Updated August 2026
Request for Order Hearings in San Rafael and Marin County, California
A plain-language guide to asking for a family court hearing in Marin County, from the Request for Order you file at the Superior Court of California, County of Marin to deadlines and what to expect, prepared without hiring an attorney.
In Marin County, you file a Request for Order (RFO) in a family law case with the Marin Superior Court. Under Marin County Rule, Family 7.9, the Clerk's Office assigns the hearing date when you file. Marin handles family law matters at one courthouse, the Civic Center Hall of Justice in San Rafael. There is no separate branch location to choose from, as there is in some larger counties.
As in every California county, the moving party must serve notice of an RFO hearing at least 16 court days before the hearing under California Rules of Court, rule 5.92. The other party's Responsive Declaration to Request for Order, Form FL-320, is due at least 9 court days before the hearing. Marin also requires the moving party to attach the Notice to Parties in Family Law Cases, Local Form FL008, to any RFO because Marin uses tentative rulings for hearings on its law and motion calendar.
When an RFO involves custody or visitation, Marin is a recommending county under Family Code section 3183. This means the case is referred to Family Court Services for Child Custody Recommending (CCR) Counseling. Parents meet with a counselor and try to agree on a parenting plan. If they do not agree, the counselor prepares a written recommendation for the judge to review before the hearing.
You may file an RFO without an attorney in California. Marin's Legal Self-Help Center in the Civic Center can help self-represented parties prepare their own forms for filing.
Where hearings are held in Marin County
Family court hearings in Marin County are held at the Superior Court of California, County of Marin, with the county seat in San Rafael. 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 Marin 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 Marin County
Marin's tentative ruling system means many RFOs are decided based on the filed papers unless a party asks for oral argument. Tentative rulings are posted online and available by phone at (415) 444-7260 from 2 to 4 pm the court day before the hearing. A party who wants to argue must notify the court at (415) 444-7046 and the opposing side by 4 pm that same day. If no one gives notice, the posted tentative becomes the court's ruling. Some confidential family law matters, including certain unmarried-parent and reproductive assistance cases, are not posted online. You must call for those rulings instead.
Each Marin family law courtroom uses its own ZoomGov video link for remote appearances. The links are posted on the court's virtual courtrooms page, along with a phone-only dial-in number for parties who cannot join by video. Because the Zoom link depends on the courtroom and judicial officer assigned to the case, check the current link for the correct department shortly before the scheduled hearing.
Marin does not operate its own e-filing portal. Self-represented parties choose from several court-approved Electronic Filing Service Providers. E-filing is still optional for self-represented litigants, even though it has been mandatory for attorneys since April 2024. The RFO filing fee follows the statewide motion fee of $60 under Government Code section 70617(a). Form FW-001 is available for filers who qualify to request a fee waiver. The court has not published a typical wait time between filing and a hearing date.
Official hearing resources in Marin County
Marin Superior Court, Civic Center Hall of Justice, Family Law Division handles hearings filings, located at 3501 Civic Center Drive, Room 113, San Rafael 94903. Phone: (415) 444-7040.
The filing fee is $60. E-filing is available through https://www.marin.courts.ca.gov/online-services/efiling. Marin does not run a single proprietary e-filing portal. Self-represented parties choose among several court-approved Electronic Filing Service Providers listed on this page. E-filing is optional for self-represented litigants; it has been mandatory for attorneys since April 26, 2024.
Marin County Legal Self-Help Center (https://www.marin.courts.ca.gov/self-help/legal-self-help-center) can help with procedure and paperwork. Located in the Civic Center Hall of Justice, Room C-44. In-person hours Tuesday through Thursday, 8:30 am to 12 pm. Phone assistance Monday through Friday, 8:30 am to 12 pm and 1 to 3 pm, at (415) 444-7130 or selfhelp@marin.courts.ca.gov. MCR Fam 7.9 (Hearing Dates) applies; see https://www.marin.courts.ca.gov/system/files/local-rules/11-family-law-rules-proposed-edits_07-01-26-cycle.pdf. MCR Fam 7.12 (Hearings (Tentative Rulings)) applies; see https://www.marin.courts.ca.gov/system/files/local-rules/11-family-law-rules-proposed-edits_07-01-26-cycle.pdf. MCR Fam 7.17 (Procedures (Family Court Services / Child Custody Recommending Counseling)) applies; see https://www.marin.courts.ca.gov/system/files/local-rules/11-family-law-rules-proposed-edits_07-01-26-cycle.pdf. MCR Fam 7.8(F) (Format of Supporting Documents and Exhibits) applies; see https://www.marin.courts.ca.gov/system/files/local-rules/11-family-law-rules-proposed-edits_07-01-26-cycle.pdf.
- Marin Superior Court, Family Law Information
- Legal Self-Help Center
- Local Rules (Family Law, PDF)
- Tentative Rulings
- Virtual Courtrooms
- Local Forms
Local details reviewed August 2026. Offices and locations can change, so confirm with the official sites above before you file.
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Marin County RFO Hearing FAQs
Where do I file a Request for Order in Marin County?
File RFOs in Marin County with the Marin Superior Court, Family Law Division, at the Civic Center Hall of Justice, 3501 Civic Center Drive, Room 113, in San Rafael. Marin handles family law matters at this single courthouse, not at multiple branch locations. Before you go, confirm the current filing counter hours and any department assignment with the Family Law Clerk's Office.
How does Marin County set the hearing date for an RFO?
Marin County Rule, Family 7.9 says the Clerk's Office assigns the RFO hearing date when the motion or request is filed, unless the court orders otherwise. Parties cannot reserve a date ahead of time or get one by phone. The hearing date is set as part of the filing.
Does Marin County use tentative rulings for RFO hearings?
Yes. Marin uses a tentative ruling system under Local Rule 7.12 and California Rules of Court, rule 3.1308, for matters on the Law and Motion and Request for Order calendar. Rulings are posted online and are available by phone the court day before the hearing. A party who wants oral argument must notify the court and the other side by 4 pm that day. If no one gives notice, the tentative becomes final.
Can I appear remotely at a Marin County family law hearing?
Yes. Each Marin family law courtroom uses a ZoomGov video link, posted on the court's virtual courtrooms page. There is also a phone dial-in option for parties without video access. Because the link depends on the specific courtroom and judge assigned to the case, check the current link shortly before the hearing.
Is Family Court Services mediation required before a custody hearing in Marin County?
Yes, for contested custody or visitation RFOs. Marin is a recommending county under Family Code section 3183. This means that if parents do not reach an agreement in Child Custody Recommending Counseling, the counselor prepares a written recommendation for the judge. Both parties can review it before the hearing.
How much does it cost to file a Request for Order in Marin County?
The RFO filing fee in Marin County follows the statewide motion fee of $60 under Government Code section 70617(a). Filers who qualify financially can ask for a fee waiver using Form FW-001. Confirm the current exact fee with the Family Law Clerk's Office before filing because court fee schedules can change.
This page is general information about California family court hearing procedure in Marin 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 Marin 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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