Updated August 2026
Request for Order Hearings in Stockton and San Joaquin County, California
A plain-language guide to asking for a family court hearing in San Joaquin County, from the Request for Order you file at the Superior Court of California, County of San Joaquin to deadlines and what to expect, prepared without hiring an attorney.
In San Joaquin County, file a Request for Order at the Family Law Clerk's Office, Suite 413, on the 4th floor of the Stockton Courthouse at 180 East Weber Avenue. If your papers are complete, the clerk gives you a hearing date and time when you file. Cases with a custody or visitation request are set on the 8:15 a.m. calendar in Department 4A. Mediation is handled first. If you filed financial issues with the custody request, those issues are usually heard later the same day.
San Joaquin has a meet and confer rule for family law cases. Local Rule 7-103 requires every party and attorney to meet and confer before a family law case is heard. It also requires this before the parties can go to mediation in a custody matter. Attorneys must contact the other side even if that person has no lawyer. Self-represented parties must also make a real effort to identify what they agree on and what is still disputed. They do not have to reach a full agreement.
The statewide notice and response rules apply after your hearing date is set. California Rules of Court, rule 5.92 requires service on the other party at least 16 court days before the hearing. A response on Form FL-320 is due by 9 court days before the hearing date.
San Joaquin has a family law tentative ruling process, but it applies only to a limited group of motions. These include discovery motions, requests to set aside a default, and motions to withdraw as counsel. A standard custody or support Request for Order will not have a posted tentative ruling under this rule. Plan to appear and present your case instead of checking online for a tentative ruling.
Where hearings are held in San Joaquin County
Family court hearings in San Joaquin County are held at the Superior Court of California, County of San Joaquin, with the county seat in Stockton. 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 Joaquin 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 San Joaquin County
If your Request for Order involves child custody or visitation, San Joaquin requires child custody recommending counseling through Family Court Services before the judge decides those issues. Both parents must complete a mandatory orientation before their court appearance. The orientation includes a video available in English and Spanish. If the parents do not agree in mediation, the counselor sends the court a written recommendation about the parenting plan. The result is not kept fully confidential.
Remote appearance in San Joaquin family law departments is by telephone, not a video platform like Zoom or CourtCall. Parties call in using a department-specific bridge and PIN combination. For example, Department 4A uses bridge 6950 and PIN 8348. This phone system is available for Law and Motion and Ex Parte matters under Local Rule 7-116. It is also available for other family law hearings when approved under Local Rule 7-115.
The filing fee for a Request for Order in San Joaquin is generally $60. This matches the statewide fee under Government Code section 70617(a). The court's materials say the filing clerk confirms the exact fee at the counter instead of publishing a specific dollar amount online. If you cannot afford the fee, you can ask the court to waive it using Form FW-001. Self-represented parties can get help with paperwork through the Self-Help Center. The Self-Help Center offers free family law form packets and general help. It cannot draft your declarations for you or tell you how a judge will rule.
Official hearing resources in San Joaquin County
San Joaquin County Superior Court, Stockton Courthouse, Family Law Clerk's Office, Suite 413 handles hearings filings, located at 180 East Weber Avenue, Stockton 95202. Phone: (209) 992-5690.
The filing fee is $435. E-filing is available through https://www.sjcourts.org/family-law-and-support. Check the Family Law and Support page for current e-filing vendor and requirements.
Self-Help Center (https://www.sjcourts.org/self-help) can help with procedure and paperwork. Provides free assistance with a variety of basic legal issues for self-represented litigants, including family law form packets for divorce, custody, and support. Local Rule 7-103 (Meet and Confer Requirement) applies; see https://sjcourts.org/sites/default/files/2026-06/Local%20Rules%20eff.%207-1-26.pdf. Local Rule 7-111 (Family Law Tentative Rulings) applies; see https://sjcourts.org/sites/default/files/2026-06/Local%20Rules%20eff.%207-1-26.pdf.
- San Joaquin County Family Law and Support
- San Joaquin County Family Court Services
- San Joaquin County Self-Help Center
- San Joaquin County Local Rules of Court
- California Rules of Court, rule 5.92
Local details reviewed August 2026. Offices and locations can change, so confirm with the official sites above before you file.
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San Joaquin County RFO Hearing FAQs
Where do I file a Request for Order in San Joaquin County?
File with the Family Law Clerk's Office, Suite 413, on the 4th floor of the Stockton Courthouse, 180 East Weber Avenue. If your paperwork is completed correctly, the clerk gives you a hearing date and time when you file. Custody-related requests are set on the 8:15 a.m. calendar in Department 4A.
How do I get a hearing date for my Request for Order in San Joaquin County?
The clerk gives you a hearing date when you file a correctly completed Request for Order. Custody or visitation requests go on the Department 4A mediation calendar at 8:15 a.m. Any financial issues filed with the custody request are usually heard the same day after that.
Is there a meet and confer requirement before a Request for Order hearing in San Joaquin County?
Yes. Local Rule 7-103 requires all parties and attorneys to meet and confer before a family law case is heard. It also requires this before parents can go to custody mediation. Represented and self-represented parties must make a real effort to identify what is agreed and what is still disputed.
Is mediation required before a custody hearing in San Joaquin County?
Yes. Parents with a custody or visitation dispute must attend child custody recommending counseling through Family Court Services. They must also complete a mandatory orientation, including an orientation video, before their court date. If the parents do not agree, the counselor sends a written recommendation to the judge.
Can I appear remotely for a Request for Order hearing in San Joaquin County?
Remote appearance is available by telephone for Law and Motion or Ex Parte matters under Local Rule 7-116. It is also available for other family law hearings if approved under Local Rule 7-115. You do not use a video platform. You call in using a bridge and PIN combination for your assigned department.
How much does it cost to file a Request for Order in San Joaquin County?
The filing fee is generally $60. This is consistent with the statewide fee under Government Code section 70617(a). The filing clerk confirms the exact amount when you file instead of publishing it online. If you cannot afford it, you can ask the court to waive the fee using Form FW-001.
This page is general information about California family court hearing procedure in San Joaquin 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 San Joaquin 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 San Joaquin County
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