Blank Fl 155 Template

What is the FL-155 form used for?

The FL-155 form is a Financial Statement (Simplified) used in California to provide the court with essential financial information. It is particularly relevant for individuals who are involved in family law cases, especially those concerning child support and custody issues. The form helps by summarizing income, expenses, and other financial details required by the court to make informed decisions regarding child support obligations and related matters.

Who is eligible to use the FL-155 form?

You may use the FL-155 form if you meet specific criteria. If your only sources of income are welfare benefits like TANF, SSI, or GA/GR, or if you're receiving salary or wages, you may qualify. However, if you are requesting spousal support, or if the other party is requesting spousal support, you cannot use this simplified form. It is essential to review the eligibility criteria carefully before proceeding with the FL-155.

What information is required when filling out the FL-155?

The FL-155 requires various personal and financial details. You must provide your name and contact information, case number, and the names of all parties involved. Additionally, you will need to summarize your income, including salary, unemployment benefits, or other sources. Monthly expenses associated with children and any other dependents must also be reported. All provided information should be accurate to ensure the court has a full understanding of your financial situation.

How can I submit the FL-155 form?

After completing the FL-155 form, it's crucial to create copies for your records. The original form must be filed with the court clerk, accompanied by copies of your recent income documentation, such as pay stubs and tax returns. Additionally, you should serve the other party and any involved agencies with copies of the form and supporting documents. Ensure you keep copies for yourself and attend any scheduled hearings regarding your case, as your presence is important for addressing financial matters in court.

Are there specific instructions I should follow when filling out the FL-155?

Yes, several key instructions are provided to help ensure proper completion of the FL-155. Be sure to print or write clearly in black ink. If more space is needed for any section, you can use plain paper and attach it to the form. Moreover, double-check that all required information is included and that the form is signed and dated. Using the Clear This Form option after printing is also recommended for your privacy.

What should I do if I have questions about the FL-155 form?

If you have questions about the FL-155 form or the completion process, consider reaching out to legal aid organizations, family law assistance centers, or private attorneys who specialize in family law. They can offer guidance and support tailored to your situation. It's beneficial to seek help to ensure all aspects of your financial disclosures are correctly addressed, as this can significantly impact your court proceedings.

1. Inaccurate Personal Information: Filling out the form with incorrect or outdated personal details can prevent proper identification of the parties involved. Ensure that names, addresses, and contact information are current and accurate.

2. Omitting Required Documentation: Failing to attach necessary documents, such as recent pay stubs or tax returns, may lead to delays. Always check the requirements and include all relevant paperwork.

3. Forgetting to Update Income Sources: Not listing all sources of income, including side jobs or any benefits received, can misrepresent financial standings. Full disclosure is essential for an accurate assessment of the case.

4. Inaccurate Expense Reporting: Underestimating or failing to list monthly expenses may lead to an unrealistic financial representation. Clearly itemize all expenses to accurately reflect your financial obligations.

5. Skipping Signatures: Neglecting to sign the form can result in it being deemed incomplete. Ensure all necessary signatures are provided before submission.

6. Not Reviewing Before Submission: Submitting the form without a thorough review may lead to errors. Take the time to carefully proofread entries to catch any mistakes before handing it in.

7. Ignoring Court Instructions: Not adhering to the instructions for filing could result in the form not being accepted. Familiarize yourself with all filing requirements and follow them closely.

The FL-155 form, known as the Financial Statement (Simplified), is often accompanied by several other important forms and documents that facilitate financial disclosures in family law cases. Below is a list of additional documents commonly used alongside the FL-155 form, their descriptions, and the role they play in court proceedings.

• FL-150 - Income and Expense Declaration: This form provides a detailed account of an individual's income, expenses, and financial circumstances. It is typically used when more comprehensive financial disclosure is required than what the FL-155 offers.
• FL-141 - Declaration of Disclosure: This document formalizes the disclosures of income and expenses between parties during a dissolution of marriage or legal separation. It serves to ensure both parties have complete financial transparency.
• FL-146 - Declaration Regarding Notice of Address Change: This form is used to notify the court of a change of address, which is crucial for ensuring that all parties receive timely updates regarding hearings and legal documents.
• FL-155(A) - Financial Statement (Simplified) Attachment: This is an attachment that supports the FL-155 form, allowing for additional details on income or expenses that cannot fit within the confines of the simplified form.
• FL-385 - Request for Order: Used to formally request the court for a specific order, such as child support or spousal support. This document also references financial disclosures made in the FL-155 form.
• FL-190 - Notice of Hearing: This provides information regarding the time and place of upcoming court hearings related to the issues in the case, ensuring that all parties can be present.
• DHS 64 - Child Support Information: This form gathers information regarding the children's needs, transport, and other related expenses that may influence support decisions.
• W-2 Forms: These documents include summaries of an employee's annual wages and taxes withheld, which are essential for verifying income when evaluating support obligations.
• Pay Stubs: Recent pay stubs provide evidence of income and should be included with the FL-155 to substantiate financial claims made on the form.

Each of these documents serves a crucial role in presenting a clear and complete financial picture to the court. Accurate and timely submission of all required forms can significantly impact the outcome of family law proceedings.

The FL-150, known as the Income and Expense Declaration, is a more detailed financial form used in California family law cases. Unlike the FL-155, which is a simplified version for certain qualifying individuals, the FL-150 captures a broader range of financial information. Individuals using the FL-150 must disclose various income sources, including self-employment earnings, spousal support, and other financial obligations. This document is often required when cases involve spousal support, while the FL-155 is designed for simpler situations without these complications.

The FL-140, or the Declaration of Disclosure, serves a similar purpose by requiring both parties in a divorce or legal separation to transparently disclose their financial circumstances. This document aims to ensure that both parties have access to comparable information when negotiating financial settlement terms. While the FL-140 focuses on full financial disclosure, the FL-155 is aimed at individuals who need to provide less comprehensive financial detail, making it more accessible for specific cases.

The FL-191 is another financial document focusing on child support matters. Similar to the FL-155, it is utilized to evaluate financial capabilities, but it specifically targets cases involving child support orders. The FL-191 collects information about both parents' income and expenses to determine fair child support obligations. It provides an additional mechanism for courts to assess financial situations when custody and support arrangements are contested.

Lastly, the FL-300, known as the Request for Order, can be associated with various types of relief, including financial matters such as child or spousal support. This form allows a party to request the court’s intervention regarding ongoing family law issues. While the FL-155 presents a simplified overview of one party’s finances, the FL-300 is often used as a procedural tool to initiate modifications to existing support orders based on the financial information provided in other documents like the FL-155 or the FL-150.

Things You Should Do:

• Read the instructions carefully before starting.
• Use black ink or type the form for clarity.
• Attach necessary documents like pay stubs and tax returns.
• Complete all required fields accurately.
• Keep copies of everything you submit for your records.

Things You Shouldn't Do:

• Don't leave any required fields blank.
• Don't use unclear handwriting or non-black ink.
• Refrain from including unnecessary information.
• Never forget to attend the hearings scheduled for your case.
• Do not submit a form that contains inaccuracies or omissions.

1. The FL-155 form is only for high-income individuals. Many people believe that the FL-155 form is only applicable to those with high incomes. This is not true. In fact, it is designed for individuals with lower incomes who meet specific eligibility criteria, such as relying on public assistance programs like TANF or SSI.

2. You can't file FL-155 if you want spousal support. Another common misconception is that you cannot use the FL-155 form if you're requesting spousal support. The truth is that if you are asking for spousal support, you may need to fill out a different form, but that does not automatically disqualify you from using FL-155 for child support-related matters.

3. All income sources must be reported. Many believe they must list every possible income source on the FL-155 form. While you should report your monthly income accurately, the form is aimed at individuals who may have limited income sources. If your income solely comes from specific programs or wages, simply list those sources.

4. You don't need to provide proof of income. Some feel that completing the FL-155 form doesn't require support documentation. This is a misconception. You must attach necessary documents, such as pay stubs or tax returns, to verify your reported income.

5. Filing the FL-155 form is optional. There is a belief that completing the FL-155 form is merely optional. However, if you have child support obligations and are required to report your financial information, filling out the FL-155 form is often essential for the court to make informed decisions.

• When filling out the FL-155 form, ensure that all personal information is accurate and complete, as it is critical for the court’s understanding of your financial situation.

• This form is designed for individuals who meet specific eligibility criteria, including not requesting spousal support or having other income sources beyond defined types such as TANF or wages.

• After completing the form, make sure to serve copies of it along with necessary documents, like pay stubs and tax returns, to the other party involved in the case.

• Finally, retain copies of all submitted materials for your records and ensure attendance at court hearings, as failure to appear could result in the court making decisions without your input.