FL-170 is a California family court form used when a divorce (dissolution) or legal separation case is proceeding without a trial because the respondent did not file a response (default) or because both parties fully agree on all terms (uncontested). This form allows the petitioner to provide the court with all the information needed to finalize the case without appearing in court. FL-170 is a key step toward obtaining a judgment, as it summarizes the necessary facts and confirms that all legal requirements have been met.

The form requires the petitioner to confirm important details such as the date of marriage, date of separation, minor children (if any), property agreements, and support arrangements. It also verifies that financial disclosures have been exchanged—either preliminary only or both preliminary and final, depending on the case. Because financial transparency is mandatory in all divorce and legal separation cases, the court uses the information in FL-170 to ensure the petitioner has complied with disclosure laws before entering a judgment.

FL-170 also lets the petitioner state what orders they are asking the court to approve. This includes requests regarding child custody, visitation, child support, spousal support, division of community property, assignment of separate property, and allocation of debts. When the case is uncontested, FL-170 confirms that both parties have signed a settlement agreement or stipulated judgment. In default cases, it ensures that the requested orders match what was originally included in the petition and that the respondent had proper notice.

One important function of FL-170 is that it allows the court to enter a judgment without a hearing. By completing this declaration under penalty of perjury, the petitioner confirms that all information is truthful and that the court has jurisdiction to finalize the case. This streamlined process avoids unnecessary delays and helps move the case directly to judgment, especially when all issues have already been resolved or when the respondent has chosen not to participate.

In summary, FL-170 is an essential document for finalizing a California divorce or legal separation in default or uncontested situations. It provides the court with a complete overview of the case, confirms compliance with disclosure laws, and states the requested terms for the judgment. When properly completed, FL-170 allows the court to finalize the case efficiently and without a hearing, moving the petitioner toward a legally binding judgment.