Updated August 2026
Request for Order (RFO) Hearings in Tuolumne County, California
A plain-language guide to asking for a family court hearing in Tuolumne County, from the Request for Order you file at the Superior Court of California, County of Tuolumne to deadlines and what to expect, prepared without hiring an attorney.
In Tuolumne County, you ask for a family court hearing by filing a Request for Order, also called an RFO. Use form FL-300. File it with the Tuolumne County Superior Court at the Justice Center Courthouse, 12855 Justice Center Drive in Sonora. The Self-Help Center is on the first floor of the same building and can help with Request for Order paperwork.
California sets the notice deadlines for a Request for Order. These deadlines are not set by the county. California Rules of Court 5.92 generally requires the moving papers to be served and filed at least 16 court days before the hearing. The other party's responsive declaration on form FL-320 is due at least 9 court days before the hearing. Tuolumne County follows these statewide deadlines.
Tuolumne County lets self represented parties appear by phone through CourtCall on its regularly scheduled Telephonic Hearing Calendar. This can help if traveling to the Sonora courthouse is hard. You must give CourtCall advance notice before the hearing.
If your Request for Order involves disputed custody or visitation, the court can send you to mediation with a trained custody mediator before your hearing date.
Where hearings are held in Tuolumne County
Family court hearings in Tuolumne County are held at the Superior Court of California, County of Tuolumne, with the county seat in Sonora. 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 Tuolumne 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 Tuolumne County
The Justice Center Courthouse at 12855 Justice Center Drive in Sonora has the family law clerk's window and the Self-Help Center. Most in person family law business in Tuolumne County happens there. Self-Help Center staff can help you complete Request for Order forms and other family law paperwork regardless of your income. They cannot give legal advice or predict how a judge will rule.
If you do not want to appear in person, Tuolumne County's Telephonic Hearing Calendar lets self represented parties call into a scheduled hearing through CourtCall instead of going to the courthouse. You must contact CourtCall at 1-888-88-COURT at least 5 court days before your hearing date to pre-clear the telephonic appearance. Without that advance notice, you may need to appear in person.
Some county specific procedures were not confirmed on the court's public website. These include the exact family law hearing calendar day and any local meet-and-confer requirement. After you file, call the clerk's office directly to confirm your hearing date, department, and any pre-hearing requirements.
Official hearing resources in Tuolumne County
Tuolumne County Superior Court, Justice Center Courthouse handles hearings filings, located at 12855 Justice Center Drive, Sonora 95370.
No county specific e-filing portal for family law was confirmed during research. Confirm current filing options with the clerk's office.
Tuolumne County Self-Help Center (https://www.tuolumne.courts.ca.gov/self-help/family-law) can help with procedure and paperwork. Located on the first floor of the Justice Center Courthouse. Provides assistance in family law and civil matters to all self represented parties regardless of income.
- Tuolumne County Family Law Self-Help
- Tuolumne County Telephonic Appearances
- Tuolumne County Self-Help Center
Local details reviewed August 2026. Offices and locations can change, so confirm with the official sites above before you file.
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Tuolumne County RFO Hearing FAQs
Where do I file a Request for Order in Tuolumne County?
File form FL-300 with the Tuolumne County Superior Court at the Justice Center Courthouse, 12855 Justice Center Drive, Sonora, CA 95370. The Self-Help Center is on the first floor of the same courthouse and can help with the paperwork.
Can I appear by phone for a family law hearing in Tuolumne County?
Yes. Tuolumne County has a Telephonic Hearing Calendar through CourtCall for self represented parties. You must pre-clear your phone appearance by calling CourtCall at 1-888-88-COURT at least 5 court days before your scheduled hearing. If you do not, you may need to appear in person.
How much notice do I need to give before a Request for Order hearing in Tuolumne County?
California Rules of Court 5.92 sets the same statewide timeline for every county. 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. Tuolumne County follows this statewide rule.
Is mediation required before a custody hearing in Tuolumne County?
If custody or visitation is disputed, the court can refer your case to mediation with one of its trained custody mediators before the hearing. The court's website did not confirm whether the mediator's report to the judge is confidential or includes a recommendation. Ask the Self-Help Center or Family Court Services to explain the process for your case.
Is there help for filing a Request for Order without a lawyer in Tuolumne County?
Yes. The Self-Help Center on the first floor of the Justice Center Courthouse helps self represented parties with family law and civil matters at no cost, regardless of income. Staff can explain what a form is asking for. They cannot give legal advice or draft your declaration for you.
How much does it cost to file a Request for Order in Tuolumne 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. This applies in Tuolumne County and throughout California. You can ask for a fee waiver on form FW-001 if paying would be a hardship.
This page is general information about California family court hearing procedure in Tuolumne 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 Tuolumne 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 Tuolumne County
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