What documents do I need to give the court to register my order?

You need two copies of the out-of-state or tribal custody order, one of which must be certified. You also need a signed statement saying the order has not been changed, and your address and the address of the parent who has custody.

If I want the court to help enforce the order, what form do I use?

You can file form FL-581, Petition for Enforcement of Out-of-State or Tribal Custody Order, either when you register the order or later.

Do I have to wait for the court to confirm the order before it is enforceable?

No, the registered order is enforceable from the date it is registered with the court unless the court finds it is not valid.

FL-580-INFOOptional

How to Register and Request Enforcement of Your Out-of-State or Tribal Custody Order

California · Judicial Council of California · Effective January 1, 2025

This form provides information on how to register a child custody order from another state, tribal court, or country, and how to ask the court to help enforce that order. It explains the documents needed and the steps that follow filing.

Open the official PDFfrom Judicial Council of California

Where this fits in a case

After judgment

Start a case
Respond
Motions
Discovery
Hearing
Judgment
After judgment
Appeal

Stage: After judgment

This information sheet is used by someone who needs to register a child custody order that was issued by a court outside of California, or who needs the court's help to enforce that order.

Either party may file.

Common questions

What documents do I need to give the court to register my order?: You need two copies of the out-of-state or tribal custody order, one of which must be certified. You also need a signed statement saying the order has not been changed, and your address and the address of the parent who has custody.
If I want the court to help enforce the order, what form do I use?: You can file form FL-581, Petition for Enforcement of Out-of-State or Tribal Custody Order, either when you register the order or later.
Do I have to wait for the court to confirm the order before it is enforceable?: No, the registered order is enforceable from the date it is registered with the court unless the court finds it is not valid.

Revision history

No changes recorded since we started tracking this form on October 9, 2026. The current version took effect January 1, 2025.

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