Preparing Declaration of Disclosure | Santa Clarita Divorce Guide

If you’re navigating the divorce process in Los Angeles County, understanding how to properly prepare and handle your Declaration of Disclosure is essential. This crucial step ensures transparency between both parties and complies with court requirements. As a licensed and bonded legal document preparation service specializing in divorce, we’re here to guide you through this important phase with clarity and confidence.

What Is the Declaration of Disclosure?

The Declaration of Disclosure is a formal document filed during the divorce process that confirms you have provided your financial information to the other party. It acts as a cover sheet indicating that you have served your Schedule of Assets and Debts, along with your Income and Expense Declaration. These financial disclosures are vital for ensuring a fair division of property and understanding each party’s financial situation.

Key Financial Disclosures Included

• Schedule of Assets and Debts: A detailed list of your belongings, property, debts, and liabilities.
• Income and Expense Declaration: A form outlining your earnings, monthly expenses, and overall financial condition.

It’s important to note that while these forms are served on the other party, they are not filed with the court. Instead, the Declaration of Disclosure form (form FL-140) is the document that you will file, confirming that the disclosures have been completed and served.

Step-by-Step Guide to Completing the Declaration of Disclosure

Here’s a straightforward look at how to fill out the Declaration of Disclosure form properly:

1. Caption Information: Fill in your name, address, phone number, and the court’s address. This section includes the names of both the petitioner and respondent as well as the case number.
2. Identify Your Role: If you are the petitioner, mark the form as “Petitioner’s Preliminary Declaration of Disclosure.” If you are the respondent, mark it accordingly. The term “preliminary” is used if this is your first time completing the form.
3. Check the Appropriate Boxes: Indicate that you have attached a completed Schedule of Assets and Debts and a completed Income and Expense Declaration. These are the two primary attachments required.
4. Leave Optional Attachments Blank: Sections for other attachments (numbers 3, 4, and 5) are generally not applicable unless you are working with a professional service that prepares comprehensive divorce documents.

This form essentially acts as a cover sheet submitted to the court to show that you have fulfilled your disclosure obligations.

Important Reminders About Filing and Serving

One of the most common misconceptions is about which forms are filed with the court. To clarify:

• Schedule of Assets and Debts and Income and Expense Declaration: Served on the other party but not filed with the court.
• Declaration of Disclosure (FL-140): This is the form you file with the court to confirm that disclosures have been served.

Additionally, both preliminary and final Declarations of Disclosure must be served on the other party, except in certain limited situations.

Why Is This Step Necessary?

The Declaration of Disclosure is a mandatory step in divorce and legal separation actions. It ensures that both parties have access to accurate financial information, which is crucial for equitable settlements regarding property division, support payments, and other financial considerations.

Filing this form demonstrates to the court that you are complying with the disclosure requirements, which can help streamline the divorce process and avoid delays or disputes.

Professional Assistance for Your Divorce Documents

Preparing these forms can be complex, especially if you’re unfamiliar with legal paperwork. Our licensed and bonded legal document preparation service specializes in divorce cases throughout Los Angeles County. We provide affordable and professional assistance to ensure your forms are accurately completed and submitted.

If you want to avoid the stress and confusion of preparing your divorce documents yourself, consider reaching out for expert help. Properly prepared documents can save you time, reduce errors, and help you move through the divorce process more smoothly.

Contact Us for Support

If you have any questions about the divorce process or need help preparing your Declaration of Disclosure and related forms, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We are here to serve clients across Los Angeles County with professional and reliable legal document preparation services.

Visit our website or give us a call to learn more about how we can assist you during this challenging time.