, travel, decision tie-breakers.
2
Index the facts
Short dated timeline with exhibit letters.
3
Split the jobs
RFO narrative here; money on FL-150; residence on FL-105.
FL-300 (this form)
Request for Order: ask the court for custody, visitation, support, or other orders in a family law case.
Organize your request for order packet
MyCustodyCoach can help you gather parenting schedule notes, dated facts, and exhibit ideas in one place before you complete FL-300 or talk with counsel. MCC does not file forms for you and is not a substitute for a lawyer.
Related guides
More California forms
State guides (overview)
General support (not California-specific)
FL-300 questions
What is California FL-300?
FL-300 is California's Judicial Council Request for Order. You use it to ask the Superior Court to make decisions about specific issues in your family law case. California Courts Self-Help also notes the court uses it to set the date, time, and location of the hearing. It is not the Income and Expense Declaration (FL-150).
Where can I download the official FL-300 PDF?
The Judicial Council publishes FL-300 on courts.ca.gov. The current English PDF is available through courts.ca.gov (Rev. July 1, 2025). California Courts Self-Help also hosts the form at selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/jcc-form/FL-300. Use the official links on this page rather than third-party copies.
When is FL-300 used for custody or visitation?
California Courts Self-Help states that you use FL-300 to ask a judge for custody and visitation (parenting time) orders, or to change an existing order. You generally need an open family law case in Superior Court. Custody how-to instructions are at selfhelp.courts.ca.gov/request-for-order/custody-visitation.
Is FL-300 filed and served?
Yes. You file FL-300 with the court clerk and serve the other party according to court rules. California Courts Self-Help custody instructions describe filing the original and copies and serving the other parent. The person served may respond with Responsive Declaration to Request for Order (FL-320), generally at least nine court days before the hearing. Local copy and service rules may vary.
How is FL-300 different from FL-150?
FL-300 is the Request for Order where you ask the court for new or changed orders, such as custody, visitation, or support. FL-150 is the Income and Expense Declaration for financial disclosure. Parenting requests and facts belong on FL-300 and related declarations; income and expense numbers belong on FL-150 when money issues are in play.
What forms may be used with FL-300 in a custody request?
Depending on your request, you may also need Declaration Under Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (FL-105/GC-120), optional Child Custody and Visitation Application Attachment (FL-311), Attached Declaration (MC-031) for extra facts, and Income and Expense Declaration (FL-150) if you request child or spousal support on FL-300. Not every custody RFO requires every form - check FL-300-INFO and official CourtHelp instructions for your situation.
Last reviewed: 2026-06-03
MyCustodyCoach is not a law firm. Court rules, fees, and form versions change by county; confirm what applies to your case with official court resources or counsel you hire.