What's Inside This Guide?

Our financial disclosure checklist covers:

• Why disclosure matters Legal requirements and consequences of incomplete disclosure
• Income documents Payslips, tax returns, benefits, bonuses, and dividends
• Property and assets Property valuations, savings, investments, and shares
• Pensions and debts Pension valuations, loans, credit cards, and mortgages
• Common mistakes What people forget and why it matters

Why Full Disclosure Is Essential

You have a legal duty to provide full and frank financial disclosure. This means revealing all your income, assets, debts, and pensions - even if you think they're not relevant.

Hiding assets or providing incomplete information can result in agreements being set aside by the court, even years later. It can also lead to costs orders against you.

• Legal requirement in all financial settlements
• Protects both parties from future challenges
• Ensures fair division of assets
• Avoids costly delays and court intervention
• Builds trust in the mediation process

How to Gather Your Documents

Start by gathering three months of bank statements for all accounts, your most recent payslips, and your last tax return. Then work through each category in this checklist systematically.

If you're missing information - such as a pension valuation - note what you need and request it. Most pension providers will send a Cash Equivalent Transfer Value (CETV) statement within a few weeks.