Yes! You can use AI to fill out Form FL-170, Declaration for Default or Uncontested Dissolution or Legal Separation (Family Law)
Form FL-170 is a Judicial Council of California family law declaration used by a petitioner (and in some situations both parties) to prove up the facts needed for the court to enter a default or uncontested judgment for dissolution or legal separation. It addresses key issues such as disclosure requirements (FL-140/FL-141/FL-144), property and debt division (often referencing FL-160 and the proposed judgment FL-180), andâif applicableâcustody, child support, spousal/partner support, parentage, and attorneyâs fees. The form is important because it provides the court with sworn statements required under Family Code section 2336 to grant judgment without a hearing in many cases. Today, this form can be filled out quickly and accurately using AI-powered services like Instafill.ai, which can also convert non-fillable PDF versions into interactive fillable forms.
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Form specifications
| Form name: | Form FL-170, Declaration for Default or Uncontested Dissolution or Legal Separation (Family Law) |
| Number of pages: | 3 |
| Language: | English |
| Categories: | California court forms, legal forms, family law forms, divorce forms, legal separation forms |
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How to Fill Out FL-170 Online for Free in 2026
Are you looking to fill out a FL-170 form online quickly and accurately? Instafill.ai offers the #1 AI-powered PDF filling software of 2026, allowing you to complete your FL-170 form in just 37 seconds or less.
Follow these steps to fill out your FL-170 form online using Instafill.ai:
- 1 Go to Instafill.ai and upload the FL-170 PDF (or select “FL-170” from the form library).
- 2 Enter case and court details (county, branch, addresses), and party information (petitioner, respondent, case number, attorney/party contact details).
- 3 Choose the case posture and type (default/uncontested; default with or without agreement) and confirm you are not requesting relief beyond the petition.
- 4 Complete the disclosure section by selecting the correct disclosure/waiver option (e.g., FL-141/FL-150 filed; waiver due to publication; waiver of final disclosures; or mutual waiver with FL-144).
- 5 Provide property/debt statements (no assets/debts or reference the FL-160 Property Declaration) and confirm the proposed division in the FL-180 Judgment is fair/equitable.
- 6 If applicable, complete children/support sections (UCCJEA FL-105 status, custody/visitation, child support details, public assistance, spousal/partner support requests/waivers, parentage, and attorney fees—referencing FL-150, FL-157, FL-319 as needed).
- 7 Review the AI validation checks, generate any needed attachments, then finalize by entering the date, printing/creating an e-signature-ready version, and saving for filing with the court along with the proposed FL-180 and supporting forms.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Form FL-170
Form FL-170 (Declaration for Default or Uncontested Dissolution or Legal Separation) is used to ask the court to enter a judgment in a divorce/dissolution or legal separation case without a trial. It provides sworn statements supporting the orders requested in the proposed Judgment (FL-180).
You typically complete FL-170 if your case is proceeding by default (the respondent did not file a response) or if the case is uncontested and you want the court to enter judgment based on paperwork. The petitioner commonly files it, but it depends on the posture of the case and local court requirements.
âUncontestedâ generally means both parties have appeared and are submitting a written agreement for the court to approve. âDefault with agreementâ means no response was filed, but the parties have a written agreement and agree the case can proceed as a default. âDefault without agreementâ means no response was filed and there is no written agreement or stipulated judgment.
In many cases, yesâFL-170 asks you to confirm what disclosure steps were completed or waived. You may need FL-141 (Declaration Regarding Service of Declaration of Disclosure) and often FL-150 (Income and Expense Declaration), and you must select the correct disclosure option (5aâ5d) that matches your situation.
You can check that option when the case is proceeding by default, you are the petitioner, and the summons was served by publication or posting under a court order. In that situation, the form states preliminary disclosure is not required and you may waive receipt of the respondentâs final disclosure.
It means you are giving up the right to receive the other partyâs final financial disclosure before judgment. Waivers can have important consequences, so make sure the waiver option you select matches your case type (default vs. uncontested) and any required waiver document (such as FL-144) is included when applicable.
If there are no assets or debts for the court to divide, you can check the âno assets or debtsâ statement. If there are community or quasi-community assets/debts, you generally list them on a Property Declaration (FL-160) and indicate that the proposed division in the Judgment (FL-180) is fair and equal (or fair/equitable if there is a negative estate).
You can state the current custody/visitation (parenting time) schedule that is already ordered or currently being followed, or attach it as an attachment if needed. FL-170 also allows you to request that custody and visitation be ordered as set forth in the proposed Judgment (FL-180).
FL-105 is the Declaration Under the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act, which provides information about the childrenâs addresses and custody cases. On FL-170 you indicate whether that information has changed since it was last filed; if it has changed, you typically need to file an updated FL-105.
FL-170 lets you request child support as set forth in the proposed Judgment (FL-180) and confirm the attached child support calculation is correct. If child support is being enforced in another case, you can list the county and case number, and you can also request support based on a partyâs earning ability if appropriate facts are provided.
If you are requesting spousal/partner support, family support, or attorneyâs fees, the form indicates you should submit a completed FL-150 unless a current one is already on file. You should also include your best estimate of the other partyâs income.
Checking the waiver/termination options means you are asking the court to end support rights forever (either giving up your right to receive support or asking to terminate the other partyâs right). If you are unsure, consider the âreserve jurisdictionâ option, which asks the court to keep the ability to address support later.
A status-only judgment ends marital or domestic partner status while reserving other issues (like property, support, or custody) for later. You would check it only if you are specifically requesting termination of status now and want the court to decide remaining issues later.
YesâAI tools can help organize your information and auto-fill form fields to reduce errors and save time. Services like Instafill.ai can extract details from your case documents and populate FL-170 and related forms more efficiently.
You can upload the FL-170 PDF to Instafill.ai, answer a guided set of questions, and have the system auto-fill the correct fields and checkboxes based on your situation. If your PDF is flat/non-fillable, Instafill.ai can convert it into an interactive fillable form and then generate a completed version ready to download and file.
Compliance FL-170
Validation Checks by Instafill.ai
1
Ensures exactly one 'Declaration Type' is selected (Dissolution vs. Legal Separation)
Validate that the filer selects either 'Dissolution' or 'Legal Separation' and not both or neither. These are mutually exclusive proceedings and drive which statements (e.g., dissolution residency requirement vs. legal separation advisement) apply. If validation fails, block submission and prompt the user to choose exactly one declaration type.
2
Ensures exactly one 'Type of Case' is selected (Uncontested / Default with agreement / Default without agreement)
Check that exactly one of the three case-type checkboxes is marked. The formâs logic and required supporting documents differ depending on whether the matter is uncontested or default (with/without agreement). If multiple or none are selected, the submission should be rejected because the court cannot determine the correct procedural track.
3
Validates 'Information Source Declaration' selection (Petition/Response/Amended) is complete and consistent with case type
Require at least one of 'Petition', 'Response', or 'Amended' to be selected to identify what filing the declarant is attesting is true and correct. If the case type indicates no response has been filed (default scenarios), flag an error if 'Response' is selected without an explanation/attachment indicating why response information is being used. On failure, require correction or an attachment clarifying the source.
4
Validates Declaration of Disclosure option selection (5a/5b/5c/5d) is present and mutually exclusive
Ensure the filer selects oneâand only oneâdisclosure pathway (both filed, default with proof of service, default by publication/posting, or mutual waiver in uncontested action). These options represent different legal prerequisites and waivers and should not be combined. If validation fails, prevent filing and require the user to select the single applicable disclosure scenario.
5
Requires supporting proof/waiver attachments based on the selected disclosure pathway
If 5a is selected, require confirmation that FL-141 and FL-150 are filed or being filed concurrently (and optionally capture filing dates/receipt IDs if your system supports it). If 5d (mutual waiver) is selected, require FL-144 or a settlement agreement/proposed judgment containing the executed waiver provision; if 5b is selected, require proof of service for preliminary FL-140; if 5c is selected, require indication of court-ordered publication/posting service. If the required supporting document is missing, mark the submission incomplete and block acceptance.
6
Validates Assets/Debts disposition selection and enforces mutual exclusivity
Check that the filer selects either 'No assets or debts to be disposed of' or 'Assets and debts listed in FL-160'ânot both. These statements are logically inconsistent and affect whether a Property Declaration (FL-160) must be provided. If both or neither are selected, reject submission and prompt the filer to correct the assets/debts section.
7
Requires FL-160 Property Declaration when assets/debts are listed for division
When 'Assets and Debts Listed in Property Declaration (FL-160)' is checked, require an attached FL-160 (or a linked filing) and ensure it includes estimated values and proposed distribution to each party. This is necessary to support the representation that the proposed FL-180 division is fair and equal (or equitable for a negative estate). If FL-160 is missing or incomplete, fail validation and request the completed property declaration.
8
Validates child-related sections are complete when custody/visitation or child support orders are requested
If the filer checks that custody/visitation should be ordered per FL-180 or that child support should be ordered per FL-180, require completion of the related child sections (e.g., current schedule details or attachment reference, and child support calculation attestation). This prevents submitting a judgment request without the minimum factual basis. If required child-related details/attachments are absent, block submission and identify the missing items.
9
UCCJEA (FL-105) change status validation and updated form requirement
Require the filer to indicate whether the UCCJEA declaration information has changed or has not changed since last filed (exactly one). If 'has changed' is selected, require an updated FL-105 to be attached or filed concurrently; if 'has not changed' is selected, do not require an updated form. If the change status is missing or inconsistent with attachments, fail validation and request correction.
10
Validates 'Existing custody order in another case' details when selected
If the filer indicates there is an existing custody/parenting time order in another case, require both the county and the case number fields to be populated. Also validate that the county is a plausible California county name (or otherwise conforms to your jurisdiction list) and that the case number matches the courtâs expected format (non-empty, reasonable length, allowed characters). If missing or malformed, reject submission and prompt for complete case identification.
11
Validates 'Child support enforced in another case' details when selected
When child support enforcement in another case is checked, require the enforcement county and enforcement case number. This ensures the court can coordinate enforcement and avoid conflicting orders. If either field is blank or the case number format is invalid, fail validation and require the missing enforcement information.
12
Earning ability request requires party selection and supporting facts/attachment
If the filer requests that child support be based on earning ability, require selection of whose earning ability is being imputed (Petitioner or Respondent) and require supporting facts either entered in the text field or indicated as contained on Attachment 7a(3). This is essential because imputation requires a factual basis. If party selection or facts are missing, block submission and request the required support.
13
Public assistance status must be singular and triggers LCSA routing requirements
Validate that exactly one option is selected for the declarantâs public assistance status (receiving / not receiving / intend to apply). If any party is indicated as receiving public assistance (or the filer indicates the other party is receiving), require that the proposed judgment includes the local child support agency (LCSA) payee/routing language and, where applicable, an LCSA signature as referenced by the form. If these conditions are not met, fail validation and instruct the filer to correct the public assistance/LCSA components.
14
Spousal/partner support selections are mutually exclusive and require supporting basis when ordered
Enforce that the filer does not simultaneously select contradictory spousal support outcomes (e.g., 'knowingly give up forever' plus 'reserve jurisdiction' or 'order support based on factors'). If support is requested to be ordered based on factors, require at least one basis to be identified (FL-157, Attachment 8d, written agreement, or other with details). If inconsistent selections or missing basis occur, reject submission and require a coherent support request.
15
Attorney/party contact and attorney credential format validation (email/phone/fax/State Bar number)
If an attorney is listed (firm name or state bar number present), validate that the State Bar number is numeric and within an expected length range, and that email/telephone/fax fields follow acceptable formats (e.g., email contains '@', phone/fax contain 10 digits or valid formatted variants). If the filer is a party without attorney, do not require a bar number and flag it if provided in an invalid format. On failure, prompt correction to prevent unusable contact/credential data.
16
Signature block completeness: declarant name, date, and signature presence
Require the declaration date, typed/printed declarant name, and an electronic signature/acknowledgment to be present. This is critical because the declaration is made under penalty of perjury and is the evidentiary basis for proving the case without appearance. If any element is missing, the submission should be considered unsigned and rejected.
Common Mistakes in Completing FL-170
People often confuse âuncontestedâ with âdefault,â or they select more than one option because the labels sound similar. Choosing the wrong type can cause the clerk/judge to reject the packet or require corrected filings because the required proofs, waivers, and attachments differ by case type. Before checking a box, confirm whether a Response was filed and whether there is a signed written agreement/stipulated judgment. AI-powered tools like Instafill.ai can help by prompting the correct selection based on your answers and flagging conflicting choices.
A very common error is checking a disclosure waiver box (e.g., mutual waiver in uncontested cases or waiver in default cases) without actually including the required supporting form/waiver language (such as FL-144 or the correct proof of service). This can delay judgment because the court needs a clear, legally valid disclosure path for the case type. Match item 5 (a/b/c/d) to what was actually served/filed and attach the referenced waiver/attachments when required. Instafill.ai can reduce this by validating that the correct companion forms are present and that the selected disclosure option is supported.
Some petitioners check the publication/posting option (item 5c) even though service was personal/substituted, or they forget that publication/posting must be under court order. If the service method doesnât match the record, the court may refuse to enter default judgment or require amended declarations. Verify the method of service used for the Summons and ensure the file contains the correct proof(s) and any court order authorizing publication/posting. Instafill.ai can help by asking service-method questions and warning when the selected option conflicts with typical required documents.
People frequently check âThere are no assets or debtsâ to simplify the process, even when there are bank accounts, vehicles, retirement plans, credit cards, or tax debts. If the court later sees inconsistencies (or the judgment omits property), it can create enforcement problems and may require reopening or additional filings. If there is anything to divide or confirm as separate/community, complete FL-160 with estimated values and ensure the proposed FL-180 matches it. Instafill.ai can help prevent this by prompting for common asset/debt categories and generating consistent entries across forms.
A common rejection reason is internal inconsistency: FL-170 requests custody/support/property orders âas set forth in FL-180,â but FL-180 is missing those orders or states something different. This happens when people reuse old templates or update one form but not the other. Review each checked request (custody, child support, spousal support, fees, name restoration) and confirm FL-180 contains the corresponding terms. Instafill.ai can help by cross-checking fields across documents and flagging mismatches before filing.
Item 6 requires supporting facts, and in default matters the form specifically asks you to state your reasons. Many filers write âsee petitionâ or leave it empty, which can lead the court to require an appearance or additional declarations. Provide concise, case-specific facts (service/default status, separation date context if relevant, and why requested orders are appropriate) and use attachments (6c/6d) when needed. Instafill.ai can help by generating a structured, court-appropriate narrative and ensuring the correct attachment box is checked when you add pages.
People often check âhas not changedâ without confirming whether addresses, custody cases, or the childâs residence history changed since the last FL-105. If the information is outdated, the court may delay custody orders or require an updated FL-105, especially when another case exists. Re-check the last filed FL-105 and update it if any child residence/case information changed, then attach the updated form as required. Instafill.ai can help by tracking prior entries and prompting updates when you indicate moves or new cases.
When filers check boxes indicating another case exists (custody order elsewhere or child support enforcement), they frequently omit the county and case number. Without that information, the court cannot verify jurisdiction, coordinate orders, or understand enforcement status, which can stall processing. If you check any âanother caseâ box, always fill in both the county and the case number exactly as shown on the other caseâs documents. Instafill.ai can help by requiring these fields when the related checkbox is selected and formatting the case number consistently.
Item 8 contains multiple options that are mutually exclusive in practice, and people sometimes check more than one (e.g., âgive up foreverâ and âreserve jurisdictionâ) or select an option without providing the required basis/attachment. Contradictions can cause the judge to reject the proposed judgment or require clarification because support rights can be permanently affected. Choose one clear outcome (waive, terminate, reserve, or order) and ensure the supporting basis is consistent (FL-157, attachment 8d, or written agreement). Instafill.ai can help by detecting conflicting selections and guiding you to a single consistent support outcome.
Filers often check that attorney fees should be ordered but do not include the supporting Income and Expense Declaration (FL-150) or the factual basis attachment (FL-319) when needed. Courts typically require financial information and a clear explanation to make a fees order, so missing support can lead to denial or a request for additional documents. If you request fees, confirm a current FL-150 is on file (or attach a new one) and include FL-319 or a detailed declaration supporting the request. Instafill.ai can help by reminding you of required companion forms when you select the attorney-fees option.
A frequent technical error is leaving the date blank, not printing/typing the declarant name, or using nicknames/abbreviations that donât match the Petition/Response and caption. Even small inconsistencies (case number format, swapped petitioner/respondent names) can cause filing delays or confusion about who is making the declaration under penalty of perjury. Copy names and the case number exactly from the courtâs caption and verify the declarant is the correct party for the selected case type. Instafill.ai can auto-populate captions consistently across forms and validate that required signature/date fields are completed.
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