California Child Custody and Parenting Time Resources
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Custody in California is decided in the Superior Court, usually in the Family Law Division. Most states split the question in two: who makes the big decisions for the child, and what the day to day schedule looks like. Both usually end up written into one order or parenting plan the judge approves.
The wording differs from state to state, so read the official California documents below rather than assuming a term you heard elsewhere means the same thing here. Courts decide these cases on the best interests of the child, and the official forms are written to collect the facts a judge needs.
Official California custody resources
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California family law forms (official index) (California judicial branch): The official statewide collection of California family law forms. When a direct document link stops working, this index is where the current version lives. https://www.courts.ca.gov/forms.htm?filter=FL
California court self-help resources (California courts self-help): Official self-help information for people handling their own California family case, including instructions and plain-language guides. https://www.courts.ca.gov/selfhelp.htm
California mediation and dispute resolution (California judicial branch): Official information on mediation and other ways to settle a California family case without a trial. https://www.courts.ca.gov/mediationresources.htm
California rules of procedure (California judicial branch): The court rules that control deadlines, service, and how family cases move in California. https://www.courts.ca.gov/rules.htm
Verified official California custody documents
These official documents cover asking for custody, setting a schedule, and putting a parenting plan in front of the judge.
Request for Order (FL-300), form FL-300 (Child Custody / Parenting), official document: https://courts.ca.gov/system/files?file=2025-07%2Ffl300.pdf
Temporary Emergency (Ex Parte) Orders (FL-305), form FL-305 (Child Custody / Parenting), official document: https://courts.ca.gov/sites/default/files/courts/default/2024-11/fl305.pdf
Child Custody and Visitation Application Attachment (FL-311), form FL-311 (Child Custody / Parenting), official document: https://courts.ca.gov/sites/default/files/courts/default/2024-11/fl311.pdf
Request for Child Abduction Prevention Orders (FL-312), form FL-312 (Child Custody / Parenting), official document: https://courts.ca.gov/sites/default/files/courts/default/2024-11/fl312.pdf
Child Custody and Visitation Order Attachment (FL-341), form FL-341 (Child Custody / Parenting), official document: https://courts.ca.gov/sites/default/files/courts/default/2024-11/fl341.pdf
Children's Holiday Schedule Attachment (FL-341(C)), form FL-341(C) (Child Custody / Parenting), official document: https://courts.ca.gov/sites/default/files/courts/default/2024-11/fl341c.pdf
Additional Provisions, Physical Custody Attachment (FL-341(D)), form FL-341(D) (Child Custody / Parenting), official document: https://courts.ca.gov/sites/default/files/courts/default/2024-11/fl341d.pdf
Joint Legal Custody Attachment (FL-341(E)), form FL-341(E) (Child Custody / Parenting), official document: https://courts.ca.gov/sites/default/files/courts/default/2024-11/fl341e.pdf
Stipulation and Order for Custody and/or Visitation (FL-355), form FL-355 (Child Custody / Parenting), official document: https://courts.ca.gov/sites/default/files/courts/default/2024-11/fl355.pdf
Official link data for California was last verified June 2026. Report anything outdated through our contact page and we will re-check the official source.
Frequently asked questions
Which court hears family cases in California?
Family cases in California are heard in the Superior Court, usually in the Family Law Division. Each county's Superior Court has a Family Law Division for divorce, custody, and support. There is one Superior Court per county - 58 in all.
Does California favor one parent over the other?
Custody decisions are made on the best interests of the child, not on which parent asks first. Judges look at things like stability, each parent's involvement, the child's needs, and whether a parent supports the child's relationship with the other parent. Read the official California forms and self-help material for the factors this state asks about.
Do we have to go to mediation first?
Many courts send custody disputes to mediation before a hearing, and some require it. The official California mediation page linked above explains what this state offers and when it applies.