What this form actually does
Once a family law case is open, an FL-300 (often called an "RFO") is how either party asks the court to make a specific order before the case is fully resolved — temporary custody or visitation, temporary child or spousal support, attorney's fees, or changes to existing orders. It's essentially a motion: you're asking the judge to act now rather than waiting for trial or final judgment.
Before you file
- Identify exactly what you're asking for. FL-300 covers many types of relief — be specific about which orders you want rather than checking every box that seems related.
- Gather supporting evidence. You'll typically need a supporting declaration (your sworn written statement of facts) and, for support requests, a current FL-150.
- Check the hearing calendar and required notice. Courts set a hearing date when you file, and the other side must be served with proper notice before that date — timelines vary by county and by whether you're requesting emergency (ex parte) relief.
Filling it out, section by section
- Case information. Match the existing case number and party names exactly.
- Type of relief requested. Check the specific boxes for what you want: child custody/visitation, child support, spousal support, attorney's fees, property control, domestic violence-related orders, or other relief.
- Attach a declaration. Explain in your own words, under penalty of perjury, why the court should grant what you're asking for — facts, not arguments.
- Attach required companion forms. For support requests, attach a current FL-150. For custody requests, some counties require additional local forms — check before filing.
- File and arrange service. File with the clerk to get a hearing date, then have the other party properly served with the filed papers and enough notice before the hearing date.
Emergency requests are different: if you need an order before the normal hearing process could happen (like an urgent safety issue), that's an ex parte request — a separate, faster process with its own forms and much shorter notice requirements. An ordinary FL-300 is not the right vehicle for a same-day emergency; ask the court self-help center about ex parte procedure if your situation is urgent.
Common mistakes
- Checking boxes for relief not actually supported by the attached declaration.
- Missing the required notice period before the hearing, which can get the hearing continued.
- Requesting support without attaching a current FL-150.
- Treating a routine RFO as the path for a genuine emergency, when ex parte procedure exists for that purpose.