California Form FL-340, the Findings and Order After Hearing, is the official document that turns a judge’s spoken ruling into a binding written court order in a family law case. You fill it out by checking the boxes that match what the judge ordered at your hearing, attaching the right sub-forms (like FL-341 for custody or FL-342 for child support), serving the other party, and then submitting it to the judge for signature under California Rules of Court, Rule 5.125.
Roughly 50% of family law litigants in California appear without a lawyer, according to the Judicial Council’s Self-Represented Litigants report, which means most people who must prepare an FL-340 are doing it alone. A small mistake on this form can erase months of progress, delay support payments, or even let the other side argue the order is unenforceable.
In this guide you will learn:
- 📝 How to fill out every line of Form FL-340 and its attachments
- ⚖️ Which California Family Code sections control each section of the order
- 👨👩👧 Real named examples for divorce, custody, support, and restraining order cases
- 🚫 The seven biggest mistakes self-represented filers make and how to avoid them
- ⏱️ The exact 5-day, 10-day, and ex parte timelines under Rule 5.125
What Form FL-340 Actually Is
Form FL-340 is the Findings and Order After Hearing used in every California family law case to memorialize a judge’s ruling after a Request for Order (RFO) hearing. The form acts as a cover sheet that gathers findings, then routes the substantive orders into specialized attachments. Without a signed FL-340, the words spoken from the bench have no enforceable life, because California courts speak only through written orders under Code of Civil Procedure § 1003.
The plain-English explanation is simple. After a hearing on an RFO (Form FL-300), the judge tells the parties what the ruling is. One side, usually the prevailing party or the party the judge designates, must draft FL-340 reflecting that ruling. The drafter then serves it on the other side, who has a chance to object before it goes to the judge for signature.
The consequence of skipping or botching FL-340 is severe. If no written order is entered, you cannot enforce child support through the California Department of Child Support Services, you cannot ask law enforcement to enforce a custody schedule, and you cannot garnish wages. The order does not legally exist until the judge signs the FL-340.
A real-world example shows the stakes. Imagine David in Sacramento wins primary custody at a contested hearing in March, but he never prepares FL-340. By August, the mother takes the children out of state. Without a signed order, local police shrug, and David must run back to court for emergency relief, losing five months and thousands in fees.
A common misconception is that the court clerk prepares the order. The clerk does not. Under Rule 5.125(c), the party the court designates, or by default the moving party who prevailed, must draft and circulate the order within 10 calendar days of the hearing.
Federal Backdrop That Shapes FL-340
Federal law sits behind several FL-340 attachments. The Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act (UCCJEA) controls jurisdiction findings on FL-341. The Full Faith and Credit for Child Support Orders Act, 28 U.S.C. § 1738B, forces other states to honor a properly entered FL-340 child support order. Title IV-D of the Social Security Act, found at 42 U.S.C. § 651, funds the state agency that enforces the support sections you check on FL-342.
Knowing the federal layer matters because mistakes on FL-340 can break interstate enforcement. If your custody jurisdiction findings are wrong, an out-of-state court may refuse to register the order. The consequence is that a parent could move a child to Nevada and you would have to relitigate from scratch.
A common misconception is that California law alone governs the form. It does not. The federal statutes silently dictate what must appear on the face of the order for it to travel beyond California’s borders.
When You Use FL-340 vs. Other Order Forms
FL-340 is for orders after a contested or uncontested hearing on a Request for Order. It is not used for default judgments, which use FL-180, and it is not used for stipulated agreements without a hearing, which often use FL-130 or a stand-alone stipulation.
The plain-English version is that FL-340 follows a hearing. If a judge took the bench, listened, and ruled, you use FL-340. If the parties settled in the hallway and never went on the record, you use a stipulation form instead.
The consequence of using the wrong form is rejection by the clerk, sometimes weeks later, which forces you to redo the work and lose your filing date. Picture Aisha in Alameda County who used FL-180 after a contested support hearing. The clerk rejected it three weeks later, and her wage assignment was delayed two months.
A common misconception is that FL-340 can be used for restraining orders standing alone. For a domestic violence restraining order after hearing, the proper form is DV-130, not FL-340, although FL-340 can carry related custody and support pieces in a dissolution case.
Step-by-Step: Filling Out the Caption and Top of FL-340
Every California family law form shares the same top caption. Mistakes here cause clerk rejections far more often than substantive errors do. Take five careful minutes on the caption, and you will save weeks of delay later.
Attorney or Party Without Attorney Box
In the top-left box, write your full name, State Bar number if you are an attorney, mailing address, telephone, fax (optional), and email (optional). If you are self-represented, write “In Pro Per” or “Self-Represented” where the bar number would go.
The plain-English explanation is that this box tells the court who to mail the signed order to and who is responsible for the filing. The consequence of leaving it blank or using a stale address is that you may never receive the conformed copy, and the statutory 60-day appeal clock under Rule 8.104 may run without your knowledge.
A real-world example illustrates the danger. Marcus in Riverside listed an old apartment address on FL-340. The conformed order went to the old address, the new tenant tossed it, and Marcus missed the deadline to move for reconsideration under CCP § 1008.
A common misconception is that attorneys can list only the firm name. They cannot. Rule 1.4(b) requires the individual attorney’s name and bar number.
Court Branch and Case Number
Below the attorney box, fill in the Superior Court of California, County of ____, the branch street address (for example, the Stanley Mosk Courthouse for Los Angeles County), and your six- or seven-digit case number. Use the exact branch where your case is assigned, not the central courthouse, because each branch has different filing departments.
The consequence of writing the wrong branch is automatic rejection by the clerk. Picture Sofia in San Diego who wrote “Central” instead of “East County Division” on her FL-340. The Hall of Justice clerk rejected it, and her order sat in limbo for three weeks.
A common misconception is that the case number can be abbreviated. It cannot. The full case number, including any letter prefix like “FL,” “BD,” or “VFL,” must appear exactly as it does on the original Petition (FL-100).
Petitioner, Respondent, and Other Parent/Party
List the Petitioner and Respondent exactly as they appear on the original petition, even if names have changed. If the case is a parentage matter under Family Code § 7600 et seq., use Mother and Father or Other Parent as appropriate.
The plain-English rule is that the names must match the petition or the court’s docket will not connect the order to the case. The consequence of a mismatch, such as a maiden name on the petition and a married name on FL-340, is rejection or, worse, an order that is technically entered in the wrong case.
A common misconception is that you can update names mid-case. You cannot, unless you formally change the case caption by motion. Until then, use the original names from the petition.
Step-by-Step: Filling Out the Body of FL-340
The body of FL-340 is where most filers stumble. The form uses a check-box architecture, and every box you check or leave blank changes what the order means.
Item 1: Hearing Information
Item 1 captures the date, time, department, and judicial officer of the hearing. You also list every person who appeared, including attorneys, parties, minor’s counsel appointed under Family Code § 3150, interpreters, and any court-appointed evaluator under Evidence Code § 730.
The consequence of omitting an appearance is that the order may not bind that person, and on appeal the record will not match. Imagine Priya in Santa Clara forgot to list the Spanish interpreter who appeared for her ex. On appeal, the husband argued he never had a fair hearing, and the appellate court remanded under the standard from In re Marriage of Carlsson (2008) 163 Cal.App.4th 281.
A common misconception is that “submitted on the papers” hearings do not need Item 1 completed. They do. Even when no one appears, you list the date the matter was submitted and the judge who decided it.
Item 2: Findings
Item 2 is the findings portion, where you check boxes describing what the court found. Common findings include: the court has jurisdiction over the parties and subject matter, notice was proper under Code of Civil Procedure § 1005, and any Family Code § 3044 presumption findings in domestic violence cases.
The plain-English rule is that findings are the legal because statements. The order section says what happens; the findings say why the law allows it.
The consequence of weak findings is that the order can be attacked on appeal for lack of evidentiary support. The famous custody-move case In re Marriage of LaMusga (2004) 32 Cal.4th 1072 holds that without sufficient findings on detriment, a move-away order cannot stand.
A common misconception is that findings are optional in stipulated matters. In move-away, Family Code § 3044 presumption cases, and fee shifting under Family Code § 271, explicit findings are required.
Item 3: The Court Orders
Item 3 lists the substantive orders. You will check boxes for child custody and visitation (which routes you to FL-341), child support (FL-342), spousal or partner support (FL-343), attorney’s fees and costs (FL-344), and other orders, which is the catch-all.
The plain-English rule is that for each box checked, the matching attachment must be filled out and physically attached. The consequence of checking the box and forgetting the attachment is that the order is incomplete and unenforceable on that issue.
Picture Jordan in Fresno who checked the child support box but never attached FL-342. The wage assignment under Family Code § 5230 bounced back from the employer because the support amount was not in the order.
A common misconception is that handwritten notes in the margins suffice. They do not. Each substantive area has its own Judicial Council attachment, and the attachments are mandatory under Rule 1.31.
Filling Out FL-341: Child Custody and Visitation
Form FL-341 is the Child Custody and Visitation (Parenting Time) Order Attachment. It pairs with FL-340 in every case where the court orders anything about the children.
Legal vs. Physical Custody
FL-341 separates legal custody (decision-making authority over health, education, and welfare) from physical custody (where the child lives). Family Code § 3003 defines joint legal custody, and § 3004 defines joint physical custody.
The plain-English rule is that joint legal does not require equal time, and sole physical does not strip the other parent of decisions. The consequence of confusing the two is that parents end up litigating school enrollment or medical care because the order is ambiguous.
The leading case Montenegro v. Diaz (2001) 26 Cal.4th 249 holds that an order is a final judicial custody determination only if it clearly says so. Without that clarity, the changed-circumstance rule does not apply, and either parent can relitigate at will.
A common misconception is that “joint custody” without specification means 50/50. It does not. You must spell out the schedule on FL-341 or its FL-341(A) supplemental attachment.
Parenting Schedule and Holidays
Use FL-341(C) for the children’s holiday schedule and FL-341(D) for additional provisions. Specify exchange times, locations, transportation, and the first refusal rule if the parties want it.
The consequence of a vague schedule is constant returns to court. Imagine Elena in Orange County whose order said “reasonable visitation.” Within six months she filed three RFOs because the parents could not agree on what reasonable meant.
A common misconception is that the holiday schedule overrides the regular schedule by default. It does not unless the form says so. Always check the box that the holiday schedule controls in case of conflict.
Domestic Violence and Section 3044
If there is a domestic violence finding within the past five years, Family Code § 3044 creates a rebuttable presumption against awarding sole or joint custody to the abusive parent. FL-341 has a specific section to record the seven required factors the court considered.
The consequence of skipping the § 3044 findings is automatic reversal on appeal. The case Jaime G. v. H.L. (2018) 25 Cal.App.5th 794 reversed a custody order because the trial court did not make the required findings.
A common misconception is that only criminal convictions trigger § 3044. They do not. A civil DVPA finding under Family Code § 6203 is enough.
Filling Out FL-342: Child Support
Form FL-342 is the Child Support Information and Order Attachment. California uses a uniform statewide guideline calculation under Family Code § 4055.
Guideline Calculation Inputs
FL-342 requires you to list each parent’s net monthly disposable income, the time-share percentage with each child, the number of children, tax filing status, and any hardship deductions under Family Code § 4071. The court generates the guideline figure with DissoMaster or California’s Child Support Guideline Calculator.
The consequence of inaccurate inputs is that the support number is wrong, and the obligor pays too much or the child receives too little. Picture Tomás in San Bernardino who left out his ex’s bonus income. The order under-supported his daughter by $400 a month for two years.
A common misconception is that a parent’s new spouse’s income counts. It does not, except for a narrow tax-bracket adjustment under Family Code § 4057.5.
Add-Ons: Mandatory and Discretionary
Family Code § 4062 splits add-ons into mandatory (childcare for work or training, uninsured health costs) and discretionary (education, travel for visitation). FL-342 has check boxes for each, with proportional sharing by default under § 4061.
The consequence of forgetting add-ons is that one parent absorbs the entire daycare bill. The leading case In re Marriage of Cryer (2011) 198 Cal.App.4th 1039 confirms that add-ons must be separately ordered, not bundled into base support.
A common misconception is that add-ons can be paid in kind. They cannot, unless the form expressly says so. Default is proportional reimbursement with receipts.
Wage Assignment and Health Insurance
Family Code § 5230 makes a wage assignment, FL-195, automatic with every support order unless the parties stipulate otherwise. FL-342 also addresses health insurance under § 3751, which must be ordered if available at reasonable cost.
The consequence of skipping health insurance is uncovered medical bills that the parents must absorb proportionally anyway.
Filling Out FL-343: Spousal or Partner Support
Form FL-343 handles spousal or partner support orders.
Temporary vs. Permanent Support
Temporary (pendente lite) support uses local guideline schedules. Permanent (post-judgment) support uses the Family Code § 4320 factors, which include marital standard of living, earning capacity, and domestic violence history.
The consequence of using the wrong framework is reversal. Imagine Rachel in Contra Costa whose judge used a guideline number for permanent support. The Court of Appeal reversed under In re Marriage of Schulze (1997) 60 Cal.App.4th 519.
A common misconception is that spousal support is automatic in long marriages. It is not. The court must analyze every § 4320 factor on the record.
Gavron Warning
FL-343 includes the Gavron warning, derived from In re Marriage of Gavron (1988) 203 Cal.App.3d 705 and codified at Family Code § 4330(b). It tells the supported spouse the law expects self-sufficiency within a reasonable time.
The consequence of omitting the warning is that, later, the obligor cannot use lack of effort as a reason to terminate support. Always check the Gavron box.
Filling Out FL-344: Attorney’s Fees and Costs
Form FL-344 handles fee orders under Family Code §§ 2030, 2032 (need-based) and § 271 (sanctions for uncooperative conduct).
The plain-English rule is that § 2030 fees level the playing field, while § 271 fees punish bad behavior. The consequence of mixing the two is reversal, because each requires different findings.
The leading case In re Marriage of Tharp (2010) 188 Cal.App.4th 1295 reversed a fee order because the trial court failed to specify which statute it relied on. Picture Hector in Kern County who won $15,000 in § 271 fees but lost them on appeal because the FL-344 did not say § 271.
A common misconception is that you can recover fees without Income and Expense Declaration FL-150. You cannot. Rule 5.427(b) requires a current FL-150 from each party.
Three Common Scenarios in Action
Below are the three most common patterns where Form FL-340 makes or breaks a case.
Scenario 1: Custody Modification After RFO
| Action You Take | Consequence Under California Law |
|---|---|
| Win primary custody at hearing and prepare FL-340 with FL-341 within 10 days | Order is enforceable; police can act on it under Family Code § 3130 |
| Forget to attach FL-341 | Custody portion is void; you must reset hearing |
| Skip § 3044 findings after DV finding | Order reversible on appeal under Jaime G. v. H.L. |
| Use vague “reasonable visitation” language | Either parent can relitigate any time, no res judicata |
| Include clear holiday schedule on FL-341(C) | Holidays override regular schedule, fewer disputes |
Scenario 2: Child Support Set or Modified
| Action You Take | Consequence Under Family Code |
|---|---|
| Attach FL-342 with full DissoMaster printout | Order matches guideline, no appellate vulnerability |
| Omit ex’s bonus income | Support is below guideline; obligee can later seek arrears |
| Skip wage assignment box | Employer cannot withhold under § 5230 |
| Forget add-ons for daycare | One parent eats the full bill |
| Fail to order health insurance under § 3751 | Uncovered medical splits unevenly |
Scenario 3: Domestic Violence Restraining Order Hearing
| Action You Take | Consequence Under DVPA |
|---|---|
| Use DV-130 for the restraining order itself | Order enters CLETS database same day |
| Use FL-340 with FL-341 for related custody | Custody attaches to the dissolution case file |
| Skip § 3044 findings | Custody order reversible |
| Omit firearms relinquishment under § 6389 | Federal 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(8) violation risk |
| Serve restrained party properly | Order is enforceable nationwide under VAWA full faith and credit |
Three Real-World Named Examples
These illustrate how FL-340 plays out in actual life.
Example 1: Maria in Los Angeles County
Maria filed an RFO seeking primary physical custody and child support. The judge granted her requests after a contested hearing. Maria, self-represented, prepared FL-340 with FL-341 (custody) and FL-342 (support). She listed her ex’s gross income at $9,200 a month from his pay stubs, attached his FL-150, and ran DissoMaster to confirm guideline support of $1,640 a month. She served the proposed order on her ex within 10 days, he had no objection, and the judge signed it on day 16.
The lesson is prompt drafting plus accurate attachments equals enforceable order. Maria’s wage assignment processed in 14 days through the Local Child Support Agency.
Example 2: Daniel in Orange County
Daniel and his wife stipulated to spousal support at the hearing. Daniel’s attorney prepared FL-340 with FL-343 reflecting $2,800 a month for four years, included the Gavron warning, and tracked the § 4320 factor findings. The order survived a later modification request because the findings record was complete.
The lesson is that stipulated orders still need full findings if you want them to stick.
Example 3: Aisha in Alameda County
Aisha obtained a domestic violence restraining order. Her attorney filed DV-130 for the restraining order and a separate FL-340 with FL-341 in the parallel dissolution case. The custody portion contained the seven § 3044 factor findings on the record. When her ex appealed, the First District affirmed because the findings were precise.
The lesson is that DV cases require dual-track orders, and FL-340 carries the family law pieces.
Mistakes to Avoid When Filling Out FL-340
These are the seven most damaging errors self-represented filers and even attorneys make.
-
Mistake 1: Missing the 10-day drafting deadline. Rule 5.125(c)(1) requires the responsible party to serve the proposed order within 10 calendar days. Missing it can let the other side ask the court for sanctions or take over drafting, controlling the language.
-
Mistake 2: Checking boxes without attaching the matching form. Each box on Item 3 corresponds to a separate Judicial Council attachment. The order is unenforceable on any issue without its attachment.
-
Mistake 3: Omitting Family Code § 3044 findings. In every case with a domestic violence finding, the seven factors must be on the record. Without them, the custody portion is reversible per Jaime G. v. H.L..
-
Mistake 4: Vague language like “reasonable visitation.” Vague terms invite repeat litigation. Specify days, hours, exchange points, and holiday rotations.
-
Mistake 5: Skipping the wage assignment. Without FL-195 attached, the employer cannot legally withhold support, and the obligee must enforce manually.
-
Mistake 6: Failing to serve the proposed order. Rule 5.125(c)(3) requires service on the other party with a Proof of Service FL-335. Without proof, the judge will not sign.
-
Mistake 7: Filing without a current FL-150. Rule 5.427 requires a current Income and Expense Declaration with all support and fee orders.
-
Mistake 8: Confusing § 2030 fees with § 271 sanctions on FL-344. Each requires different findings, and merging them invites reversal under In re Marriage of Tharp.
The Post-Hearing Order Process Under Rule 5.125
Rule 5.125 governs how a proposed order travels from courtroom to signed judgment. Mastering this rule turns FL-340 from a mystery into a checklist.
The 10-Day Drafting Window
The party designated by the court, or by default the prevailing moving party, has 10 calendar days from the hearing to prepare the proposed order and serve it on the other side. The clock is calendar days, not court days, so weekends and holidays count.
The consequence of blowing the 10-day window is that the other side can ask to take over drafting, often shaping language in their favor.
The 20-Day Objection and Resolution Window
The receiving party has 20 calendar days to either approve, propose changes, or serve a written objection. If approved, the drafter submits to the court within 30 calendar days of the hearing.
If the parties disagree, they must meet and confer. If they still cannot agree, the drafter submits both proposed versions to the court with declarations under Rule 5.125(d) explaining the dispute. The judge picks the language.
When the Other Side Refuses to Sign
If the other side stonewalls, you can submit unsigned with a declaration explaining service and lack of response. The court can sign without their approval. Picture James in Sacramento whose ex refused to sign for 45 days. James submitted with a declaration, and the judge signed two weeks later.
A common misconception is that you need the other side’s signature for the judge to sign. You do not. Approval as to form is courtesy, not a legal requirement.
Recap of Key Court Rulings
These cases shape FL-340 drafting at every turn.
- Montenegro v. Diaz (2001) 26 Cal.4th 249 holds that a custody order is final only if clearly stated, controlling whether modification requires changed circumstances.
- In re Marriage of Burgess (1996) 13 Cal.4th 25 sets the standard for move-away cases, requiring detailed findings on the FL-341.
- In re Marriage of LaMusga (2004) 32 Cal.4th 1072 lists the move-away detriment factors that must appear in the FL-340 findings.
- Jaime G. v. H.L. (2018) 25 Cal.App.5th 794 requires explicit § 3044 factor findings.
- In re Marriage of Tharp (2010) 188 Cal.App.4th 1295 requires fee orders to specify the statutory basis.
- In re Marriage of Gavron (1988) 203 Cal.App.3d 705 births the Gavron warning on FL-343.
- In re Marriage of Carlsson (2008) 163 Cal.App.4th 281 voids orders entered without a fair record of the hearing.
Do’s and Don’ts of Drafting FL-340
These rules apply in every California family courtroom.
- Do use the most current version of FL-340 from the Judicial Council site, because outdated versions are rejected on intake.
- Do match every checked box in Item 3 with the correct attachment, because attachments are the body of the order.
- Do include precise date ranges, dollar amounts, and addresses, because vague terms invite repeat litigation.
- Do serve the proposed order with FL-335 Proof of Service, because the judge will not sign without proof.
- Do track the Rule 5.125 deadlines on a calendar, because missing one shifts control to the other side.
- Don’t rely on hallway oral agreements, because they vanish without a written FL-340.
- Don’t insert handwritten margin notes, because the clerk will reject the order.
- Don’t skip § 3044 findings in any DV case, because the entire custody portion becomes reversible.
- Don’t combine § 2030 and § 271 fee theories without separate findings, because Tharp reverses such orders.
- Don’t forget to update your address with the court, because the conformed order goes to the address on file.
Pros and Cons of Self-Preparing FL-340
Self-representation on FL-340 is common but carries trade-offs.
- Pro: Cost savings. Attorney drafting can cost $500 to $2,000; self-preparing costs only filing-related fees.
- Pro: Faster turnaround. You can often serve a proposed order within 48 hours of the hearing.
- Pro: Direct knowledge of the ruling. You heard the judge yourself and can match the language verbatim.
- Pro: Empowerment. You learn the system, helping in future RFOs.
- Pro: Court self-help support. Every county has a Family Law Facilitator who reviews your draft for free.
- Con: Risk of voidable orders. A missed § 3044 finding can erase months of work.
- Con: Procedural traps. Rule 5.125 deadlines surprise many filers.
- Con: No strategic foresight. Attorneys add language anticipating future disputes.
- Con: Emotional exhaustion. Drafting after a contested hearing while still upset breeds errors.
- Con: Limited recourse if signed wrong. Once entered, fixing a defective order requires a new motion.
Key People, Places, and Entities Behind FL-340
These actors and institutions shape every FL-340 filing.
- The Judicial Council of California drafts and updates the form itself.
- The Superior Court of each California county is where FL-340 is filed and signed.
- The Family Law Facilitator in each county helps self-represented parties draft and review the form.
- The California Department of Child Support Services enforces the support portions through wage assignments and bank levies.
- The State Bar of California licenses the attorneys who often draft these orders.
- The California Court of Appeal reviews FL-340 orders for legal sufficiency.
- The California Legislature writes the Family Code sections that FL-340 implements.
- The CLETS database hosts restraining orders connected to family cases.
How FL-340 Interacts With Federal Law
Federal statutes constantly hover above FL-340.
- 28 U.S.C. § 1738B forces every state to honor a properly entered California child support order.
- 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(8) makes it a federal felony for a person under a qualifying restraining order to possess firearms, which ties to FL-340 attachments in DV cases.
- 18 U.S.C. § 2265 gives full faith and credit to protective orders nationwide.
- 42 U.S.C. § 666 requires immediate income withholding, the federal basis for § 5230 wage assignments.
- The Parental Kidnapping Prevention Act, 28 U.S.C. § 1738A, supports interstate enforcement of FL-341 custody orders.
The consequence of ignoring federal overlay is that your order may be rock solid in California but unenforceable in Nevada, Arizona, or Oregon, where many California families relocate.
FAQs
Do I need a lawyer to fill out FL-340?
No. California allows self-representation in family court, and every county offers a Family Law Facilitator who reviews FL-340 for free, although complex cases benefit from counsel.
Does FL-340 expire if not signed quickly?
No. The proposed order does not expire, but Rule 5.125 imposes a 10-day drafting and 30-day submission deadline, and missing them can shift drafting control to the opposing party.
Can I file FL-340 electronically?
Yes. Most California counties accept electronic filing through providers listed on the court’s e-filing page, though local rules vary by county.
Does FL-340 require both parties’ signatures?
No. Only the judge’s signature is legally required, although Rule 5.125 requires service on the other side and a chance to object before submission.
Is FL-340 used for default judgments?
No. Default judgments use Form FL-180, while FL-340 is reserved for orders following a contested or stipulated hearing on a Request for Order.
Can I attach my own narrative to FL-340?
Yes. You may attach a typed addendum if the form’s checkboxes do not capture the ruling, but the addendum must follow Rule 2.100 formatting and reference the case caption.
Does FL-340 control over a later stipulation?
No. A later signed stipulation, properly filed, supersedes an earlier FL-340 on the points it addresses, although prior arrears under the FL-340 remain owed.
Will the judge correct FL-340 errors?
Yes. Judges often line-edit obvious mistakes, but they will reject orders with missing attachments, missing findings, or inconsistent language, forcing you to redraft and resubmit.
Does FL-340 trigger an automatic wage assignment?
Yes. Whenever FL-340 includes child or spousal support, Family Code § 5230 makes a wage assignment automatic via Form FL-195 unless the parties stipulate otherwise.
Can FL-340 be modified later?
Yes. Either party may file a new RFO to modify support or custody on a showing of changed circumstances under Family Code § 3651 for support and the Montenegro standard for custody.
Is FL-340 enforceable in other states?
Yes. Properly entered FL-340 orders receive full faith and credit nationwide under 28 U.S.C. § 1738B for support and § 1738A for custody, provided jurisdictional findings are correct.
Do I need to file FL-150 with FL-340?
Yes. Rule 5.427 requires a current Income and Expense Declaration FL-150 from each party in any support or fee matter, no exceptions.
Related reading
- How to Fill Out California Form FL-300 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out California FL-685 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out California Form FL-120 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out California Form FL-220 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out California Form FL-355 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out California Form FL-911 (w/Examples) + FAQs