During a divorce, both parties are generally required to provide full and transparent financial disclosures. This is essential to ensure that assets, debts, and income are fairly divided, and that decisions regarding alimony, child support, and property division are made based on accurate financial information. The typical financial disclosure information includes the following, but your lawyer might have a more detailed list:
1. Income Information
- Pay Stubs: Recent pay stubs from employment (usually for the past 3-6 months).
- Tax Returns: Personal and business tax returns, typically for the last two to three years.
- W-2 and 1099 Forms (T4 in Canada): Documents showing wages, salaries, or any independent contractor income.
- Investment Income: Details of any income generated from investments, dividends, or rental properties.
- Bonuses and Commissions: Records of any bonuses, commissions, or other irregular income.
- Self-Employment Income: Profit and loss statements, bank records, and other documentation of earnings if you or your spouse are self-employed.
2. Bank Account Information
- Bank Statements: Complete statements for individual and joint accounts, including checking, savings, money market, and certificate of deposit (CD) accounts.
- Transaction History: Recent transactions that show significant purchases, transfers, or cash withdrawals.
3. Real Estate and Property
- Deeds and Titles: Proof of ownership for all real estate properties, including the marital home, vacation properties, or rental units.
- Mortgage Statements: Information on outstanding mortgages or home equity loans, including current balance and payment history.
- Property Valuation: Appraisals or estimates of the current market value of owned properties.
4. Investment and Retirement Accounts
- Retirement Accounts: Documentation of 401(k) accounts, RRSP, TSFA, IRAs, pensions, and other retirement savings.
- Investment Portfolios: Statements for any brokerage accounts, stocks, bonds, mutual funds, or other securities.
- Stock Options: Any details of stock options or other deferred compensation plans.
5. Debts and Liabilities
- Credit Card Statements: Information on all outstanding credit card balances and recent purchases or payments.
- Loan Documents: Statements for car loans, student loans, personal loans, or other debt.
- Medical Bills: Any outstanding medical expenses or ongoing payment plans.
6. Business Assets
- Business Financial Statements: For any businesses owned by either spouse, including profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and valuation reports.
- Business Tax Returns: Tax returns for any jointly or individually owned businesses.
- Ownership Interests: Information about any partnerships, shares, or stakes in businesses or ventures.
7. Pensions and Annuities
- Pension Plan Statements: Details of pension entitlements, including vesting schedules and expected payouts.
- Annuity Accounts: Statements for any annuity plans or structured settlements.
8. Life and Health Insurance
- Life Insurance Policies: Statements showing the type of policy (term or whole), beneficiaries, and cash value (if applicable).
- Health Insurance: Information about your current health insurance plan, especially if it covers both spouses or children.
9. Personal Property
- Valuables: Documentation for high-value personal items such as jewelry, artwork, antiques, vehicles, and collectibles.
- Titles and Registration: Proof of ownership for vehicles, boats, or other major personal assets.
10. Hidden Assets or Income
- Offshore Accounts: Any foreign bank accounts or overseas investments.
- Cryptocurrency: Documentation related to holdings in Bitcoin, Ethereum, or other cryptocurrencies.
This full disclosure ensures transparency and fairness in the divorce process, helping to achieve equitable distribution of marital property, and determining appropriate support arrangements. Failure to disclose any relevant financial information may result in legal penalties and adverse rulings.