How to get NO CHILD SUPPORT when there SHOULD BE : Santa Clarita Divorce

When a child support calculation shows that one parent should pay, it is still possible to have no child support ordered — but only if the court is given the right documentation and findings. A commonly used tool in California family law is the FL-342A non-guideline order. Properly prepared and attached to your judgment, that form explains why the parties are deviating from the guideline amount and asks the judge to make a non-guideline finding.

If you don’t want there to be child support in your official divorce order but the child calculation says there should be attach the FL 342-a non-guideline order

What is the FL-342A non-guideline order?

The FL-342A is a court form used to document a request for a non-guideline child support order. When the statewide child support calculator produces a number, California courts presume the guideline amount is appropriate. To depart from that presumption, the court needs written findings explaining the reason for the deviation. The FL-342A provides a place to record those findings and the factual basis for the departure.

When can you realistically get no child support?

• When both parents agree to a different financial arrangement that the court finds supports the child’s best interests.
• When financial circumstances and shared responsibility make the guideline amount unnecessary or unfair.
• When other support mechanisms exist, such as an unequal division of assets, major ongoing expenses covered by one parent, or a parenting schedule that effectively equalizes costs.
• When the court is convinced that deviation from the guideline is supported by credible evidence and written findings.

How to request no child support using FL-342A

1. Run the child support calculation and include the calculation worksheet in the court packet so the baseline guideline number is on record.
2. Prepare the FL-342A non-guideline findings form. Be specific: list the facts, financial numbers, parenting time details, and any agreements between the parties that justify no support.
3. Attach supporting documentation: income declarations, expense lists, custody schedule, and any agreements about property division or expense sharing.
4. Include the FL-342A with the proposed judgment or stipulated judgment so the judge can review it when signing the final order.
5. Be prepared to present the evidence and answer the judge’s questions at the final hearing. Courts expect clear reasons for departing from the guideline.

What judges look for in a non-guideline order

• Detailed findings explaining why the guideline amount is inappropriate.
• Credible supporting facts such as incomes, extraordinary expenses, health needs of the child, or equal sharing of costs.
• Evidence of agreement when the deviation follows a mutual settlement between the parties.
• Best interests of the child — the court must be satisfied the child’s needs will be met despite the deviation.

Risks and important considerations

• Non-guideline orders are scrutinized. If the court finds the written findings inadequate, it may require the guideline amount instead or ask for additional evidence.
• A non-guideline agreement can still be modified later if circumstances change. The absence of a guideline figure today does not prevent future modifications.
• Enforcement and public benefits: if a parent receives public benefits, agencies may challenge non-guideline arrangements.
• Tax and practical consequences: make sure any agreement about expenses, health insurance, and tax exemptions is documented to avoid disputes.
• Legal advice is recommended. Courts vary in how readily they accept non-guideline deviations and an attorney or experienced mediator can help draft findings that hold up.

Practical drafting tips

• Be specific rather than vague. Replace general statements with numbers and examples: monthly incomes, who pays what expense, and how parenting time is split.
• Address future changes. Add review or modification triggers so both parties know when and how support can be revisited.
• Include a clear statement that the parties request a non-guideline order and attach the relevant calculation showing the guideline amount for context.
• List any offsets or tradeoffs, such as one parent keeping a pension, receiving more equity in the house, or taking on major ongoing expenses like health care.

Final thoughts

Getting no child support when the calculator shows there should be it is possible, but it requires careful documentation, honest disclosure of finances, and clear findings that justify the deviation. The FL-342A non-guideline order is the tool courts expect to see when parties ask for something other than the guideline amount. Thoughtful preparation and legal guidance will improve the chances that the request is accepted and that the resulting order is durable and enforceable.

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We Help With Divorce Request For Orders and Responses FL-300 | Santa Clarita

If you need the court to make orders during or after a divorce—for custody, support, visitation, attorney fees, or other relief—the California Request for Order (form FL-300) is the tool to use. This article explains what FL-300 can do, when to use it, what to include, and how responses (form FL-320) work. It also outlines practical steps and how a licensed legal document preparation service can assist you from paperwork to getting a court and mediation date.

What is the Request for Order (FL-300)?

The Request for Order is the standard motion form used in family law to ask the court to make temporary or post-judgment orders. It can be filed at almost any point in the divorce process when one party needs the court to decide an issue they cannot resolve with the other party.

Common issues you can request on FL-300

• Child custody and parenting time (visitation)
• Child support
• Spousal support
• Attorney fees and costs
• Modification of previously ordered terms (mark the modification box)
• Any other specific order the court can make (use the “other” box to explain)

When to use FL-300

Use FL-300:

• During the divorce case to get temporary orders while the case is pending.
• After a final judgment, to request changes through a post-judgment motion.
• To modify existing orders when circumstances have changed—examples include a substantial change in income or a dramatic change in parenting time.

Practical examples

• If the paying spouse receives a significant pay increase, the supported spouse can request a modification of spousal support.
• If a parent who agreed to 50/50 parenting time only exercises 10% of the time, the other parent can ask the court to modify custody or child support based on actual parenting time.

What to include with your FL-300

When asking for financial relief such as child or spousal support, the court requires a clear picture of your finances. Key items include:

• Income and expense declaration — provide a complete statement of income, expenses, assets, and debts. File it with the court and serve a blank copy with the motion so the other party knows to complete one.
• Names and ages of the children if custody or visitation is at issue.
• Any supporting declarations that explain the change in circumstances or facts supporting your request.
• Exhibits such as pay stubs, tax returns, school records, or communication logs that back up your claims.

Mediation requirement for child-related disputes

If children are involved, you will generally be required to attend mediation before the court hears the Request for Order. Mediation can be scheduled before the hearing or at the same time. Many courts now offer online scheduling for mediation dates. Plan ahead—request your mediation date early so it aligns with the court hearing.

Responding to a Request for Order (FL-320)

If you are served with a Request for Order, you can file a written response on form FL-320. A good response will:

• Address each request made by the moving party.
• Include your own declaration and supporting exhibits.
• Attach a completed income and expense declaration when financial issues are involved.

How a legal document preparation service can help

Licensed and bonded legal document preparers can assist with the paperwork and logistics without providing legal advice. Typical services include:

• Preparing FL-300 motions and FL-320 responses.
• Drafting supporting declarations and attaching exhibits.
• Preparing and filing income and expense declarations and serving necessary forms on the other party.
• Filing documents with the court and obtaining court and mediation dates.
• Providing everything through an online process so you do not need to come into an office.

“The only thing we cannot do is give you legal advice.”

Document preparers will help you get the forms ready and filed for a flat rate, potentially saving substantial attorney fees. However, they must refrain from giving legal advice or representing you in court.

Practical tips before you file or respond

1. Make sure all children’s names and essential facts are correctly entered on the forms.
2. Gather financial documentation before completing the income and expense declaration.
3. Schedule mediation early if children are involved.
4. Be realistic about relief requested; ask for modifications only when there is a material change in circumstances.
5. Consider hiring a document preparer to reduce errors and streamline filing if you do not need legal representation.

Next steps

If you need the court to act—whether for temporary relief during a pending divorce or to modify a prior order—start by completing the Request for Order and the required financial paperwork. If you were served with a Request for Order, prepare a clear, organized response with supporting declarations and documentation. A licensed document preparation service can prepare forms, file them, and secure court and mediation dates while you focus on the substance of your case.

Taking care of the paperwork correctly and on time improves your chances of a smoother hearing and a clearer presentation of your position to the court.

The post We Help With Divorce Request For Orders and Responses FL-300 | Santa Clarita Divorce appeared first on Divorce 661 Santa Clarita Divorce Paralegal | Valencia Divorce Paralegal | Santa Clarita Valley Divorce Paralegal.