FL-155 – Financial Statement (Simplified)

Jurisdiction: Country: United States | Province or State: California

If you are involved in a family law case in California, you may be asked to complete the FL-155 – Financial Statement (Simplified). This form gives the court a snapshot of your income and certain expenses.

FL-155 – Financial Statement (Simplified) is often used in cases involving child support. It helps the court understand your financial situation so it can calculate support accurately.

You are not writing an essay about your finances. You are filling out a structured document that asks for specific numbers. The court relies on those numbers when making decisions.

Because the information affects financial orders, accuracy matters. Even small mistakes can delay your case or lead to incorrect support amounts.

This guide walks you through what the form is, when it is used, and how to complete it step by step.

What is FL-155 – Financial Statement (Simplified)?

Clear definition

FL-155 – Financial Statement (Simplified) is a court form used in California family law cases. It is designed to provide basic financial information in a streamlined format.

The form focuses mainly on your income, certain deductions, and limited expense details. It is shorter and less detailed than other financial disclosure forms used in family court.

You complete the document under penalty of perjury. That means you are declaring that the information you provide is true and correct to the best of your knowledge.

Who typically uses this form?

This form is commonly used by parents involved in child support proceedings. It may be completed by the person asking for support or the person who may have to pay it.

Self-represented individuals often use this form because it is more concise than other financial disclosures. Attorneys also use it when the simplified format is allowed.

It is typically filed in cases involving child support only. In more complex financial matters, a different and more detailed financial declaration may be required.

Why might you need this form?

You may need this form if the court is determining or modifying child support. The court uses your income information to calculate support under state guidelines.

If the local child support agency is involved in your case, you may also be asked to complete this document. The agency and the court rely on consistent financial information.

The form can also be required if the other party asks the court to set or change support. In that situation, both sides may need to provide updated financial information.

Providing this form allows the court to compare each parent’s income and apply the legal formula used in California support calculations.

Typical real-life scenarios

• You and the other parent are separating and need a formal child support order. The court asks each of you to submit financial information. You complete this form to report your wages and deductions.
• You already have a child support order, but your income has changed due to a new job. You request a modification. The court requires updated income information through this form.
• The other parent files a request to change support, claiming their income has decreased. The court schedules a hearing and directs both of you to submit current financial statements.
• A local child support agency opens a case to establish support for your child. As part of the process, you are asked to disclose your income using this document.

When would you use FL-155 – Financial Statement (Simplified)?

You would use FL-155 – Financial Statement (Simplified) in a California family law case focused on child support, especially when the court permits the simplified format.

This often happens when the financial issues are limited. For example, the case may involve support only, without disputes about property division or spousal support.

If you are responding to a request for an order related to child support, the court may require you to file this form before the hearing. It gives the judge current income figures.

You might also use it when both parents agree on most issues but need a formal order that reflects accurate income information.

In many cases, both parties complete and exchange the form before a court date. The judge reviews the information during the hearing to apply the child support guideline formula.

If your case involves more complex financial issues, such as business income or detailed property matters, another financial declaration form is commonly used instead. The simplified form is generally meant for more straightforward income situations.

Legal characteristics of FL-155 – Financial Statement (Simplified)

This document is a sworn financial statement. When you sign it, you do so under penalty of perjury. That gives it legal weight in court proceedings.

For the form to be effective, it must be filled out completely and accurately. Missing income information, unsigned pages, or inconsistent numbers can create problems.

Common issues that cause delays include failing to attach required proof of income, such as recent pay stubs, or leaving sections blank without explanation. Courts often expect clear, consistent information.

In California, courts use a statewide guideline formula to calculate child support. The income information from this form feeds directly into that calculation. If the numbers are incorrect, the resulting support order may not reflect your actual financial situation.

The form does not decide support on its own. It provides data. The judge or support agency applies the legal formula and enters the official order.

FL-155 – Financial Statement (Simplified) also does not divide property, assign debts, or resolve custody issues. Its primary function is to present financial information relevant to child support.

Different courts within California may have slightly different filing procedures, such as when the form must be submitted or how copies are exchanged. The core content of the form remains the same statewide.

Is it legally binding?

The form itself is not a court order. It does not create obligations by its existence alone.

However, the information you provide is legally significant because you sign under penalty of perjury. False or misleading information can have serious consequences in a court proceeding.

Once the court relies on the financial information to issue a child support order, that order becomes legally binding. The form supports the order but is not the order itself.

If you later discover that information was incorrect, the court process typically requires updated filings or a request for modification. The original signed statement remains part of the court record.

How to fill out FL-155 – Financial Statement (Simplified)

Step 1 – Identify the court and case information

At the top of the form, fill in the name and address of the court handling your case. Enter the case number exactly as it appears on other court documents. List the names of the parties in the same order used in your case caption.

Step 2 – Provide your personal and employment information

Enter your full name and contact details as requested. Provide your employer’s name and address if you are employed. If you are self-employed, indicate that and provide the name of your business.

Include your job title or type of work. This helps clarify the source of your income.

Step 3 – State your monthly income

Report your gross monthly income. Gross income generally means income before taxes and other deductions.

If you are paid hourly, calculate your average monthly income based on your typical hours. If you are paid weekly or biweekly, convert your earnings to a monthly amount using consistent math.

Include wages, salary, commissions, bonuses, unemployment benefits, disability benefits, or other income sources listed on the form. If your income varies, provide an average based on recent months.

Step 4 – List additional income sources

The form may ask about other types of income, such as rental income or public benefits. Enter the monthly amounts for each category that applies to you.

If you receive child support from another relationship, report it if the form requests that information. Follow the structure of the document carefully and avoid adding unrelated commentary.

When reporting self-employment income, use your net income after business expenses, if the form directs you to do so. Keep your calculations consistent with any attached documents.

Step 5 – Identify payroll deductions

List mandatory deductions from your paycheck, such as federal and state taxes, Social Security, or Medicare. Use your pay stub to ensure accuracy.

Include health insurance premiums if they are deducted from your wages. If you pay child support or spousal support by wage assignment, enter those amounts where indicated.

Be careful not to double-count deductions. Only include items specifically requested in that section.

Step 6 – Provide basic expense information

The simplified form may ask for limited information about certain monthly expenses. Enter the amounts you actually pay each month.

If you pay for the child’s health insurance or child care related to work, include those figures where requested. Use average monthly amounts if the bills fluctuate.

Keep your entries aligned with the labels on the form. Do not combine categories unless the form instructs you to do so.

Step 7 – Attach proof of income

Gather recent pay stubs covering the period specified on the form. If you are self-employed, gather profit and loss statements or other records showing income.

Attach copies, not originals, unless the court requires otherwise. Make sure the documents clearly match the income amounts you reported.

If you receive benefits or other income, attach written proof of those payments as requested.

Step 8 – Review for accuracy and completeness

Read through each section before signing. Confirm that all numbers are consistent and that monthly totals make sense.

Check that your name, case number, and all required attachments are included. An incomplete submission can delay the court’s review.

Look for blank sections. If a question does not apply, follow the form’s instructions for indicating that it is not applicable.

Step 9 – Sign and date the form

At the end of the document, sign your name where indicated. Enter the date of signing.

By signing, you declare under penalty of perjury that the information is true and correct. Make sure you understand every entry before you sign.

After signing, prepare the required copies for filing and for service on the other party, according to the procedures in your case.

Legal terms you might encounter in FL-155 – Financial Statement (Simplified)

1. Gross Monthly Income: This is your total income before taxes or other deductions. On this form, you report what you earn each month from employment or self-employment before anything is taken out. The court uses this number as the starting point for calculating support.
2. Net Disposable Income: This is what remains after required deductions like taxes and mandatory retirement contributions. While you may not calculate it directly on this form, your listed income and deductions allow the court to determine it. It affects child support calculations.
3. Payroll Deductions: These are amounts automatically taken from your paycheck. They include federal and state taxes, Social Security, Medicare, and sometimes union dues or mandatory retirement. You must list only actual deductions shown on your pay stub.
4. Additional Income: This includes money you receive beyond your main job. Examples include bonuses, commissions, rental income, unemployment benefits, disability payments, or spousal support from another case. You must disclose all sources, even if they are irregular.
5. Monthly Expenses: These are your basic living costs, such as rent, utilities, groceries, and transportation. In this simplified form, you provide limited expense information. The court compares your expenses to your income to understand your financial situation.
6. Declaration Under Penalty of Perjury: When you sign the form, you swear that the information is true and correct. If you knowingly provide false information, there can be legal consequences. Your signature makes the document legally significant.
7. Supporting Documentation: This refers to the proof you must attach, such as recent pay stubs. The court relies on documents to verify the numbers you enter. Missing attachments can delay your case.
8. Self-Employment Income: If you work for yourself, this is your business income after ordinary and necessary business expenses. You must be careful to separate personal and business expenses. The court expects accurate, reasonable figures.
9. Child Support Guideline Calculation: This is the method used to determine child support based on income and other factors. The information you provide feeds into this calculation. Incomplete or inaccurate entries can change the result.

FAQs

Do I have to file FL-155 – Financial Statement (Simplified) in every family law case?

No. This document is generally used in cases involving child support when your financial situation is relatively straightforward. If your finances are more complex, a different financial disclosure form may be required. Always check what the court papers or hearing notice specifically ask you to file.

What proof of income do I need to attach to this form?

You typically need to attach your most recent pay stubs covering the required period stated in your court instructions. If you are self-employed, you may need recent profit and loss statements or other business records. Make sure the documents clearly show your name, employer, pay period, and year-to-date totals so the court can match them to what you entered.

What if my income changes from month to month?

If your income varies, calculate an average monthly amount based on recent earnings. Use several months of pay information to get a realistic average. Do not guess or round carelessly. Attach documents that show the variation so the court understands how you reached your number.

Do I include cash payments or side jobs?

Yes. You must report all income, even if you are paid in cash or do occasional work. The court expects full disclosure. If you leave out side income and it is later discovered, it can affect your credibility and the outcome of your case.

What happens if I make a mistake after I file this document?

If you notice an error, correct it as soon as possible. You may need to complete a new, corrected version of the form and file it with the court. Make sure the updated information is clearly dated and reflects accurate numbers. Prompt correction helps avoid confusion at your hearing.

Do both parents have to complete a financial statement?

In most child support matters, both parties must provide financial information. The court compares each person’s income to apply the support guidelines. If only one side files, the judge may base decisions on incomplete information, which can affect the result.

Is the information on this form kept private?

Financial information in family law cases is generally part of the court file. However, sensitive details like Social Security numbers are usually protected or partially redacted. Follow the form instructions carefully and do not include extra personal identifiers that are not requested.

How recent must my income information be when I file FL-155 – Financial Statement (Simplified)?

Your income information should be current as of the date you sign the form. Use your most recent pay stubs or financial records available. If your employment status changes before your hearing, you should update the court so that the information used in your case is accurate.

Checklist: Before, During, and After FL-155 – Financial Statement (Simplified)

Before

• Review your court notice to confirm you are required to file this simplified financial form.
• Gather your most recent pay stubs for the required time period.
• Collect proof of any additional income, such as bonuses, benefits, or rental payments.
• If self-employed, prepare a recent profit and loss summary.
• Have information about payroll deductions available.
• Set aside uninterrupted time to complete the form carefully.
• Make sure you know your case number and court location.

During

• Enter your name, case number, and court information exactly as shown on other filed documents.
• List your employer details accurately, including address.
• Calculate your gross monthly income using reliable records.
• Report all additional income sources, even if irregular.
• Copy payroll deductions directly from your pay stub without estimating.
• Double-check math when averaging variable income.
• Attach all required proof of income documents.
• Review each section to confirm nothing is left blank unless it truly does not apply.

After

• Sign and date the form where required.
• Make copies for your records and for service on the other party if required.
• Organize attachments in the same order referenced in the form.
• File the original with the court clerk by the stated deadline.
• Confirm that your filing was accepted and stamped.
• Calendar your hearing date and bring copies with you.
• Keep your financial records updated in case the court asks for clarification.

Common mistakes to avoid with FL-155 – Financial Statement (Simplified)

• Mistake: Reporting net income instead of gross income because it feels more accurate, which happens when you rely on your bank deposits, leading to incorrect support calculations and delays—do not forget to use pre-tax amounts from your pay stub.
• Mistake: Forgetting to include bonus or commission income because it is irregular, which often occurs when you focus only on base pay, causing the court to question your disclosure—do not forget to average and report variable income.
• Mistake: Leaving sections blank without clarification because you are unsure what applies, which can make the form appear incomplete and be rejected—do not forget to review every line and confirm it is intentionally answered.
• Mistake: Failing to attach required proof of income due to oversight, which commonly happens when filing in a hurry, resulting in processing delays—do not forget to include all supporting documents.
• Mistake: Underreporting self-employment income by mixing personal and business expenses, which can raise credibility concerns and affect court findings—do not forget to separate legitimate business deductions clearly.
• Mistake: Signing without reviewing the declaration under penalty of perjury because you assume small errors do not matter, which can create serious legal consequences—do not forget that your signature confirms every number is accurate.
• Mistake: Using outdated income information because you completed the form too early, which may lead to an unfair support amount—do not forget to update figures if your financial situation changes before filing.
• Mistake: Misstating payroll deductions by estimating instead of copying from pay stubs, which can distort net income calculations—do not forget to rely on actual documented amounts.

What to do after filling out FL-155 – Financial Statement (Simplified)

Once you complete the form, pause before moving forward. A careful review now can prevent delays later. Make sure every number matches your supporting documents and that your attachments are clear and legible.

• Step 1: Review the entire form from top to bottom and confirm your case number, court name, and personal details match your other filed papers.
• Step 2: Confirm your income figures match your attached pay stubs or financial summaries exactly.
• Step 3: Sign and date the form in the designated area under penalty of perjury.
• Step 4: Make at least two copies of the completed form and all attachments—one for yourself and one for the other party.
• Step 5: Organize the original and copies in the same order, with attachments neatly placed behind the form.
• Step 6: File the original with the court clerk by the deadline stated in your notice or rules.
• Step 7: Ensure the other party is properly served with a copy if required in your case, and keep proof of service if applicable.
• Step 8: Obtain confirmation that the clerk accepted and filed your document, such as a stamped copy.
• Step 9: Store your filed copy and proof of submission in a safe, organized file for your case.
• Step 10: Bring a complete copy of the form and attachments to your hearing so you can refer to specific numbers if the judge asks questions.

After filing, stay alert to any changes in your income. If you lose your job, receive a raise, or start earning additional income before your hearing, update your information promptly. Courts base support decisions on current financial circumstances. Keeping your records current helps ensure that any order reflects your real situation.