L BLOCK ⚖️
Legal Self-Help &
Court Resource Center
[How to Protect your legal rights to your children — One Move at a Time]
You didn’t ask for this.
You didn’t expect to be in a courtroom defending your right to love your own child. But here you are — confused, angry, and overwhelmed. That’s real. And you’re not alone.The Legal Playbook exists for moments like this.This isn’t just a bunch of legal jargon. This is your map. Your call sheet. Your game plan when everything feels upside down. You don’t need to know every law — you just need to know your next move.Just like in sports or chess, timing matters. What you file and when you file it can change the outcome of everything. And in a system that too often overlooks fathers, your legal plays have to be sharper, faster, and smarter than the other side expects.So we built this for you — one clear step at a time:What to file if you haven’t seen your kidHow to challenge a biased judgeHow to enforce your rights without a lawyer (In Pro Per)What to do when they serve you surprise paperworkHow to go on offense, not just defense with declarations and evidenceYou don’t have to figure it all out at once. Just focus on the next move. AND KEEP TRACK OF ALL COURT DATES!!!!
That’s what the Legal Playbook is for. And no matter how your baby momma and the family courts try to break you, know this:You are still your kids father.
You still matter.
And this fight is not over.LBlock.Org is right here for you with information and ideas to try.Here are Legal Plays every father should know — laid out like a coach’s call sheet, with straight talk, timing tips, and tactical clarity. Each one is real, actionable, and time-sensitive.
🚨 Stay Up to Date 🔍
Always check your case status and hearing dates. The court doesn’t call — it’s on you to stay ready.
🏁 PREGAME PLAY:
Request for Fee Waiver (FW-001 + FW-003)
Because truth doesn’t exisit if you can’t afford to file it.
Why it matters:
Family court isn’t free. Before you even get a chance to speak your truth, you’re hit with filing fees, service costs, and paperwork expenses. It doesn’t matter if you’re telling the truth or if your child’s well-being is on the line — if you can’t afford the price of admission, you’re stuck outside the courtroom like a fan with no ticket.
What this play does:
This is your VIP Pass to the system. If approved, the Fee Waiver lets you:
📝 File FL-300, DV-400, custody petitions, and other motions without paying fees
🚓 Request sheriff service of your filings — including on your baby mama
🔁 File as many motions, responses, or amendments as you need
🛡️ Level the playing field if the other side has money or representation
How to run it:
Complete Form FW-001 (Request to Waive Court Fees)
Complete Form FW-003 (Order on Court Fee Waiver)
Attach both to your first filing (e.g., FL-300 or custody petition)
Submit as a packet at courthouse or through e-filing — the court will rule on the waiver first
If granted, fees are waived automatically going forward for this case
Heads up:
Don’t lie about your income. Judges take this seriously.
If you’re on public benefits (CalWORKs, Medi-Cal, etc.), you automatically qualify.
If you don’t have a job or your only income is part-time or inconsistent, you likely still qualify — just explain it clearly on the form.
Why this matters now:
The best plays don’t work if you can’t get on the field. The fee waiver isn’t just paperwork — it’s your access point to every other legal move in this playbook. Run it first. Run it smart.
LEGAL PLAY #1:
Petition for Custody and Support (FL-260)
When to run it: As soon as you want legal, enforceable rights to your child — especially if there’s no existing order.
What it does: Starts the legal process to request custody, visitation, and support orders from the court.
Key move: File FL-260 with FL-210 (Summons) and serve the other parent formally. Until this is done, the court can’t rule on custody.
Why it matters: You don’t have rights just because you're the father — you have rights when you assert them through this petition.
📍This is the gateway to every other legal play.
LEGAL PLAY #2:
Register for LACourtConnect (Appear Remotely)
When to run it: As soon as you know a hearing is set — especially if you can’t attend in person.
What it does: Lets you attend your court hearing by phone or video instead of missing it or showing up late.
Key move: Go to LACourtConnect.lacourt.org, register your case, and confirm your appearance ahead of time. Save the confirmation.
Why it matters: Keeps you in the fight even if you’re working, out of town, or shut out by the other side.
📱 Essential for fathers facing transportation or access barriers.
LEGAL PLAY #3:
Peremptory Challenge to a Judge (Code Civ. Proc. § 170.6)
When to run it: As soon as you learn which judge is assigned to your case — before that judge makes any ruling. Use form LACIV 015
What it does: Automatically disqualifies one judge from hearing your case — no reasons or proof required.
Key move: File the peremptory challenge before the judge rules on any issue. If you wait too long, you lose the right.
Why it matters: Gives you one clean chance to avoid a biased or unfair judge before they gain power over your case.
🚩Use early. Use wisely. You only get one. Must submit in writing to the assigned judges courtroom or court clerk within 20 days after service of the orders or start of the case.
📌 CHEAT CODE:
Look up your Judge ASAP!
Before using your one-time peremptory challenge, you can look up ratings and reviews of family court judges. Use what you find to run from the Dad-hating judges — if your judge has a bad rep with dads, challenge NOW.
Use the links below:
LEGAL PLAY #4:
Court Reservation System (CRS) — Secure Your Hearing Date
When to run it: Before filing motions like FL-300, contempt, sanctions, or any Request for Order that requires a hearing.
What it does: Reserves a court date in the Los Angeles Superior Court system before you file the paperwork.
Key move: Use the CRS Portal to select a department and available hearing date. Be sure to file your motion within 3 court days of booking the reservation.
Why it matters: If you skip this step, your filing may be rejected. CRS is required for most family law filings in LA County — no reservation, no hearing.
📅
⚠️ Deadline: You must file your motion within 3 business days after reserving your hearing date in CRS.
LEGAL PLAY #5:
FL-300 — Request for Orders
When to run it: When you need the court to decide on custody, visitation, child support, or other family law issues — and it’s not an emergency.
What it does:
Starts a formal motion process for the judge to review and rule on a major issue like:
🧒 Custody or visitation
💸 Child support
🚫 Modifying or terminating a restraining order
✅ Enforcing an order the other side is ignoring
Key move:
Fill out FL-300 (Request for Order)
Attach any supporting declarations, exhibits, or other forms (like FL-311 for custody/visitation)
Submit at courthouse or through e-File.
The court will assign you a hearing date and time after you file — you don’t need one in advance
After that, you’ll need to serve the other side with the paperwork and the court’s date
Why it matters:
This is one of your most powerful plays. It’s how you ask the court for help in a formal, scheduled way — not a last-minute emergency request. When done right, it gives you time to build a record, prepare exhibits, and put your truth on the court’s calendar.
🚨 Not ex parte:
This is not for emergencies. You don’t need to give a 24-hour notice or show up right away. You file, the court sets the date. You’ll have time to prepare, serve properly, and show up with your evidence.
Instructions below for - Request for Orders and forms;
==> FL- 300 - Request for Orders
==> FL-311 - Parenting Time
==> Declaration
==> FL105 / GC 120 - Give the court important information about the children
==> Fl 150 - Income and Expenses
==> FL 330 - Proof of Service
LEGAL PLAY #6:
Declarations as Evidence (MC-030 or FL-style declarations)
When to run it: Any time you need to tell your story or a witnesses truth under oath and support it with facts, timelines, or documents.
What it does: Creates a sworn statement that becomes admissible evidence in court. You can attach texts, screenshots, emails, or photos as exhibits.
Key move: Use Judicial Council form MC-030 or a written declaration with the perjury clause. Label and refer to each exhibit clearly (e.g., “See Exhibit A”).
Why it matters: Declarations are your testimony and any witnesses you have testimony from you get on paper. When you can’t speak in court — your declaration speaks for you. Done right, they force the court to see your side in black and white.
LEGAL PLAY #7:
Motion to Compel or Request for Production
When to run it: When the other side is hiding evidence, refusing to respond, or ignoring discovery requests.
What it does: Forces the opposing party to turn over documents, records, or anything relevant to your case.
Key move: Serve a Request for Production (RFP), then file a Motion to Compel if they don’t respond in time. Demand sanctions if they stall.
Why it matters: Truth is your weapon. If they’re hiding evidence, this is how you drag it into the light.
🔎 You can’t fight blind — this makes them show their hand.
LEGAL PLAY #8: DV-400 —
Motion to Vacate a Fraudulent Restraining Order
When to run it: After a DVRO was granted without proper notice, hearing, or based on lies or faked evidence.
What it does: Asks the court to erase the DVRO as void due to fraud, improper service, or due process violation.
Key move: Cite CCP § 473(d) and Family Code § 6300. Attach proof that you were ambushed, not served, or falsely accused.
Why it matters: This clears your record and restores your standing — and your voice — in the case.
🚩Can flip the entire case. Must be backed by facts and filed quickly.
LEGAL PLAY #9:
Contempt Motion — Violations of Court Orders
When to run it: When your ex or opposing counsel violates a court order — custody, visitation, restraining orders, or anything in writing.
What it does: Asks the court to punish the violator. Penalties can include fines, makeup time, attorney’s fees, or even jail.
Key move: File an Order to Show Cause for Contempt (FL-410), cite the violated order clearly, and attach proof (texts, emails, police reports, etc.).
Why it matters: Orders mean nothing if people get away with breaking them. This play demands consequences.
⚠️ Court orders are not suggestions — enforce them.
LEGAL PLAY #10:
Emergency Ex Parte Request
When to run it: When your child is in danger, being hidden, or when time-sensitive orders are needed — like immediate visitation restoration.
What it does: Gets you in front of a judge urgently, often within 24–48 hours.
Key move: File FL-300 with the “Other Orders” box checked, plus a separate Declaration of Emergency Facts. Use CRC 3.1200–3.1207.
Why it matters: When time is against you, this play speeds up justice.
⏱ Sometimes justice can’t wait 30 days — run this play fast. Notice must be given by 9:59 AM the day before your desired hearing date. Good to do 48 hours ahead of time.
LEGAL PLAY #11:
DV-100 — Request for a Domestic Violence Restraining Order (DVRO) issued against your baby momma. Tell your story, stop being abused in silence.
When to run it: If you or your child is being threatened, stalked, harassed, or emotionally abused by the other parent.
What it does: Requests court protection, including no-contact orders, custody changes, and stay-aways.
Key move: File DV-100 with DV-109, DV-110, and supporting declarations. Use DV-500 as needed for modifications.
Why it matters: This is the shield when the other side becomes dangerous or unhinged.
🛡️ Protection isn’t weakness — it’s strategy.
LEGAL PLAY #12:
Judge and Lawyer Complaints -
When to run it: When a judge violates your due process rights or an attorney abuses court procedure, files fraudulent documents, or lies under oath.
What it does: Files a formal complaint to oversight agencies, triggering an investigation.
Key move: File to the Commission on Judicial Performance (CJP) for judges, or the State Bar of California for attorneys. Attach proof: orders, emails, rejections, transcripts.
Why it matters: Holding the system accountable is part of the fight.
⚖️ Not all fights happen in the courtroom — some start with the watchdogs.
🏆 Help Keep Us in the Game👉
Every 📝 play, every 📣 dad helped — it all takes fuel.
Help us keep coaching, filing, and fighting for fathers’ rights.
No dad should be left on the bench.
💵 Donate now and help us finish the season strong.
💵 Donations go through our parent org, Marlee Worldwide — you’ll see that name on Cash App.
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