California Form FL-342, the Child Support Information and Order Attachment, is the official Judicial Council form that turns a judge’s child support decision into a binding, enforceable order. You attach it to a Findings and Order After Hearing (FL-340) or to a judgment, and it spells out who pays, how much, when, and how the money moves between parents.
Roughly 1 in 4 California children lives in a household that touches the state’s child support system, and the California Department of Child Support Services collected over $2.5 billion in support payments in a recent fiscal year. Filling out FL-342 wrong delays your case, costs you money, and can leave a child without timely support.
Here is exactly what you will learn in this guide:
- 📝 How to complete every line, box, and checkbox on FL-342 without guessing
- ⚖️ How California Family Code §§4050–4076 and the 2024 SB 343 reforms shape your numbers
- 💵 How to handle add-ons, arrears, wage assignments, and tax dependency choices
- 👨👩👧 Three real, named scenarios covering default, contested, and stipulated cases
- 🚫 The seven most common mistakes that get FL-342 rejected and how to avoid each one
What Form FL-342 Actually Is
Form FL-342 is the Judicial Council’s standardized attachment that converts a judge’s child support ruling into the operative order. The form lives inside California’s family law packet and pairs with the parent order, usually FL-340 Findings and Order After Hearing, FL-180 Judgment, or FL-350 Stipulation to Establish or Modify Child Support. The Judicial Council updated the form most recently in 2024 to reflect statutory changes from Senate Bill 343 (2023), which raised low-income thresholds and reworked the guideline formula effective September 1, 2024.
The plain-English purpose is simple. The court needs one clean document that lists the children, the monthly amount, the start date, the payment method, and the add-ons for childcare, health insurance, and uninsured medical costs. Without FL-342, the Department of Child Support Services and county locals cannot enforce, garnish, or intercept tax refunds. Federal law under 42 U.S.C. §666 requires every state to issue an immediate income withholding order, which is why FL-342 ties directly to FL-195 Income Withholding for Support.
The consequence of skipping or botching FL-342 is real. Judges routinely reject orders that lack the form, and the California Courts Self-Help Center warns that an incomplete attachment voids the enforceability of the support amount. A common misconception is that the DissoMaster printout alone proves the number; it does not, because In re Marriage of Carlsen (1996) 50 Cal.App.4th 212 holds the order itself, not the calculator, controls.
Federal Framework First
Federal law sets the floor. Title IV-D of the Social Security Act requires every state to run a child support program with guideline calculations, immediate income withholding, and license suspension tools. The Bradley Amendment, 42 U.S.C. §666(a)(9)(C), bars retroactive modification of child support arrears, which means once your FL-342 lists arrears, those numbers freeze in time.
The consequence of ignoring federal rules is severe. A parent who tries to “forgive” past-due support outside court still owes the money to the state if public assistance was paid. A real example: Marcus in Sacramento agreed verbally with his ex to wipe out $14,000 in arrears, but because California Family Code §3651(c)(1) mirrors the Bradley Amendment, the court refused to vacate the debt. A common misconception is that parents can waive a child’s right to support; they cannot, because the right belongs to the child under In re Marriage of Lusby (1998) 64 Cal.App.4th 459.
California Statutory Backbone
Family Code §4055 sets the statewide uniform guideline formula: CS = K (HN − (H%)(TN)). The variables capture combined net income, the high earner’s share, and the low earner’s percentage of custodial time. SB 343 raised the low-income adjustment threshold so that a parent earning under roughly $2,773 net per month in 2026 gets a presumptive reduction.
The consequence of ignoring §4055 is that any deviation must be justified in writing on FL-342 or its companion FL-342(A) Non-Guideline Child Support Findings Attachment. A real example: Priya, a NICU nurse in Fresno, asked the judge to set support below guideline because she carried the children’s $900/month health premium; the court could only grant the deviation after both parents signed FL-342(A) acknowledging the four statutory findings under Family Code §4056. A common misconception is that parents can simply “agree to zero” support; they cannot, unless every §4056 finding is on the record.
Who Files FL-342 and When
Either parent, the Local Child Support Agency (LCSA), or a judge’s clerk can prepare FL-342. The form gets attached at three trigger points: a temporary order hearing under Family Code §3600, a final judgment, or a Request for Order (FL-300) to modify support. Timing matters because California’s “no retroactive modification” rule under Family Code §3653 means support changes only from the date the FL-300 was filed and served.
The consequence of waiting is lost money. Every month a parent delays filing, the old order keeps running. A real example: Daniel, a long-haul trucker in Bakersfield, lost his job in January but waited until June to file his FL-300; the judge could only modify support back to June, costing him roughly $3,200 in unrecoverable arrears. A common misconception is that a verbal agreement to lower support is binding; it is not under In re Marriage of Sabine and Toshio M. (2007) 153 Cal.App.4th 1203.
Section-by-Section Walkthrough of FL-342
The form has eight numbered sections plus a caption. Each line carries legal weight, and skipping a checkbox can void the order. The sections below walk through every line item, what it means, what to write, and what happens if you get it wrong, drawing on the official Judicial Council instructions.
Caption and Case Information
The top caption mirrors your existing pleadings. You write the petitioner, respondent, and case number exactly as they appear on the FL-100 Petition or FL-200 Parentage Petition. The court branch and address must match the local rules for your county, listed in the California Courts directory.
The consequence of a mismatched caption is rejection at the clerk’s window. A real example: Aisha in Los Angeles wrote “Superior Court of California, County of Los Angeles, Stanley Mosk Courthouse” but her case was venued in the Lancaster branch; the clerk bounced her order. A common misconception is that case numbers can be abbreviated; they cannot, because the California Rules of Court, Rule 2.111 requires the full number including dashes and prefixes.
Item 1: The Children
Item 1 is a two-column list of every child covered. You write each child’s full name and date of birth. The form holds up to six children; if you have more, attach a Form MC-025 Attachment labeled “FL-342, Item 1.”
The consequence of leaving a child off is that no support is owed for that child, even if the parties intended otherwise. A real example: Carlos in San Diego had three biological children but listed only two on FL-342; the court could not order support for the third without a new hearing. A common misconception is that stepchildren belong here; they do not, unless the stepparent legally adopted under Family Code §8600.
Item 2: Monthly Child Support
Item 2 is the core dollar figure. You list each child by name and the monthly amount allocated to that child. California uses per-child allocations under Family Code §4055(b)(8), which spreads the total across children using a fixed multiplier (1, 1.6, 2, 2.3, 2.5, 2.625 for 1–6 children). The total goes on the bottom line and must match the DissoMaster or SupporTax printout.
The consequence of mismatched math is automatic remand. A real example: Hannah in Oakland wrote $1,800 total but allocated $900 + $900 for two children; the correct allocation under §4055(b)(8) is $692 + $1,108 because the multiplier weights additional children. A common misconception is that parents can split support evenly per child; they cannot, because the statutory multiplier controls.
Item 3: Payment Details
Item 3 captures the start date, payee, and payment frequency. The standard frequency is half on the 1st and half on the 15th of each month, the default under Family Code §4061. You also list how the money moves: through the State Disbursement Unit (SDU), directly to the recipient parent, or via wage withholding under FL-195.
The consequence of choosing the wrong payee is ugly. If the receiving parent is on CalWORKs, payments must route through the SDU under Welfare and Institutions Code §11477; direct payments are credited as gifts, and the obligor still owes the state. A real example: Devon in Riverside paid his ex $400/month directly for two years while she received public assistance; the county sued for $9,600 because the payments were not logged with the SDU. A common misconception is that Venmo screenshots prove payment; they rarely do without a court-ordered direct-pay clause.
Item 4: Add-Ons (Mandatory and Discretionary)
Item 4 lists the two categories of add-ons under Family Code §§4062 and 4063. Mandatory add-ons include reasonable childcare costs related to employment or education, and uninsured health care costs for the children. Discretionary add-ons include educational or special needs costs and travel expenses for visitation. The default split is 50/50, but the court can order a percentage based on net spendable income.
The consequence of vague add-on language is years of fights over receipts. A real example: Mei-Lin in San Jose wrote “split daycare equally” without naming the provider or capping the amount; her ex enrolled the child in a $2,400/month Montessori, and the court enforced the split. A common misconception is that orthodontia is automatic; it is not, because In re Marriage of Cheriton (2001) 92 Cal.App.4th 269 treats orthodontia as a discretionary add-on requiring specific findings of medical necessity.
Item 5: Health Insurance
Item 5 names which parent provides health, dental, and vision insurance for the children. California requires the order under Family Code §3751 whenever insurance is “available at no cost or reasonable cost.” The form pairs with FL-470 Notice Regarding Health Insurance Coverage, which the providing parent must file.
The consequence of skipping Item 5 is that the National Medical Support Notice cannot issue, leaving children uninsured. A real example: Jamal in Long Beach forgot to check the box; when his daughter broke her arm, the $7,400 ER bill landed on his ex because no NMSN was on file. A common misconception is that “reasonable cost” has no cap; under §3751.5, it is presumptively 5% of the providing parent’s gross income.
Item 6: Arrears
Item 6 records past-due support. You list the principal owed, the date through which arrears are calculated, and any interest at the statutory 10% simple rate under California Code of Civil Procedure §685.010. Arrears never go away under the Bradley Amendment.
The consequence of misstating arrears is decades of compounding error. A real example: Robert in Stockton thought his arrears were $12,000; the LCSA audit using DCSS Form CS 909 showed $28,400 with interest, and the FL-342 had to be amended. A common misconception is that filing bankruptcy wipes arrears; it does not, because 11 U.S.C. §523(a)(5) makes domestic support obligations nondischargeable.
Item 7: Wage Assignment
Item 7 indicates whether wage assignment is ordered, stayed, or already issued. California presumes immediate wage withholding under Family Code §5230. A stay is allowed only when both parties agree in writing and good cause exists.
The consequence of staying without good cause is exposure to enforcement. A real example: Olivia in Pasadena agreed to stay wage withholding but her ex missed three months; the LCSA lifted the stay and intercepted his federal tax refund under 26 U.S.C. §6402. A common misconception is that 1099 contractors escape wage assignment; they do not, because Family Code §5208 reaches independent contractor income.
Item 8: Other Orders and Tax Dependency
Item 8 is the catch-all for tax dependency allocation, life insurance requirements, and travel expenses. The IRS controls the federal dependency exemption, and the parent claiming the child must hold either custody or a signed IRS Form 8332. California courts cannot override federal tax law, but they can order a parent to sign 8332 under In re Marriage of Wittgrove (2004) 120 Cal.App.4th 1317.
The consequence of fuzzy tax language is double-claiming and audits. A real example: Sophia and her ex both claimed their son in 2024; the IRS rejected the second-filed return and assessed $3,100 in penalties. A common misconception is that the higher earner always claims the child; the IRS uses the tiebreaker rules in Publication 501, which favor the parent with more nights.
Three Real-World Scenarios
The following tables show how FL-342 plays out in the most common procedural postures. Each scenario uses 2026 guideline figures and assumes children under 18.
Scenario 1: Default Judgment After No Response
| Filing Step | Practical Result |
|---|---|
| Petitioner files FL-100, FL-105, and serves respondent | 30-day clock starts under CCP §412.20 |
| Respondent fails to answer; petitioner files FL-165 Request to Enter Default | Court bars respondent from contesting income figures |
| Petitioner submits FL-342 with imputed minimum wage income | Judge enters guideline support based on imputed earnings under Family Code §4058(b) |
| Wage assignment FL-195 issues automatically | Employer withholds within 10 days of receipt |
Scenario 2: Contested Modification After Job Loss
| Filing Step | Practical Result |
|---|---|
| Obligor files FL-300 Request for Order with FL-150 Income and Expense Declaration | Modification can only run from filing date under §3653 |
| Court orders mandatory Child Support Recalculation using DissoMaster | New guideline number reduces support by 40% |
| Judge signs FL-340 with FL-342 attached showing new amount and effective date | Old order ends, new order begins, arrears between dates frozen |
| LCSA updates California Child Support Automated System (CCSAS) | Wage withholding adjusts on next payroll cycle |
Scenario 3: Stipulated Agreement Between Parents
| Filing Step | Practical Result |
|---|---|
| Parents sign FL-350 Stipulation with FL-342 attached | Agreement must meet six findings under Family Code §4065 |
| Both parents disclose income via FL-150 | Court verifies stipulation is in child’s best interest |
| Judge signs and clerk files | Stipulation becomes enforceable order |
| Either parent can later seek modification by showing changed circumstances | Burden under Marriage of Laudeman (2001) 92 Cal.App.4th 1009 |
Three Named Examples to Anchor the Numbers
The following examples use 2026 figures and the §4055 multiplier table. They show how the math drives Item 2 of FL-342.
Example A: Maria and Luis, Two Children, 30% Timeshare
Maria earns $7,200 net monthly as an RN in Anaheim. Luis earns $4,000 net monthly as a warehouse lead. Luis has the children 30% of the time. Plugging into the DissoMaster returns roughly $1,142 monthly owed by Maria to Luis. On FL-342, Item 2 reads $440 for Child 1 and $702 for Child 2, applying the 1.6 multiplier under §4055(b)(8).
Example B: Andre, High Earner, One Child, 20% Timeshare
Andre earns $42,000 net monthly as a tech executive in Palo Alto. His ex earns $5,000 net. Guideline support runs to roughly $6,800/month, but Andre asks for a downward deviation under the extraordinarily high earner exception in Family Code §4057(b)(3). The judge must put the deviation findings on FL-342(A), citing In re Marriage of Hubner (2001) 94 Cal.App.4th 175.
Example C: Tasha, Low-Income Adjustment, Three Children
Tasha earns $2,600 net monthly as a part-time CNA in Fresno. Her ex earns $9,800 net. Under SB 343’s low-income adjustment, Tasha’s presumptive obligation drops to near zero, and her ex pays guideline. FL-342 must reflect the low-income adjustment box and allocate roughly $1,050 + $680 + $410 across the three children using the 2.0 multiplier.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping FL-342(A) on a non-guideline order: The court cannot enforce a deviation without the four findings under Family Code §4056; the order is voidable on appeal.
- Mismatched DissoMaster printout: When Item 2 totals do not match the attached calculation, the clerk rejects the order and you lose your hearing date.
- Forgetting the State Disbursement Unit: Direct payments to a CalWORKs recipient never get credited under WIC §11477, and the obligor pays twice.
- Vague add-on language: Writing “split childcare 50/50” without naming the provider or capping the cost invites endless Smith motions to enforce receipts.
- Leaving the start date blank: Without a date, the LCSA cannot calculate arrears and the California Child Support Automated System defaults to the filing date, costing months.
- Confusing gross and net income: California guideline uses net disposable income under Family Code §4059; using gross numbers inflates support by 25–35%.
- Missing the wage assignment box: Without checking Item 7, the FL-195 Income Withholding Order cannot issue, and the obligor self-pays unreliably.
- Over-claiming dependency exemptions: Both parents claiming the same child triggers IRS tiebreaker rules and back taxes.
- Forgetting health insurance details: Without Item 5, no National Medical Support Notice issues to the employer.
- Failing to update after a job change: Old orders run until modified; the obligor cannot self-reduce, no matter how dramatic the income drop.
Key Entities You Need to Know
The FL-342 ecosystem involves several interlocking players. Understanding their roles prevents costly missteps and shortens your path to a final order.
The Judicial Council and the Form
The Judicial Council of California drafts and revises every FL-series form. The Council’s Family and Juvenile Law Advisory Committee updated FL-342 in late 2024 to align with SB 343. The form is mandatory under California Rules of Court, Rule 1.31.
The consequence of using an outdated FL-342 is rejection at filing. A real example: Kenji in Sacramento downloaded a 2019 version from a third-party site; the clerk refused it because the new version added the SB 343 low-income adjustment box. A common misconception is that older versions still work; they do not after the revision date printed at the bottom.
Local Child Support Agency (LCSA)
Each county runs an LCSA under Family Code §17400. The LCSA can open a Title IV-D case, prepare FL-342, run audits, and intercept tax refunds. LCSAs represent the public’s interest in collecting support, not either parent individually.
The consequence of treating the LCSA as your lawyer is misplaced trust. A real example: Brianna in Modesto thought the LCSA attorney represented her; when her ex’s income changed, the agency filed for modification on the state’s behalf, not hers, and her support dropped. A common misconception is that LCSA involvement bars private counsel; it does not.
State Disbursement Unit
The California State Disbursement Unit is the centralized payment processor mandated by 42 U.S.C. §654b. Every wage-withheld dollar passes through the SDU before reaching the receiving parent. The SDU posts payments within 2 business days.
The consequence of bypassing the SDU is uncredited payments. A real example: Victor in Chico mailed checks to his ex’s apartment because “it’s faster”; the LCSA later showed $7,200 in unposted payments, and the court refused to credit them without bank records. A common misconception is that direct deposits to a co-parent’s account count; they do not unless the order explicitly authorizes direct payment.
Dos and Don’ts for FL-342
- Do download the current version from courts.ca.gov every time, because revisions roll out without notice.
- Do attach a fresh DissoMaster or SupporTax printout, since judges verify Item 2 against the calculation.
- Do list every child on Item 1, since omitted children get zero support.
- Do check the wage assignment box, since immediate withholding is the statutory default under §5230.
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Do specify the SDU as payee, since §17309 requires it for any IV-D case.
-
Don’t use white-out or handwritten edits, since clerks reject altered forms under Rule of Court 2.100.
- Don’t leave Item 6 blank if arrears exist, since silence is treated as a waiver and the Bradley Amendment blocks later correction.
- Don’t sign before reviewing the math, since you waive objections to obvious errors.
- Don’t rely on a verbal agreement with your co-parent, since §4065 requires a written stipulation.
- Don’t forget to serve the signed order, since the LCSA needs notice to enforce.
Pros and Cons of Using FL-342
- Pro: Statutory clarity — the form forces every required term onto one page, reducing ambiguity in enforcement.
- Pro: Automatic enforceability — once filed, the order pairs seamlessly with FL-195 wage withholding.
- Pro: Federal compatibility — the form satisfies Title IV-D requirements for interstate enforcement under UIFSA.
- Pro: Tax interplay — Item 8 lets you allocate dependency exemptions to maximize household tax benefits.
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Pro: Modification anchor — the form establishes a clear baseline for future modification motions.
-
Con: Technical math — the §4055(b)(8) multiplier confuses self-represented parents and triggers errors.
- Con: Rigid structure — non-guideline deviations require the additional FL-342(A), doubling paperwork.
- Con: No retroactivity — mistakes only correct forward, never backward, under §3653.
- Con: Form revisions — outdated versions get rejected, frustrating parents who downloaded last year’s PDF.
- Con: Limited space — six children max forces the use of MC-025 attachments for larger families.
Court Rulings That Shape FL-342
California appellate courts have built a thick layer of case law around child support. In re Marriage of Cheriton (2001) 92 Cal.App.4th 269 holds that high-earner deviations require detailed findings, not just a conclusory statement. In re Marriage of Wittgrove (2004) 120 Cal.App.4th 1317 confirms courts can order parents to sign IRS Form 8332 to allocate dependency exemptions. In re Marriage of Hubner (2001) 94 Cal.App.4th 175 clarifies the standard for the §4057(b)(3) extraordinarily high earner exception.
The consequence of ignoring these rulings is appellate reversal. A real example: A San Francisco trial judge granted a downward deviation without findings; the Court of Appeal reversed under Cheriton, costing the obligor 18 months of litigation. A common misconception is that Cheriton applies only to wealthy obligors; it applies any time the order departs from guideline.
How FL-342 Interacts With Other Forms
FL-342 never travels alone. It clips to a parent order and triggers a chain of related forms. The FL-150 Income and Expense Declaration supplies the income figures that drive Item 2. The FL-195 Income Withholding for Support operationalizes Item 7. The FL-470 Notice Regarding Health Insurance backs up Item 5. For modifications, the FL-300 Request for Order opens the door, and a fresh FL-342 closes it.
The consequence of incomplete companion forms is a stalled order. A real example: Rashid in San Bernardino filed a perfect FL-342 but skipped the FL-150; the judge refused to sign because California Rules of Court, Rule 5.260 requires current income disclosure within 90 days. A common misconception is that an old FL-150 is fine; it is not after 90 days.
FAQs
Is FL-342 mandatory in every California child support case?
Yes. California Rule of Court 1.31 and the Judicial Council’s mandatory forms list require FL-342 for every order establishing or modifying child support, with no county opt-out.
Can parents waive child support entirely on FL-342?
No. Children hold the right to support, and Family Code §4065 bars waivers below guideline unless the court makes specific findings on FL-342(A) about voluntariness and best interest.
Does FL-342 cover spousal support?
No. Spousal support uses FL-343 Spousal, Partner, or Family Support Order Attachment; FL-342 covers only child support and related add-ons under §§4062–4063.
Can FL-342 be modified retroactively?
No. Under Family Code §3653, modifications run only from the date the FL-300 was filed and served, never earlier, even when the underlying job loss happened months before.
Is the SDU required for every FL-342?
Yes. When a Local Child Support Agency is involved or any party receives public assistance, Welfare and Institutions Code §11477 and 42 U.S.C. §654b require all payments to flow through the California SDU.
Can I file FL-342 without a lawyer?
Yes. The California Courts Self-Help Center provides step-by-step guidance, free workshops, and family law facilitators in every county for self-represented parents.
Does FL-342 affect tax dependency exemptions?
Yes. Item 8 lets the court allocate the federal dependency exemption, but the custodial parent must still sign IRS Form 8332 to release the claim under federal tax law.
Can wage assignment be stayed on FL-342?
Yes. Item 7 allows a stay when both parties agree in writing and good cause exists under Family Code §5260, but the LCSA can lift the stay after one missed payment.
Does bankruptcy discharge child support listed on FL-342?
No. Domestic support obligations are nondischargeable under 11 U.S.C. §523(a)(5), so neither current support nor arrears disappear in Chapter 7 or Chapter 13.
Can FL-342 be amended after the judge signs it?
Yes. A motion to set aside under Code of Civil Procedure §473 or a new FL-300 can correct mistakes, but only forward, never backward in time.
Does FL-342 work for interstate cases?
Yes. California’s Uniform Interstate Family Support Act framework recognizes FL-342 for registration and enforcement in any other UIFSA state, which is all 50 states plus DC.
Are 1099 contractors covered by FL-342 wage assignment?
Yes. Family Code §5208 reaches independent contractor income, and the LCSA can serve assignment orders on the contractor’s principal payer.
Related reading
- How to Fill Out California Form FL-191 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out California Form FL-195 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out California Form FL-343 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out California Form FL-358 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out California Form FL-700 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out California Form FL-664 (w/Examples) + FAQs
- How to Fill Out California Form FL-120 (w/Examples) + FAQs