Request for Order (RFO): Custody, Support, Visitation & More

A Request for Order (RFO) is a vital legal tool in family law cases that allows individuals to ask the court for specific relief. Whether you’re seeking changes to child custody, visitation, or support arrangements, or addressing spousal support or property disputes, an RFO is a type of motion that allows you to request an order from a family law Judge.

This process is essential for ensuring your rights and concerns are properly addressed, and it requires careful preparation to meet the court’s requirements in order to get the Judge to agree to grant your request.

The process of filing an RFO is more complex than it seems, particularly in California, where local court rules and procedures vary by county. Each court often requires specific forms, supporting documents, and required organized packets tailored to their standards. Missing a step or submitting incomplete paperwork can lead to delays or even dismissal of your request. That’s why having professional assistance is invaluable to help you get to your end goal.

What Is a “Request for Order” (RFO)?

An RFO is a formal request made to the court during a family law case, asking the judge to make or modify orders. Common issues addressed through an RFO include:

• Child custody and visitation

• Child support or spousal support

• Property control or payment of certain expenses

• Emergency orders (ex parte)

• Parenting schedules or move-away requests

This process is essential when immediate decisions are needed, and the court's involvement is required to protect your rights or the well-being of your child.

The General Process for Filing a Request for Order

Filing a Request for Order (RFO) involves several key steps to ensure your request is properly presented to the court. While the exact process varies depending on your local court’s rules, here is a general overview:

1. Identify the Issues You Want to Address: Determine the specific issues you need the court to resolve, such as custody, visitation, support, property control, or modifications to an existing order. Be clear about the relief or changes you are requesting to ensure your documents reflect your intentions.

2. Prepare and Ensure Compliance with Local Court Rules: Draft the RFO and supporting documents, including declarations, forms and attachments. If applicable, include evidence or supporting materials to strengthen your case. Review the local rules for your county to ensure your documents and filing process meet specific requirements. Assemble the necessary packets in the correct format, as required by the court.

4. File Your Documents with the Court: Submit the completed RFO and supporting documents to the court. This may involve electronic filing, in-person filing, or mailing your packet, depending on your county’s rules. Pay the required filing fees or request a fee waiver, if applicable. If your case is accepted, you’ll get assigned a hearing date and will need to serve the other party A.S.A.P. If your paperwork is rejected, you’ll need to make all and as many corrections to your RFO packet as required until it’s accepted by the Clerk of Court.

5. Serve the Other Party: Once accepted, you’ll need to properly serve the other party with the RFO, supporting documents and appropriate response forms, immediately. Make sure service is completed within the required timeframe prior to the hearing and that proof of service is filed with the court.

6. Prepare and Attend the Hearing: Review your documents and evidence to present your case effectively at your hearing. Keep an eye out on your mail to see if the other party filed a response to your RFO. Whether or not they do, you’ll likely need to appear in court on the scheduled date and present your case to the judge. Be ready to respond to any arguments or concerns raised by the other party. The Court will then issue a decision based on the evidence and arguments provided by both parties: either the Judge will grant your request, deny your request, or continue the hearing to a later date (the Court can reschedule your hearing for any reason determined by Judge) and you may have to reappear or be required to provide additional documents.

While a Request for Order is one of the most valuable tools in family law, it’s also one of the most document-heavy filings for those representing themselves. RFO packets can become quite extensive, often requiring multiple layers of declarations, exhibits, and supporting documentation tailored to the unique facts of your case. Ensuring that your RFO is properly assembled, includes all local court-mandated forms, and complies with your Superior Court’s specific rules is critical to getting it accepted by the clerk without delay. From formatting to filing, and everything leading up to the hearing, we can help you with any part of all of your RFO case.

Why Choose a Paralegal for Your RFO?

• We Handle the Heavy Paperwork: RFOs can be among the most document-heavy filings in family law. We prepare your forms, declarations, exhibits, and local attachments, ensuring your packet is complete, properly organized, and ready for filing.

• Local Court Rule Compliance:
  Each courthouse has its own required formats, rules, and forms. Having been in and out of Southern CA Courthouses for the past decade, we carry a deep knowledge of family law divorce procedures and requirements in Orange County, Los Angeles County, Riverside County, San Bernardino, San Diego, and Ventura County courthouses. Clerks routinely reject filings for technical errors, missing attachments, or formatting mistakes. We take the guesswork out of assembling the RFO packet and work directly with the Court Clerk to preventing costly delays.

• Hearing Preparation Support: Although we are not an attorney’s office and cannot represent you at the hearing, our office will sit-in with you during the hearing to observe the Judge’s requests and remarks. Prior to your hearing, we also get you set up and prepared so that you feel at ease and confident about what to expect.

• We offer flexible, step-by-step support throughout your entire case, no matter what happens. As a paralegal service, we’re here to support you through every stage of your case—no matter how simple or complex it becomes. If the other party responds or hires an attorney, you always have the option to bring in legal counsel at any time. We also work closely with a trusted network of experienced family law attorneys who can provide hourly legal advice, step in to represent you fully, or assist with negotiations, if needed. If your case stays straightforward, we can guide you through the entire process ourselves, saving you and the other party thousands in legal fees. Ultimately, our level of involvement is entirely your choice.

Working with a paralegal gives you the best of both worlds: professional guidance without the high cost or pressure of full legal representation. You stay in control of your case while we handle the technical, time-consuming parts that can slow you down or trip you up. At Paralegal-Ease & Notary, LLC, we’re here to make the process smoother, more affordable, and less overwhelming. We handle the paper works so that you can focus on the outcome.

Starting now means finishing sooner:

Filing or responding to an RFO doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With the right support, you can navigate the process confidently and focus on achieving a resolution that works for your needs. Start Your RFO Case Today:

or, give us a call at (714) 248-6064

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