What Is an RFO in Family Law?
A Request for Orders (RFO) is a formal request to modify or make orders in an ongoing case. These orders may address various aspects of the case, including parenting time, support, custody of minor or disabled children, or enforcement of existing court orders. It is critical that you understand what an RFO is in Colorado family law and how it applies to your specific situation. Speak with a Broomfield family law attorney about an RFO today.
What RFO Means and Requires
In any situation where a party in a case needs the judge to make a decision, they file an RFO. This formal filing, once called an order to show cause, is an official request to the judge to take action in the case. You or your attorney can file this documentation with the court. Some of the most common reasons for seeking RFO include:
- Requesting spousal support
- Requesting child custody during the divorce process
- Requesting emergency protective orders
- Requesting testing to establish a child’s paternity
- Seeking a modification to an existing order
- Seeking specific decisions about property as it relates to the division of property
- Requesting the relocation of a child or requesting to prevent such actions
- Seeking the court to issue a contempt of court charge against the party in violation
In any situation where you need the judge to make a decision that relates to the actions of another party involved in the court action, an RFO occurs. Any party to the current case may make such requests.
Legal Details of How RFO Works
The Colorado Revised Statutes, Title 14, establish specific rules governing divorce. An RFO is a tool that allows you to request help with specific, important matters, such as who has temporary custody of a child or who must pay child support now. The court uses these requests to allow for faster decision-making when necessary.
How Are RFOs Filed in Colorado?
The process itself requires a few steps that you must complete properly for the court to take action. This includes filing a form that provides very specific information about the need and the reasons. Every detail is necessary, as the court will throw out any RFO with missing or contradictory information, thereby delaying the decision-making process.
Most of the time, the proper form must be completed at the courthouse in the appropriate jurisdiction. You must know the filing requirements and meet them. Depending on the type of request, the filer must submit a copy to the spouse.
The court will receive the RFO and review it. A timeline is established for recognizing the RFO and when decisions will be made. An Initial Status Conference is set up to address requests and determine next steps.
Any decision the judge makes is immediately applicable. It is legally enforceable as well. That means if a judge issues an order and you fail to act on it, you may face contempt of court charges. This can lead to a range of outcomes.
Seeking Legal Guidance Is a Must
Because of the complexities in RFOs and the role they play in the outcome of your case, seek the guidance of an attorney in creating, filing, and navigating them. Doing so can make a big difference in the outcome of your divorce or child custody case in Broomfield, Colorado.