We Help With Divorce Request For Orders and Responses FL-300 | Santa Clarita

If you need the court to make orders during or after a divorce—for custody, support, visitation, attorney fees, or other relief—the California Request for Order (form FL-300) is the tool to use. This article explains what FL-300 can do, when to use it, what to include, and how responses (form FL-320) work. It also outlines practical steps and how a licensed legal document preparation service can assist you from paperwork to getting a court and mediation date.

What is the Request for Order (FL-300)?

The Request for Order is the standard motion form used in family law to ask the court to make temporary or post-judgment orders. It can be filed at almost any point in the divorce process when one party needs the court to decide an issue they cannot resolve with the other party.

Common issues you can request on FL-300

• Child custody and parenting time (visitation)
• Child support
• Spousal support
• Attorney fees and costs
• Modification of previously ordered terms (mark the modification box)
• Any other specific order the court can make (use the “other” box to explain)

When to use FL-300

Use FL-300:

• During the divorce case to get temporary orders while the case is pending.
• After a final judgment, to request changes through a post-judgment motion.
• To modify existing orders when circumstances have changed—examples include a substantial change in income or a dramatic change in parenting time.

Practical examples

• If the paying spouse receives a significant pay increase, the supported spouse can request a modification of spousal support.
• If a parent who agreed to 50/50 parenting time only exercises 10% of the time, the other parent can ask the court to modify custody or child support based on actual parenting time.

What to include with your FL-300

When asking for financial relief such as child or spousal support, the court requires a clear picture of your finances. Key items include:

• Income and expense declaration — provide a complete statement of income, expenses, assets, and debts. File it with the court and serve a blank copy with the motion so the other party knows to complete one.
• Names and ages of the children if custody or visitation is at issue.
• Any supporting declarations that explain the change in circumstances or facts supporting your request.
• Exhibits such as pay stubs, tax returns, school records, or communication logs that back up your claims.

Mediation requirement for child-related disputes

If children are involved, you will generally be required to attend mediation before the court hears the Request for Order. Mediation can be scheduled before the hearing or at the same time. Many courts now offer online scheduling for mediation dates. Plan ahead—request your mediation date early so it aligns with the court hearing.

Responding to a Request for Order (FL-320)

If you are served with a Request for Order, you can file a written response on form FL-320. A good response will:

• Address each request made by the moving party.
• Include your own declaration and supporting exhibits.
• Attach a completed income and expense declaration when financial issues are involved.

How a legal document preparation service can help

Licensed and bonded legal document preparers can assist with the paperwork and logistics without providing legal advice. Typical services include:

• Preparing FL-300 motions and FL-320 responses.
• Drafting supporting declarations and attaching exhibits.
• Preparing and filing income and expense declarations and serving necessary forms on the other party.
• Filing documents with the court and obtaining court and mediation dates.
• Providing everything through an online process so you do not need to come into an office.

“The only thing we cannot do is give you legal advice.”

Document preparers will help you get the forms ready and filed for a flat rate, potentially saving substantial attorney fees. However, they must refrain from giving legal advice or representing you in court.

Practical tips before you file or respond

1. Make sure all children’s names and essential facts are correctly entered on the forms.
2. Gather financial documentation before completing the income and expense declaration.
3. Schedule mediation early if children are involved.
4. Be realistic about relief requested; ask for modifications only when there is a material change in circumstances.
5. Consider hiring a document preparer to reduce errors and streamline filing if you do not need legal representation.

Next steps

If you need the court to act—whether for temporary relief during a pending divorce or to modify a prior order—start by completing the Request for Order and the required financial paperwork. If you were served with a Request for Order, prepare a clear, organized response with supporting declarations and documentation. A licensed document preparation service can prepare forms, file them, and secure court and mediation dates while you focus on the substance of your case.

Taking care of the paperwork correctly and on time improves your chances of a smoother hearing and a clearer presentation of your position to the court.

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