Why Your Financial Declaration Matters So Much

The FL-150 Income and Expense Declaration is one of the most important forms in California family court. Judges use it to set child support, decide attorney's fee requests, and judge your credibility. If the numbers don't add up, the judge notices.

The FL-150 asks for:

•       Your income from all sources, including overtime, bonuses and self-employment

•       Deductions such as taxes, health insurance and mandatory retirement

•       Monthly household expenses

•       Information about the children's health insurance and child care costs

You must attach proof of income, usually pay stubs for the last two months. Self-employed parents should be ready with profit-and-loss statements and tax returns.

The mistakes I see most often are leaving out income, guessing at expenses, and filing a form that contradicts what you say in your declaration. Each of these can hurt your support order and your credibility on every other issue in the case.

Accuracy matters more than perfection. If your income changes often, explain it honestly and attach the records that show it.

Related reading: [how California calculates child support](link to Post 31).

If you need help completing an FL-150, call me at 877-4CA-FCLS (877-422-3257) for a free consultation.