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The FL-303 form plays a crucial role in the California family law system, particularly when it comes to requesting temporary emergency orders. This form, titled "Declaration Regarding Notice and Service of Request for Temporary Emergency (Ex Parte) Orders," is designed for individuals who need to seek immediate court intervention. It outlines the necessary details about the parties involved, including the petitioner, respondent, and any other relevant individuals. The form requires the filer to declare whether notice of the emergency hearing has been given and to whom. This is essential because courts may grant emergency orders with or without a hearing, depending on the circumstances. Additionally, the FL-303 includes sections for explaining any exceptional circumstances that might justify not providing notice. It is important to complete this form accurately to ensure that the court understands the urgency of the situation and can respond appropriately. By following the local court procedures and filling out this form correctly, individuals can effectively communicate their needs to the court during critical times.

Fl 303 Example

FL-303

PARTY WITHOUT ATTORNEY OR ATTORNEY

STATE BAR NUMBER:

FOR COURT USE ONLY

NAME:

 

 

 

FIRM NAME:

 

 

 

STREET ADDRESS:

 

 

 

CITY:

STATE:

ZIP CODE:

 

TELEPHONE NO.:

FAX NO.:

 

 

E-MAIL ADDRESS:

 

 

 

ATTORNEY FOR (name):

 

 

 

SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF

 

STREET ADDRESS:

 

MAILING ADDRESS:

 

CITY AND ZIP CODE:

 

BRANCH NAME:

 

PETITIONER:

 

RESPONDENT:

 

OTHER PARENT/PARTY:

 

DECLARATION REGARDING NOTICE AND SERVICE OF REQUEST

CASE NUMBER:

 

FOR TEMPORARY EMERGENCY (EX PARTE) ORDERS

 

NOTICE: Do not use this form to ask for domestic violence restraining orders. Before completing this form, read your court's local procedures for requesting temporary emergency orders and obtaining the information needed to complete item 2 of this form. Courts may grant temporary emergency orders with or without an emergency hearing. Find local rules at courts.ca.gov/3027.htm.

1.I am (specify)

attorney for

 

petitioner

 

respondent

 

other parent/party

not a party in the case (name and title/relationship to party):

2. I

did

 

did not

give notice (select all that apply)

that there will be an emergency court hearing

 

that papers will be submitted to the court on the request

 

for temporary emergency (ex parte) orders

 

 

to reschedule a hearing

 

 

to reschedule a hearing involving temporary emergency (ex parte) orders

 

 

on the date, time, and location indicated below:

Date:

Address of court:

Time:

same as noted above

Dept.:

other (specify):

Room:

3.NOTICE (If you gave notice, complete item 3a. If you did not give notice, complete item 3b or 3c.)

a.

 

I gave notice as described in items (1) through (5) below:

(1)I gave notice to (select all that apply)

 

 

petitioner.

 

 

petitioner's attorney.

 

 

 

 

 

 

respondent.

 

 

respondent's attorney.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

other parent/party.

 

 

other parent's/party's attorney.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

child's attorney.

 

 

other (specify):

 

a.m.

 

p.m.

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2) I gave notice on (date):

 

 

at:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

personally

at (location):

 

 

 

, California.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

by telephone

using telephone no.:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

by fax

using fax no.:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

by voicemail

using voicemail no.:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

by electronic means (if permitted) (specify electronic service address of person):

 

 

 

 

 

 

by overnight mail or other overnight carrier (specify address of delivery):

 

 

 

 

(3) I gave notice (select one)

by 10 a.m. the court day before this emergency hearing.

after 10 a.m. the court day before this emergency hearing because of the following exceptional circumstances (specify):

 

 

Page 1 of 2

 

 

 

Form Approved for Optional Use

DECLARATION REGARDING NOTICE AND SERVICE OF REQUEST

Family Law, §§ 2045, 3062–3064,

Judicial Council of California

4620, 7710

FL-303 [Rev. July 1, 2020]

FOR TEMPORARY EMERGENCY (EX PARTE) ORDERS

Cal. Rules of Court, rules 5.151–5.169

 

 

 

www.courts.ca.gov

FL-303

PETITIONER:

RESPONDENT: OTHER PARENT/PARTY:

CASE NUMBER:

(4) I notified the person in 3a(1) that the following temporary emergency orders are being requested (specify):

b.

(5)

The person in 3a(1) responded as follows:

 

Attachment 3a(5)

(6)

I

 

 

do

 

do not believe that the person in 3a(1) will oppose the request for temporary emergency orders.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Request for waiver of notice. Due to exceptional circumstances, I did not give notice about the request for temporary

 

 

 

 

 

 

emergency orders. I ask that the court waive notice to the other party to help prevent (specify)

 

 

(1)

 

 

 

 

immediate danger or irreparable harm to myself (or my client) or to the children in the case.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2)

 

 

 

 

an immediate risk that the children in the case will be removed from the state of California.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(3)

 

 

 

immediate loss or damage to property subject to disposition in the case.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(4)

 

 

 

other exceptional circumstances (specify):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Facts showing exceptional circumstances in support of the request to waive notice include (specify):

Attachment 3b

c.

 

 

 

Unable to provide notice. I did not give notice about the request for temporary emergency orders. I used my best efforts

 

 

 

 

 

to tell the opposing party when and where this hearing would take place but was unable to do so. The efforts I made to

 

 

 

 

 

inform the other person were (specify below):

 

 

 

 

 

 

Attachment 3c

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.

 

 

 

SERVICE OF DOCUMENTS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

a. The following documents were served on

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

petitioner

 

petitioner's attorney

 

other parent/party

 

 

other parent's/party's attorney

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

respondent

 

respondent's attorney

 

child's attorney

 

other (specify):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

before the request was filed with the court:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(1)

 

 

A copy of Request for Order (form FL-300) for temporary emergency orders, and Temporary Emergency (Ex Parte)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Orders (form FL-305).

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(2)

 

 

A copy of a request to reschedule hearing and Order on Request to Reschedule Hearing (form FL-309). Form FL-306

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

may be used for the request.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(3)

 

 

A copy of a request to reschedule hearing involving temporary emergency (ex parte) orders and Order on Request

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

to Reschedule Hearing (form FL-309). Form FL-307 may be used for the request.

(4)

 

 

Other documents (specify):

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

b. Documents were served on (date):

at:

 

 

a.m.

 

 

personally

at (location):

 

, California.

 

 

 

 

 

by fax on

using fax no.:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

by electronic means (if permitted) (specify electronic service address of person served): by overnight mail or other overnight carrier (specify address of delivery):

c.Documents were not served on the opposing party due to the exceptional circumstances specified in

3b, above.

 

3c, above.

 

Attachment 4c.

I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing is true and correct. Date:

p.m.

(TYPE OR PRINT NAME)

(SIGNATURE)

FL-303 [Rev. July 1, 2020]

DECLARATION REGARDING NOTICE AND SERVICE OF REQUEST

 

FOR TEMPORARY EMERGENCY (EX PARTE) ORDERS

For your protection and privacy, please press the Clear

 

 

 

 

This Form button after you have printed the form.

Print this form

 

Save this form

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Page 2 of 2

Clear this form

File Breakdown

Fact Name Details
Purpose The FL-303 form is used to declare notice and service of requests for temporary emergency (ex parte) orders in family law cases.
Governing Law This form is governed by California Family Code sections 2045 and 3062-3064, as well as California Rules of Court rules 5.151-5.169.
Notice Requirements The form requires the party to indicate whether notice was given about the emergency hearing and details on how it was provided.
Service of Documents It mandates the service of specific documents, including the Request for Order (form FL-300) and Temporary Emergency Orders (form FL-305).
Exceptional Circumstances Parties may request a waiver of notice under exceptional circumstances, which must be clearly specified in the form.

Guide to Using Fl 303

Filling out the FL-303 form requires careful attention to detail. This form is essential for requesting temporary emergency orders in family law cases. Make sure to have all necessary information ready before you begin.

  1. At the top of the form, fill in your name and state bar number if you are an attorney. If you are not an attorney, leave that section blank.
  2. Provide your firm name, street address, city, state, and ZIP code.
  3. Enter your telephone number, fax number, and email address.
  4. Specify who you are representing by checking the appropriate box: petitioner, respondent, or other parent/party. If you are not a party, write your name and title/relationship to the party.
  5. Fill in the court’s street address, mailing address, city, ZIP code, and branch name.
  6. Input the case number in the designated space.
  7. In section 1, check whether you gave notice of the emergency court hearing and specify the details.
  8. In section 2, indicate if you gave notice and provide the date, time, and location of the hearing.
  9. In section 3, complete either 3a, 3b, or 3c based on whether you gave notice, did not give notice, or were unable to provide notice. Include all required details for the selected option.
  10. In section 4, list the documents served on the appropriate parties before filing the request with the court.
  11. Indicate the date and method of service for the documents.
  12. Sign and date the form at the bottom, certifying that the information provided is true and correct.

After completing the form, make sure to review it for accuracy. Once everything is in order, you can submit the form to the court as part of your request for temporary emergency orders.

Get Answers on Fl 303

What is the purpose of the FL-303 form?

The FL-303 form is used in California family law cases to declare notice and service related to requests for temporary emergency (ex parte) orders. It outlines the notification process to the other parties involved in the case and confirms whether or not notice was provided. This form is essential for ensuring that all parties are informed about emergency hearings and the requests being made to the court.

Who should complete the FL-303 form?

The FL-303 form should be completed by the party requesting the temporary emergency orders, which can be an attorney representing the petitioner, respondent, or another parent/party involved in the case. If a party is not represented by an attorney, they can also fill out this form. It is important that the individual completing the form is familiar with the case and the related circumstances.

What information is required on the FL-303 form?

The FL-303 form requires several key pieces of information, including:

  • Name and contact information of the party completing the form.
  • Identification of the parties involved in the case (petitioner, respondent, etc.).
  • Details about the notice given, including how and when it was provided.
  • Any exceptional circumstances that prevented notice from being given.
  • Information about the service of documents related to the request for temporary emergency orders.

What should I do if I cannot provide notice?

If you are unable to provide notice about the request for temporary emergency orders, you must indicate this on the FL-303 form. You should explain the efforts you made to inform the other party and outline the exceptional circumstances that prevented you from giving notice. This information is crucial for the court to understand the urgency of the situation and to consider waiving the notice requirement.

Can I use the FL-303 form for domestic violence restraining orders?

No, the FL-303 form is not intended for requests related to domestic violence restraining orders. If you need to request a domestic violence restraining order, you should use the appropriate forms and follow the specific procedures outlined by your local court. It is important to refer to your court's local rules for guidance on these matters.

What happens after I submit the FL-303 form?

After submitting the FL-303 form, the court will review your request for temporary emergency orders. If an emergency hearing is granted, you will be notified of the date, time, and location of the hearing. The other parties involved may also be informed, depending on the notice provided. It is crucial to attend the hearing and present your case to the judge.

Common mistakes

Filling out the FL-303 form can be a daunting task, and many individuals make mistakes that can hinder their case. One common error is failing to provide complete contact information. The form requires accurate details such as the name, address, and telephone number of the party submitting the request. Omitting any of this information can lead to delays or even the rejection of the request.

Another frequent mistake involves the notice section. Some individuals do not properly indicate whether they provided notice of the emergency hearing. It is crucial to select the correct options and provide details about how and when notice was given. If notice was not given, the form must clearly state the reasons why, as failure to do so can impact the court's decision.

Many also overlook the importance of the exceptional circumstances clause. If notice was not given due to urgent reasons, this section must be filled out thoroughly. Simply stating "urgent" without elaboration will not suffice. Providing specific facts that justify the lack of notice is essential for the court to understand the situation.

Inaccuracies in the service of documents can also pose significant issues. Individuals often fail to list all documents served or the correct parties involved. Each document must be accounted for, and the method of service needs to be clearly stated, whether it was done in person, by fax, or electronically. Incomplete information here can lead to complications in the legal process.

Another mistake is neglecting to sign and date the form. A signature is not just a formality; it is a declaration of truth under penalty of perjury. Without it, the form may be considered incomplete, and the request could be dismissed.

Some individuals misunderstand the timing requirements for providing notice. The form specifies that notice should be given by 10 a.m. the court day before the hearing unless exceptional circumstances exist. Miscalculating this timeline can result in the court denying the request for emergency orders.

Lastly, many fail to review local court rules before submitting the FL-303 form. Each court may have specific requirements or procedures that differ from others. Not adhering to these local rules can lead to unnecessary delays or even rejection of the request. Always check the local rules to ensure compliance.

Documents used along the form

The FL-303 form, known as the Declaration Regarding Notice and Service of Request for Temporary Emergency (Ex Parte) Orders, is a critical document in family law proceedings. It serves to inform the court about the notice given to other parties regarding emergency orders. Several other forms and documents often accompany the FL-303 to ensure comprehensive communication and procedural adherence in family law cases.

  • FL-300: Request for Order - This form is used to formally request temporary emergency orders from the court. It outlines the specific relief sought and the reasons for the request.
  • FL-305: Temporary Emergency (Ex Parte) Orders - This document provides the court's temporary orders granted on an emergency basis. It details the terms of the orders until a hearing can be held.
  • FL-309: Order on Request to Reschedule Hearing - This form is utilized when a party seeks to change the date or time of a scheduled hearing. It ensures that all parties are informed of the new arrangements.
  • FL-306: Request to Reschedule Hearing - This document is submitted to formally request a change in the hearing schedule. It must be accompanied by a valid reason for the rescheduling.
  • FL-307: Request to Reschedule Hearing Involving Temporary Emergency Orders - Similar to FL-306, this form specifically addresses hearings related to temporary emergency orders, ensuring clarity in scheduling.
  • FL-310: Declaration of Service - This form confirms that documents have been properly served to all relevant parties. It serves as proof of compliance with service requirements.
  • FL-314: Notice of Hearing - This document informs all parties of the upcoming hearing date and time. It is essential for ensuring that everyone involved has the opportunity to participate.

These accompanying forms are essential for a smooth and effective legal process. Each document plays a vital role in maintaining transparency and ensuring that all parties are adequately informed and heard in family law matters.

Similar forms

The FL-303 form, used in California family law cases, serves a specific purpose related to temporary emergency orders. However, there are several other documents that share similarities with it, each serving unique functions within the legal process. Here’s a list of ten documents that are similar to the FL-303 form:

  • FL-300: Request for Order - This form is used to formally request a court order, including temporary orders. Like the FL-303, it requires detailed information about the parties involved and the nature of the request.
  • FL-305: Temporary Emergency (Ex Parte) Orders - This document is specifically for requesting immediate orders without a hearing. It complements the FL-303 by outlining the emergency nature of the request.
  • FL-309: Order on Request to Reschedule Hearing - Similar to the FL-303, this form is used when a party seeks to change the date of a scheduled hearing, ensuring that all parties are informed of the new date.
  • FL-306: Request to Reschedule Hearing - This form serves a similar purpose to the FL-309 but focuses on the request aspect, allowing parties to formally ask for a hearing change.
  • FL-307: Request to Reschedule Hearing Involving Temporary Emergency Orders - Like the FL-303, this document deals with emergency situations and requests to adjust hearing dates related to those emergencies.
  • FL-341: Declaration Under Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act - This declaration is used to provide information regarding jurisdiction in custody cases, similar to the FL-303's requirement for detailed party information.
  • FL-320: Declaration of Disclosure - This document requires parties to disclose financial information, akin to the FL-303's emphasis on transparency and communication between parties.
  • FL-140: Declaration of Disclosure (Financial) - Similar to the FL-320, this form is specifically for financial disclosures in family law cases, ensuring all parties are aware of each other’s financial situations.
  • FL-300-INFO: Information on How to Request a Court Order - This informational document guides parties on how to fill out forms like the FL-303, providing clarity on the process.
  • FL-150: Income and Expense Declaration - This form collects financial information from parties, paralleling the FL-303’s focus on ensuring all relevant information is presented to the court.

Each of these documents plays a vital role in family law proceedings, ensuring that all parties are informed and that the court has the necessary information to make decisions. Understanding these forms can help navigate the complexities of legal processes more effectively.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the FL-303 form, there are several important dos and don'ts to keep in mind. These guidelines will help ensure that your submission is complete and accurate.

  • Do read the local court procedures before starting the form.
  • Do provide accurate information for all required fields.
  • Do ensure that you have notified all relevant parties as required.
  • Do double-check the date and time for the emergency hearing.
  • Don't use this form for domestic violence restraining orders.
  • Don't forget to sign and date the form before submission.
  • Don't leave any sections blank; provide explanations where necessary.

Following these guidelines will help streamline the process and avoid delays in your case. Pay careful attention to each requirement to ensure compliance with court rules.

Misconceptions

Here are five common misconceptions about the FL-303 form, along with explanations to clarify each one.

  • The FL-303 form is only for attorneys. Many believe that only attorneys can use this form. In reality, anyone involved in a family law case can file it, even if they are representing themselves.
  • This form can be used for domestic violence restraining orders. Some people think the FL-303 is suitable for requesting domestic violence restraining orders. However, this form is specifically for temporary emergency orders and should not be used for restraining orders.
  • Notice is always required before filing the FL-303. A common belief is that notice must always be given to the other party. While notice is generally required, there are exceptional circumstances where a party can request a waiver of notice to prevent immediate harm.
  • Filing the FL-303 guarantees that the court will grant the emergency order. Some assume that submitting this form will automatically lead to the approval of their request. However, the court has the discretion to grant or deny the request based on the information provided.
  • The FL-303 form is the only document needed for temporary emergency orders. Many think that this form alone suffices for requesting temporary emergency orders. In fact, it often needs to be accompanied by other documents, such as the Request for Order (FL-300) and Temporary Emergency Orders (FL-305).

Key takeaways

Filling out and using the FL-303 form is a critical process for those seeking temporary emergency orders in family law cases. Here are key takeaways to ensure proper completion and understanding:

  • Understand the Purpose: The FL-303 form is used to declare notice regarding requests for temporary emergency (ex parte) orders.
  • Know Your Role: Clearly specify whether you are the petitioner, respondent, or another party involved in the case.
  • Provide Accurate Information: Fill in all required fields, including names, addresses, and case numbers, to avoid delays.
  • Notice Requirements: You must indicate whether you provided notice of the emergency hearing to the other parties involved.
  • Exceptional Circumstances: If you did not give notice, you must explain the exceptional circumstances justifying this decision.
  • Document Service: Ensure that all relevant documents, such as the Request for Order (FL-300), are served on the necessary parties.
  • Be Timely: Notice should ideally be given by 10 a.m. the court day before the hearing, unless exceptional circumstances apply.
  • Signature Required: The form must be signed and dated to be valid, affirming that the information provided is true and correct.
  • Review Local Rules: Familiarize yourself with local court procedures to ensure compliance with specific requirements.
  • Privacy Matters: After completing the form, remember to protect sensitive information by clearing the form if needed.

Taking these steps seriously can greatly impact the outcome of your request for temporary emergency orders. Ensure that you follow the guidelines closely to navigate the legal process effectively.