Make FL-300 Easier | Request a CA Custody Order Simply
California court form FL-300 is complicated, especially when you're requesting child custody or visitation. It asks you to attach up to six other court forms, and those are just the ones about parenting.
You can save yourself time by creating a parenting plan that replaces many of those unnecessary forms.
What is FL-300?
FL-300 (standing for "family law 300") is the form you use to request orders for family law issues like child custody and visitation. You file it after you have a case open or when you open your case.
Once you file it and serve it to the other parent, the court can schedule a hearing to make a decision.
FL-300 is required if you want a court order about custody or visitation, but many of the other court forms it asks you to attach are not required. You can skip four of them if you attach a detailed parenting plan instead.
Adding custody details to FL-300 quickly
Instead of attaching four confusing court forms to FL-300, use a parenting plan to explain the details of your custody request.
The Custody X Change parenting plan template guides you to create this document quickly.
Instead of guessing how to fill in fields on California court forms, let the parenting plan template walk you through intuitive categories like "childcare" and “health.” It also helps you build a visual custody calendar in minutes, including arrangements for holidays.
When you're done, attach your Custody X Change parenting plan to form FL-300 to show the court your organized custody requests. To help the judge, write "Attachment to FL-300, paragraph 2(b)1" at the top.
On FL-300, in paragraph 2b(1), check "other" and write in "parenting plan.”
You should also mention the parenting plan in paragraph 10, where you'll list reasons the judge should order it.
Then you can skip FL-311 and FL-341 C, D and E. You may still need FL-305 for emergency orders or FL-312 for child abduction prevention orders.
Why attach a parenting plan
Beyond being easier to fill out than a series of court forms, a Custody X Change parenting plan:
- Comes with a digital custody calendar: You can get reminders about exchanges and calculate your exact parenting time. Written and visual versions of the calendar appear in your plan.
- Gives you clear parenting guidance after your case: When questions arise, like how far you can take your child without your co-parent's permission, find the answers easily in your plan.
- Helps you think through important details: The plan template suggests hundreds of popular parenting rules that you may not have thought to include.
- Allows for customization: Add as many unique-to-your-family rules as you like.
Other tips for using FL-300 to request custody
- Follow California's instructions for FL-300.
- Make at least two copies of your completed FL-300 form and any attachments, including your parenting plan.
- Serve FL-300 and other required documents (e.g., your parenting plan) on the other parent. You can't proceed to a custody hearing until you do so.
Making a parenting plan with Custody X Change
The Custody X Change online app helps you make a thorough parenting plan quickly.
It walks you through common parenting rules you can include.
And it helps you create a custody schedule, complete with holidays and school breaks.
With Custody X Change, you can also journal about updates in your situation, store your children's information, track expenses, and more.
Custody X Change makes co-parenting simple for California parents.