Request for Order (RFO) Hearings in San Benito County, California

In San Benito County, you ask for a family court hearing by filing a Request for Order, also called an RFO, on form FL-300. File it with the Family Law Division of the Superior Court of California, County of San Benito, at 450 Fourth Street in Hollister. This is the only Superior Court location in the county, so all family law filings and hearings are handled in this building.

California uses the same notice timeline statewide. Under California Rules of Court 5.92, the moving papers for a Request for Order 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. San Benito County follows these statewide deadlines.

San Benito County uses tentative rulings for family law matters under Local Rule 10.12. Check before you appear to see if the judge has issued a tentative ruling in your case. The court also requires parties and attorneys to meet and confer and exchange documents before certain hearings under Local Rule 11.4 and California Rules of Court 5.98.

If your Request for Order involves a contested child custody or visitation issue, the court requires both parents to attend mediation through Family Court Services before the hearing. There is no cost to either party.

Where hearings are held in San Benito County

Family court hearings in San Benito County are held at the Superior Court of California, County of San Benito, with the county seat in Hollister. 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 San Benito 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:

1. 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).
2. 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).
3. The responding party can file a responsive declaration, generally at least 9 court days before the hearing.
4. Attend Family Court Services mediation first if custody or visitation is contested.
5. Attend the hearing; some courts issue tentative rulings in advance, and some allow remote appearance by video or phone.

Local notes for San Benito County

San Benito County's family law clerk's office and Family Law Facilitator are both at 450 Fourth Street, Hollister. Clerk hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The Family Law Facilitator can help self represented parties understand and complete forms, including Request for Order paperwork. The office cannot give legal advice, and help from the office is not confidential in the way an attorney relationship would be.

Under Local Rule 10.12, San Benito County posts tentative rulings online and by phone at (831) 636-4057 by 3:00 p.m. the court day before your hearing. Confidential family law matters require a phone call to get the tentative ruling. If neither party requests oral argument, that tentative ruling becomes the court's final order. Check it before your hearing date.

If custody or visitation is contested and mediation is required, contact Family Court Services at (831) 636-5047 ext. 125 as soon as you file. This helps the court schedule a session before your hearing date. There is no fee for FCS mediation when a custody or visitation matter is pending before the court. Missing a scheduled mediation appointment or canceling late can lead to a rescheduling fee or other consequences under the local rules.

Official hearing resources in San Benito County

Superior Court of California, County of San Benito, Family Law Division handles hearings filings, located at 450 Fourth Street, Hollister 95023. Phone: (831) 636-4057.

No county specific e-filing portal for family law was confirmed during research. Confirm current filing options with the clerk's office.

San Benito County Family Law Facilitator (https://www.sanbenito.courts.ca.gov/self-help/family-law-facilitator) can help with procedure and paperwork. Offers form packets and assistance for self represented parties on divorce, custody, visitation, and support matters. Call (831) 636-4057 and leave a message; calls are typically returned within a week. Local Rule 11.4 (Motions and Order to Show Cause) applies; see https://www.sanbenito.courts.ca.gov/system/files/local-rules/2026-local-rules-superior-court-san-benito-county-redline.pdf. Local Rule 10.12 (Tentative Rulings) applies; see https://www.sanbenito.courts.ca.gov/system/files/local-rules/2026-local-rules-superior-court-san-benito-county-redline.pdf. Local Rule 10.14 (Remote Appearances) applies; see https://www.sanbenito.courts.ca.gov/system/files/local-rules/2026-local-rules-superior-court-san-benito-county-redline.pdf. Local Rule 11.11 (Mediation of Visitation or Custody Issues) applies; see https://www.sanbenito.courts.ca.gov/system/files/local-rules/2026-local-rules-superior-court-san-benito-county-redline.pdf.

• San Benito County Family Law Facilitator
• San Benito County Local Rules
• San Benito County locations and contact info

Local details reviewed August 2026. Offices and locations can change, so confirm with the official sites above before you file.

San Benito County RFO Hearing FAQs