388 Petition Form (JV-388) – Fill Out and File

The 388 Petition form (JV-388) is a California juvenile court document used to request a change in custody, visitation, or other orders for a dependent child. If you have experienced a change in circumstances or new evidence has emerged since the last court order, California law provides a clear path to revisit those decisions. Click the button below to fill out and submit the form.

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388 Petition Form – Key Details and Filing Facts

The 388 Petition, governed by Welfare and Institutions Code (WIC) Section 388, allows parents, guardians, or other interested parties to ask a juvenile dependency court to modify or terminate an existing court order. To succeed, you must demonstrate either a change of circumstances since the last order or present new evidence that was not available before.

When you file a JV-388, you submit the petition to the Juvenile Dependency Clerk's Office along with supporting documentation. The court then schedules a 388 hearing, where a judge or commissioner reviews your evidence. You must show that the proposed change serves the best interest of the child. This is the primary legal standard applied in California juvenile dependency cases.

Common reasons for filing include completed sobriety or parenting programs, changed living situations, or new evidence of the child's needs. Related court forms include the JV-180 Notification of Mailing Address and the California JV-445. Local Superior Courts also offer self-help resources to guide you through the filing process.

Question	Answer
Form Name	388 Petition Form
Form Length	2 pages
Fillable?	No
Fillable fields	0
Avg. time to fill out	30 sec
Legal basis	Welfare and Institutions Code Section 388
Filing location	Juvenile Dependency Clerk's Office
Who can file	Parents, guardians, or interested parties
Other names	388 petition los angeles county, 388 hearing, jv 388 petition form, 388 petition

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How to Fill Out and File the 388 Petition Form

Follow these steps to complete JV-388 and present your request to the juvenile dependency court.

Step 1: Gather Your Supporting Evidence

Before filling out the form, collect documents that prove your changed circumstances or new evidence. Examples include program completion certificates, employer letters, housing records, or statements from service providers.

Step 2: Complete the JV-388 Form

Enter your name, the child's name and case number, the specific order you want changed, and your reasons. Be specific about what changed, when it changed, and why the modification serves the child's best interest.

Step 3: File at the Clerk's Office

Bring the original plus at least two copies to the Juvenile Dependency Clerk's Office. File before the next scheduled hearing date. If you also need to update your address, submit a JV-180 form at the same time.

Step 4: Attend the 388 Hearing

The court will schedule a hearing to review your petition. Present your evidence to the judge or commissioner, who will decide whether the proposed change is in the best interest of the dependent child. Bring all supporting documents and be prepared to answer questions.