Family law
What Financial Disclosures Do You File in a Divorce?
Quick answer
In almost every divorce, both spouses must share detailed information about their finances with each other. These sworn documents are called financial disclosures, and courts rely on them to divide property fairly and set any support.
Researched by Dan Martin, Legal Researcher · Published by Onbello Legal · Last updated June 2026
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What financial disclosures you file in a divorce
What financial disclosures are
Financial disclosures are formal documents where each spouse lists their income, expenses, assets, and debts. They are usually signed under penalty of perjury, which means you are swearing the information is true and complete to the best of your knowledge.
The exact forms and what they are called vary by state. Some states require a detailed set of standard forms from everyone, while others only require disclosures in certain situations or when a spouse requests them. Check your state's guide to see what applies to you.
What information they typically cover
Most disclosure forms ask about four broad categories. Income covers wages, self-employment earnings, bonuses, benefits, and other money coming in. Expenses cover your regular monthly costs like housing, food, transportation, insurance, and childcare.
Assets include things you own, such as bank accounts, retirement accounts, vehicles, real estate, and business interests. Debts include credit cards, loans, mortgages, and anything else you owe. You will usually attach supporting documents too, such as pay stubs, tax returns, and account statements. The specific documents required vary by state.
Why disclosures matter so much
Judges use financial disclosures to make the core money decisions in a divorce, including how property and debts are divided and whether child support or spousal support is ordered. If the information is wrong or missing, those decisions can be wrong too.
Hiding assets or leaving things off your disclosures can have serious consequences. Courts can reopen a case, change the outcome, or penalize a spouse who concealed information. The safest approach is simple, disclose everything, even items you think are separate or unimportant, and let the process sort out how they are treated.
When and how you exchange them
Disclosures are usually exchanged early in the case, often around the time the initial divorce paperwork is filed and responded to. Some states require a second, updated exchange before the case is finalized. Deadlines and timing rules vary by state, so check your state's requirements.
In many states you exchange disclosures directly with your spouse and file only a short proof with the court saying you served them. Other states have you file the full forms. If your finances change significantly while the case is pending, you may need to update your disclosures. Onbello is not a law firm and this is general information, not legal advice, but our guided tools can help you prepare and organize your divorce paperwork.
Tools and resources
Where to check this
Forms, deadlines, and local rules change. Verify anything on this page against the official self-help resources for your state before you rely on it.
This page is general legal information, not legal advice, and does not create an attorney–client relationship. Laws and local rules vary and change. For advice about your situation, consult a licensed family-law attorney in your state.