What financial documents are required for disclosure in Alberta divorce?

Required documents include: 3 years of tax returns and NOAs, 3 months of pay stubs, bank statements for all accounts, investment and RRSP statements, property valuations, business financial statements if self-employed, pension statements, and debt documentation including mortgages and credit cards.

What happens if I don't provide financial disclosure in Alberta?

Failure to provide financial disclosure can result in: court orders compelling disclosure, cost awards against you, adverse inferences drawn by the court, delays in your case, and in serious cases, findings of contempt of court. Non-disclosure can severely damage your credibility and case outcome.

How far back does financial disclosure go in Alberta?

Standard disclosure covers 3 years for tax returns and Notices of Assessment, 3 months for current income documentation, and varies for other documents depending on relevance. In some cases, such as dissipation of assets allegations, disclosure may go back further.

Can I refuse to disclose certain financial information?

Generally, no. Financial disclosure in family law is mandatory and comprehensive. However, there are limited exceptions for privileged documents (like communications with your lawyer) and documents not relevant to the issues in your case. If you believe certain documents shouldn't be disclosed, consult your lawyer.

What is Form FL-14 in Alberta family law?

Form FL-14 is the Financial Statement required in Alberta family proceedings. It's a sworn document detailing your income, expenses, assets, and debts. Both parties must complete this form and it must be updated if circumstances change significantly.

Financial Disclosure in Alberta Divorce: Complete 2026 Guide

Understanding your obligations and rights regarding financial disclosure in Alberta family law proceedings.

Last updated: January 2026 | 12 min read

1. What is Financial Disclosure?

Financial disclosure is the mandatory exchange of financial information between parties in Alberta family law proceedings. It forms the foundation for determining child support, spousal support, and property division. Both parties have a legal duty to provide full, frank, and honest disclosure of their financial circumstances.

The duty to disclose exists regardless of whether you're the applicant or respondent, and applies in both contested and uncontested matters. Hiding assets, underreporting income, or failing to provide required documents can have serious consequences.

Key Principle:

Financial disclosure is ongoing - if your circumstances change significantly during the proceedings, you must update your disclosure.

2. Required Documents

Alberta family law requires disclosure of comprehensive financial documentation. Here's what you'll typically need to provide:

Income Documentation

Last 3 years of personal income tax returns (T1 Generals)
Last 3 years of Notices of Assessment (NOAs) from CRA
Last 3 months of pay stubs or proof of income
Employment contracts and letters
EI, disability, or pension income statements

For Self-Employed Individuals

Last 3 years of business financial statements
Corporate tax returns (T2) if applicable
Shareholder loan accounts
Business valuation reports

Asset Documentation

Bank statements (all accounts, last 3-12 months)
Investment account statements (RRSPs, TFSAs, non-registered)
Real estate valuations or appraisals
Vehicle ownership and valuations
Pension statements (annual statements and CVs)
Life insurance policies with cash values

Debt Documentation

Mortgage statements
Credit card statements
Lines of credit statements
Loan agreements
Outstanding tax obligations

3. Understanding Form FL-14

Form FL-14 is the sworn Financial Statement required in Alberta family proceedings. It's a comprehensive document that summarizes your entire financial picture.

FL-14 Contains Four Main Sections:

Income

All sources of income including employment, self-employment, investments, government benefits, and any other income.

Monthly Expenses

Housing, utilities, food, transportation, childcare, insurance, and all other regular expenses.

Assets

Real property, vehicles, bank accounts, investments, RRSPs, pensions, business interests, and personal property.

Debts

Mortgages, loans, credit cards, lines of credit, and any other liabilities.

Important:

Form FL-14 is a sworn document. Providing false information is perjury and can result in serious legal consequences.

4. Timeline and Deadlines

Alberta's Family Law Rules set specific deadlines for financial disclosure:

Situation	Deadline
Applicant's initial disclosure	With or before serving the application
Respondent's disclosure	With or before filing the response
Updated disclosure	Within 30 days of significant change
Pre-trial disclosure	As ordered by the court

5. Consequences of Non-Disclosure

Failing to provide proper financial disclosure can have serious consequences:

Court Orders

The court can order you to provide disclosure and impose deadlines with consequences for non-compliance.

Cost Awards

You may be ordered to pay the other party's legal costs related to obtaining your disclosure.

Adverse Inferences

Courts may assume that undisclosed information would be unfavorable to you.

Contempt of Court

Deliberate non-compliance can result in contempt findings, fines, or even imprisonment.

6. Protecting Your Interests

While you must provide full disclosure, you can take steps to protect legitimate interests:

Organize early: Start gathering documents as soon as separation occurs
Keep records: Maintain copies of everything you provide and receive
Get valuations: Obtain professional appraisals for real estate and businesses
Verify spouse's disclosure: Review their documents carefully for completeness
Question discrepancies: Address any concerns about hidden assets or income
Work with professionals: Engage lawyers and accountants as needed

7. Frequently Asked Questions

Need Help With Financial Disclosure?

Our experienced Edmonton family lawyers can help you understand your disclosure obligations, organize your documents, and protect your interests throughout the process.

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