FL-342(A) is a California family court attachment form used when a judge orders child support that does not follow the statewide guideline formula. Normally, California law requires support to be calculated based on guideline factors like income, overnights, tax filing status, and deductions. But in certain cases, the court may approve a different amount—either higher or lower than guideline. FL-342(A) is required to document the legal reasons for this deviation, ensuring the order complies with Family Code § 4056 and is legally valid.

This form provides the court with a structured way to explain why guideline support is inappropriate or unjust in the specific case. It requires the judge to record what the guideline amount would have been, the amount actually ordered, and the factual reasons behind the deviation. These explanations might include special circumstances, unusual parenting time arrangements, extraordinarily high or low income, special needs of the child, or agreements voluntarily made by both parents.

FL-342(A) also protects both parents and the child by making sure any non-guideline order is still in the child’s best interest. The form requires confirmation that the order is being made with full awareness of the guideline calculation and that both parties understand the deviation. If the parents voluntarily agreed to a non-guideline amount, the form records that the agreement was free, informed, and not the result of coercion. This prevents future disputes and helps the court enforce the order confidently.

The form is typically attached to FL-340 (Findings and Order After Hearing) or FL-180 (Judgment), as well as FL-342 (the main child support order). It becomes part of the permanent support order and is often required when parents negotiate their own support amount as part of a settlement. Without FL-342(A), a non-guideline support order may be incomplete, unenforceable, or subject to challenge.

In summary, FL-342(A) is a crucial attachment used whenever child support deviates from California’s guideline formula. It ensures transparency, documents the legal justification for the deviation, and protects the child’s interests while confirming that the court’s order is valid and enforceable. Properly completing this form is essential for maintaining clarity and compliance in any non-guideline support arrangement.