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California Stipulation Order

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STIPULATION AND ORDER (Governmental)

GOVERNMENTAL AGENCY (pursuant to Welf. & Inst. Code, §§ 11475.1, 11478.2):   TELEPHONE AND FAX NOS.:

E-MAIL ADDRESS (Optional):   ATTORNEY FOR (Name):

FOR COURT USE ONLY

SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF

STREET ADDRESS:

MAILING ADDRESS:

CITY AND ZIP CODE:

BRANCH NAME:

PETITIONER/PLAINTIFF:

RESPONDENT/DEFENDANT:

OTHER PARENT:

CASE NUMBER:

1. THIS MATTER PROCEEDED AS FOLLOWS:

a. By written stipulation without court appearance.

b. By court hearing, appearances as follows:

(1) Date: Dept.: Judicial officer:

(2) Petitioner/Plaintiff present Attorney present (name):

(3) Respondent/Defendant present Attorney present (name):

(4) Other parent present Attorney present (name):

(5) Local child support agency (Family Code, §§ 17400, 17406) by (name):

(6) Other (specify):

c. The Obligor (the parent ordered to pay support) is

2. This order is based on the attached documents (specify):

3. THE PARTIES AGREE THAT

a. All orders previously made in this action shall remain in full force and effect except as specifically modified below.

b. The amount of support payable by obligor as calculated under the guideline is: $ per month.

We agree to guideline support.

The guideline amount should be rebutted because of the following:

(1) We have been fully informed of the guideline amount of support; we agree voluntarily to child support of: $ per month.

The agreement is in the best interest of the children.

(2) Other rebutting factors (specify):

NOTICE: Any party required to pay child support must pay interest on overdue amounts at the "legal" rate, which is currently 10 percent. This can be a large added amount.

3. c. Attached is a computer printout showing the parent's income and percentage of time each parent spends with the child(ren).

The printout, which shows the calculation of child support payable, shall become the court's findings.

3. d. Obligor shall pay current child support as follows:

Current child support table

Name      Date of birth      Monthly support amount

Child 1: $

Child 2: $

Child 3: $

(1) Other (specify):

(2) For a total of: $ payable on the: day of each month beginning (date):

(3) The support order was reduced, pursuant to the low-income adjustment, because the Obligor's net monthly income is less than $1,000.

(4) Any support ordered shall continue until further order of court, unless terminated by operation of law.

3. e. Obligor owes child support arrears as follows, as of (date):

(1) Child support: $ Spousal support: $ Family support: $

(2) Interest is not included and is not waived.

(3) Payable: $ on the day of each month beginning (date):

(4) Interest shall accrue on the entire principal balance owing and not on each installment as it becomes due.

f. No provision of this judgment shall operate to limit any right to collect the principal (total amount of unpaid support) or to charge and collect interest and penalties as allowed by law. All payments ordered are subject to modification.

g. All payments shall be made to (name and address of agency):

h. An Order/Notice to Withhold Income for Child Support (form FL-195) will issue.

i. Obligor/Obligee shall (1) provide and maintain health insurance coverage for the children if it is available through employment, a group plan, or otherwise available at no or reasonable cost, and shall keep the district attorney's office informed of the availability of the coverage; (2) if health insurance is not available, provide coverage when it becomes available; (3) within 20 days of the district attorney's request, complete and return a health insurance form; (4) provide to the district attorney all information and forms necessary to obtain health care services for the children; (5) present any claim to secure payment or reimbursement to the other parent or caretaker who incurs costs for health care services to the children; (6) assign any rights to reimbursement to the other parent or caretaker who incurs costs for health care services for the children.

If the "obligor" box is checked, a Health Insurance Coverage Assignment shall issue.

j. The parents must notify the local child support agency in writing within 10 days of any change in residence or employment.

k. The Notice of Rights and Responsibilities—Health-Care Costs and Reimbursement Procedures and Information Sheet on Changing a Child Support Order (form FL-192) is attached.

3. k. The following person (the "other parent") is added as a party to this action under Family Code section 17404 (name):

3. l. Other (specify):

Date:

(TYPE OR PRINT NAME)

(SIGNATURE OF ATTORNEY for local child support agency)

Date:

(TYPE OR PRINT NAME)

(SIGNATURE OF FATHER)

Date:

(TYPE OR PRINT NAME)

(SIGNATURE OF ATTORNEY FOR FATHER)

Date:

(TYPE OR PRINT NAME)

(SIGNATURE OF MOTHER)

Date:

(TYPE OR PRINT NAME)

(SIGNATURE OF ATTORNEY FOR MOTHER)

ORDER

4. The court so orders.

Date: (JUDICIAL OFFICER)

Signature follows last attachment

5. Number of pages attached:

Page three of three

Enter text✕

What a California Stipulation Order Is and when it’s used

A California Stipulation Order is a written agreement between parties in a civil proceeding that the court may adopt as an official order. Parties prepare a stipulation describing agreed facts, deadlines, or relief and submit a proposed order for the judge to sign. Acceptance and procedure follow local court rules; some courts require submission through electronic filing systems and may have specific formatting. While ESIGN (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and UETA validate many electronic signatures, courts retain specific rules for court filings and judicial signatures that may limit e-signature use.

Why parties use a stipulation and proposed order

Stipulation orders streamline disputes by recording negotiated terms, reducing contested hearings, and creating an enforceable record once the judge signs. They allocate risk, set deadlines, and confirm procedural agreements in a way that is often faster and more precise than revisiting issues at trial.

Why parties use a stipulation and proposed order

Who commonly prepares and files these documents

Litigation teams and court officers typically draft and process stipulation orders; roles differ by case complexity and court level.

  • Plaintiffs’ and defense counsel: Draft terms, coordinate signatures, and submit proposed orders to the court.
  • Pro se litigants and mediators: Use stipulations to document settlement terms or mediator recommendations.
  • Court clerks and judges: Review compliance with local rules and enter the document as an official order.

Responsibility for ensuring compliance with local rules and serving opposing parties usually rests with counsel or the filing party; check local rules and clerk procedures before filing.

Essential parts of a professional California Stipulation Order

A complete stipulation and proposed order includes case identifiers, clear recitals of agreement, precise terms, service certification, a proposed order, and signature blocks for each party and counsel.

Case Caption

Court name, case number, and party names exactly as used on prior filings; mismatches can delay clerk acceptance or create procedural defects.

Recitals

Short factual background stating the dispute or pending deadlines that the parties agree to modify or resolve; keep recitals factual and concise to aid judicial review.

Agreement Terms

Clear, numbered provisions stating obligations, deadlines, dismissal terms, or payment schedules with specific dates and amounts where applicable.

Proposed Order

A distinct proposed order section or separate document formatted for signature by the judge that mirrors the stipulation’s operative language.

Signature Blocks

Signature area for each party and counsel with printed name, bar number for attorneys, title, and date; include physical or electronic signature conventions.

Proof of Service

Certificate showing how and when opposing parties and the court received the stipulation and proposed order; include e-service or mail details.

Step-by-step: preparing, signing, and submitting a stipulation

Follow these sequential steps to reduce clerical rejection and ensure the court accepts the stipulation and proposed order.

  • 01
    Draft the Stipulation: Prepare clear recitals and numbered terms for judicial adoption.
  • 02
    Obtain Signatures: All parties or counsel sign and date before filing.
  • 03
    File with Court: E-file or deliver to clerk following local format and service rules.
  • 04
    Judicial Entry: Judge reviews and signs the proposed order, which then becomes enforceable.

Where the stipulation goes and how the court processes it

A typical flow covers drafting, signature collection, e-filing or clerk submission, judicial review, and distribution of the entered order.

  • Submit to Clerk: Upload via the court’s electronic filing system or deliver to the clerk per local rules.
  • Judicial Review: Judge or judicial staff review for procedural and substantive appropriateness.
  • Judge Signs: The judge signs the proposed order or directs modifications before signing.
  • Distribution: Clerk enters and distributes the signed order; parties serve as required by local rules.

Typical e-filing and e-sign workflow settings

Configure your digital workflow to match court and service rules, including authentication, file format, and service receipts.

Field Recommended Setting
E-filing System Use court-approved portal (PDF/A preferred)
Signer Authentication Email link or higher (SMS/KBA) per court requirements
Document Format PDF/A or PDF with embedded fonts
Retention Save signed PDF and audit trail for minimum retention period

Technical and security considerations for electronic completion

Ensure the platform you use supports court-required formats, secure authentication, and a verifiable audit trail before e-signing or e-filing.

  • File Formats: PDF, PDF/A
  • Security: TLS 1.2/1.3 and AES-256 encryption
  • Integrations: E-filing portals, case management systems

Platforms that capture a detailed audit trail and support integrations (for example, document storage and case management) simplify service verification and record retention when a judge signs the order.

eSignature vendor comparison for completing stipulation orders

Simple vendor comparison showing starting price and common capabilities relevant to signing and distributing legal stipulations; signNow appears first per platform data.

signNow DocuSign Adobe Sign PandaDoc HelloSign
Starting Price $8/user/mo $15/user/mo $14/user/mo $19/user/mo $15/user/mo
Free Trial 7-day free trial Varies by vendor Varies by vendor Varies by vendor Varies by vendor
Bulk Send Varies by plan Var ies by plan Var ies by plan Var ies by plan Var ies by plan
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No

Common mistakes to avoid when preparing a stipulation

  • Submitting a proposed order that does not match the stipulation’s operative language, causing clerk edits or rejection.
  • Using inconsistent party names or case numbers that result in misfiling or delayed clerk processing.
  • Failing to attach required proof of service or using an unsupported e-service method under local rules.
  • Relying on informal email agreements without a signed stipulation and proposed order that a judge can enter.

Consequences and procedural risks of incorrect or incomplete filings

Clerk Rejection: May delay entry of the order
Hearing Delay: Scheduling setbacks for case milestones
Sanctions: Court may impose fees or sanctions
Perjury Risk: False factual recitals can create exposure
Enforceability: Judge may refuse to enter vague terms
Service Defect: Improper service can void notice and delay outcomes

Typical timing and deadlines tied to a stipulation order

Timelines depend on negotiated dates and local court processing; plan for filing, clerk review, and judge availability.

Draft Completion:

Prepare stipulation and proposed order immediately after agreement is reached

Signature Window:

Obtain signatures within the timeframe agreed by the parties

File/E-file Deadline:

File with the clerk per local e-filing cutoffs

Judge Review Period:

Allow several days to weeks for judicial review depending on caseload

Order Entry:

Once signed, the clerk enters and distributes the official order

Typical signatories for a stipulation and proposed order

Lead Counsel — Plaintiff

Lead counsel signs to confirm plaintiff’s agreement and authority. Counsel should include bar number, firm name, email, and date to ensure clerk and opposing counsel can verify representation.

Defense Counsel — Respondent

Defense counsel signs to commit the respondent to the stipulated terms. Signature must show authority to bind the client and include contact details for service and clerk communications.

Practical examples of stipulation orders in California cases

Short scenario examples illustrate common stipulation uses and what to include in the proposed order.

Settlement Stipulation

Parties agree to a settlement and dismissals

  • Judge entry requested to finalize dismissal
  • The stipulation lists payment terms, dismissal language, deadlines, and a proposed order formatted for entry by the court; proof of service accompanies the filing.

Discovery Extension

Counsel agree to extend discovery deadlines

  • Proposed order sets new dates
  • The stipulation explains why extension is necessary, sets firm dates, and includes a proposed order for judge signature, reducing need for a contested hearing.

Frequently asked questions about California Stipulation Orders

Answers to common procedural and e-sign questions when preparing and filing a stipulation and proposed order.


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