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The Uniform Support Declaration (USD) serves as a critical tool in determining financial obligations for child and spousal support within legal cases. This form is essential when financial support is a matter of concern and must be filled out completely, ensuring all relevant data is provided. The USD collects vital information related to gross monthly income, childcare expenses, and any existing health care coverage, making it easier for the court to assess the financial situation effectively. It’s important to maintain confidentiality; individuals are advised to redact sensitive information, such as Social Security numbers and dates of birth, to protect personal data from becoming public. The document also underscores the significance of submitting copies of specific financial records, like pay stubs and tax returns, and highlights that the originals should not be brought to court expecting reproduction. The process may seem daunting, but understanding these requirements will help streamline the experience. Completing the USD diligently helps ensure that both parties' financial realities are accurately represented, fostering a more equitable resolution.

Uniform Support Declaration Example

UNIFORM SUPPORT DECLARATION

The Uniform Support Declaration must be completed when the payment of child or spousal support is or could be an issue in the case.

The USD provides basic information about expenses and ability to pay.

CAUTION:

Please read the instructions for and use UTCR 2.130 forms to separate social security numbers, dates of birth and other private information from public records.

It is your responsibility to black out (redact) any confidential information on the attachments or copies. Examples of confidential information that should be redacted are social security numbers, dates of birth, checking account information, etc.

Do not bring the originals of your attachments, such as paystubs and tax returns, and expect the court to make photocopies to attach to your Uniform Support Declaration. You are responsible for making copies and ensuring they are on 8½” x 11” paper.

IN THE CIRCUIT COURT OF THE STATE OF OREGON

FOR WASHINGTON COUNTY

In the Matter of:

 

 

Case No.

 

 

 

 

Judge Assigned:

 

Petitioner

Co-Petitioner

Check one box:

 

 

 

PETITIONER RESPONDENT

and

 

 

CO-PETITIONER

 

 

 

OTHER:

 

 

 

 

UNIFORM SUPPORT DECLARATION

 

 

 

Respondent

Co-Petitioner

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

OR CSP Case No.

 

SUMMARY INFORMATION—COMPLETE THIS PAGE LAST

After completing Sections 1 through 5, on Pages 2 through 5 below, insert the information and/or total MONTHLY amounts in this Summary Information section.

 

 

Date of Completion

_______________

 

 

 

mm/dd/year

1.

Number of Joint Children From This Relationship:

_______________

2.

Number of Joint Children Over 18 But Under 21 Attending School:

_______________

3.

Number of Nonjoint Additional Children:

 

_______________

4.

Gross Monthly Income From All Sources:

 

$_______________

5.

Receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families?

Yes

No

6.

Child(ren) on Oregon Health Plan/Healthy Kids or Other Public Health Plan?

Yes

No

7.

Social Security or Veteran’s Benefits Received for Child(ren):

$_______________

 

Person with Disability is: Child Me

Other Parent

 

 

8.

Spousal Support RECEIVED by You:

 

$_______________

9.

Spousal Support PAID by You:

 

$_______________

10.

Mandatory Union Dues Paid:

 

$_______________

11.

Health Care Premiums for Yourself Only if You Provide Insurance for Child(ren): $_______________

12.

Health Care Premiums Paid for Joint Child(ren):

$_______________

13.

Out-of-Pocket Medical Expenses Paid for Joint Child(ren):

$_______________

14.

Number of ANNUAL Overnights Child(ren) Spends With You:

_______________

15.

Childcare Expenses Paid for Joint Child(ren):

 

$_______________

16.

City Where Childcare is Provided:

____________________________________________

Page 1—UNIFORM SUPPORT DECLARATION (December 2019)

This form is a DECLARATION under penalty of perjury required for support determinations. It must be completed in its entirety, signed, filed with the court or appropriate administrative agency, and served upon the other party (or their attorney).

INSTRUCTIONS: Answer all questions. Items marked with an * should be transferred to Page 1. If you are seeking spousal support, you need to complete Schedule 1. Attach additional page if needed.

IMPORTANT: This information will be disclosed to the other party and may be subject to public access. Protections are available using the court’s “Confidential Information Form” process.

1.CHILDREN

A. *List all JOINT CHILDREN (children under the age of 21 born or adopted during this relationship):

 

 

Children Living With:

Over 18 & Under

21

 

 

 

 

 

Attending School

Name of Child

Age

Me

Other Parent

Other

Yes

No

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

B.*List all NONJOINT ADDITIONAL CHILDREN (children under the age of 21 born to or adopted by you but not of this relationship).

Name

2.YOUR GROSS INCOME

A. From Your Employment:

Age

 

Description

 

 

Monthly Amount

1

Gross hourly wage.

 

 

 

2

Average number of hours worked per pay period.

x

 

 

3

Convert to annual. If paid monthly, enter “12”. If paid twice

x

 

 

 

monthly, enter “24”. Every two weeks, enter “26”. Every

 

 

 

 

week, enter “52”.

 

 

 

4

Convert to monthly.

÷

12

 

5

Gross monthly income: 1. x 2. x 3. ÷ 4.

 

 

 

6

Gross monthly tips/commissions/bonuses (identify):

 

 

 

Subtotal of Monthly Income From Employment (5) + (6)

SUBTOTAL: 2.A.

 

Page 2—UNIFORM SUPPORT DECLARATION

B.Other Sources of Your Monthly Income:

(Attach verification of your gross monthly income as listed below):

Description

 

Monthly Amount

Self-Employment

 

 

Dividends

 

 

Interest Income

 

 

Trust Income

 

 

Annuity Income

 

 

Social Security Income

 

 

Workers’ Compensation Benefits per week multiplied by 52; divided by 12

 

 

Unemployment Benefits per week multiplied by 52; divided by 12

 

 

Disability Income

 

 

Expense Reimbursements and/or Per Diem Allowance not listed in item A. above

 

Other (specify source/type)

 

 

Other (specify source/type):

 

 

SUBTOTAL: 2.B.

 

*Total of 2A + 2B Enter here and on Page 1, #4

TOTAL:

 

C. *Do you receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families?

Yes, $________ monthly No

D.*Do you receive Social Security or Veteran’s benefits for any joint child(ren) due to parent’s disability?

Name of Beneficiary Child(ren) _______________________Yes, $________ monthly No

Name of Disabled Parent ____________________________ Source

E.*Do you receive Social Security or Veteran’s benefits for any joint child(ren) due to child’s disability?

Yes, $________ monthly No

Name of Child(ren) _________________________________ Source

F. *Is there an order for you to RECEIVE spousal support from your spouse involved in this proceeding?

Yes, $________ monthly No

G. *Is there an order for you to RECEIVE spousal support from a former/subsequent spouse?

 

Yes, $________ monthly

No

H. *Are you ordered to PAY spousal support?

Yes, $________ monthly

No

If Yes, to whom? __________________________________

 

 

I. *Do you pay mandatory union dues?

Yes, $________ monthly

No

J.ATTACH A COPY OF YOUR FOUR MOST RECENT PAY STUB(S), BENEFIT STATEMENTS, AND COPIES OF YOUR MOST RECENTLY FILED STATE AND FEDERAL TAX RETURNS.

ATTACH COPIES OF SPOUSAL SUPPORT ORDERS AND ANY CHILD SUPPORT ORDERS FOR NONJOINT ADDITIONAL CHILD(REN) NOT LIVING WITH YOU.

Page 3—UNIFORM SUPPORT DECLARATION

3.HEALTH CARE COVERAGE AND MEDICAL EXPENSES

A.

*Is there a cost to insure just yourself if you provide insurance for the child(ren)?

Yes

No

B.

Do you provide health care coverage for your joint child(ren)?

Yes

No

C. Does someone else provide health care coverage for your joint child(ren)?

Yes

No

 

Name of person, or entity, providing, if other than you:

 

 

 

D.Are you or any member of your household:

i. Enrolled in the Oregon Health Plan, Healthy Kids, or any other public health care coverage?

 

Yes

No

ii. Receiving a state subsidy for public or private health care coverage?

Yes

No

E. Are any of the joint children enrolled in public health care coverage (Healthy Kids/Oregon Health Plan)? Name of child(ren) enrolled? _________________________________________ Yes No

If you answered “YES” to A, B, C, D, or E above:

i.Name all persons covered: Relationship to you:

ii.What is the source of the insurance? (such as through your employer, spouse, other):

iii. Insurance Co.:

 

Phone Number:

iv.Monthly amount of any state subsidy received by your household for public or private health-care coverage $____________.

v. Policy Number:

 

Group Number:

vi.Address for submission of claims:

vii.Your total monthly premium cost: (A)$____________; Cost to cover only you: (B)*$____________;

Total number of people enrolled (not counting yourself): (C)____________; Number of joint

children enrolled: (D)______

*The cost for the joint child(ren) only is (A – B) ÷ C = $____________ x D = *$____________

viii.ATTACH PROOF OF INSURANCE PREMIUMS.

F. *Do you pay any out-of-pocket medical expenses (not covered by insurance) for any joint child(ren) on

a monthly basis?

 

Yes No

If yes, list the name of the child, the reason for the cost(s), and the amount per month:

i.

 

; $

 

 

 

 

ii.

 

; $

 

 

 

 

iii.

 

; $

 

 

 

 

iv.

 

; $

 

 

 

 

G.Does anyone pay a share of the monthly out-of-pocket medical costs for the child(ren)?

Yes No

If yes, who?

 

; amount they pay? $

 

 

 

 

H.ATTACH PROOF OF MONTHLY MEDICAL EXPENSES.

Page 4—UNIFORM SUPPORT DECLARATION

4.YOUR CHILDCARE EXPENSES

A. *Do you pay for childcare for the joint child(ren) so you can work, train, or look for work? Yes No

If yes,:

Paid to:

Name of Child

Age

Average Monthly Payment

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

B. *Does anyone else share the cost of childcare for the joint child(ren)?

Yes No

If yes, name:

 

Average Monthly Amount $

 

 

 

 

 

 

C.*City where childcare is provided:

D.ATTACH COPIES OF PROOF OF CHILDCARE EXPENSES.

5.*YOUR PARENTING TIME

PROPOSED

OCCURRING

EXISTING PLAN OR WRITTEN AGREEMENT

A.How many ANNUAL overnights does each joint child spend with YOU?

i.Name of Child: ___________________________________ # of overnights: _______________

ii.Name of Child: ___________________________________ # of overnights: _______________

iii.Name of Child: ___________________________________ # of overnights: _______________

iv.Name of Child: ___________________________________ # of overnights: _______________

B.ATTACH COPY OF MOST RECENT PARENTING PLAN OR WRITTEN AGREEMENT.

6.YOUR REBUTTAL FACTORS

A.The amount of child support to be paid may be rebutted under OAR 137-050-0760. http://oregonchildsupport.gov/laws/rules/docs/050_0760.pdf

i.

Are you seeking a rebuttal (an adjustment to the support amount)?

Yes No

ii.

Explain briefly:

 

 

B. ATTACH SUPPORTING EVIDENCE/ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.

I HEREBY DECLARE THAT THE ABOVE STATEMENTS ARE TRUE TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE AND BELIEF, AND THAT I UNDERSTAND THEY ARE MADE FOR USE AS EVIDENCE IN COURT AND ARE SUBJECT TO PENALTY FOR PERJURY.

Signature

Printed Name

Date

I am: PETITIONER RESPONDENT CO-PETITIONER OTHER:

Page 5—UNIFORM SUPPORT DECLARATION

ATTACHMENT CHECKLIST: Check the box and include the appropriate attachment(s).

Four most recent pay stubs or benefit statements

Most recent state and federal tax returns (including all applicable schedules)

Proof of insurance premiums

Proof of medical costs

Most recent parenting plan or written agreement

Proof of childcare costs

Copies of Spousal and Child Support Orders

Additional Page: Number items to correspond, include your name and case number

Other: _________________________________

CERTIFICATE OF MAILING

I hereby certify that I served a true and complete copy of this Uniform Support Declaration and all attachments

by mailing it first class mail, with postage prepaid, on(date) to the following people:

1.

 

 

 

(Other Party/Attorney name)

 

Address:

 

 

 

 

 

 

2.

 

 

 

 

(name)

 

Address:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Date

Signature

Page 6—UNIFORM SUPPORT DECLARATION

SCHEDULE 1

Spousal/Partner and Child Support Factors

You must complete this schedule and prepare and submit the attachments requested in this schedule if either party seeks spousal support or deviation from the uniform child support guidelines. These are the total household expenses you must pay each month for yourself only and not for others in your household. Utility bills should be averaged over the year. Any other annual, quarterly, or other periodic payments should be converted to a monthly average. DO NOT LIST ANY EXPENSE IF IT IS DEDUCTED FROM YOUR WAGES.

1.FIXED COSTS:

 

Description

Monthly Amount

 

 

 

A.

RESIDENCE:

 

 

 

 

 

Mortgage or Rent

 

 

 

 

 

Second Mortgage/Home Equity Loan

 

 

 

 

 

Property Taxes (if not included in Mortgage)

 

 

 

 

 

Insurance (if not included in Mortgage)

 

 

 

 

B.

UTILITIES:

 

 

 

 

 

Electricity

 

 

 

 

 

Gas

 

 

 

 

 

Water

 

 

 

 

 

Garbage

 

 

 

 

 

Telephone

 

 

 

 

 

Cable/Internet

 

 

 

 

C.

TRANSPORTATION:

 

 

 

 

 

Car Payments

 

 

 

 

 

Fuel

 

 

 

 

 

Maintenance and Repairs

 

 

 

 

 

Other (specify):

 

 

 

 

D.

INSURANCE:

 

 

 

 

 

Life

 

 

 

 

 

Automobile

 

 

 

 

 

Medical/Dental

 

 

 

 

 

Other (specify):

 

 

 

E. Food and Household Items

 

 

 

 

F.

Medicine &Pharmaceutical – unreimbursed medical/dental costs

 

 

 

G. Court/DHR-Ordered Support Payments for other than child(ren)/spouse/RDP in

 

 

this case

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL FIXED COSTS (A-G):

 

 

 

 

Page 7—UNIFORM SUPPORT DECLARATION

2.

CONSUMER OBLIGATIONS:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Balance

 

 

Name of Creditor

 

Due

Monthly Amount

 

 

 

 

 

A.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

B.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

C.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

D.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

E.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

F.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL PAYMENTS ON CONSUMER OBLIGATIONS (A-F):

 

 

 

 

 

 

3.

SUMMARY OF EXPENSES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Description

 

 

Monthly Amount

 

 

 

 

Fixed Costs (item 1 above)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Consumer Obligations (item 2 above)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

TOTAL EXPENSES:

 

 

 

 

 

 

4.OTHER FACTORS:

Other factors that affect my income and expense or that should be considered (attach supporting documentation whenever possible).

TOTAL:

My (printed) Name is: ____________________________________________

I am: PETITIONER RESPONDENT CO-PETITIONER OTHER:

Page 8—UNIFORM SUPPORT DECLARATION

Form Characteristics

Fact Name Detail
Purpose The Uniform Support Declaration (USD) is required to assess child or spousal support issues in a case.
Confidentiality Users must redact confidential information such as social security numbers and dates of birth from the documents before filing.
Compliance Requirement This form must be completed in full, signed, and provided to the relevant court or administrative agency.
Summary Information Complete the Summary Information section last, summarizing total monthly amounts from the earlier sections.
Eligibility for Benefits Applicants must confirm if they receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families or if children are on public health plans.
Joint Children Parties must list all joint children and any other children relevant to support calculations in the form.
Health Insurance The form requests information about health care premiums and additional medical expenses for the children.
Document Copies Parties need to create and attach copies of pay stubs, tax returns, and other relevant documentation.
Governing Law For Oregon, the form operates under Oregon Revised Statutes (ORS) related to family law and support obligations.

Guidelines on Utilizing Uniform Support Declaration

The Uniform Support Declaration form is necessary for any case where child or spousal support could be a central issue. Completing this form requires careful attention to detail, as the information provided helps establish financial responsibilities related to support payments. Below are step-by-step instructions to assist you in accurately filling out the form.

  1. Begin by identifying the court in which your case is being heard. Write your case number and the name of the judge assigned.
  2. Indicate whether you are the Petitioner, Respondent, Co-Petitioner, or Other by checking the appropriate box.
  3. In the Section labeled "Summary Information," fill in the total monthly amounts after completing Sections 1 through 5.
  4. List the number of joint children from your relationship, children over 18 but under 21 attending school, and any additional children not from this relationship.
  5. Provide your gross monthly income from all sources. Include your employment income and any other benefits or support you receive. Make sure to attach any supporting documents, such as pay stubs or tax returns.
  6. Answer whether you receive assistance from Temporary Assistance for Needy Families.
  7. Indicate if any of the children are on public health plans, and if so, specify the amounts received.
  8. Complete the section regarding spousal support, detailing amounts received or paid if applicable.
  9. Disclose any union dues paid monthly and any health care premiums related to you or the children.
  10. Document out-of-pocket medical expenses for the children and specify any childcare expenses you incur.
  11. Ensure all required signatures are included and check for any attachments needed as proof of income and expenses.
  12. Before submitting, review the document carefully for any missing information or calculations.
  13. Finally, make copies of the completed form and any attachments. File the original with the court and serve a copy to the other party involved.

What You Should Know About This Form

What is the purpose of the Uniform Support Declaration (USD)?

The Uniform Support Declaration must be completed when child or spousal support is a concern in a case. This form provides essential information about the parties' financial situations, allowing the court to make informed decisions regarding support obligations. It collects details such as income, healthcare coverage, and monthly expenses related to the children involved.

What should I do with confidential information when submitting the form?

When submitting the Uniform Support Declaration, it is crucial to protect any private information. You are responsible for redacting confidential details such as Social Security numbers, dates of birth, and bank account information. Use the UTCR 2.130 forms for guidance on separating confidential information from public records. Remember, it’s advisable not to bring original documents to the court for photocopying; instead, make copies in advance on standard 8½” x 11” paper.

Who must complete and sign the Uniform Support Declaration?

Both parties involved in the case—petitioner and respondent—are required to complete the Uniform Support Declaration. The completed document must be signed, filed with the court, and served to the other party or their attorney. Completed forms lacking signatures or necessary information may delay the court's review.

What documents do I need to attach to my USD?

When submitting the US d, you're required to attach specific documents that validate the information provided. This includes the four most recent pay stubs, benefit statements, and copies of your latest state and federal tax returns. Additionally, spousal support orders and child support agreements related to non-joint children should be included. Proper documentation ensures that your financial situation is accurately represented.

How should I handle the summary information section in the USD?

The summary information section of the Uniform Support Declaration should be completed last, after filling out Sections 1 through 5. This portion is where you total your monthly amounts for various obligations and incomes, making it easier for the court to review your financial overview. Make sure to double-check your calculations for accuracy before submitting the form.

Common mistakes

People often make mistakes when completing the Uniform Support Declaration form, which can lead to complications in their support cases. One common error is failing to complete the form in its entirety. Each section is crucial for determining support obligations, and missing information can delay the process or result in an unfavorable decision.

Another mistake involves not providing accurate income information. Discrepancies between reported income and actual earnings can create problems. Ensure that all sources of income, including self-employment and benefits, are clearly documented. Many individuals neglect to include bonuses or tips, which can significantly affect total income calculations.

A third error frequently seen is the omission of necessary attachments. The form requires multiple documents, like pay stubs and tax returns. Not only is it essential to include these documents, but they also need to be properly copied and formatted. If originals are presented without copies, it will lead to complications, as the court will not produce these for you.

Additionally, some people fail to indicate whether they receive Temporary Assistance for Needy Families or Social Security benefits for children properly. This oversight can impact eligibility for support modifications. Be diligent about answering these questions accurately and fully.

Redacting personal and confidential information is another area where mistakes often occur. Individuals sometimes forget to black out sensitive data like Social Security numbers and dates of birth. Protecting such information is not just a best practice—it's a requirement to prevent identity theft and ensure privacy.

Some individuals do not complete the Summary Information section or do so incorrectly. This part summarizes the most critical financial details and must be filled out accurately after completing the detailed sections. Inaccurate totals can lead to misinterpretation of financial circumstances.

Another mistake involves using the wrong paper size for attachments. The form specifies the need for 8½” x 11” paper, but some individuals submit attachments on different sizes. This technicality might seem minor, but it can disrupt the organization and presentation of your materials.

Moreover, not signing the declaration before submission is a common blunder. A signature is a legal requirement that verifies the information provided. Submitting an unsigned form could render the entire submission invalid, leading to further delays.

Lastly, applicants sometimes neglect to consult the instructions provided with the form. Each section contains specific guidelines that are crucial for proper completion. Skipping over these instructions often leads to errors that could have been easily avoided. Ensure thorough review of the guidelines to enhance accuracy when filling out the form.

Documents used along the form

The Uniform Support Declaration is a crucial document in child and spousal support cases, providing a comprehensive overview of financial circumstances. While it covers essential information, several other forms and documents often accompany it to ensure accurate support calculations and compliance with court requirements.

  • Income Verification Documents: These include recent pay stubs, bank statements, and tax returns. They substantiate the income declared in the Uniform Support Declaration and provide the court with a clear financial picture.
  • Child Support Order: If there is an existing child support order, it needs to be submitted alongside the declaration. This placement ensures the court is aware of any prior obligations that may impact current support considerations.
  • Spousal Support Order: Similar to the child support order, this is required if one party is paying or receiving spousal support. It details any existing obligations and helps in determining the appropriate amounts moving forward.
  • Confidential Information Form: This form is used to keep sensitive data, like social security numbers and dates of birth, from becoming part of the public record. It's essential to protect personal information, particularly in a court setting.
  • Health Insurance Information: Documents detailing health coverage for both parties and joint children should be included. This helps in assessing any additional medical costs that may influence support payments.
  • Proof of Expenses: This may include receipts for childcare, healthcare, or other necessary expenses related to the children’s welfare. This information can impact support calculations significantly.

By compiling these documents along with the Uniform Support Declaration, parties can provide the court with a thorough and accurate financial snapshot, paving the way for a fair and just support determination.

Similar forms

  • Financial Affidavit: This document collects information about an individual's income, expenses, assets, and liabilities. Like the Uniform Support Declaration, it helps determine a person's ability to pay child or spousal support.
  • Child Support Guidelines Worksheet: This worksheet is used to calculate child support obligations based on income and other factors. It is similar because both documents aim to ensure fair support calculations.
  • Income and Expense Declaration: This document provides a comprehensive overview of an individual's financial situation. It parallels the Uniform Support Declaration in its purpose to evaluate support obligations.
  • Spousal Support Worksheet: This worksheet focuses specifically on spousal support calculations. Similar to the Uniform Support Declaration, it assesses income and expenses to determine support amounts.
  • Child Custody Evaluation Report: While primarily focused on custody arrangements, this report includes financial assessments that may affect support decisions, much like the Uniform Support Declaration.
  • Declaration of Disclosure: This legal document lists an individual's finances in divorce proceedings. Both it and the Uniform Support Declaration aim to provide transparent financial information in support contexts.
  • Parenting Plan: This plan outlines the responsibilities and financial obligations of parents post-separation. It relates to the Uniform Support Declaration in addressing child-rearing aspects, including financial support.
  • Case Information Statement: This form aggregates the financial details in a family law case. Comparable to the Uniform Support Declaration, it is used to present a person's financial standing in court.
  • Affidavit of Financial Support: This affidavit serves as a sworn statement regarding one’s finances. Like the Uniform Support Declaration, it seeks honest disclosure of financial circumstances for determining support.
  • Confidential Financial Information Form: This form protects sensitive financial details during support proceedings. It complements the Uniform Support Declaration by ensuring that confidential data management aligns with support discussions.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the Uniform Support Declaration form, it is important to be thorough and careful. Below is a list of things to keep in mind.

  • Do read all instructions carefully before starting.
  • Do make a copy of your completed form for your records.
  • Do ensure that you black out any confidential information on attachments.
  • Do attach all necessary documentation, such as pay stubs and tax returns.
  • Do sign the form where required to validate your declaration.
  • Don’t submit original documents; provide copies instead.
  • Don’t leave any sections blank; answer all questions completely.
  • Don’t forget to review your form for any errors or omissions.
  • Don’t assume the court will automatically cover any confidential information without your redaction.

Misconceptions

Misunderstandings about the Uniform Support Declaration (USD) are common. Here are ten misconceptions along with clarifications to help you navigate this important document with confidence.

  1. The Uniform Support Declaration is optional. Many believe the USD is an optional form. In fact, it is required when child or spousal support is a matter in your case.
  2. I can use the original documents for my submission. Some think they can bring original documents for the court to photocopy. You must make copies of all attachments before submitting the USD.
  3. Redacting personal information is unnecessary if I’m cautious. It’s essential to redact sensitive information yourself. Failing to do so can expose you to privacy risks.
  4. All my financial information is private and will remain confidential. Although the USD information is required to be disclosed to the other party, you can request protections using the court’s Confidential Information Form process.
  5. My gross income does not need detailed proof. You must attach verification of your monthly income, including pay stubs and tax returns. This documentation supports the figures you provide on the USD.
  6. The judges will not examine the completed form closely. Judges review USDs rigorously. Inaccuracies or lack of detail can significantly influence support decisions.
  7. Only one parent fills out the USD. Both parties involved in a support case should complete their own Separate USDs to ensure all financial information is considered.
  8. Filling out the form correctly is not critical. Accurate completion is crucial. Errors or omissions could lead to delays or unfavorable support determinations.
  9. The information provided is not limited to my income only. You must disclose various financial details, including expenses related to children, spousal support received or paid, and health care costs.
  10. Once I submit the form, I am done. Completing and submitting the USD is just one part of the process. Be prepared to provide further documentation or explanations if requested.

Understanding these aspects of the Uniform Support Declaration can help ensure a smoother process. Making sure your form is filled out accurately and completely is crucial for protecting your interests in any support case.

Key takeaways

The Uniform Support Declaration (USD) form is crucial for cases involving child or spousal support. Here are key takeaways to help you navigate its completion and use:

  • The USD must be filled out completely. It requests detailed information regarding your monthly income, expenses, and other relevant financial information related to child or spousal support.
  • Confidential information such as social security numbers and dates of birth must be redacted before submitting any attached documents. This ensures the protection of private information from public records.
  • Original documents should not be submitted. Instead, make sure to provide copies of important attachments, such as pay stubs and tax returns, formatted on 8½” x 11” paper.
  • Complete the summary information section after filling out the detailed parts of the form. This includes key figures like joint children, gross monthly income, and healthcare expenditures.
  • Remember that the contents of the USD can be accessed by the other party involved in the case, which underscores the importance of being thorough and accurate in your disclosures.

Approach the completion of the form with care. Accurate and complete information is essential for fair support determinations.