Today we have a blog post from Aubrey Staples, a dedicated family law attorney at Law Elevated. She guides clients through everything from complex divorces and custody matters to adoptions and surrogacy contracts. A graduate of the University of Wyoming College of Law, Aubrey brings thoughtful, personalized strategies to every case. During law school, she interned with Utah 3rd District Judge Holmberg and played a key role in shaping Utah’s Domestic Relations Special Master law.
Talking about finances isn’t always easy—especially when you’re in the middle of a legal process like divorce, separation, or a custody case. But when the court asks for a financial declaration, it’s not just paperwork—it’s a crucial piece of your case.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed about what to include, what happens if you make a mistake, or why this form even matters, you’re not alone. Let’s break it down in a way that makes sense.
What Is a Financial Declaration, and Why Does It Matter?
A financial declaration is exactly what it sounds like—it’s a document that lays out your financial situation in detail. It includes your income, expenses, debts, and assets, giving the court a full picture of where you stand financially.
This form isn’t just busywork; it plays a major role in cases like:
- Divorce
- Alimony
- Child Support
- Temporary separation
- Custody and child support disputes
- Parentage cases
- Requests to modify an existing order
- Motions to Enforce (contempt motions)
Essentially, any case involving money—whether it’s determining child support, dividing assets, or adjusting financial obligations—will likely require both parties to complete and exchange financial declarations.
Accuracy Matters—Here’s Why
When filling out your financial declaration, guesswork won’t cut it. The Court needs real, verifiable numbers, which means you’ll need to back up your statements with documentation—pay stubs, bank statements, tax returns, and anything else that supports your financial picture.
It can be tempting to round numbers, estimate expenses, or leave something out because it feels minor. But full transparency is key. If something is missing, incorrect, or misleading—whether intentional or not—it can lead to serious consequences, including court sanctions.
Think of it this way: your financial declaration isn’t just for the court—it’s also for you. It helps you get a clear understanding of your monthly expenses, financial obligations, and overall financial health. Having an honest, well-documented declaration ensures that any legal decisions made are based on reality—not assumptions.
How to Get It Right
The good news? You don’t have to do this alone. At Law Elevated, we help our clients through this process step by step, making sure everything is accurate, complete, and supported by the right documents.
Here’s what you can do to set yourself up for success:
- Use the correct court form. This is a standard document required for your case, and we can guide you through filling it out properly.
- Be as detailed as possible. Include all sources of income, all expenses (even the small ones), and all debts. If it impacts your financial situation, it belongs in the declaration.
- Gather supporting documents. Think pay stubs, bank statements, mortgage or rent statements, and tax returns—anything that verifies the numbers you’re reporting.
- Ask for help if you’re unsure. If something doesn’t make sense or you’re worried about missing information, reach out. It’s always better to get clarity upfront than to have issues down the road.
Clarity and Confidence When It Matters Most
Financial declarations can feel overwhelming, but they don’t have to be. With the right guidance and preparation, you can approach this process with confidence, knowing you’ve provided everything necessary for a fair and accurate financial picture.
If you have questions or need support with your financial declaration, let’s talk. We’re here to walk you through it, answer your concerns, and make sure everything is done correctly.
Because when it comes to something this important, you deserve the peace of mind that comes with knowing it’s done right.
Your partner in peace of mind,
Nonie
