Table of Contents

FL-311: Child Custody and Visitation (California)

The FL-311 Child Custody and Visitation form is used when parents or parties involved in a child custody case in California need to detail arrangements for custody and parenting time, including any special conditions like supervised visitation or transportation instructions.
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Tips for filling out form FL-311

When completing form FL-311, pay special attention to these less obvious sections:

Item 1b

Address Allegations

If you're mentioning allegations of abuse or substance abuse, you need to decide whether you want to request no custody at all for the alleged person(s) or if you still want the court to grant custody despite the allegations. Be prepared to provide a detailed explanation if opting for custody despite allegations.
Item 2e

Specific Visitation Times

When specifying visitation times, ensure that you clearly define the start and end dates, as well as the times. Include indications such as 'start of school' or 'after school' if necessary to avoid confusion about the exact timing.
Item 3a

Supervised Visitation

If asking for supervised visitation due to concerns like domestic violence or substance abuse, be prepared to detail the reasons why it is necessary. Additionally, you must specify who will supervise the visits and cover any associated costs.
Item 3b

Requesting Unsupervised Visitation

Should you choose to request unsupervised visitation for a party with allegations against them, it is crucial to provide strong justification for why this would be beneficial for the child(ren). Be precise in how this custody would function concerning days, times, and transition arrangements.
Item 4a

Transport Requirements

Ensure that transportation for the children is safe and legal. This includes using a licensed and insured driver with a vehicle that has legally required child restraint devices.
Item 5

Travel Restrictions

If you want to limit the children's travel, decide whether you want to restrict travel only out of the state of California or include specific counties or other locations. Remember, any travel outside these areas would require written permission or a court order.

What to do after filing form FL-311

1
Serve the filed FL-311 form, along with any accompanying documents, to the other parent or party involved in the case. This is typically done through a process server, mail, or personal delivery, and ensures the other party is notified of your custody and visitation requests.
2
File a Proof of Service with the court to confirm that the other party has been served the documents. This is a critical step to show the court that you have officially informed the other parent or party about the filed form.
3
Attend any scheduled child custody mediation or counseling sessions as indicated in your form or by the court, if applicable. These sessions are designed to help both parties reach an agreement on custody and visitation arrangements before a court hearing.
4
Prepare for a court hearing if the other parent or party files a response challenging your requests. Gather any necessary documents, evidence, or witness statements that support your case regarding custody and visitation arrangements.
5
Wait for further instructions from the court regarding any required appearances or additional documentation. The court clerk or your attorney (if you have one) should provide guidance on the upcoming steps or any responses from the other party that might affect proceedings.
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