FL-144 is a California family court form used when both parties in a divorce, legal separation, or annulment agree to waive the exchange of final financial disclosures. Normally, California law requires each party to exchange a preliminary disclosure early in the case and a final disclosure before a judgment can be entered. The final disclosure updates financial information and ensures both parties have complete, accurate details before making permanent decisions. FL-144 allows the parties to jointly waive that requirement, but only if both sides agree and have already completed their preliminary disclosures.

The purpose of FL-144 is to confirm that both parties understand their rights and responsibilities. By signing this waiver, each person acknowledges that they already have enough financial information to make informed decisions about property division, support, and all other financial issues. It assures the court that the parties are entering into their settlement or judgment knowingly, voluntarily, and without needing a second round of disclosures. This protects the integrity of the process while allowing both sides to streamline their case.

This form is commonly used when the parties have already exchanged full preliminary disclosures and have engaged in honest, transparent negotiations. Many couples who reach a settlement early in the process find that exchanging updated final disclosures is unnecessary. FL-144 gives them a way to confirm this decision in writing. By waiving the final disclosures, the parties can move more quickly toward submitting a judgment and finalizing their case.

The court requires both parties to sign FL-144, ensuring that the waiver is mutual and not forced on either party. Because this form is signed under penalty of perjury, each person is declaring that they have fully complied with the preliminary disclosure requirements, have disclosed all material financial information, and are not hiding any assets or debts. In cases where one party later discovers dishonesty, the waiver does not protect the other party—hidden assets can still be addressed even after judgment.

In summary, FL-144 provides a simplified pathway for parties who are ready to finalize their family law case without exchanging final disclosures. It confirms that both sides have already exchanged sufficient information, understand their rights, and willingly choose to proceed with a judgment. When used properly, it helps expedite the resolution of the case while ensuring fairness and transparency remain intact.