FL-110 is the official California family court Summons issued when a family law case is filed, such as divorce, legal separation, annulment, or a parentage action. After the petitioner files their initial documents (usually including FL-100 or FL-200), the court generates FL-110 to formally notify the other party—the respondent—that a legal case has been opened. This summons is required by law and must be properly served before the court can make permanent orders affecting either party.

The Summons serves several critical functions. It tells the respondent that they have been sued in a family law case and informs them of their rights and responsibilities. It also explains that the respondent has 30 days from the date of service to file a response with the court if they want to participate in the case. If no response is filed within that timeframe, the petitioner may request a default, which allows the court to proceed without the respondent’s input and potentially grant the petitioner’s requested orders.

One of the most important sections of FL-110 is the list of Standard Family Law Restraining Orders, also known as ATROs (Automatic Temporary Restraining Orders). These orders go into effect for both parties once the summons is served and filed. They prohibit actions such as removing children from California without permission, changing insurance policies, disposing of property, or incurring substantial debts outside of normal living expenses. These restraints are designed to maintain fairness and stability while the case is pending.

The form also includes information about the requirement to share financial disclosures. Both parties are obligated to exchange complete and accurate information regarding income, expenses, assets, and debts. This ensures transparency and helps the court make fair decisions about support, property division, and other financial matters. FL-110 makes these duties clear so that both parties understand the legal process from the beginning.

In summary, FL-110 is a crucial document that starts the respondent’s involvement in a family law case. It provides official notice of the proceedings, outlines important deadlines, and imposes automatic restraining orders to protect both parties. Properly serving FL-110 is essential for the case to move forward, and the information it contains sets the foundation for how the legal process will unfold.