The RFO is the family court’s all-purpose motion — arrears determination, contempt, seek-work orders, fee awards — and it is built for self-represented parents. One form set, one hearing, real orders.
What California Law Says
Judicial Council form FL-300 initiates enforcement requests with supporting declarations, served on statutory notice, heard on the family law calendar. Fee waivers apply, the Family Law Facilitator assists with preparation at no charge, and fee-shifting against the noncompliant payor is regularly available.
How to Collect, Step by Step
- Define the ask precisely: liquidate arrears at a stated figure, issue the assignment, impose the seek-work terms.
- Complete FL-300 with a declaration that tells the story in dates and exhibits: order, defaults, ledger.
- File with a fee waiver if needed and calendar the hearing date issued.
- Serve on the statutory timeline with proof of service filed.
- Present in five minutes at the hearing: what was ordered, what was paid, what you request — and submit your proposed order.
Common Questions
What if he shows up with a lawyer to my self-filed motion?
Your ledger outweighs his counsel — enforcement hearings turn on payment records, and fee-shifting can make his lawyer’s appearance expensive for him.
How long from filing to hearing?
Weeks to a couple of months by county — one more reason the file-now instinct beats the wait-and-see one.
Get the free California Child Support Collection Kit at justiceprompt.com — arrears calculators, enforcement checklists, demand letters, Request for Order guides, and AI prompts to customize every document to your facts. Free, no email wall. Also available with all collection resources at childsupportcollection.org. Educational use only — not legal advice.
California Child Support Recovery System 
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