Updated August 2026
Request for Order (RFO) Hearings in Calaveras County, California
A plain-language guide to asking for a family court hearing in Calaveras County, from the Request for Order you file at the Superior Court of California, County of Calaveras to deadlines and what to expect, prepared without hiring an attorney.
In Calaveras County, you request a family court hearing, called a Request for Order or RFO, by filing form FL-300 with the Calaveras County Superior Court at 400 Government Center Drive in San Andreas. The court hears family law motions, including Requests for Order, on its weekly family law calendar, Tuesdays at 1:30 p.m. in Courtroom 2.
California Rules of Court 5.92 sets the same notice timeline for every county in the state. Moving papers for a Request for Order generally must be served and filed at least 16 court days before the hearing. A responsive declaration on form FL-320 is due at least 9 court days before the hearing. Calaveras County follows these statewide deadlines.
Calaveras County also has its own local rule. Local Rule 5.5 requires that once responsive papers are filed, the moving party or their attorney contact the other side before the hearing to meet, confer, and try to narrow the issues that need to be argued in court.
If your Request for Order raises a contested custody or visitation issue, Calaveras County refers the matter to its confidential, non-recommending mediation program before the hearing.
Where hearings are held in Calaveras County
Family court hearings in Calaveras County are held at the Superior Court of California, County of Calaveras, with the county seat in San Andreas. Because courtroom assignments, remote appearance options, and local procedures change over time, use the official California Courts court finder to confirm current details:
Find the Calaveras County Superior Court (official California Courts finder)
How a family court hearing works in California
In California, a party who wants the court to decide something while a case is pending, such as temporary custody, support, or attorney's fees, files a Request for Order (Form FL-300). The core steps are:
- File the Request for Order (Form FL-300) with a supporting declaration and, if support or fees are at issue, an Income and Expense Declaration (Form FL-150).
- Serve the other party by the deadline the court sets, generally at least 16 court days before the hearing (California Rules of Court, rule 5.92).
- The responding party can file a responsive declaration, generally at least 9 court days before the hearing.
- Attend Family Court Services mediation first if custody or visitation is contested.
- Attend the hearing; some courts issue tentative rulings in advance, and some allow remote appearance by video or phone.
Local notes for Calaveras County
Calaveras County's Self-Help Legal Center, at the same courthouse address of 400 Government Center Drive in San Andreas, offers free help with typing and understanding Request for Order forms, along with photocopying and general filing help. Family Law Facilitator appointments are generally available Tuesdays and Wednesdays; call (209) 754-1443 to schedule.
Calaveras County uses a tentative ruling system under Local Rule 3.3.7 for its law and motion calendar, including family law matters. Tentative rulings are available by 2:00 p.m. on the court day before your hearing, either on the court's website or by calling (209) 754-6285 to hear the recorded ruling. If you do not call to contest a tentative ruling and notify the other parties, it becomes the court's final ruling without a hearing being held.
One feature specific to Calaveras County is its confidential, non-recommending model for child custody mediation. Unlike counties where the mediator can send the judge a recommendation, Calaveras County's mediator either helps the parents draft their own proposed parenting plan or reports to the court that no agreement was reached, without offering an opinion on custody or visitation.
Official hearing resources in Calaveras County
Calaveras County Superior Court handles hearings filings, located at 400 Government Center Drive, San Andreas 95249. Phone: (209) 754-9800.
No county specific e-filing portal for family law was confirmed during research. Confirm current filing options with the clerk's office.
Calaveras County Self-Help Legal Center (https://www.calaveras.courts.ca.gov/self-help/self-help-legal-center) can help with procedure and paperwork. Free one stop legal assistance for self represented parties, including help researching a matter, typing forms, and making copies. Family Law Facilitator appointments are generally available Tuesdays and Wednesdays; call (209) 754-1443. Local Rule 5.5 (Pre-Hearing Meet and Confer / Exchange of Documents) applies; see https://www.calaveras.courts.ca.gov/system/files/local-rules/calaveras-superior-court-local-rules-eff-1-1-2026.pdf. Local Rule 5.2 (Setting Family Law Motion Hearings) applies; see https://www.calaveras.courts.ca.gov/system/files/local-rules/calaveras-superior-court-local-rules-eff-1-1-2026.pdf. Local Rule 3.3.7 (Tentative Rulings) applies; see https://www.calaveras.courts.ca.gov/system/files/local-rules/calaveras-superior-court-local-rules-eff-1-1-2026.pdf.
- Calaveras County Self-Help Legal Center
- Calaveras County Local Rules (PDF)
- Calaveras County Child Custody Mediation
Local details reviewed August 2026. Offices and locations can change, so confirm with the official sites above before you file.
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Calaveras County RFO Hearing FAQs
Where do I file a Request for Order in Calaveras County?
You file form FL-300 with the Calaveras County Superior Court at 400 Government Center Drive, San Andreas, CA 95249. The clerk's window is open Monday through Friday, 8:15 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., though the courthouse itself is open 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
When does Calaveras County hear family law Request for Order motions?
Under Local Rule 5.2, Calaveras County hears family law matters, including Requests for Order, on its weekly calendar Tuesdays at 1:30 p.m. in Courtroom 2. The clerk sets the specific hearing date within the notice periods required by California Rules of Court 5.92.
Do I have to meet and confer with the other party before my hearing in Calaveras County?
Yes. Local Rule 5.5 requires that once responsive papers are filed and served, the moving party or their attorney contact the other side before the hearing to meet, confer, and determine which issues can be resolved without a contested hearing at Courtroom 2.
Does Calaveras County post tentative rulings for family law hearings?
Yes. Under Local Rule 3.3.7, tentative rulings for the law and motion calendar, which includes family law matters, are available by 2:00 p.m. the court day before the hearing, either online or by calling (209) 754-6285. An uncontested tentative ruling becomes the court's final order.
Is custody mediation confidential in Calaveras County?
Yes. Calaveras County runs a confidential, non-recommending mediation program. The mediator helps parents reach their own parenting plan agreement. If no agreement is reached, the mediator only reports that fact to the court rather than recommending a specific custody or visitation outcome.
How much does it cost to file a Request for Order in Calaveras County?
The statewide fee for a Request for Order that is not the first paper filed in a case is generally $60 under Government Code section 70617, and Calaveras County follows this same fee. A fee waiver on form FW-001 is available for those who cannot afford it.
This page is general information about California family court hearing procedure in Calaveras County, not legal advice for your situation. Deadlines, local rules, and courtroom procedures change; always confirm current details with the Superior Court of California, County of Calaveras or the official California self-help center resources. Virdix is not a law firm and is not a substitute for an attorney.
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Preparing for a hearing in Calaveras County
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