What Is a Request for Order (RFO) and When Should You File One?

Navigating California family court can be confusing—especially when urgent issues like child custody, support, or spousal maintenance arise. One of the most common procedural tools used to address these matters is the Request for Order (RFO). If you're representing yourself in family court, understanding what an RFO is and when to file one is essential to protecting your rights and moving your case forward.

What Is an RFO?

A Request for Order is a formal court filing used to ask a judge to issue temporary orders or resolve specific issues in your family law case. Whether you’re in the early stages of a divorce, a post-judgment dispute, or a parent in need of custodial rights, the RFO allows you to request judicial intervention.

Typical issues addressed through an RFO include:

• Child custody and visitation

• Child support

• Spousal or partner support

• Attorney’s fees and costs

• Property control or use (such as the family home or vehicle)

• Enforcement or modification of existing orders

When Should You File an RFO?

Timing matters. If you're facing an immediate need—such as one parent refusing to allow visitation or an ex-spouse stopping support payments—an RFO can help you obtain relief while your case is still pending.

You should consider filing an RFO if:

• You and the other party cannot reach an agreement on a key issue

• There’s been a significant change in circumstances (like a job loss or relocation)

• You need the court to make a temporary order before a final judgment

• You want to enforce an existing order that’s being violated

In California, an RFO typically consists of Form FL-300, a supporting declaration, and any relevant exhibits or attachments. Precision and clarity are critical. Judges are often reviewing dozens of cases per day, so your paperwork must be well-organized and legally sound.

How Sanctum Legal Can Help

At Sanctum Legal, we specialize in preparing high-quality, attorney-backed family law documents—without the cost or complexity of full representation. Our document preparation services include custom-drafted RFO packages that reflect your unique situation, formatted for compliance with California court standards.

Filing an RFO doesn't have to be overwhelming. Whether you're requesting custody, support, or another urgent matter, our team ensures your declarations and forms are clear, persuasive, and properly filed.

Ready to get started? Visit our Services & Booking Page to schedule your document preparation today. We’re here to help self-represented litigants protect their rights, one document at a time.

Disclaimer: This blog post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. No attorney-client relationship is formed by reading this content or by using Sanctum Legal's document preparation services. If you need legal advice, please consult a licensed attorney.