FL All Family 135 – Declaration

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

FL All Family 135 – Declaration is a written statement you file in a Washington Superior Court family law case. It lets you tell the judge important facts in your own words. Instead of speaking in court, you explain what happened and what you want the court to understand.

This form is commonly used in divorce, parenting plans, child support, and other family law matters. It gives the court background details that may not fit neatly into other required forms.

If you are representing yourself, this document often feels like your main opportunity to be heard. The court reads it along with other filings before making decisions.

Because judges rely on written materials, clarity and accuracy matter. What you include in this declaration can directly affect temporary orders, final orders, and other rulings in your case.

What is FL All Family 135 – Declaration?

Clear definition

FL All Family 135 – Declaration is a sworn written statement used in Washington family law cases. In it, you describe facts that support your requests or respond to someone else’s claims.

It is not a fill‑in‑the‑blank checklist. Instead, it provides space for you to write a narrative. You explain events, dates, conversations, and circumstances that are relevant to the issues before the court.

When you sign the document, you are declaring under penalty of perjury that the information is true. This means the court treats your statements as sworn testimony, even though you are not speaking in the courtroom at that moment.

Who typically uses this form?

People involved in Washington family law cases often use this form. That includes spouses in a divorce, parents in a parenting plan case, or parties in a child support dispute.

Both the person who started the case and the person responding may file a declaration. It is common for each side to submit its own version of events.

In cases involving modifications or enforcement of existing orders, either party may also file this declaration to explain why a change or enforcement action is requested.

Self‑represented individuals frequently rely on this form to provide context that is not captured in financial forms or standard petitions.

Why might you need this form?

You may need this form when the court asks for written evidence before a hearing. Many family law motions are decided based on written materials rather than live testimony.

This declaration allows you to present your side of the story. It helps the judge understand your concerns, your children’s needs, and the history of your relationship or dispute.

If the other party files a declaration making certain claims, you can use your own declaration to respond. You explain what you agree with, what you dispute, and why.

The form also supports specific requests. For example, if you are asking for temporary custody arrangements, you would use your declaration to explain why that arrangement serves the child’s best interests.

Typical real-life scenarios

• You are going through a divorce and need temporary orders about who stays in the home and how bills will be paid. The judge asks for written declarations before the hearing. You use this form to explain your financial situation and living arrangements.
• You are in a parenting plan case and want a schedule that reflects your work hours. In your declaration, you describe your job schedule, your involvement in your child’s daily life, and how your proposed plan supports stability.
• The other parent files a motion claiming you have not followed the current parenting plan. You file a declaration explaining your actions, including dates and any communication between you and the other parent.
• You are asking the court to modify child support because your income has changed. In your declaration, you explain when the change happened, why it occurred, and how it affects your ability to pay or meet the child’s needs.

When would you use FL All Family 135 – Declaration?

You typically use this form when there is a motion or hearing scheduled in your family law case. Courts often require written declarations to be filed and served by specific deadlines before the hearing date.

It is commonly used for temporary orders. These may include temporary parenting plans, temporary child support, spousal maintenance, or restraining orders within a family law case.

You may also use it when responding to a motion filed by the other party. If they submit a declaration, you can file your own to present your version of events and attach supporting documents.

In modification cases, the court usually wants to know what has changed since the last order. A declaration provides space to explain those changes clearly.

In enforcement or contempt proceedings, a declaration may describe missed payments, denied visits, or other alleged violations of a court order.

This form can also be used to support agreed requests. Even when both parties agree, the court may require written declarations explaining the background and confirming the agreement.

Legal characteristics of FL All Family 135 – Declaration

This document is a sworn statement. When you sign it, you are declaring under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of Washington that the information is true and correct.

Because it is sworn, false statements can have serious consequences. Courts may question credibility if statements are inconsistent with other evidence or prior filings.

For the declaration to be effective, it must be properly completed and signed. It must include the correct case caption, including the court name, case number, and party names. Missing or incorrect case information can delay processing.

Courts may reject or disregard declarations that are not signed, are missing required language about perjury, or exceed page limits set by court rules or local practice. Some counties have specific formatting or page restrictions.

Judges generally rely on relevant facts. Declarations that focus on unrelated personal attacks or opinions may carry less weight. Clear dates, specific events, and concise explanations are typically more helpful.

The declaration does not replace other required forms. For example, financial information often requires separate financial statements. Parenting proposals require specific parenting plan forms. This document supports those forms but does not substitute for them.

Washington courts operate under statewide rules, but local courts may have additional procedural requirements. Filing deadlines, page limits, and hearing procedures can vary by county.

Is it legally binding?

The statements you make in the declaration are legally binding in the sense that they are sworn under penalty of perjury. You are legally responsible for the truthfulness of what you write.

However, the declaration itself is not an agreement between parties. It does not create enforceable rights or obligations on its own. It is evidence the court considers when deciding whether to issue an order.

If the judge relies on your declaration and signs an order, that court order becomes legally binding. The declaration supports the decision, but the order is what creates enforceable requirements.

If both parties submit declarations that conflict, the judge may decide based on the written record or may schedule further proceedings. The declaration is part of the evidence, not the final ruling.

How to fill out FL All Family 135 – Declaration

Step 1 – Complete the case caption

At the top of the form, fill in the name of the Superior Court, the county, the parties’ names, and the case number exactly as they appear in your other court documents. Consistency matters. Any mismatch can cause confusion in the court file.

Step 2 – Identify yourself

State your full name and your role in the case, such as petitioner or respondent. This clarifies whose perspective the declaration represents. If you are filing on your own behalf, make that clear in the opening sentence.

Step 3 – Introduce the purpose of your declaration

Begin with a short paragraph explaining why you are submitting the declaration. For example, you might state that you are responding to a motion for temporary orders or supporting a request to modify a parenting plan. This helps the judge understand the context immediately.

Step 4 – Present facts in a clear timeline

Describe events in chronological order whenever possible. Include specific dates, locations, and actions. Focus on facts you personally know. If you reference something someone else said or did, explain how you know that information.

Step 5 – Address each issue raised in the motion

If there are multiple issues, such as parenting time, child support, and living arrangements, organize your writing by topic. Clearly respond to claims made by the other party. Keep each section focused on one issue at a time.

Step 6 – Explain how the facts support your request

After describing relevant events, connect them to what you are asking the court to do. For example, explain how your work schedule supports your proposed parenting schedule or how a change in income affects support calculations. Keep your explanation practical and grounded in facts.

Step 7 – Reference supporting documents if any

If you are attaching records, such as pay stubs, school reports, or communication logs, refer to them in your declaration. Identify each attachment clearly. Make sure attachments are organized and labeled so the court can follow your references.

Step 8 – Review for clarity and relevance

Read through your declaration carefully. Remove statements that are not directly related to the issues before the court. Check for clear dates, consistent names, and complete sentences. Clear writing makes it easier for the judge to understand your position.

Step 9 – Sign and date under penalty of perjury

At the end of the form, sign and date where indicated. By signing, you are declaring under penalty of perjury under Washington law that the information is true and correct. Do not sign until you have reviewed everything for accuracy.

Step 10 – Prepare for filing and service

After signing, make copies for your records and for the other party as required in your case. Ensure the document is ready for submission according to the court’s filing procedures and any deadlines tied to your hearing.

Legal terms you might encounter in FL All Family 135 – Declaration

1. Declaration: A written statement of facts that you sign under penalty of perjury. In this form, you are telling the court what you personally know. You are not arguing the law. You are stating facts that support your request or response.
2. Penalty of Perjury: A legal statement at the end of the document where you swear the information is true. When you sign, you confirm that everything you wrote is accurate to the best of your knowledge. False statements can damage your credibility and affect your case.
3. Caption: The heading at the top of the first page. It includes the court name, county, case number, and names of the parties. The caption must match exactly what appears in your other court documents.
4. Petitioner: The person who started the family law case. If you filed the original petition, you are the petitioner. If not, you will be listed as the respondent in the caption.
5. Respondent: The person responding to the original petition. Your role does not change just because you are filing this declaration. Always use the same titles as shown in the caption.
6. Motion: A formal request asking the court to make a decision or issue an order. Your declaration usually supports or opposes a motion. You should clearly state which motion your facts relate to.
7. Exhibit: A document you attach to your declaration as evidence. Examples include text messages, pay stubs, school records, or medical bills. Each exhibit should be labeled clearly and referenced in your statement.
8. Service: The process of delivering court documents to the other party. After completing this form, you must ensure the other side receives a copy according to court rules. Proof of service may be required.
9. Judicial Officer: The judge or court commissioner assigned to your case. This is the person who will read your declaration and decide the issue before the court.
10. Supporting Documents: Additional paperwork that backs up what you say in your declaration. These documents should directly relate to the facts you describe and should not include unnecessary information.

FAQs

Do I have to use FL All Family 135 – Declaration for every motion in my case?

No. This form is commonly used to present written facts in family law matters, but you should confirm that your specific hearing or motion allows or requires a written declaration. Many family law hearings rely heavily on written statements instead of live testimony, so this document often becomes your main way to tell your side of the story.

What date should I put next to my signature?

You should write the actual date you sign the document. Do not predate or postdate it. The court relies on that date to confirm when you declared the information true under penalty of perjury.

Do I need to notarize this document?

No. This form is signed under penalty of perjury, which replaces notarization. You must sign it yourself. No one else can sign for you unless they are submitting their own separate declaration.

How long can my declaration be?

There is no automatic page limit on this document, but local court rules or the judge’s scheduling order may limit the number of pages you can file. Keep your writing focused on the issues in the motion. Judges appreciate clear and organized statements over long, repetitive explanations.

Can I attach screenshots or text messages as evidence?

Yes, but only if they directly relate to the facts you describe. Label each attachment clearly, such as Exhibit A or Exhibit 1. In your declaration, refer to the attachment by its label so the judge knows exactly what to review.

What happens if I forget to include something important?

You may need to file a supplemental declaration before the deadline, if allowed. If the hearing has already occurred, you may not get another chance to submit more facts. Review your statement carefully before filing to avoid leaving out key details.

Will the judge believe everything I write?

The judge will consider your statements along with all other filed documents and any evidence from the other party. Because you sign under penalty of perjury, accuracy matters. If your statements conflict with documents or other testimony, your credibility can be affected.

Does this document become part of the public court record?

In most cases, yes. Once filed, this form becomes part of the official court file. Sensitive information may need to be filed separately using confidential forms if required by court rules.

Checklist: Before, During, and After FL All Family 135 – Declaration

Before

• Review the motion you are supporting or opposing.
• Confirm the hearing date and filing deadline.
• Check the case caption for correct spelling and case number.
• Gather all documents that support your statements.
• Organize events in date order.
• Review any page limits or formatting rules.
• Make sure you understand what the judge must decide.
• Identify which facts are most important to that decision.

During

• Complete the caption exactly as shown on prior filings.
• State your name and role in the case clearly.
• Write in numbered paragraphs for clarity.
• Focus on facts, not personal attacks.
• Include specific dates, locations, and actions.
• Refer to each exhibit by its label.
• Keep your tone calm and professional.
• Read each sentence to confirm it is accurate.
• Sign and date the declaration under penalty of perjury.

After

• Make at least two copies of the signed document.
• Attach labeled exhibits to each copy.
• File the original with the clerk if required.
• Serve the other party by the correct method.
• Complete and file proof of service if needed.
• Confirm the document appears in the court record.
• Bring a copy to the hearing.
• Keep a full copy in your personal case file.

Common mistakes to avoid with FL All Family 135 – Declaration

• Mistake: Writing emotional arguments instead of factual statements, which happens when you feel frustrated, but it weakens your credibility and distracts the judge, so do not forget to focus on dates, actions, and observable facts.
• Mistake: Leaving out the case number or misspelling a party’s name in the caption, which often occurs when copying from memory, but it can cause filing delays or confusion, so do not forget to match the caption exactly.
• Mistake: Attaching exhibits without labeling them, which happens when you are in a hurry, but it makes it hard for the judge to follow your references, so do not forget to clearly mark each attachment.
• Mistake: Including irrelevant personal history, which occurs when you try to explain everything at once, but it can cause the judge to overlook your key points, so do not forget to connect each fact to the issue being decided.
• Mistake: Missing the filing deadline, which often happens due to a misunderstanding of court timelines, but it can prevent the judge from considering your declaration, so do not forget to verify the due date in advance.
• Mistake: Forgetting to sign under penalty of perjury, which can occur if you focus only on the content, but an unsigned declaration may be rejected, so do not forget to sign and date the final page.
• Mistake: Submitting poor-quality or unreadable copies of evidence, which happens when printing from a phone or scanning quickly, but the judge cannot rely on unclear documents, so do not forget to check legibility.
• Mistake: Failing to serve the other party properly, which often results from confusion about delivery rules, but it can delay your hearing or lead to sanctions, so do not forget to complete service and proof of service.

What to do after filling out FL All Family 135 – Declaration

Once you complete your declaration, your job is not finished. The next steps determine whether the judge will actually review what you wrote.

• Step 1: Review the entire document slowly. Check names, dates, and exhibit references. Make sure every attachment mentioned is included.
• Step 2: Sign and date the declaration. Use the exact date you sign. Confirm your signature is on the correct line under the penalty of perjury statement.
• Step 3: Assemble your exhibits. Place them in the order you referenced them. Add clear labels to each one.
• Step 4: Make copies. You typically need one for yourself, one for the other party, and the original for filing. Keep your copy complete with all attachments.
• Step 5: File the original with the Superior Court clerk if filing is required for your motion. Follow the accepted filing method for your case, whether in person, by mail, or through an approved electronic system.
• Step 6: Serve the other party. Deliver a full copy, including exhibits, using the permitted method. Make sure service is completed by the required deadline.
• Step 7: Complete proof of service if required. This confirms to the court that the other party received your documents.
• Step 8: Confirm acceptance. Check the case docket or obtain confirmation from the clerk that your filing was processed. Address any rejection notices immediately.
• Step 9: Prepare for the hearing. Bring a complete copy of everything you filed. Highlight key paragraphs and exhibits so you can quickly refer to them if the judge asks questions.
• Step 10: Update your records. Keep all filed documents organized in a dedicated folder. If the court issues an order after the hearing, review it carefully and store it with your declaration and exhibits.

Being organized and timely increases your credibility. Judges rely heavily on written declarations in family law cases. Clear facts, proper filing, and careful follow-through can make a meaningful difference in how your information is considered.