What is financial disclosure
and why is it important?
Financial Disclosure means that you and your spouse provide accurate financial information to each other to ensure that you both have the information you need to make important financial decisions. Providing complete disclosure of all assets and liabilities as of your date of separation will help you determine how your property will be divided.
The following is a list of items to consider while gathering your documents:
Agreements:
- Marriage Contract
- Co-habitation Agreement
- Business Agreement
- Interim/Temporary Separation Agreement
Income:
- Pay stubs
- T4’s
- Income Tax Returns
- Notice of Assessments
- Employee Benefits:
- Bonuses
- Accrued vacation and sick time
- Stock-options, or profit sharing
Date of Separation – Assets:
- Chequing & Savings Accounts
- Investment Accounts
- Pensions
- RESPs (Registered Education Savings Plan)
- Real Estate Valuation:
- Matrimonial Home
- Rental Properties
- Land
- Personal Property:
- Vehicles
- Motorized Recreational Vehicles
- Jewelry
- Antiques
- Inheritances
- Life Insurance Policies
- Insurance Proceeds as the result of a claim
- Financial Gifts
- Business:
- Statement including shareholder or partnership Agreements.
- Business Valuation
- Business bank accounts
- Business liabilities (loans, credit cards, line of credit etc.)
Date of Separation – Liabilities:
- Mortgage
- Vehicle Loans
- Line of Credit
- Credit cards
- Other Loans
- Student loans
- Income tax owing
- House or vehicle insurance, utilities, or property tax arrears
- Capital Gains Tax
You will also require copies of statements of any assets or liabilities you may have had on your date of marriage. i.e., house, investments, mortgage, credit card debts etc.
It is important to be honest and provide transparency with respect to your financial situation. Failure to provide complete financial disclosure may cause serious issues in the future, including a judge not honouring an agreement that you and your spouse have made.
If you are considering ending your marriage, Positive Solutions Divorce Services® appreciates the challenges you face. If you need additional information contact us or book a free online introductory meeting with you and your spouse.
