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FL-351Optional

Mandatory Findings for Child Custody and Visitation (Parenting Time) Orders

California · Judicial Council of California · Effective January 1, 2026

This form is used by the court to write down the official reasons why it is making certain orders about child custody or visitation time. It is used when there are allegations of abuse, substance abuse, or domestic violence.

The court describes it as: States the court’s reasons for making certain child custody or visitation orders when a case involves domestic violence or allegations of abuse or substance abuse.

Open the official PDFfrom Judicial Council of California

Where this fits in a case

Hearing

Stage: Hearing

This form is used by the court when it has to write down its reasons for granting custody or visitation orders, especially if there are allegations of abuse, substance abuse, or domestic violence.

Prepared by the court or clerk.

Official instructions

How-to guides published by the court for this form.

Common questions

Who fills out this form?
This form is for the court to fill out, as indicated by the 'FOR COURT USE ONLY' notice. Great care must be taken when completing it.
Does the court always have to write reasons on this form?
The notice states the court is not required to write the reasons in this form if it already stated them on the record during the hearing.

Revision history

No changes recorded since we started tracking this form on October 9, 2026. The current version took effect January 1, 2026.

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