FL 355

FL-355 in California: Quick Answer & Form Download

FL-355 is California’s official “Stipulation and Order for Custody and/or Visitation of Children” form. Parents use this form when they have reached an agreement on custody and parenting time and want to convert that agreement into an enforceable court order signed by a judge.

The form applies to divorce, legal separation, and parentage cases throughout California. Effective January 1, 2026, courts require the current Judicial Council revision when parties submit a stipulated custody and visitation order.

What Is FL-355 and When Do You Use It?

FL-355 serves as the cover sheet and signature page that allows a judge to sign off on your custody and visitation agreement. The full title—“Stipulation and Order for Custody and/or Visitation of Children”—reflects that both parents or guardians must consent to the terms.

You’ll use this form in California family law cases involving children: dissolution of marriage, legal separation, nullity, parentage (FL-200/FL-210), and post-judgment custody modifications, often handled by an experienced family law firm. Check the modification box when changing an existing order.

FL-355 doesn’t contain the detailed parenting terms itself. Instead, it references attached documents—like the FL-341 series and any custom parenting plan—that spell out schedules, holidays, and decision-making rules often addressed within broader family law practice areas.

Required Attachments to FL-355 (Custody & Parenting Time Details)

FL-355 requires your complete custody and visitation agreement attached, or the court cannot sign an order. Common Judicial Council attachments include:

• FL-341 (Custody and Visitation (Parenting Time) Order Attachment) – the core schedule for physical and legal custody
• FL-341(A) – Supervised Visitation provisions
• FL-341(B) – Child Abduction Prevention Orders
• FL-341(C) – Children’s Holiday Schedule Attachment
• FL-341(D) – Additional Provisions for Physical Custody
• FL-341(E) – Joint Legal Custody Attachment

Parties can also attach a custom written parenting plan in complex cases. If domestic violence or safety concerns exist, additional forms must be cross-referenced on FL-355, and the court may also issue a Findings and Order After Hearing (FL-340) to formalize related custody and safety rulings.

Every attachment listed on FL-355 must actually be attached, signed, and dated. Case numbers should match across all documents to avoid clerk rejection.

Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out FL-355 in California

Start with the caption at the top. Enter your county (for example, “Orange County – Lamoreaux Justice Center”), court address, case number, and names of petitioner and respondent exactly as they appear in existing case paperwork.

Next, indicate whether this is a new order for custody or a modification of a prior visitation order by checking the appropriate box.

Work through each numbered paragraph:

• Confirm how many children are covered
• Acknowledge your rights under California law
• Reference all attached forms by number
• Sign in the designated spaces

Both parents must sign the stipulation portion. Attorneys sign when involved. Leave the “The court orders” section and judge’s signature line completely blank—filling this in will delay or invalidate your filing.

Downloading FL-355 and Related California Custody Forms

The safest source for FL-355 is always the California Courts (Judicial Council) website. To download the current official form:

1. Go to courts.ca.gov
2. Click “Forms & Rules”
3. Select “Find a Form”
4. Search “FL-355”
5. Open the fillable PDF and save it locally

Always confirm you’re using the latest revision date (shown in the lower left corner). Also download FL-341 and any needed FL-341(A)–(E) attachments from the same site to ensure consistent formatting.

While private sites host fillable templates, Pinkham & Associates recommends the official Judicial Council version to avoid outdated language.

Using FL-355 in an Orange County Family Law Case

File FL-355 with the court where your family law case is pending. For Orange County, this is typically the Superior Court Lamoreaux Justice Center in Orange, CA.

In a typical Orange County divorce or parentage case, parents reach a custody agreement through negotiation, mediation, or attorney assistance, then document it using FL-355 and attachments. Once fully signed, submit the packet to the family law clerk via e-filing, mail, or drop box per local procedures, and make sure any required Proof of Service by Mail (FL-335) is properly completed.

A judicial officer reviews the documents, may request minor changes, and then signs the order section. Keep conformed copies (court-stamped) for schools, medical providers, and your records.

Common Mistakes on FL-355 and How to Avoid Them

Errors cause rejection, delays, and confusion about custody rights. Avoid these common mistakes:

• Missing attachments – Always attach FL-341 or a complete parenting plan
• Outdated form version – Use only the post–January 1, 2026 revision
• Mismatched children’s names – Verify names match other case documents
• Forgetting “modification” checkbox – Check it when changing an existing order
• Missing parent signature – Both parties must sign stipulated agreements

Double-check revision dates, case numbers, and that every attachment referenced on FL-355 is actually filed. Review your draft with a California family law attorney or court self-help center before submitting, especially if your case also involves initiating documents like the FL-110 family law summons.

How Pinkham & Associates, APLC Can Help With Your FL-355

Pinkham & Associates, APLC is a boutique family law firm in Orange County focused exclusively on divorce and family law matters. The firm regularly assists clients with drafting FL-355 stipulations, FL-341 attachments, and detailed parenting plans, as well as income disclosure documents such as the FL-155 Financial Statement (Simplified).

Services include negotiating parenting agreements, ensuring compliance with California Family Code and Orange County local rules, preparing complete filing packets, and handling complex issues like high-asset cases, move-away requests, or domestic violence history covered in the firm’s family law practice areas.

Contact attorney Doug Pinkham for a free initial consultation, which includes preliminary legal advice about using FL-355 in your specific case. Reach out by phone or email through the firm’s online contact form to get help finalizing your custody agreement correctly.

Schedule Your Free FL-355 Consultation Today