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FL-371Mandatory

Notice of Motion and Declaration for Joinder

California · Judicial Council of California · Effective January 1, 2003

This form is used to ask the court to officially make a new person a party in a family law case. It requires the person filing to state facts showing why this new person should be involved in the case.

The court describes it as: Ask the court to decide (order) to make you a party in the family law case. This is commonly used by a grandparent or a step-parent who wants to participate in the case concerning child custody and visitation (parenting time).

Open the official PDFfrom Judicial Council of California

Where this fits in a case

Motions

Stage: Motions

This form is commonly used by people like grandparents or step-parents who want to participate in a case about child custody or visitation.

Either party may file.

Common questions

What is this form for?
This form is used to ask the court to order that a specific person be added as a party to the family law case. It is called a Notice of Motion and Declaration for Joinder.
Who usually files this form?
The form is used by someone who wants to join the case, which could be a grandparent or a step-parent.
Does this form require a hearing?
The form includes a section to set a date, time, and room for a hearing where the court will decide on the request.

Revision history

No changes recorded since we started tracking this form on October 9, 2026. The current version took effect January 1, 2003.

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