If you’re involved in a divorce, child custody case, or another family law matter, you may hear the term “Request for Order,” often referred to simply as an RFO. For someone unfamiliar with the legal process, the name can sound intimidating. In reality, a Request for Order is simply the procedure used to ask the court to make a decision before the case is over.

Family law cases often take several months to resolve, and important issues can’t always wait until the final judgment. Parents need custody schedules, families need financial support, and spouses may need temporary orders regarding the use of property. A Request for Order allows the court to address these issues while the case is still pending.

Understanding what an RFO is—and when it may be used—can help make the family law process much easier to understand.

An RFO Is a Request for the Court to Act

Rather than waiting until the very end of a case, either party may ask the court to decide a specific issue through a Request for Order.

The request explains what relief is being sought and why the court should grant it.

The other party generally has an opportunity to file a written response before the hearing, allowing both sides to present their positions.

The judge then reviews the written information and hears arguments before making a decision.

The process is designed to address issues that require attention before the final judgment.

Many Different Issues Can Be Addressed

A Request for Order may be used in many different types of family law matters.

Examples often include:

Temporary child custody.

Parenting time.

Child support.

Spousal support.

Attorney’s fees.

Use of certain property.

Modification of existing orders.

Enforcement of prior court orders.

Because family law cases involve many different issues, the specific purpose of an RFO depends entirely on the circumstances of the case.

Temporary Orders Provide Stability

Many Requests for Order involve temporary issues.

For example, parents may need a parenting schedule while the divorce is pending.

One spouse may request temporary financial support until property division has been completed.

These temporary orders help provide structure during a period of uncertainty.

Although they are not always permanent, they can significantly affect daily life while the case moves toward final resolution.

Preparation Matters

An RFO hearing often moves quickly.

For that reason, organization and preparation are important.

Supporting documents, financial records, calendars, school records, and other relevant information may help explain the request being made.

Presenting complete and accurate information allows the court to better understand the circumstances before making a decision.

Careful preparation often leads to a more efficient hearing.

Not Every Dispute Requires a Hearing

Although Requests for Order are common, many family law disputes are resolved before the hearing ever takes place.

Once the request has been filed, the parties often continue negotiating.

Sometimes additional information becomes available that helps resolve the disagreement.

Other times, mediation or informal discussions result in an agreement before the court needs to intervene.

Even when an RFO has been scheduled, settlement remains possible.

One Step in a Larger Process

A Request for Order is rarely the end of a family law case.

Instead, it is often one step along the way.

Temporary decisions provide stability while the larger issues continue moving toward resolution.

Understanding the purpose of an RFO helps reduce anxiety and allows families to focus on addressing immediate concerns while continuing to work toward a comprehensive resolution of the case.