Financial disclosure forms a critical part of family court proceedings in Edmonton, Alberta, helping ensure fair outcomes in divorce, separation, and support cases.
The Alberta Courts require complete and accurate financial information from both parties to make informed decisions about support payments, property division, and other monetary matters.
Understanding the requirements and preparing proper documentation saves time, reduces costs, and helps achieve faster resolutions in family court matters.
Required Financial Documents
- Form FL-17 (Statement of Income, Assets and Liabilities)
- Last 3 years of tax returns
- Recent pay stubs or income statements
- Bank statements from the past 6 months
- Credit card statements
- Mortgage statements and property assessments
- Investment and retirement account statements
- Business financial statements (if self-employed)
Tips for Proper Financial Disclosure
- Start gathering documents early – collection can take several weeks
- Create digital copies of all documents for easy sharing
- Organize documents by category and date
- Include statements from joint and individual accounts
- Document any recent significant financial changes
- Keep detailed records of expenses, especially child-related costs
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Incomplete or outdated information
- Missing deadlines for document submission
- Failing to disclose all assets or income sources
- Providing estimates instead of actual figures
- Not updating information when circumstances change
Legal Help and Resources
The Edmonton Law Courts (Law Courts Building, 1A Sir Winston Churchill Square) provide forms and information about financial disclosure requirements.
Resolution and Court Administration Services (RCAS) offers free assistance with court forms and procedures.
Contact information for legal support:
- Edmonton Law Courts: 780-422-2200
- RCAS: 780-415-0404
- Legal Aid Alberta: 1-866-845-3425
Next Steps for Your Case
Schedule a consultation with a family lawyer to review your specific situation and documentation requirements.
Consider using professional services for complex financial matters, such as business valuations or pension calculations.
Keep copies of all submitted documents and maintain records of when and how they were provided to the court.
| Document Type | Submission Timeline |
|---|---|
| Form FL-17 | Within 30 days of first court appearance |
| Tax Returns | Most recent 3 years |
| Pay Stubs | Last 3 months |
Document Submission Process
Submit all financial documents through the proper court channels, either in person at the Edmonton Law Courts or through your legal representative. Keep detailed records of submission dates and maintain copies of everything filed.
Electronic Filing Options
- Digital Court Counter services
- Alberta Court Filing System (ACFS)
- Certified copies through eServices
Financial Updates and Modifications
Court orders may require ongoing financial disclosure updates, especially for child and spousal support arrangements. Notify the court of significant changes in income or assets within 30 days.
- Annual income reassessments
- Changes in employment status
- Property acquisition or sale
- Inheritance or large financial gains
Securing Your Financial Future
Proper financial disclosure forms the foundation for fair court decisions and protects your interests throughout family law proceedings. Maintain organized records and seek professional guidance when needed to ensure compliance with all court requirements.
Remember that transparency and accuracy in financial disclosure help expedite proceedings and lead to more equitable resolutions for all parties involved.
- Keep copies of all submissions
- Track important deadlines
- Maintain current financial records
- Seek professional advice when needed
FAQs
- What financial documents are required for family court disclosure in Alberta?
A complete Form FL-17 (Financial Statement), recent tax returns, pay stubs, bank statements from the past 3 years, proof of assets and debts, and corporate financial statements if self-employed. - What is the deadline for filing financial disclosure in Alberta family court?
Financial disclosure must be filed within 20 days of receiving the request for disclosure or as specified by the court order. - Do I need to disclose my new spouse’s financial information?
Generally no, but you must disclose any joint assets, debts, or financial arrangements that affect your financial position or ability to pay support. - What happens if I fail to provide complete financial disclosure?
The court may impose penalties, including fines, cost awards, contempt of court charges, or making adverse inferences about your financial situation. - How often do I need to update my financial disclosure?
Financial disclosure must be updated annually for ongoing support obligations or when there are significant changes to your financial situation. - Can I refuse to disclose my financial information if my ex-spouse hasn’t disclosed theirs?
No, your obligation to disclose is independent of the other party’s compliance. Each party has a separate duty to provide full financial disclosure. - What information do I need to provide about my business if I’m self-employed?
You must provide corporate tax returns, financial statements, business income statements, balance sheets, and any shareholding or partnership agreements. - How do I protect confidential business information in financial disclosure?
You can request a confidentiality agreement or protective order from the court while still providing necessary financial information for family law proceedings. - What should I do if I discover my ex-spouse has hidden assets or income?
Report it to your lawyer immediately and file a Notice of Motion for complete disclosure. The court can order detailed financial investigations or impose penalties for non-disclosure. - Are there special disclosure requirements for child support calculations?
Yes, the Federal Child Support Guidelines require specific income information, including Line 150 income from tax returns and details of any child-related expenses.
