How to Fill Out FL-300 in California
The FL-300 is the form you file when you need a judge to make or change a family law order. It sets a hearing date and tells the court what you are asking for. Every section matters — what you check, what you write, and what you leave blank all go into the record. Here is how to fill it out correctly.
Caption — your case information
The top of the form asks for your name, the other party's name, the court name, and your case number. If you are opening a new case, you will not have a case number yet — leave it blank and the clerk will assign one when you file. Use your full legal name as it appears on official documents.
What you are requesting
The FL-300 has checkboxes for each type of order you can request: child custody and visitation, child support, spousal or partner support, attorney fees, property orders, and other relief. Check only the boxes that apply to what you are filing for today. If you check custody, attach FL-311 with your proposed parenting plan.
The facts section
This is where you explain why you are filing. Be specific. Write what happened, when it happened, and what you need the court to do about it. One fact per sentence. No emotional language. Judges read dozens of these — clear and specific always beats long and emotional.
Your contact and service information
The form asks for an address where you can be served papers. This does not have to be your home address — you can use a P.O. box or a friend's address if safety is a concern. For domestic violence situations, you can request a confidential address through the Safe at Home program.
Signing
You sign the FL-300 under penalty of perjury. Everything you wrote is a sworn statement. Make sure it is accurate before you sign.
Filing fee
$435 to $450 depending on county. Fee waivers available via FW-001.
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