Family Law Financial Disclosure Preparation Checklist

Create an Assets, Debts and Income Overview

List known property, accounts, loans, superannuation, businesses and other financial interests. Record whose name appears on each item, the approximate value or balance, the date and the source. Use a clear 'unknown' label where you do not have information. Ownership labels and approximate values are facts for the lawyer to assess, not conclusions about the eventual division.

Add a separate income and regular-expense overview. Identify significant changes such as a job loss, sale, new borrowing or changed household arrangements. Ask which reporting periods and supporting records are needed. This keeps the initial appointment focused on the available information rather than an argument built on estimates.

Index Bank, Tax, Superannuation and Business Records

Group documents by type and date. Keep complete statements and returns, including attachments, instead of selecting only pages that appear helpful. A document index can record the filename, period covered and whether the item is complete. Retain originals and use copies for an organised review bundle.

If a company, trust, partnership or self-managed superannuation fund is involved, say so early. Ask the lawyer which documents and professional input are appropriate. Do not assume that the first consultation includes business valuation or tax advice. Identify the accountant or other adviser involved without giving another person's confidential information to an unverified recipient.

Record Missing Information and Ask About Lawful Access

Make a missing-information list with the document, the reason it is unavailable and where you believe it may be held. Tell the lawyer if an account is inaccessible or you have concerns about the accuracy of information. Ask for a lawful plan to request or obtain it. Do not guess passwords, impersonate another person or enter accounts you are not authorised to use.

The Federal Circuit and Family Court describes disclosure obligations for family-law cases, including financial matters. Ask your lawyer how those obligations apply at your stage and in the relevant jurisdiction. Western Australian family proceedings have their own court resources. A preparation checklist is not confirmation that you have completed a legal duty.

Plan Secure Exchange and Continuing Updates

Confirm the recipient and secure delivery method before sending financial records. Keep a log of what was provided and when. Ask how safety concerns, sensitive personal information and documents obtained from another party should be handled. Do not publish a case bundle or use court documents for unrelated purposes without advice.

Keep new statements, changed balances and significant transactions separate from the original bundle so they can be identified. Ask when updates are needed and who will check completeness before a meeting or filing. Finish by distinguishing the lawyer's next task from the information you have agreed to collect.

The decision desk · practical workbook

An information register for family-law financial disclosure

This register helps explain what you know and where it came from. It is not a court form, a valuation or a complete list of disclosure obligations. Ask your lawyer to identify the relevant periods, documents and updating requirements for your circumstances.

Use these prompts in your private preparation notes. On a narrow screen, scroll the table sideways to read every column.

Preparation mistakes to avoid

When the situation is less straightforward