FL-105 is a California family court form required in any case involving child custody or visitation. It provides the court with essential information about where the child has lived, who the child has lived with, and whether there are any other custody-related cases or orders in existence. This form is based on the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA), a law used nationwide to prevent conflicting custody orders from different states and to ensure that custody decisions are made in the appropriate jurisdiction.

The primary purpose of FL-105 is to help the court determine whether it has legal authority (jurisdiction) to make custody and visitation orders in your case. Because children may move between states or countries, the court needs a clear record of the child’s residence history for the past five years. This prevents situations where two different courts issue competing custody orders and ensures that only one state has jurisdiction at a time, based on where the child has significant connections.

On this form, you list each address where the child has lived, the dates they lived there, and the names of the adults they lived with. You also indicate whether you know of any other custody, visitation, or guardianship cases involving the child, as well as any restraining orders or protective orders that may affect the case. This information helps the court understand the full legal picture and avoid duplicate or conflicting proceedings in other jurisdictions.

FL-105 also requires you to identify any person—other than the parties—who claims custody or visitation rights. This ensures that all individuals with a legal interest in the child are known to the court and can be notified if required. Because the form is signed under penalty of perjury, the information provided must be accurate and complete. Any missing or misleading information can delay the case or affect the court’s decisions.

In summary, FL-105 is an essential document for any California case involving custody or visitation. It ensures the court has the proper jurisdiction, prevents conflicting orders from different states, and provides a comprehensive record of the child’s residence and legal history. Completing this form carefully helps the court protect the child’s best interests and move the case forward without jurisdictional complications.