When you need form FL-145
In the context of a California divorce process, the FL-145 Form Interrogatories—Family Law is typically utilized during the discovery phase. This stage is crucial as it requires both parties to exchange relevant financial and personal information to ensure a fair division of assets, debts, and determination of support obligations. The use of this form would be triggered after one party initiates the divorce proceedings by filing a Petition for Dissolution of Marriage (form FL-100) and serving it to the other party.
- **Filing of Initial Petition**: This involves the preparation and submission of the FL-100 form to commence the divorce process.
- **Preliminary Declaration of Disclosure**: Prior to using FL-145, both parties might exchange preliminary financial disclosures, usually involving forms such as the FL-142 Schedule of Assets and Debts.
- **Request for Discovery**: If additional information is required beyond what the initial disclosures provide, a party might trigger the need for comprehensive discovery through form interrogatories.
Once these initial steps are in motion, the FL-145 form acts as a formal request for detailed information that can influence decisions on asset allocation, support calculations, and other significant legal obligations. Properly responding to these interrogatories ensures transparency and aids in reaching an equitable resolution in the divorce proceedings.
1. **Obtain the Form**: Download the FL-145 form from the California Courts website or retrieve a copy from your local county clerk's office.
2. **Complete the Form**: Fill in the necessary sections, ensuring that all required information, such as personal details and any pertinent financial information, is accurately provided.
3. **Serve the Form**: Serve the completed interrogatories on the other party in the divorce case. Ensure the method of service complies with California legal requirements.
4. **File with Court**: Submit the original completed form to the court clerk in the county where your family law case is being processed. Retain copies for your records and for further reference.
5. **Follow Up**: Await responses from the opposing party, who must answer under oath within 30 days, per California's Code of Civil Procedure section 2030.260.