FL 335

If you’re navigating a divorce, custody dispute, or support modification in California, you’ve likely encountered a stack of court forms. One document that trips up many people is FL-335—the official proof that you mailed legal papers to the other party. Without it properly completed and filed, your case can grind to a halt.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know about FL-335, from who can complete it to exactly how to fill it out for your family law case in 2024–2026.

Quick Answer: What Is FL-335 and Why It Matters

FL-335 is the California Judicial Council “Proof of Service by Mail” form designed specifically for family law cases. When you mail court documents to the other party in a divorce, custody, or support matter, FL-335 tells the court that you completed this step properly. It lists exactly which papers were served, when they were mailed, and who handled the mailing.

Here’s what makes FL-335 critical: judges in Orange County and across California generally will not proceed on a Request for Order (FL-300) or other motions unless proper proof of service is filed on time. Without a valid FL-335 in your court file, the judge cannot act on your request—regardless of how urgent your custody or support issue may be.

A key requirement: the person who mails the documents must be at least 18 years old and cannot be a party to the case. This neutral server completes and signs FL-335 under penalty of perjury after mailing your paperwork.

At Pinkham & Associates, APLC, we routinely prepare and review FL-335 forms for our clients so their hearings proceed without procedural problems. If you’re in Orange County and unsure whether you need FL-335 or have already missed a service deadline, contact our firm for a free consultation.

Overview of Form FL-335: Proof of Service by Mail

FL-335 is an official California Courts form issued by the Judicial Council, currently revised for use through 2024–2026. The form operates under Code of Civil Procedure sections 1013 and 1013a, establishing the legal framework for service by mail in family law matters.

FL-335 is different from FL-330, which documents personal service (hand-delivery). You’ll use FL-335 when California law allows mailing instead of in-person delivery—which applies to many documents after the initial petition has been served.

Common documents served with proof on FL-335 include:

• Request for Order (FL-300)
• Income and Expense Declaration (FL-150)
• Financial Statement (FL-157)
• Responsive Declaration to Request for Order (FL-320)
• Post judgment request modifications that may ultimately be captured on a Findings and Order After Hearing form
• Certain discovery responses

Once completed and signed, FL-335 is filed with the same California family law court where your case is pending—for Orange County residents, this typically means the Lamoreaux Justice Center.

Filling out FL-335 accurately matters. Mistakes can lead to continuances, vacated orders, or denial of your request until proper service is shown. Note that temporary restraining orders cannot be served by mail; those require personal service on form FL-330.

When You Must Use FL-335 in a California Family Law Case

You use FL-335 any time you serve qualifying family law documents by mail and need to prove that service to the court. The form becomes essential whenever legal action requires mailing documents to the opposing party.

Common situations requiring FL-335 in 2024–2026:

• Serving a Request for Order to modify child custody or visitation arrangements, or to formalize an agreement later reflected in a stipulation and order for child custody
• Mailing child support or spousal support modification paperwork that could result in a family support order attachment clarifying ongoing obligations
• Serving a post judgment request regarding property division, including requests that may lead to a Qualified Domestic Relations Order affecting retirement accounts
• Sending notice of a hearing on parenting time
• Mailing responsive declarations or financial disclosures

Each separate mailing to each party requires its own completed FL-335. If you mail to both the respondent and a minor’s counsel on different dates, you need separate forms for each recipient and each mailing date.

FL-335 is generally not used for the first service of a Summons and Petition for Dissolution. That initial divorce filing typically requires personal service documented on the FL-110 Summons family law form and a different proof form.

Orange County local rules often emphasize strict compliance with service deadlines. Filing your FL-335 on time is especially important for hearings at the Lamoreaux Justice Center.

Who Can Serve and Complete FL-335

The person who mails the documents and signs FL-335 must be a neutral adult—at least 18 years old and not a party served in the case. This neutrality requirement protects the integrity of the service process.

Acceptable servers include:

• A trusted friend or relative
• A coworker
• A professional process server
• A staff member at a law firm

The petitioner or respondent can never serve their own papers. Self-service invalidates the proof entirely.

Qualifications the server must meet:

Our firm often arranges and oversees service for clients so they don’t risk invalidating service by mailing documents themselves, and we also provide comprehensive divorce representation in Orange County for those navigating broader family law issues.

How to Fill Out California Form FL-335 Step by Step

Here’s how to complete each section of FL-335 for 2024–2026 versions of the form:

Step 1: Court Information Enter the court name and street address exactly as it appears on your existing paperwork. For Orange County:

• Superior Court of California, County of Orange
• 341 The City Drive South, Orange, CA 92868

Step 2: Case Number Write the case number exactly as shown on your petition and other court forms. Even a minor typo can cause processing delays.

Step 3: Party Names List the petitioner, respondent, and any other parent or joinder party. Names must match the caption used on all Judicial Council forms in your case.

Step 4: Documents Mailed Check boxes for specific documents mailed:

• FL-300 (Request for Order)
• FL-150 (Income and Expense Declaration)
• FL-157 (Financial Statement)
• Add any other documents with exact titles and dates in the “Other” section

Step 5: Mailing Details

• Date of mailing
• City and state from which documents were mailed
• Complete mailing address of each person served

Step 6: Server Declaration The server must complete:

• Their name
• Home or business address
• Statement that they are over 18 and not a party to the action
• Signature and date under penalty of perjury

Common mistakes to avoid:

• Leaving the date blank
• Wrong case number
• Misspelled party names
• Incomplete mailing address
• Forgetting to sign

We recommend having an attorney verify the form before filing, and many people find it helpful to work with an experienced Orange County divorce lawyer who regularly handles these procedural requirements.

Filing FL-335 With the Court and What Happens Next

Once the server signs FL-335, the filing party (or their attorney) must submit the original to the family law court clerk and keep a copy for their records.

Filing process in Orange County:

1. Make at least two copies of the completed, signed FL-335
2. Take documents to the Lamoreaux Justice Center clerk’s office (or e-file where permitted)
3. The clerk stamps the documents with the filing date
4. Keep your file-stamped copy for your records

The filing date on FL-335 directly affects your hearing schedule. Proof of service must usually be filed several court days before a custody or support hearing. Missing this deadline can result in your hearing being continued.

What happens after filing:

• The court relies on FL-335 to confirm notice was given
• The other party may file responsive papers
• The judge will proceed only if service is deemed proper
• If service is defective, your request may be denied or continued

Keep copies of every FL-335 filed in your case file and bring them to hearings. This is especially important in contentious matters involving child custody, visitation, or high-asset property division, where additional guidance from our family law blog covering divorce, custody, and support topics can help you understand the broader context of your case.

If you’re dealing with divorce, custody, spousal support, legal separation, or other family law issues in Orange County, getting your paperwork right matters. Whether you are pursuing divorce or considering legal separation as an alternative to divorce, you may also need support with related forms such as an order appointing counsel for a child in complex custody matters. Contact Pinkham & Associates, APLC for help preparing, serving, and filing FL-335 and all related court documents. Schedule your free consultation today to ensure your case moves forward without procedural delays.