FL-340 is a California family court form used to record and formalize the judge’s decisions made during a court hearing in a family law case. After the parties appear before the judge—whether for issues such as custody, visitation, child support, spousal support, attorney’s fees, or property matters—the court uses FL-340 to put the judge’s rulings into a written, enforceable order. This form ensures that everyone has a clear, accurate record of what the court decided.

The form summarizes the findings the judge made during the hearing, including any factual determinations, legal conclusions, and the specific relief granted or denied. Often, FL-340 serves as a cover page, with other judicial council forms attached—such as FL-341 for custody and visitation or FL-342 for child support. These attachments provide the detailed terms of the orders, while FL-340 confirms that all of the attached pages are part of the court’s final decision.

FL-340 is crucial because it converts what was said in court into a written order, which is necessary for enforcement. Verbal directions or comments made by the judge during the hearing are not enforceable unless they are documented in a signed order. Once FL-340 is prepared, reviewed, and signed by the judge, it becomes the official order of the court. This written record is what law enforcement, child support agencies, and the court itself rely on when enforcing the judge’s rulings.

The form also includes sections for noting whether the parties were present at the hearing, whether they agreed to certain orders, and whether the court issued temporary or permanent rulings. It may also indicate if a future hearing is scheduled, if certain documents must be exchanged, or if additional steps are required before the next court date. This ensures all parties know what must happen immediately following the hearing.

In summary, FL-340 is an essential document that captures the judge’s decisions after a family law hearing and turns them into enforceable orders. It provides the official written record of the court’s findings, protects both parties by ensuring clarity and accuracy, and is required for any enforcement or future modification. Completing and filing FL-340 properly ensures that the court’s rulings are clearly understood and legally effective.