Urgent Help (24/7)
If a child is at risk: call local police, then NCMEC, then document everything (times, screenshots, names) for the court record.
Safety Plan (Fast)
- Pack a “go” file: IDs, birth certs, custody orders, school/medical info, phone numbers.
- Choose a code word with kids/trusted adults for “come get me now.”
- Device safety: turn off location sharing; change passwords; use a new email for filings.
- Talk to school: provide current orders; list who can/can’t pick up; give emergency contacts.
Keep a paper copy of orders in your car and with a trusted friend.
Evidence Kit (Build It Like a Lawyer)
- Timeline: one page with dates of incidents, police calls, school issues.
- Screenshots: texts/DMs with full date/time stamps; label as Exhibit A, B, C.
- Third-party proof: school notes, medical letters, therapy attendance, police reports.
- Financials: pay stubs, tax pages, bank summaries for support/fees.
Goal: show patterns, not just moments. Judges rule on evidence, not vibes.
Deadlines (Do Not Miss)
- FL-300 hearing service: Personal service ≥ 16 court days before hearing; mail (if allowed): 16 court days + 5 calendar days (inside CA).
- FL-320 response: File/serve ≥ 9 court days before hearing; mail adds days.
- Proofs of service: FL-330 (personal) / FL-335 (mail) filed before hearing.
Court days = Mon–Fri (no court holidays). Local rules can be stricter—earlier is safer.
Core California FL Forms (What • Why • How)
FL-300 — Request for Order
Use for: ask the court to make/change/enforce orders (custody, visitation, support, fees).
How: Complete FL-300, attach support forms (see below), file, serve, bring Proof of Service.
Example ask: Modify parenting time to alternate weekends + Wednesday dinner 5–8 PM. Exchanges at school curb; holiday rotation per FL-341(C).
FL-320 — Responsive Declaration
Use for: respond to an FL-300; agree/disagree + propose your alternative orders.
Deadline: File/serve ≥ 9 court days before hearing (add mail days if used).
Example response: Oppose mid-week overnights due to school tardies (attendance letter at Ex. A). Offer Wednesday dinner 5–8 PM; holiday per FL-341(C).
FL-150 — Income & Expense
Use for: support or fee requests. Must be current (last 3 months) with proof.
Attach: paystubs (8 weeks) or P&L + tax pages (self-employed).
Example note: OT varies seasonally; averaged $600/month from last 8 weeks (see paystubs).
FL-311 — Custody/Visitation Attachment
Use for: write the plan—days/times, exchanges, communication. Judges want precision.
Sample clause: Exchanges at school. If no school, exchanges at main library lot, 6:00 PM.
FL-341 — Custody/Visitation Order Attachment
Use for: the judge’s signed order. Add series pages for specifics.
FL-305 — Temporary Orders
Use for: emergency/ex parte relief with FL-300. Provide notice unless waived.
Example: Temp order: exchanges at police station lobby until hearing due to threats (Ex. A screenshots).
FL-319 + FL-158 — Fees & Declaration
Use for: need-based fees (FC §§2030-2032) or sanctions (§271). Show disparity, ability to pay, reasonableness.
Example: Request $____ fees due to income gap; hours/rate detailed; see FL-150 + invoices.
FL-330 / FL-335 — Service Proofs
Use for: file after serving your papers. Server must be 18+ and not a party.
FW-001 / FW-003 — Fee Waiver
Use for: waive filing/service fees if you qualify. Not FL-series, but critical for pro per.
Language Templates (Copy • Edit • Attach)
Best-Interest Factors (Custody)
Orders Requested: 1) Week-on/week-off; exchanges Sundays 6:00 PM at school curb. Why: • Child’s attendance ↑ and absences ↓ on current routine (Ex. A: attendance). • Stable weekday schedule supports homework/sleep (Ex. B: teacher note). • No safety concerns; both parents fit; plan maximizes consistency.
Guideline Child Support
Orders Requested: 1) Guideline child support using incomes in FL-150 and timeshare from FL-311. 2) 50/50 add-ons: childcare and unreimbursed medical within 30 days of receipt. Why: • Income figures documented (Ex. A paystubs; Ex. B tax page). • Childcare receipts attached (Ex. C).
Attorney’s Fees (Need-Based)
Orders Requested: Fees of $____ under FC §§2030–2032. Why: • Significant disparity in access to funds; my need vs. other party’s ability to pay. • See FL-150 (income), FL-158 (hours/rate), and invoices (Ex. A).
Court-Day Playbook (2-Minute Hits)
- Intro: “Good morning, Your Honor. [Name], self-represented. Here on my FL-300 regarding [issue].”
- Ask: “I’m requesting [exact orders]. Details in FL-311/FL-341 [or] based on FL-150.”
- Why: Best-interest or need v. ability (bullet 2–3 facts), with exhibits.
- Evidence: “Exhibits A–C; Proof of Service on file.”
- Close: “I ask the Court to grant these orders. Thank you.”
Bring 3 sets: court, other party, you. Tabs + labels save you when the clock is ticking.
Shelters • Legal Aid • Hotlines
Missing Children
NCMEC 1-800-THE-LOST — report and amplify.
AMBER Alerts: check your local law enforcement + state site.
Tech Safety
- Turn off location sharing on phone + apps.
- New email for filings; change all passwords.
- Use device passcodes; disable “share purchases.”
Official Form Library
Need a form beyond the FL-series? Browse the full Judicial Council catalog: