Filing a divorce, parentage, or other family law case does not automatically place every disputed issue before a judge for immediate decision.

When a party needs the family court to make a particular order while a case is pending, the party may need to formally request that relief. California commonly uses the Request for Order, Judicial Council Form FL-300, for this purpose.

A Request for Order, often called an RFO, can be used to bring specific family law issues before the court for a hearing.

What Can Be Requested Through an RFO?

The appropriate request depends on the issues in the case.

The source materials address use of the Request for Order procedure for matters involving child custody and visitation, child support, spousal support, property control, responsibility for debts, and other temporary relief.

An RFO can therefore become important when the parties cannot wait until final judgment to resolve a particular issue.

For example, parents may need an enforceable parenting schedule while the divorce proceeds. A spouse may need temporary support. The parties may disagree about who should make payments on particular debts.

Temporary orders can provide structure while the larger case remains unresolved.

What Information Supports the Request?

The party requesting an order must identify the relief being sought and provide the factual basis supporting the request.

A supporting declaration can explain the circumstances relevant to the requested orders.

When financial relief is requested, additional financial documentation is generally required. The source materials specifically identify the Income and Expense Declaration, Judicial Council Form FL-150, in connection with requests involving matters such as child support, spousal support, and certain other financial relief.

The opposing party is also given an opportunity to respond to the requested orders.

What Happens After an RFO Is Filed?

A Request for Order generally results in a scheduled court hearing at which the requested relief can be addressed.

The documents must be properly filed and served according to the applicable procedures so that the other party receives notice of what is being requested and has an opportunity to respond.

Depending on the dispute, additional procedures may occur before the hearing. A contested child custody or visitation request, for example, can involve court-connected custody mediation.

Local court procedures can also affect how a particular RFO moves toward hearing.

Temporary Orders Remain Important Until They Are Changed

Temporary does not mean optional.

Once the court enters an order, the parties must follow it unless and until it is modified, terminated, stayed, or otherwise changed through an authorized legal process.

An RFO can therefore have an important effect on daily life while a family law case is pending. Carefully identifying the orders actually needed—and clearly explaining the facts supporting those requests—can help give the court a more focused picture of the issue it is being asked to decide.