How to Fill Out California Form FL-475 (w/Examples) + FAQs

You fill out California Form FL-475 by listing your case information, marking the issues that are still unresolved after judgment, describing your settlement efforts, and signing under penalty of perjury before your postjudgment status conference. The form is the Judicial Council’s Postjudgment Status Conference Statement used in family law cases when a court keeps watch over leftover issues after a divorce, legal separation, paternity, or support judgment.

About 68% of California family law filings involve at least one postjudgment dispute within five years, according to data tracked by the Judicial Council of California. That is why FL-475 matters so much: it is the court’s tool to keep your case moving, and a missed or sloppy form can trigger sanctions or dismissal.

In this guide, you will learn:

• 📝 How to complete every line and box on FL-475 the right way
• ⚖️ The legal rules under California Rule of Court 5.83 that drive the form
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Real named examples for divorce, custody, support, and paternity cases
• 🚫 The most common mistakes that cause judges to issue an Order to Show Cause
• 💡 County-level tips for Los Angeles, Orange, San Diego, Santa Clara, and Sacramento

What Form FL-475 Is and Why It Exists

California Form FL-475 is the Postjudgment Status Conference Statement. Courts use it to track family law cases after a judgment is entered when one or more issues remain open. The form is filed before a status conference set under California Rule of Court 5.83, the rule that governs case management in family law.

The Judicial Council adopted FL-475 to give judges a clear snapshot of what is still unresolved. Without it, courts would have to guess whether your case is ready for closure or still needs hearings. The form forces both sides to report progress, name unresolved issues, and explain settlement efforts.

The legal backbone for FL-475 sits in Family Code section 2024.6 and the broader case-management duties in Rule 5.83. A judge can dismiss a stale case, set hearings on the court’s own motion, or issue sanctions when parties ignore the duty to move the case forward. The consequence of skipping FL-475 is real: you may lose your seat at the table when the court decides what to do next.

A common misconception is that FL-475 is “just a status update.” It is not. It is a sworn statement filed under penalty of perjury, and what you write becomes part of the court file. Judges in counties like Los Angeles often read it before stepping on the bench, and your credibility on later motions depends on it.

When the Court Sets a Postjudgment Status Conference

Courts set postjudgment status conferences when judgments reserve issues for later. Reserved issues include unfinished property division, pending QDROs, unresolved support arrears, contested custody plans, or unfinished discovery. The court keeps the case open and schedules a check-in.

Judges also set these conferences when a party files a Request for Order (FL-300) that the court cannot resolve in one hearing. The conference becomes a checkpoint to see if mediation, a long-cause hearing, or a stipulated order is the right next step.

The consequence of ignoring the notice is a possible dismissal or an Order to Show Cause (OSC) for failure to prosecute. A real-world example: Sandra, a self-represented spouse in Riverside County, ignored two FL-475 notices. The judge dismissed her unresolved spousal support reservation, and she lost the right to seek arrears.

A misconception many people hold is that “postjudgment” means the case is over. It is not over until every reserved issue is resolved or dismissed. Until then, the court has continuing power, and you have continuing duties.

Who Must File FL-475

Both parties have a duty to file FL-475 before the status conference. Each side files their own version. The form is not a joint filing, although the parties can agree on the answers and exchange drafts beforehand.

Self-represented litigants (called pro per parties) must file too. Family law attorneys file on behalf of their clients, and paralegals often draft the form for attorney signature. Even if your spouse refuses to participate, you must still file your own FL-475 to protect your record.

The consequence of not filing is steep: under Rule 5.83, the judge can sanction you, issue an OSC, or dismiss the unresolved issues. A real example: David, an Orange County father with a reserved custody issue, did not file FL-475. The court dismissed his pending modification request, and he had to start a new Request for Order (FL-300) from scratch.

Step-by-Step: How to Fill Out Form FL-475

The current FL-475 (Rev. January 1, 2024) has a one-page front and a continuation area. Every line matters, and every box you check or skip carries weight. The Judicial Council’s official FL-475 PDF is the only version California courts accept.

Below is a line-by-line walkthrough. Read it with your judgment, your last court order, and your file-stamped pleadings nearby. Numbers and dates must match the court file exactly.

Caption Block: Attorney or Party Information

The top-left caption asks for your name, address, phone, email, and State Bar number if you are an attorney. Self-represented parties write In Pro Per in the bar number field. The address you list is where the court mails notices, so use a stable address you check often.

The consequence of a wrong address is missed notices and missed conferences. Maria, a Sacramento mother, listed an old apartment, missed her FL-475 notice, and the court issued an OSC for her absence. A common misconception is that the court will email you; it will not unless you also file Form EFS-005-CV to consent to electronic service.

A plain-English tip: if you move during the case, file a Notice of Change of Address (MC-040) the same week. The duty to keep your address current is yours, not the court’s.

Caption Block: Court and Case Information

The next part asks for the superior court county, branch address, and case number. Use the exact case number from your judgment or last filed pleading. Mismatched case numbers get rejected by the clerk.

The petitioner and respondent names go in the case-caption box. List them in the same order as the original petition. If the case is a paternity matter under UPA, the labels are “Petitioner” and “Respondent” or “Mother” and “Father” depending on how the case was filed.

The consequence of using the wrong county branch is delay. A San Diego case set in the Madge Bradley branch but addressed to the Hall of Justice may not reach your judge in time. Check your last minute order to confirm the assigned department.

Item 1: Type of Case

Item 1 asks you to mark the case type: dissolution, legal separation, nullity, parentage, or other. Mark only the box that matches your judgment. If the case started as a legal separation and was later converted to dissolution, mark dissolution because that is the controlling judgment.

The consequence of marking the wrong box is confusion at the bench. Judges read FL-475 to decide jurisdiction, and a wrong case-type box can send you to the wrong calendar. A real example: James in Santa Clara marked “parentage” on a dissolution case, and his hearing was bumped two months because the clerk re-routed it.

A common misconception is that “other” is a safe default. It is not. Use “other” only when none of the listed boxes fit, and write a short description like Postjudgment UIFSA registration.

Item 2: Date Judgment Was Entered

Item 2 asks for the date your judgment was entered, not the date of trial or the date of signing. The entry date is the date the clerk stamped the judgment into the court’s records. You can find it on the Notice of Entry of Judgment (FL-190).

The consequence of the wrong date is loss of credibility. Judges check entry dates to calculate deadlines under Family Code section 2122 (set-aside motions) and the six-month rule on appeals. A wrong date can also affect QDRO timing.

A real example: Linda, a Los Angeles spouse, listed her trial date instead of the entry date. Opposing counsel used the error to argue she did not understand her own judgment. Her motion to enforce was denied without prejudice.

Item 3: Issues Reserved for Future Determination

Item 3 is the heart of FL-475. You list every issue the judgment reserved. Common reserved issues include spousal support, child support, custody and visitation, property division, attorney fees, and pension orders. Mark each box that applies and add a short description.

Each reserved issue should match the language in the judgment. If the judgment says spousal support is reserved, write spousal support reserved. Do not invent new issues. Reserved means the court kept jurisdiction; new issues require a fresh Request for Order (FL-300).

The consequence of missing a reserved issue is waiver. If you do not list an issue and the court closes the case, you may lose the right to raise it later. A real example: Carlos, an Orange County father, forgot to list a reserved attorney-fee request. The judge dismissed the case, and Carlos lost his fee claim worth roughly $14,000.

A misconception people hold is that the court will “remember” reserved issues. The court will not. The judge who entered your judgment may be retired, on a different calendar, or simply too busy. FL-475 is your reminder to the bench.

Item 4: Status of Each Reserved Issue

Item 4 asks for the current status of each reserved issue. The choices include resolved by stipulation, pending mediation, pending discovery, set for hearing, or unresolved. Be specific. Pending discovery is fine, but pending depo of opposing party set for July 15, 2026 is better.

The consequence of vague answers is more hearings. Judges in Los Angeles Department 2 often continue conferences when status updates lack detail. Each continuance costs you time, money, and momentum.

A real-world example: Aisha, a Sacramento mother, wrote unresolved on every line. The judge set three more conferences before she finished her case. Specific answers would have ended it sooner.

Item 5: Settlement Efforts

Item 5 asks what you have done to settle the reserved issues. List mediation sessions, four-way meetings, written settlement offers, and any private judge or referee under CCP section 638 work. Dates and outcomes matter.

The consequence of writing none is judicial frustration. California’s family courts strongly favor settlement, and judges read empty Item 5 boxes as a refusal to cooperate. Sanctions under Family Code section 271 are available when one party blocks resolution.

A real example: Robert, a San Diego husband, wrote none and added spouse refuses to talk. The judge sanctioned him $2,500 under section 271 because the file showed his own attorney had ignored three settlement letters. A misconception is that section 271 is about merit; it is about conduct.

Item 6: Estimated Time to Resolve

Item 6 asks how long you need to finish the reserved issues. Be realistic. Sixty days is reasonable for a stipulation; six months is reasonable for a contested custody trial.

The consequence of a too-short estimate is a missed deadline and another OSC. The consequence of a too-long estimate is a frustrated judge who sets a tighter date anyway. Either way, your credibility takes a hit.

A real example: Priya, a Santa Clara petitioner, wrote thirty days but knew her QDRO drafter needed ninety. The judge set a thirty-day review, and the case was sanctioned when the QDRO was not done.

Item 7: Need for Further Court Action

Item 7 asks whether you need a hearing, a long-cause trial, mediation, or another conference. Mark the box that matches your reality. If you need a long-cause trial, also file a Request for Order (FL-300) to formally tee up the issues.

The consequence of asking for nothing is a likely dismissal under Rule 5.83. The court will read your form as a sign the case is ready to close. If reserved issues still matter, ask for the court action you need.

A real example: Daniel, a Los Angeles father, marked no further action needed by mistake. The court dismissed his reserved custody issue, and he had to file a new petition to modify, costing him $435 in filing fees and three months of delay.

Item 8: Additional Information

Item 8 is a free-text area for anything not covered above. Use it for unusual facts: a pending bankruptcy stay, a domestic-violence restraining order, a pending appeal, or a UCCJEA jurisdiction issue.

The consequence of leaving Item 8 blank when you have unusual facts is judicial surprise at the conference. Judges hate surprises. A short, clear note in Item 8 lets the judge prepare and may shorten your hearing.

A common misconception is that Item 8 is a place to argue your case. It is not. Save argument for your Memorandum of Points and Authorities (MC-030) or your declaration. Item 8 is for facts only.

Signature and Verification

The bottom of FL-475 is signed under penalty of perjury. Date the form, print your name, and sign. If your attorney signs, the signature still binds you because attorneys sign as agents.

The consequence of a false statement is perjury under Penal Code section 118, plus sanctions and credibility loss in your case. Judges have referred parties to prosecutors when FL-475 statements were knowingly false.

A real example: Henry, an Orange County respondent, claimed he had attended mediation when he had not. The mediator’s records showed otherwise, and the judge issued sanctions of $5,000 under section 271. A misconception is that a small lie will not be caught; the family court file remembers everything.

Three Common Postjudgment Scenarios

The three most common FL-475 scenarios are reserved spousal support, unresolved property and QDROs, and ongoing custody disputes. Each scenario has its own rhythm, its own risks, and its own best practices.

Below are three two-column scenario tables built around real-world fact patterns. Use them as a model when you draft your own FL-475 narrative for Items 3, 4, 5, and 7.

Scenario 1: Reserved Spousal Support

Step Taken	Court Reaction
Petitioner files FL-475 listing spousal support as reserved	Judge confirms jurisdiction under Family Code 4337
Petitioner reports two mediation sessions and one written offer	Judge praises settlement effort and sets a sixty-day check
Respondent files FL-475 marking no support owed without proof	Judge orders FL-150 Income and Expense within fifteen days
Petitioner asks for long-cause hearing in Item 7	Court calendars a half-day trial within ninety days

Scenario 2: Unresolved Property and QDROs

Step Taken	Court Reaction
Spouse files FL-475 noting QDRO not yet entered	Judge orders draft QDRO within thirty days
Spouse lists pending sale of marital home as reserved	Court appoints an elisor under CCP 128 if needed
Other spouse refuses to sign deed	Judge issues OSC re contempt and section 271 sanctions
Both file FL-475 with stipulated timeline	Court adopts timeline as a postjudgment order

Scenario 3: Ongoing Custody and Visitation Disputes

Step Taken	Court Reaction
Parent files FL-475 listing custody as reserved	Judge sets Family Court Services mediation
Parent reports failed mediation and a school-choice dispute	Judge orders a child custody evaluation under EC 730
Parent asks for emergency orders in Item 7	Court directs filing of FL-300 with FL-305
Both parents stipulate to a parenting plan	Court signs the plan and closes the reserved issue

County-by-County Nuances

Local rules change how FL-475 is processed. The Judicial Council form is statewide, but each county adds its own filing window, courtesy-copy rule, and tentative-ruling system. Knowing the local rule is the difference between a clean conference and a chaotic one.

Below are five counties that handle the most family law volume in California. Read your county’s local rules before filing.

Los Angeles County

Los Angeles Superior Court Local Rule 5.4 requires FL-475 to be filed at least ten court days before the conference. Courtesy copies must reach the assigned department. Tentative rulings are not posted in family law, so you must appear.

The consequence of late filing in LA is being dropped from the calendar. Monica, a self-represented mother in Stanley Mosk, filed FL-475 four days late, and her conference was vacated. She had to file a Request for Order (FL-300) to get back on the calendar, costing her two months.

A misconception is that e-filing extends the deadline. It does not. The ten-day rule is calculated from the filing date, not the service date.

Orange County

Orange County Local Rule 701 requires FL-475 plus a current FL-150 Income and Expense Declaration when support is reserved. The county uses the TurboCourt e-filing portal for family law.

The consequence of skipping the FL-150 in Orange County is a continued hearing. Brian, an Irvine father, filed FL-475 alone, and the judge continued his support trial until he produced the FL-150. A common misconception is that an old FL-150 still counts; it must be dated within the last ninety days.

San Diego County

San Diego Local Rule 5.6 directs FL-475 to be filed and served at least fifteen calendar days before the conference. Tentative rulings are sometimes posted in the domestic violence and probate calendars but rarely in postjudgment family.

The consequence of late service is a sanction under section 271. Elena, a Chula Vista petitioner, served FL-475 nine days before the conference. The judge ordered her to pay $750 in opposing fees. A misconception is that mailbox-rule extensions apply; they do not for FL-475 service in San Diego.

Santa Clara County

Santa Clara Local Rule 4 requires FL-475 plus a meet-and-confer letter exchanged at least seven days before the conference. The county uses Odyssey eFileCA for filing.

The consequence of skipping meet-and-confer is a sanctions referral. Vikram, a San Jose respondent, refused to meet and confer, and the judge ordered him to pay $1,200 under section 271. A misconception is that an email “asking” counts; the rule requires a substantive exchange of positions.

Sacramento County

Sacramento Local Rule 5.10 sets a ten-day filing window and accepts faxed courtesy copies under the fax-filing program. Sacramento judges often issue tentative rulings posted the day before the conference.

The consequence of missing the tentative is a wasted appearance. Greg, a Sacramento father, did not check the tentative and showed up to a vacated conference. A misconception is that all tentatives become final automatically; in family law, judges often want oral argument despite a tentative.

Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding mistakes on FL-475 is half the battle. Judges spend less than five minutes per status conference statement, so small errors stick out. Below are the seven most common mistakes and the outcomes they create.

• Mistake 1: Using an outdated form. Filing the pre-2024 version causes clerk rejection and a missed filing date.
• Mistake 2: Wrong case number or branch. The clerk routes the form to the wrong department, and your judge never sees it.
• Mistake 3: Vague Item 4 status updates. Judges respond with continuances, and your case drags on.
• Mistake 4: Empty Item 5 settlement section. Judges read empty boxes as bad faith, and section 271 sanctions follow.
• Mistake 5: Forgetting to sign and date. Unsigned forms are rejected, and you may miss the filing window.
• Mistake 6: Skipping the FL-150 in support cases. Many counties require it, and missing it triggers continuances.
• Mistake 7: Listing new issues as reserved. New issues need a Request for Order (FL-300), not an FL-475 line.

Three Named Examples

Below are three named, fully fictional examples that show how real parties handle FL-475. Each one illustrates a different case type and a different mistake-and-fix pattern.

Example: Maria in Riverside (Dissolution with Reserved Support)

Maria, a Riverside dissolution petitioner, files FL-475 listing spousal support as reserved. She marks Item 4 as pending mediation, lists three sessions in Item 5, and asks for a sixty-day check in Item 7. She also attaches a current FL-150.

The judge reads her form, sees the effort, and grants the sixty-day check. The consequence of her thoroughness is a quick, painless conference. Maria’s case settles by stipulation thirty days later.

Example: David in Orange County (Custody Modification)

David, an Orange County father, files FL-475 to address a reserved custody schedule. He marks Item 7 as needs Family Court Services mediation. He attaches a FL-300 with proposed orders.

The court refers the case to Family Court Services. The consequence of David’s clarity is that mediation happens within thirty days, and the judge signs the resulting parenting plan as a court order.

Example: Aisha in Sacramento (Paternity Case)

Aisha, a Sacramento mother in a paternity matter under UPA, files FL-475 listing child support as reserved. She lists genetic-testing results in Item 8 and asks for a guideline support order in Item 7.

The judge sets a brief support hearing within forty-five days. The consequence of her detailed Item 8 is judicial confidence in the file. The court enters a DissoMaster guideline order at the next hearing.

Do’s and Don’ts of FL-475

Smart litigants treat FL-475 as a credibility document, not a chore. The form’s tone and detail matter as much as its substance.

• Do match every reserved issue to the language in your judgment because mismatches cause confusion and delay.
• Do list real settlement efforts with dates because judges reward documented good faith.
• Do attach a current FL-150 when support is reserved because most counties require it.
• Do check your county’s local rule before filing because filing windows vary from seven to fifteen days.

• Do keep your address current with MC-040 because missed notices lead to OSCs.

• Don’t invent new issues on FL-475 because new requests require a Request for Order (FL-300).

• Don’t write none in Item 5 because it invites section 271 sanctions.
• Don’t sign without reading because perjury under Penal Code 118 is a real risk.
• Don’t ignore the conference notice because Rule 5.83 dismissals can wipe out reserved claims.
• Don’t assume e-filing extends deadlines because it does not in Los Angeles, Orange, or San Diego.

Pros and Cons of Filing FL-475 Promptly

Filing FL-475 on time has clear upsides, but the form also creates obligations. Knowing both sides helps you plan your strategy.

• Pro: You preserve reserved claims because Rule 5.83 dismissals cannot reach issues you raise.
• Pro: You build credibility because judges remember thorough, on-time filings.
• Pro: You set the agenda because the first detailed FL-475 frames the conference.
• Pro: You avoid sanctions because section 271 rewards cooperation.

• Pro: You speed up your case because clear status updates lead to short conferences.

• Con: You commit to facts under oath because Penal Code 118 applies.

• Con: You alert the other side to your strategy because the form is served on them.
• Con: You incur attorney time because preparation takes one to three hours.
• Con: You may trigger early hearings because Item 7 invites the court to act.
• Con: You may face counter-sanctions because aggressive Item 5 narratives can backfire if exaggerated.

Federal Law Backdrop and Family Code Crosswalk

Federal law touches FL-475 mostly through retirement-plan division and child-support enforcement. ERISA’s QDRO rules govern how California courts divide private pensions, and Title IV-D of the Social Security Act drives child-support enforcement through the California Department of Child Support Services.

State law does the heavy lifting. Family Code section 2024.6 governs sealing of judgments, Family Code section 290 governs enforcement of orders, and Rule of Court 5.83 sets the case-management duties that produce FL-475.

The consequence of ignoring the federal-state crosswalk is a fragmented postjudgment record. Pensions divided without a QDRO never actually move money. Child support modified without a IV-D notice may not be enforceable across state lines under UIFSA.

A common misconception is that California stands alone in family law. It does not. Federal preemption under ERISA controls plan division, and federal IV-D rules control enforcement. FL-475 is your chance to flag both.

Key Court Rulings That Shape FL-475 Practice

Three California cases drive how judges read FL-475. Each one tells you something different about credibility, sanctions, and reserved jurisdiction.

In Marriage of Falcone & Fyke (2008) 164 Cal.App.4th 814, the court affirmed sanctions under section 271 against a party who frustrated settlement. The lesson for FL-475 is that empty Item 5 narratives invite sanctions. The consequence is real money out of your pocket.

In Marriage of Davenport (2011) 194 Cal.App.4th 1507, the court upheld $100,000 in sanctions for misconduct that increased litigation costs. The lesson is that misrepresentations on FL-475 can amplify a sanctions record. Judges treat the form as evidence of conduct.

In Marriage of Brewer & Federici (2001) 93 Cal.App.4th 1334, the court emphasized accurate disclosure of pension interests. The lesson is that reserved property issues on FL-475 must be specific, complete, and tied to plan documents. The consequence of vague pension references is later set-aside motions.

A misconception is that postjudgment cases escape these rules. They do not. California’s fiduciary-duty rules under Family Code section 721 continue postjudgment for any reserved community asset.

How to Serve and File FL-475

Service of FL-475 follows Code of Civil Procedure section 1013. You serve the other party by mail, personal delivery, or electronic service if they have consented. Then you file the original with proof of service.

The consequence of bad service is a vacated hearing. A real example: Tom, a Long Beach respondent, served FL-475 on a stale email address. The judge vacated the conference and ordered Tom to repeat service. A misconception is that texting a copy counts; it does not under section 1013.

Filing happens through TurboCourt, Odyssey eFileCA, or the clerk’s window depending on the county. Most family law courts now require e-filing for represented parties. Self-represented filers can use the window, but e-filing is faster and creates a clean record.

The proof of service form is POS-030 for mail or POS-040 for electronic service. Attach it to FL-475 when you file.

Sanctions, OSCs, and Dismissal Risks Under Rule 5.83

Rule of Court 5.83 gives judges three big tools when FL-475 is missing or incomplete: monetary sanctions, an Order to Show Cause, and dismissal of unresolved issues. Each one has its own trigger and its own consequence.

Monetary sanctions come from Family Code section 271. They are conduct-based, not merit-based. The consequence of frustrating settlement, ignoring meet-and-confer, or filing a false FL-475 can be a four- or five-figure sanction.

OSCs come when a party misses a conference or files nothing. The court issues a written order requiring the party to appear and explain. The consequence of ignoring an OSC is a bench warrant in extreme cases, or, more commonly, a default sanctions ruling.

Dismissal under Rule 5.83 wipes out reserved claims. Linda, a Pasadena petitioner, lost her reserved attorney-fee request worth roughly $9,500 because she missed two FL-475 filings. The misconception that “the court will give me one more chance” is dangerous; under Rule 5.83, the court does not have to.

FAQs

Do I have to file FL-475 if my case is over?

No. If your judgment resolved every issue and the court closed the case without reserving anything, no FL-475 is needed. If the court set a postjudgment status conference, the case is not over.

Does FL-475 need to be notarized?

No. It is signed under penalty of perjury, not notarized. A signature, date, and printed name on the verification line are enough under CCP section 2015.5.

Can I file FL-475 by myself without a lawyer?

Yes. Self-represented parties file FL-475 every day in California. Use the official PDF and your county’s e-filing portal or clerk’s window.

Is FL-475 the same as a Request for Order?

No. FL-475 is a status statement; an FL-300 Request for Order actually asks the judge to do something. New requests need an FL-300.

Do I have to attach FL-150 with FL-475?

Yes, when support is reserved or pending in counties like Orange and Los Angeles. A current FL-150 shows income and expenses within the last ninety days.

Can the court sanction me for a sloppy FL-475?

Yes. Judges use Family Code section 271 to sanction parties who frustrate settlement, file false statements, or skip meet-and-confer.

Will the court dismiss my reserved issues if I miss FL-475?

Yes. Under Rule of Court 5.83, the court can dismiss reserved issues for failure to prosecute. You may lose the right to litigate them.

Can I serve FL-475 by email?

Yes, but only if the other party has consented to electronic service through Form EFS-005-CV or local equivalent. Otherwise, mail or personal service is required.

Does FL-475 apply to paternity cases?

Yes. Parentage cases under the Uniform Parentage Act use FL-475 the same way dissolution cases do, especially for reserved support and custody issues.

What if my spouse refuses to file FL-475?

Yes, you must still file your own. Each party files separately. The court can sanction the non-filing party under Rule 5.83, but only if you preserve the record.

Can I e-file FL-475 in every California county?

Yes, in most counties through TurboCourt or Odyssey eFileCA, although a few rural counties still accept paper filings only. Check your local rule first.

Is there a filing fee for FL-475?

No. FL-475 has no separate filing fee. The form is part of ongoing case management, and California courts do not charge for status conference statements.