Definition and Purpose of the UJS-135 Form
The UJS-135 form is specifically designed for individuals seeking an indigent waiver of the $50 filing fee in South Dakota's Circuit Court. This application is utilized primarily by petitioners who need to modify existing orders related to child support, custody, or spousal support due to financial hardship. By requesting a fee waiver, applicants can access essential court services without the burden of upfront fees, facilitating legal processes for those facing economic challenges. This form plays a vital role in ensuring equitable access to the judicial system for financially disadvantaged individuals within South Dakota.
Steps to Complete the UJS-135 Form
Filling out the UJS-135 form requires careful attention to detail to ensure all necessary information is accurately provided. Here’s a step-by-step guide to completing this form:
- Personal Information: Start by entering your full name, address, telephone number, and any other personal identification details requested.
- Income Details: Provide comprehensive information about your income sources, including employment, social security, unemployment benefits, and any other financial support.
- Assets and Liabilities: List your assets, such as property or savings, and your current liabilities, including debts and recurring expenses.
- Affirmation of Accuracy: Sign the form to affirm that all information provided is true and accurate to the best of your knowledge.
- Submission: Once completed, submit the form along with any required documentation supporting your financial situation.
How to Obtain the UJS-135 Form
The UJS-135 form can be obtained through various methods to ensure accessibility for all applicants:
- Online: Visit the official South Dakota Unified Judicial System website to download the form directly.
- In-Person: Forms can be collected from the clerk's office at any South Dakota Circuit Court location.
- Contacting the Court: You can also request the form by calling the court clerk, who can then mail or email it to you upon request.
Key Elements of the UJS-135 Form
Understanding the critical components of the UJS-135 form is essential for a successful waiver application:
- Financial Statement: Includes sections for comprehensive financial disclosure, ensuring the court has a clear understanding of your economic status.
- Verification Section: Requires the applicant to certify the truthfulness of the information provided, under penalty of perjury.
- Legal Declaration: Confirms the purpose of the waiver request, including circumstances related to child support, custody, or spousal support modifications.
Legal Use of the UJS-135 Form
The UJS-135 form is used legally within the South Dakota court system to request a waiver of filing fees based on indigency. It is crucial to understand that submitting false information on this form can have legal consequences, including potential charges of perjury or fraud. Completing the form accurately and truthfully ensures compliance with South Dakota laws, allowing for a legitimate waiver request in financial hardship cases.
Who Typically Uses the UJS-135 Form
This form is primarily used by individuals who are:
- Seeking to Modify Court Orders: Particularly in cases of child support, custody, or spousal support.
- Experiencing Financial Hardship: Those who cannot afford the standard filing fee due to low income or significant financial obligations.
- Residents of South Dakota: Applicants must be within this jurisdiction to utilize the form for fee waiver requests.
State-Specific Rules for the UJS-135 Form
The use and application of the UJS-135 form are governed by specific rules within South Dakota:
- Jurisdiction Limitation: The form is only valid for use within the Circuit Courts of South Dakota.
- Verification Requirements: Applicants may be required to present supplemental documentation to support their financial statements.
- Residency Requirement: Only residents of South Dakota can apply for the fee waiver using this form.
Examples of Using the UJS-135 Form
To illustrate practical applications of the UJS-135 form, consider the following scenarios:
- Modification of Support Order: A single parent needing to adjust child support payments due to a recent job loss might use the UJS-135 form to waive filing fees for court modifications.
- Custody Arrangement Changes: An individual experiencing severe income reduction due to unexpected medical expenses may seek to change custody agreements without financial constraints using this form.
- Spousal Support Adjustments: In cases where a petitioner faces eviction or foreclosure, the UJS-135 form can facilitate fee waivers for requesting changes to spousal support agreements, ensuring access to necessary legal recourse.
