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Out of State Custody Decree

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REQUEST FOR HEARING REGARDING REGISTRATION OF OUT-OF-STATE CUSTODY DECREE

ATTORNEY OR PARTY WITHOUT ATTORNEY (Name, state bar number, and address):

FOR COURT USE ONLY

FL-585

TELEPHONE NO.:

FAX NO.:

ATTORNEY FOR (Name):

SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF

STREET ADDRESS:

MAILING ADDRESS:

CITY AND ZIP CODE:

BRANCH NAME:

PETITIONER:

RESPONDENT:

CASE NUMBER:

REQUEST FOR HEARING REGARDING REGISTRATION OF
OUT-OF-STATE CUSTODY DECREE

NOTICE OF HEARING

1. A hearing on this application will be held as follows:

a. Date:

Time:

Dept:

Div.:

Room:

b. The address of the court is same as noted above other (specify):

2. I request that service of the registration of custody be vacated (canceled) because:

a. The court or tribunal that issued the order did not have personal jurisdiction over me.

b. The custody order has been vacated, stayed, or modified by a later order made by a court having jurisdiction to do so. (Please attach a copy of the later order.)

c. I was entitled to notice of the original order, but did not receive that notice in the proceedings before the court that issued the order.

d. Other (specify):

I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing is true and correct.

Date:

(TYPE OR PRINT NAME)

(SIGNATURE OF DECLARANT)

Form Approved for Optional Use

Judicial Council of California

FL-585 [New January 1, 2003]

REQUEST FOR HEARING REGARDING

REGISTRATION OF OUT-OF-STATE CUSTODY DECREE

Page 1 of 2

Family Code, § 3445

www.courtinfo.ca.gov

PETITIONER:

RESPONDENT:

CASE NUMBER:

CLERK'S CERTIFICATE OF MAILING

I certify that I am not a party to this cause and that a true copy of the Request for Hearing Regarding Registration of Out-of-State Custody Decree was mailed first class, postage fully prepaid, in a sealed envelope addressed as shown below, and that the notice was mailed

at (place): , California,
on (date):

Date:

Clerk, by

Deputy

FL-585 [New January 1, 2003]

REQUEST FOR HEARING REGARDING

REGISTRATION OF OUT-OF-STATE CUSTODY DECREE

Page 2 of 2

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What an Out of State Custody Decree Is

An Out of State Custody Decree is a court-issued custody order originating in one U.S. state that a parent, guardian, or party seeks to recognize, enforce, or register in another state. These decrees govern parental rights, visitation, and decision-making authority and may require formal recognition procedures under interstate family law frameworks such as the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act. Because custody decrees are judicial orders, some procedural steps — including filing, authentication, or court hearings — differ from standard contract filings and may be subject to state-specific rules and exceptions to general electronic signature laws.

Why a Proper Out of State Custody Decree Matters

A correctly prepared decree ensures enforceability across state lines, reduces disputes about jurisdiction, and clarifies parental responsibilities and visitation schedules without repeated litigation.

Why a Proper Out of State Custody Decree Matters

Who Typically Prepares or Relies on These Decrees

Proper preparation reduces procedural delays and helps ensure the receiving state's court will accept and enforce the out-of-state order.

  • Parents and legal guardians seeking recognition or modification of custody arrangements in a different state
  • Family law attorneys preparing petitions, certified copies, or registration paperwork for court submission
  • Court clerks, child welfare agencies, and law enforcement verifying enforceable orders across jurisdictions

Primary Signers and Parties

Petitioner

A petitioner is the person who requests recognition or enforcement of the out-of-state custody decree. They must provide identifying information, the certified foreign order or decree, and evidence of service or notice as required by the receiving court; attorney representation is common but not always required.

Respondent

A respondent is the party who must be served or who may oppose recognition. Courts typically require the respondent's current contact information and may schedule hearings where the respondent can contest jurisdiction or enforcement under state law.

Required Data Elements for the Decree Package

Party Names: Full legal names
Case Number: Originating case ID
Issuing Court: Court name and state
Certified Copy: Court-certified document
Service Proof: Returned process or affidavit
Effective Dates: Order date and modification dates

Consequences of an Incorrect or Incomplete Filing

Rejection: Court may refuse registration
Delay: Enforcement postponed
Contempt Risk: Enforcement disputes escalate
Loss of Rights: Temporary custody gaps possible
Additional Costs: New filings or hearings
Jurisdiction Challenge: Opposition to enforceability

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Preparing the Decree

  • Submitting an uncertified copy instead of a court-certified copy can cause immediate rejection or require return for proper authentication.
  • Failing to include up-to-date contact and service information for all parties often prevents a court from proceeding, triggering additional notice requirements.
  • Assuming electronic signatures suffice without confirming the receiving court’s rules — family law decrees are frequently excluded or require in-person authentication.
  • Not verifying the receiving state's procedural requirements for recognition (e.g., supporting affidavits under UCCJEA) leads to avoidable hearings and delays.

Step-by-Step: Preparing an Out of State Custody Decree for Recognition

Follow a consistent sequence to prepare the decree package so courts can process recognition and enforcement efficiently.

  • 01
    Obtain Certified Copy: Request a certified copy from the issuing court clerk
  • 02
    Collect Supporting Records: Include parenting plans, modifications, and docket entries
  • 03
    Prepare Affidavits: Affidavit of authenticity or UCCJEA-related statements
  • 04
    File in Receiving Court: Submit package and proof of service per local rules

How Recognition and Enforcement Typically Progress

A typical recognition workflow involves submitting documents, serving the other party, and awaiting court action or scheduling a hearing.

  • Submit Petition: File registration or petition to recognize order
  • Serve Parties: Provide legally sufficient notice to respondent
  • Court Review: Court reviews compliance with jurisdiction rules
  • Enforcement Action: Court issues local enforcement or schedule hearing

Key Parts of a Professional Out of State Custody Decree Package

A complete package combines legal documents, proof of the original order, jurisdictional statements, and clear contact and notice information to support efficient processing.

Certified Order

A court-certified copy of the original custody decree showing judge signature and court seal is essential for registration and enforcement.

UCCJEA Affidavit

A statement addressing jurisdictional facts under the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act helps the receiving court evaluate proper jurisdiction.

Service Documentation

Return of service, affidavit of service, or other proof demonstrating the respondent received notice as required by the receiving court.

Parenting Plan

Detailed parenting plan or custody schedule clarifies physical custody, visitation, and decision-making responsibilities for enforcement.

Modification Records

Any subsequent orders, agreed modifications, or contempt findings that affect present enforceability should be included.

Contact Information

Current addresses, phone numbers, and counsel contact details for all parties minimize processing delays and permit timely service.

How to Configure an Online Workflow for the Decree Package

Set up a clear online workflow to gather signatures, collect documents, and produce a single bundled packet for court filing.

Document Upload Settings PDF/A preferred; attach certified pages separately
Signer Authentication Use email plus SMS or ID verification where permitted
Field Types Use text, date, and checkbox fields for accuracy
Audit Trail Capture Enable full audit with timestamps and IP addresses
File Export Options Export signed packet as single PDF for filing

Digital Signing and eSubmission Considerations

When allowed, use platforms that provide auditable trails, tamper-evident PDFs, and the option to produce certified paper copies for courts that require original seals.

  • Authentication: Strong signer ID recommended
  • Notarization: RON or in-person per state rules
  • Export Formats: PDF/A preserves signatures

eSignature Vendor Comparison for Decree Workflows

Compare common eSignature vendors by starting price, trial availability, bulk send, audit trail presence, HIPAA compliance, and envelope or session caps.

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 No No Yes, limited Yes, limited
Bulk Send Yes Yes Yes Yes No
Audit Trail Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
HIPAA Compliant Yes Yes Yes No No
Envelope Cap No cap 100 envelopes/user/year Varies by plan Varies by plan Varies by plan

Frequently Asked Questions About Out of State Custody Decrees

Answers focus on typical procedural and authentication questions encountered when registering or enforcing a custody decree in another state.


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