FL 340

FL-340 in California Family Law: Quick Answer

If you just finished a family law hearing in Orange County and need to understand what comes next, you’re in the right place. FL-340 is the official California form that transforms what the judge ordered at your hearing into a written, enforceable court order.

Here’s what you need to know right now:

• FL-340 is titled “Findings and Order After Hearing” and is used in family law cases involving custody, child support, spousal support, and property orders
• The form turns the judge’s oral decisions (typically from an FL-300 Request for Order hearing) into binding documents
• The current version is effective July 1, 2025, though prior versions remain valid for earlier dates
• The person who filed the FL-300 petition is usually responsible to prepare FL-340 after the hearing
• Pinkham & Associates, APLC, can help draft, review, and file FL-340 for clients in Orange County family law courts

What Is FL-340 “Findings and Order After Hearing”?

FL-340 is a mandatory Judicial Council of California form used to document court decisions after a family law hearing. Think of it as the official record that makes the judge’s spoken words into law.

This form covers findings and specific orders related to:

• Divorce and legal separation
• Child custody and visitation arrangements
• Child support and spousal support
• Domestic violence matters when combined with family law issues
• Property control and division

FL-340 typically works as a cover sheet that incorporates custody details and other orders from attached forms like FL-341 (custody), FL-342 (child support), FL-343 (spousal support), and FL-344 (property). Once the judge signs it, the order can be enforced through contempt proceedings, wage garnishment, and other legal tools.

Courts throughout California, including the Lamoreaux Justice Center in Orange County, rely on FL-340 to ensure a standardized format everyone can understand.

When Do You Need to Use FL-340 in a Family Law Case?

FL-340 is required anytime a family law judge makes orders at a noticed hearing. Common situations include:

Even self-represented parties are often responsible for preparing this form, depending on what the judge says in court.

Who Uses FL-340? (Parties, Attorneys, and the Court)

Several people play a role in creating and enforcing FL-340:

Petitioners and Respondents: Both parties are bound by the orders once signed. The petitioner (who filed the original petition) or the moving party usually drafts the proposed FL-340.

Attorneys: Family law attorneys often prepare the draft, send it to the other party for review and signature, then submit it to the court for the judge to approve.

Self-Represented Litigants: Judges may instruct you to prepare FL-340 yourself, which can be intimidating without legal guidance.

The Court: The judge reviews and signs FL-340 only if it accurately reflects the oral rulings from the hearing. Court clerks then file it and serve it as part of the case record.

Law firms like Pinkham & Associates, a reputable Orange County family law firm ensure FL-340 language matches exactly what was judge ordered, protecting your rights in high-conflict custody or support matters.

Key Issues Covered by FL-340 Orders

FL-340 serves as a framework that can include or attach multiple topic-specific orders:

• Legal and physical child custody arrangements
• Parenting time schedules (weekdays, weekends, holidays, school breaks)
• Child support amounts, due dates, and payment method
• Spousal or partner support amounts and duration
• Exclusive use of the family residence or vehicles
• Payment responsibilities for community debts
• Attorney’s fees and costs between parties
• Stay-away or no-contact provisions

Detailed terms usually appear on attached forms incorporated by reference. In complex or high net worth divorces, as discussed in our Orange County divorce lawyer services, FL-340 may summarize multiple page of customized orders. Vague or incomplete orders frequently create confusion and future litigation—precise drafting matters.

How to Prepare FL-340 After a Hearing

Preparation typically begins after the judge announces decisions on the record. Follow this process:

1. Obtain the minute order: Request the court’s case summary from the clerk’s office or online portal, usually available 7-10 days after your hearing date
2. Complete the form: Fill out FL-340 with case caption information (names, case number, department, judicial officer) and check boxes indicating which types of orders are attached
3. Mirror the judge’s language: You must create content that matches exactly what was said—you cannot add orders that were never made from the bench
4. Review with opposing party: If both sides have attorneys present, send the proposed FL-340 to the other attorney for review and signature before you submit to court
5. File with the court: Deliver the original, attachments, and Proof of Service to the superior court

Self-represented litigants should consider having a divorce lawyer in Orange County review their proposed FL-340 for accuracy before filing.

Using Attached Forms with FL-340 (Custody, Support, and Property)

FL-340 rarely stands alone. You’ll need to pair it with topic-specific forms:

When you file or serve FL-340, ensure every attachment referenced is included so the order is complete and can be enforced.

Service and Filing Requirements for FL-340 Orders

Getting the judge to sign is only part of the process. Proper service and filing are critical:

• After drafting, provide a copy to the other party for review (typically a 10-day window if they attended the hearing)
• Use personal service (FL-330) or service by mail (FL-335) depending on case status
• The person who serves must be at least 18 years old and not a party to the case
• File the original FL-340, attachments, and Proof of Service with the court via e-filing, mail, drop box, or in person
• The clerk forwards the proposed order to the judge for signature
• Obtain a stamped copy once returned and send it to the other party with appropriate proof of service

Print your documents, check that pages are numbered consecutively, and ensure the original is 2-hole punched at the top for court filing.

What If the FL-340 Draft Is Wrong or You Disagree?

Disputes commonly arise when one party claims the FL-340 doesn’t match what the judge said in court. If you receive a proposed order that’s wrong:

• Respond quickly: You typically have 10 days to file written objections with proposed corrections
• Obtain the transcript: Request hearing audio or a transcript to provide evidence of exactly what the judge ordered
• Contact the court: Depending on local rules, you may write directly to ask the judge to correct discrepancies before signing

Once FL-340 is signed and entered, changing it requires a motion to correct clerical error, a motion for reconsideration, or a new Request for Order—each with strict deadlines. Because of these time-sensitive procedural requirements, contact a family law firm immediately if you suspect problems or need help preparing an FL-320 Responsive Declaration to Request for Order.

How FL-340 Affects Custody, Support, and Enforcement

Once signed, FL-340 has immediate real-world consequences, especially when paired with related orders like an FL-305 temporary emergency court order:

• Custody: Controls where children live, exchange times, holiday schedules, travel permissions, and decision-making authority
• Child support: Sets the amount, due date, and enforcement mechanisms including wage assignments (FL-195 Income Withholding Order)
• Spousal support: Impacts each spouse’s budget, tax planning, and financial decisions
• Property: Determines who can access the family home during divorce proceedings

Violation of FL-340 orders can result in contempt of court, monetary sanctions, or changes to custody arrangements. Understand every clause before agreeing to a proposed order.

How Pinkham & Associates, APLC, Helps With FL-340 in Orange County

Pinkham & Associates is a boutique Orange County family law practice focused exclusively on divorce and related matters, as outlined in our About Pinkham & Associates, APLC overview. The firm assists clients by:

• Preparing strong FL-300 Requests for Order that position you for favorable outcomes, beginning with proper service of your FL-110 family law summons
• Carefully comparing court minutes and transcripts with proposed FL-340 language
• Handling complex scenarios including high net worth divorces, business interests, and domestic violence allegations, guided by the experience of founder Douglas Pinkham
• Providing direct access to experienced attorneys with clear explanations of your options

Schedule a free consultation to review your upcoming hearing, proposed FL-340, or existing temporary orders.

Next Steps if You’re Facing an FL-340 Order

FL-340 is not just a form—it’s the blueprint for your family’s legal responsibilities after a hearing.

Gather these documents now:

• Your FL-300 Request for Order
• The court’s minute order or case summary
• Any proposed FL-340 and attachments (FL-341, FL-342, etc.)

Note any differences between what you remember the judge ordering and what the draft says. Delays can result in inaccurate orders being signed and enforced in your custody or support case.

Contact Pinkham & Associates, APLC, today for a free consultation. Our Orange County family law attorneys will review your situation and determine the best strategy for handling your FL-340 order, including related issues such as an FL-323 Order Appointing Counsel for a Child in contested custody cases. Call, email, or visit our website anytime to get started.