Custody & support papers.
Served ahead of your hearing.
When you ask the court for an order about custody, visitation or child support, the other parent has to be served before your hearing. A California registered process server delivers the papers and completes the proof of service for you to file.
Request for Order packet
To be served
- Request for Order (FL-300) and attachments
- A blank Responsive Declaration (FL-320)
- Your FL-150 and a blank one, if filed
- Served by
- California registered process server
- Returned to you
- Proof of Service (FL-330 or FL-335)
Your court’s instructions decide the forms and deadlines. Affid serves the papers you’ve prepared.
How serving custody & support papers works.
What official California court sources say about serving these papers, with a link to each source. It explains the practical workflow; it isn’t legal advice.
You can’t serve the papers yourself. The server must be 18 or older and not part of your case.
California Courts: Serve your Request for Order in personFor personal service, the papers must be handed to the other side at least 16 court days before the hearing, unless the court orders a different time. Court days don’t include weekends or court holidays.
California Courts: Serve your Request for Order in personPersonal service is required in some cases, such as when the other side hasn’t responded to the petition and the case isn’t final, when you’re serving a temporary emergency order (FL-305), or when the court orders it.
California Courts: Serve your Request for Order by mailMail service is allowed only in some cases. The papers must be mailed at least 16 court days plus 5 calendar days before the hearing, with a Proof of Service by Mail (FL-335).
California Courts: Serve your Request for Order by mailIf the other side has a lawyer in the case, the papers go to the lawyer instead.
California Courts: Serve your Request for Order in personAfter personal service, the server completes a Proof of Personal Service (FL-330). File it at least 5 court days before the hearing.
California Courts: Serve your Request for Order in personWhat to prepare.
- Copies of every form you filed, except fee waiver forms
- Your hearing date, so the deadline can be counted back
- The other parent’s addresses, or their lawyer’s if they have one
- A photo or description and any safety concerns
What you receive.
- A record of each attempt and its outcome
- The completed proof of service (FL-330 or FL-335) for you to file
If you are in immediate danger, call 911. A domestic violence restraining order uses different forms from a Request for Order.
Questions people ask.
All questionsHow early should I order service?
As soon as you have your filed papers and hearing date. Leave room for the 16-court-day deadline, more than one attempt and filing the proof 5 court days before the hearing.
Can you serve a new custody and support petition?
Yes. The court’s instructions say the petition is usually served in person with a blank Response (FL-270) and other blank forms, and the server completes a Proof of Service of Summons (FL-115). A Request for Order can be served with it.
Can Affid help me decide what to ask for?
No. Affid serves the papers you’ve prepared and doesn’t give legal advice. Your court’s family law facilitator or self-help center can help with the forms.
Official sources
Get your custody & support papers served.
Share the prepared papers, the address and your deadline. Scope and fees are confirmed before work begins.
Our team confirms scope and fees with you before work begins.