What Is Form FL-300? The Request for Order Explained

 

Disclaimer This article is for general informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Court forms, filing requirements, and procedures are subject to change. Always verify current form versions at courts.ca.gov and consult a licensed California attorney for guidance specific to your situation. Reading this article does not create an attorney-client relationship with SuperDocs or any attorney.

 

If you handle family law cases in California, Form FL-300 — the Request for Order — is one of the most versatile and frequently filed documents in your practice. It is the primary mechanism for asking the court to make or modify orders on custody, visitation, support, property, and a wide range of other family law issues, both during an active case and after judgment.

A poorly prepared FL-300 can result in a hearing being continued, a request being denied, or an order that does not reflect what the client actually needs. The goal is to prepare it completely, clearly, and with all required supporting documents in place before filing.

 

Why FL-300 Matters

FL-300 is the engine of post-judgment family law practice. Once a dissolution judgment is entered, circumstances change — incomes fluctuate, custody arrangements need adjustment, support orders require modification, and parties sometimes fail to comply with existing orders. FL-300 is also used during active cases to request temporary orders while the case is pending.

 

When Is FL-300 Required?

FL-300 is used whenever a party needs the court to make, modify, or enforce an order, including:

•     Requesting temporary custody or visitation orders while a dissolution is pending

•     Modifying an existing child custody or visitation order after judgment

•     Requesting or modifying child support or spousal support orders

•     Requesting attorney fees and costs

•     Enforcing an existing order the other party has not complied with

•     Requesting a domestic violence restraining order in a family law case

 

How to Complete FL-300: Section-by-Section Guide

1. Case Caption

Enter party names and case number exactly as they appear on all previously filed documents.

2. To (Responding Party)

Identify the responding party. Make sure the name matches exactly what is on file with the court.

3. Hearing Information

Enter the hearing date, time, department, and address. The responding party must be served at least 16 court days before the hearing — confirm local court requirements as they may vary.

4. Orders Requested

Check every box that applies and provide specific details. Be specific: for custody state the proposed arrangement; for support state the requested amount and basis; for attorney fees state the amount and attach a supporting declaration.

5. Temporary Emergency Orders

If the situation requires immediate court action before the hearing date, check the box requesting temporary emergency orders. Ex parte requests are subject to strict procedural requirements — follow local court rules carefully.

6. Income and Expense Declaration

If the request involves support or attorney fees, FL-150 must be attached. Financial figures must be current and consistent with any representations in supporting declarations.

7. Supporting Declarations and Attachments

FL-300 rarely stands alone. Depending on the relief requested, supporting documents typically include FL-311, FL-150, a supporting declaration, and proof of service.

8. Proof of Service

FL-300 must be served on the responding party before the hearing. After service, a proof of service must be filed with the court.

 

Temporary Orders vs. Post-Judgment Modifications

•     Temporary orders — filed while a dissolution is pending. Standard is best interest of the child or the parties pending final resolution.

•     Post-judgment modifications — filed after judgment. Standard is a material change in circumstances since the last order. Supporting declarations must establish what has changed.

 

Mistakes and Best Practices

The most common problems to avoid:

•     Filing FL-300 without FL-311 when custody or visitation is at issue

•     Attaching an outdated FL-150 when support is requested

•     Requesting relief in vague terms

•     Missing the 16 court day service deadline

•     Failing to file proof of service before the hearing

•     Not checking local court rules for additional required forms

 

And the workflow habits that prevent them:

•     Prepare FL-300, FL-311, and FL-150 as a package whenever custody or support is at issue

•     Confirm the hearing date before serving — never serve FL-300 with a blank hearing date

•     Calendar the service deadline immediately after the hearing date is assigned

 

Companion Forms Filed with FL-300

•     FL-311 — Child Custody and Visitation Application Attachment

•     FL-150 — Income and Expense Declaration

•     FL-320 — Responsive Declaration to Request for Order

•     FL-341 — Child Custody and Visitation Order

•     FL-343 — Spousal, Partner, or Family Support Order

 

How SuperDocs Can Help

SuperDocs helps California firms complete court forms faster — no long case setup, no forms about forms. Just open a court form and start typing. Contacts and shared case details fill in automatically, and information entered on one form flows through to related forms in the same case. Checkboxes, dates, assets, and other details are tracked behind the scenes so nothing gets missed.

For FL-300 filings, party names, case numbers, and financial data entered once carry through to FL-311, FL-150, and related forms in the same case automatically.

Spend less time on re-entry, more time on the case.

•     Open any court form and start typing — no lengthy setup required

•     Shared case details and contacts are available across related forms — enter data once and reuse it throughout the case

•     Assets, dates, and case details tracked and reused across the entire case

•     Review and edit any field before printing or downloading

•     Save client profiles for use throughout the lifecycle of the case

 

 

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