The California FL-145 form is a legal document used in family law cases to facilitate the exchange of important information between parties. This form includes a series of questions, known as interrogatories, that must be answered under oath, allowing both parties to share relevant details about their assets, debts, and other pertinent matters. To ensure your privacy, remember to click the "Clear This Form" button after completing the document.
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The California FL-145 form serves as a vital tool in family law cases, facilitating the exchange of essential information between parties involved in legal proceedings. This form includes a series of interrogatories designed to elicit relevant details without imposing undue burdens on the answering party. It requires both parties to provide comprehensive responses under oath, ensuring that all information shared is truthful and accurate. The form outlines specific instructions for both the asking and answering parties, emphasizing the importance of clarity and completeness in responses. Definitions of key terms, such as "person," "document," and "asset," are provided to ensure that all parties have a shared understanding of the language used. Additionally, the FL-145 form mandates that responses must be accompanied by supporting documentation when applicable, thereby enhancing the transparency of the information exchanged. By requiring disclosures related to personal history, financial agreements, legal actions, and support obligations, the form plays a crucial role in establishing a clear picture of each party's circumstances. Ultimately, the FL-145 is not just a procedural requirement; it is a foundational element that helps to ensure fairness and accountability in family law disputes.
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ATTORNEY OR PARTY WITHOUT ATTORNEY (Name, State Bar number, and address):
TELEPHONE NO.:
ATTORNEY FOR (Name):
FL-145
SUPERIOR COURT OF CALIFORNIA, COUNTY OF
SHORT TITLE:
FORM INTERROGATORIES–FAMILY LAW
CASE NUMBER:
Asking Party:
Answering Party:
Set No.:
Sec. 1. Instructions to Both Parties
Sec. 4. Instructions to the Answering Party
The interrogatories on page 2 of this form are intended to
You must answer these interrogatories under oath within 30
provide for the exchange of relevant information without
days, in accordance with Code of Civil Procedure section
unreasonable expense to the answering party. They do not
2030.260.
change existing law relating to interrogatories, nor do they
You must furnish all information you have or can reasonably
affect the answering party’s right to assert any privilege or
make any objection. Privileges must be asserted.
find out, including all information (not privileged) from your
attorneys or under your control. If you don’t know, say so.
Sec. 2. Definitions
Words in boldface in these interrogatories are defined as follows:
(a)Person includes a natural person; a partnership; any kind of business, legal, or public entity; and its agents or employees.
(b)Document means all written, recorded,or graphic materials, however stored, produced, or reproduced.
(c)Asset or property includes any interest in real
estate or personal property. It includes any interest in a pension, profit-sharing, or retirement plan.
(d)Debt means any obligation, including debts paid since the date of separation.
(e)Support means any benefit or economic contribution to the living expenses of another person, including gifts.
If an interrogatory is answered by referring to a document, the document must be attached as an exhibit to the response and referred to in the response. If the document has more than one page, refer to the page and section where the answer can be found.
If a document to be attached to the response may also be attached to the Schedule of Assets and Debts (form FL-142), the document should be attached only to the response, and the form should refer to the response.
If an interrogatory cannot be answered completely, answer as much as you can, state the reason you cannot answer the rest, and state any information you have about the unanswered portion.
Sec. 5. Oath
(f)If asked to identify a person, give the person’s name, last known residence and business addresses, telephone numbers, and company affiliation at the date of the transaction referred to.
(g)If asked to identify a document, attach a copy of the document unless you explain why not. If you do not attach the copy, describe the document, including its date and nature, and give the name, address, telephone number, and occupation of the person who has the document.
Sec. 3. Instructions to the Asking Party
Check the box next to each interrogatory you want the answering party to answer.
Your answers to these interrogatories must be under oath, dated, and signed. Use the following statement at the end of your answers:
I declare under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing answers are true and correct.
( DATE)
(SIGNATURE)
Page 1 of 2
Form Approved for Optional Use Judicial Council of California FL-145 [Rev. January 1, 2006]
Code of Civil Procedure,
§§2030.010–2030.410, 2033.710 www.courtinfo.ca.gov
1.Personal history. State your full name, current residence address and work address, social security number, any other names you have used, and the dates between which you used each name.
2.Agreements. Are there any agreements between you and your spouse or domestic partner, made before or during your marriage or domestic partnership or after your separation, that affect the disposition of assets, debts, or support in this proceeding? If your answer is yes, for each agreement state the date made and whether it was written or oral, and attach a copy of the agreement or describe its contents.
3.Legal actions. Are you a party or do you anticipate being a party to any legal or administrative proceeding other than this action? If your answer is yes, state your role and the name, jurisdiction, case number, and a brief description of each proceeding.
4.Persons sharing residence. State the name, age, and relationship to you of each person at your present address.
5.Support provided others. State the name, age, address, and relationship to you of each person for whom you have provided support during the past 12 months and the amount provided per month for each.
6.Support received for others. State the name, age, address, and relationship to you of each person for whom you have received support during the past 12 months and the amount received per month for each.
7.Current income. List all income you received during
the past 12 months, its source, the basis for its computation, and the total amount received from each. Attach your last three paycheck stubs.
8.Other income. During the past three years, have you received cash or other property from any source not identified in item 7? If so, list the source, the date, and the nature and value of the property.
9.Tax returns. Attach copies of all tax returns and tax schedules filed by or for you in any jurisdiction for the past three calendar years.
10.Schedule of assets and debts. Complete the Schedule of Assets and Debts (form FL-142) served with these interrogatories.
11.Separate property contentions. State the facts that support your contention that an asset or debt is separate property.
12.Property valuations. During the past 12 months, have you received written offers to purchase or had written appraisals of any of the assets listed on your completed Schedule of Assets and Debts? If your answer is yes, identify the document.
13.Property held by others. Is there any property
held by any third party in which you have any interest or over which you have any control? If your answer is yes, indicate whether the property is shown on the Schedule of Assets and Debts completed by you. If it is not, describe and identify each such asset, state its present value and the basis for your valuation, and identify the person holding the asset.
14.Retirement and other benefits. Do you have an interest in any disability, retirement, profit-sharing, or deferred compensation plan? If your answer is yes, identify each plan and provide the name, address, and telephone number of the administrator and custodian of records.
15.Claims of reimbursement. Do you claim the legal right to be reimbursed for any expenditures of your separate or community property? If your answer is yes, state all supporting facts.
16.Credits. Have you claimed reimbursement credits for payments of community debts since the date of separation? If your answer is yes, identify the source of payment, the creditor, the date paid, and the amount paid. State whether you have added to the debt since the separation.
17.Insurance. Identify each health, life, automobile, and disability insurance policy or plan that you now own or that covers you, your children, or your assets. State the policy type, policy number, and name of the company. Identify the agent and give the address.
18.Health. Is there any physical or emotional condition that limits your ability to work? If your answer is yes, state each fact on which you base your answer.
19.Children’s needs. Do you contend that any of your children have any special needs? If so, identify the child with the need, the reason for the need, its cost, and its expected duration.
20.Attorney fees. State the total amount of attorney fees and costs incurred by you in this proceeding, the amount paid, and the source of the money paid. Describe the billing arrangements.
21.Gifts. List any gifts you have made without the
consent of your spouse or domestic partner in the past 24 months, their values, and the recipients.
FL-145 [Rev. January 1, 2006]
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Completing the California FL 145 form is a straightforward process that requires careful attention to detail. After filling out the form, it’s important to ensure all information is accurate and complete before submission. You will need to answer the interrogatories under oath and provide any necessary attachments. Once finished, remember to clear the form for your privacy.
What is the purpose of the California FL-145 form?
The California FL-145 form is designed to facilitate the exchange of relevant information between parties involved in family law cases, such as divorce or child custody proceedings. It includes a series of interrogatories, which are questions that one party asks the other to answer under oath. This form helps ensure that both parties have access to necessary information without incurring unreasonable expenses, promoting transparency and fairness in legal proceedings.
Who must complete the FL-145 form?
Both parties involved in a family law case are required to complete the FL-145 form. The asking party initiates the process by selecting the specific interrogatories they want the answering party to respond to. The answering party must then provide answers to these questions under oath within 30 days. This requirement applies to all individuals engaged in family law disputes in California, regardless of whether they are represented by an attorney.
What kind of information is requested on the FL-145 form?
The FL-145 form requests a variety of personal and financial information. This includes details about each party’s identity, income, assets, debts, and any support provided or received. Specific questions may ask about agreements between parties, legal actions involving the parties, and the status of insurance policies. The form aims to gather comprehensive information that is relevant to the case, ensuring that both parties have a clear understanding of each other's financial situations.
What happens if a party cannot fully answer an interrogatory?
If a party cannot fully answer an interrogatory, they are instructed to provide as much information as possible. They should explain the reasons for the incomplete answer and include any information they can provide about the unanswered portion. This approach allows for transparency and demonstrates good faith in the information-gathering process, even when complete answers are not feasible.
What are the consequences of not responding to the FL-145 form?
Failure to respond to the FL-145 form within the specified 30-day timeframe can have serious consequences. The court may interpret this lack of response as a failure to comply with legal obligations, which could result in penalties. These penalties might include sanctions or unfavorable rulings in the ongoing family law case. It is essential for both parties to adhere to the deadlines and requirements outlined in the form to avoid potential legal repercussions.
Filling out the California FL 145 form can be daunting. Many people make mistakes that can lead to delays or complications in their case. Here are nine common errors to avoid.
First, failing to provide complete personal information is a frequent issue. Individuals often leave out their full name, current address, or social security number. This information is crucial for identification and processing. Ensure that every detail is accurate and up to date.
Second, some people neglect to answer all interrogatories. Each question must be addressed, even if the answer is "I don't know." Omitting answers can be seen as non-compliance and may negatively impact your case.
Third, many forget to attach required documents. If an interrogatory asks for a document and you have it, attach it as instructed. Failing to include necessary documentation can lead to further requests and delays.
Fourth, not signing the form is a common mistake. Your answers must be under oath, and a signature is required to validate your responses. Without it, the form is incomplete.
Fifth, people often misunderstand the definition of "assets" and "debts." Misclassifying these can lead to inaccurate reporting. Be clear about what constitutes an asset or debt in your situation.
Sixth, many individuals do not provide sufficient detail when describing agreements or legal actions. Simply stating "yes" or "no" is not enough. You must provide specific information, including dates and descriptions.
Seventh, some fail to keep copies of their tax returns and other financial documents. These are necessary for verifying income and other financial claims. Always include copies of the last three years of tax returns as required.
Eighth, people often overlook the importance of the "Schedule of Assets and Debts." This form must be completed accurately and submitted alongside the FL 145. Incomplete or inaccurate schedules can complicate your financial disclosures.
Finally, not reviewing the entire form before submission can lead to errors. Take the time to double-check all entries and ensure that everything is filled out correctly. This step can save you from unnecessary follow-ups and delays.
By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that your California FL 145 form is completed accurately and efficiently. This attention to detail will help facilitate a smoother process in your family law case.
The California FL-145 form is part of the family law process, specifically designed for interrogatories. It facilitates the exchange of information between parties in a family law case. Several other forms and documents are commonly used alongside the FL-145 to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the case and to fulfill legal requirements. Below is a list of these documents.
These documents, when used in conjunction with the FL-145 form, create a clearer picture of the parties' financial circumstances and legal positions. Each form serves a distinct purpose, contributing to the overall process of family law cases in California.
The California FL-145 form, known as the Form Interrogatories for Family Law, serves a specific purpose in family law cases. However, there are several other documents that share similarities with this form. Here’s a list of six documents that are comparable to the FL-145 form, along with an explanation of how they relate:
When filling out the California FL 145 form, there are several important dos and don’ts to keep in mind. Here’s a list to help you navigate the process smoothly.
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your form is filled out correctly and efficiently.
Misconceptions about the California FL 145 form can lead to confusion. Here are four common misunderstandings:
When filling out and using the California FL-145 form, keep these key points in mind:
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your use of the FL-145 form is accurate and compliant with legal requirements.