Updated August 2026
Request for Order (RFO) Hearings in Modoc County, California
A plain-language guide to asking for a family court hearing in Modoc County, from the Request for Order you file at the Superior Court of California, County of Modoc to deadlines and what to expect, prepared without hiring an attorney.
In Modoc County, you ask for a family court hearing, called a Request for Order or RFO, by filing form FL-300 with the Modoc County Superior Court at the Robert A. Barclay Justice Center, 205 South East Street in Alturas. This courthouse handles family law matters for the county's only incorporated city.
California uses the same notice timeline for a Request for Order in every county. Under California Rules of Court 5.92, moving papers generally must be served and filed at least 16 court days before the hearing. The other party's response on form FL-320 is due at least 9 court days before the hearing. Modoc County follows these statewide deadlines.
Modoc County's Self-Help Center is in the courthouse lobby. A Self-Help Center Attorney can help with child custody, child support, divorce, and other family law paperwork. The office cannot represent you in court or predict how a judge will rule.
If your Request for Order includes a disputed custody or visitation issue, the court's Family Court Services division can refer you to mediation before the hearing.
Where hearings are held in Modoc County
Family court hearings in Modoc County are held at the Superior Court of California, County of Modoc, with the county seat in Alturas. 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 Modoc 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 Modoc County
The Self-Help Center in the lobby of the Robert A. Barclay Justice Center, 205 South East Street in Alturas, is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Self-Help Center Attorney Stephen King can be reached at (530) 233-4444 or modoc.attorney@gmail.com for help with Request for Order forms and court procedure questions.
Because Modoc County is in a remote part of the far northeastern corner of the state, the court makes CourtCall available for both video and telephonic remote appearances. Contact CourtCall directly at (888) 882-6878 or through CourtCall.com to set this up. Also confirm with the clerk's office whether your specific hearing qualifies for a remote appearance.
If your case has a disputed custody or visitation issue, Family Court Services can refer you to mediation. The court's public materials do not say whether the process is confidential or includes a recommendation to the judge. Ask the clerk's office to explain what to expect before your mediation appointment.
If the Request for Order filing fee would be a financial hardship, a statewide fee waiver on form FW-001 is available in Modoc County, as it is elsewhere in California. Self-Help Center Attorney Stephen King can help you complete the fee waiver forms and your Request for Order paperwork before you file at the Robert A. Barclay Justice Center.
Official hearing resources in Modoc County
Modoc County Superior Court, Robert A. Barclay Justice Center handles hearings filings, located at 205 South East Street, Alturas 96101. Phone: (530) 233-6516.
No county specific e-filing portal for family law was confirmed during research. Confirm current filing options with the clerk's office.
Modoc County Self-Help Center (https://www.modoc.courts.ca.gov/self-help) can help with procedure and paperwork. Located in the courthouse lobby, open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Contact Self-Help Center Attorney Stephen King at (530) 233-4444 or modoc.attorney@gmail.com. Helps with child custody/visitation, child support, divorce, paternity, court procedure, and form completion.
- Modoc County Self-Help
- CourtCall Remote Appearances
- Modoc County Superior Court
- Request for Order (FL-300), California Courts Self-Help
Local details reviewed August 2026. Offices and locations can change, so confirm with the official sites above before you file.
Step-by-step guides for your Modoc County hearing
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Modoc County RFO Hearing FAQs
Where do I file a Request for Order in Modoc County?
File form FL-300 with the Modoc County Superior Court at the Robert A. Barclay Justice Center, 205 South East Street, Alturas, CA 96101. This is the county's courthouse and only incorporated city.
Is there help for filing a Request for Order without a lawyer in Modoc County?
Yes. The Self-Help Center in the courthouse lobby is open Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Self-Help Center Attorney Stephen King can be reached at (530) 233-4444 or modoc.attorney@gmail.com for help with forms.
Can I appear remotely for a family law hearing in Modoc County?
Yes. Modoc County uses CourtCall for secure video conferencing and telephonic appearances. Contact CourtCall at (888) 882-6878 to set up your remote appearance. Confirm with the clerk's office whether your hearing type qualifies.
Is mediation required before a custody hearing in Modoc County?
If custody or visitation is disputed, Family Court Services can refer your case to mediation. Online information did not confirm whether the process is confidential or includes a recommendation to the judge. Ask the clerk's office to explain before your appointment.
How much notice do I need to give before a Request for Order hearing in Modoc County?
California Rules of Court 5.92 sets the statewide timeline. Moving papers 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. Modoc County follows this same rule.
How much does it cost to file a Request for Order in Modoc 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. Modoc County follows this same fee. A fee waiver on form FW-001 is available if paying would be a hardship.
This page is general information about California family court hearing procedure in Modoc 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 Modoc or the official California self-help center resources. Virdix is not a law firm and is not a substitute for an attorney.
Hearing guides for nearby counties
Preparing for a hearing in Modoc County
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