Life changes — incomes shift, schedules change, kids grow. California lets you ask the court to modify an existing custody, visitation, or support order when circumstances have changed. Here is how.
Step 1: Identify the change in circumstances
To modify custody or support, you generally must show a significant change in circumstances since the last order — a move, a job or income change, a new schedule, or concerns about the child’s wellbeing.
Step 2: File a Request for Order (FL-300)
File the Request for Order (FL-300) with the court that issued your existing order, attaching the custody/visitation or support details you’re asking to change. For support changes, include an updated Income and Expense Declaration (FL-150).
Step 3: Serve the other parent
Serve the papers on the other parent through a non-party, generally at least 16 court days before the hearing, and file the proof of service.
Step 4: Attend mediation and the hearing
Custody changes require mediation (Family Court Services) before the hearing. At the hearing the judge decides based on the child’s best interest (custody) or the statewide guideline (support).
How Curbside Legal helps
We prepare your modification request, updated declarations, and proposed orders — court-ready. See family law pricing or start your intake.
Curbside Legal is a legal document preparation service, not a law firm, and does not provide legal advice. Court fees are separate.