MANDATORY CHILD CUSTODY MODIFICATION FORMS
In order to promote timely and effective resolution of child custody, domestic violence, and Department of Child Support (DCSS) matters; to ensure compliance with legal requirements; and to accurately record and reflect matters heard by the Family Law panel, effective January 1, 2023, the following procedures apply:
Any request for custody orders following the filing of a Complaint Regarding Parental Obligation (FL-600) and the corresponding Judgment (FL-680) in a child support case requires the parties to file a Petition for Custody (FL 260). The Petition for Custody is a new proceeding.
Any request to modify the temporary custody orders issued in a family law domestic violence Restraining Order After Hearing (DV-130) proceeding requires the parties to file a Petition to Determine Parental Relationship (FL-200), a Petition for Custody and Support of Minor Child (FL-260), or, if applicable, a Petition - Marriage/Domestic Partnership (FL-180).
Any Request for Order (FL-300) seeking custody orders in DCSS matters or stand-alone domestic violence cases will be returned by the court to the filing party with an explanation that it is required to be filed on the mandatory Judicial Council form. Upon the filing of the FL-200, FL-260 or FL-180, a new case number and judicial assignment will be provided by court staff.
This Order is effective January 1, 2023.
IT IS SO ORDERED.
Dated this 11th day of October 2022, at Santa Ana California.
Read the official administrative order.