Why ‘full And Frank’ Disclosure Matters

Every financial remedy case in the family Courts starts with the same foundation – full and frank disclosure. This is the duty of each party to provide a complete, truthful and continuing account of their financial position. It is not a technicality. It is the very mechanism by which the Court, or the parties through negotiation, can determine what a fair settlement looks like.

Disclosure entails providing evidence of all details relating to a party’s financial circumstances, including: income, savings, pensions, investments, property, trusts, liabilities, and business interests. It is not limited to what is expressly held in that party’s sole name, but extends to assets held jointly, in companies, or in arrangements whereby one party may have an interest. Crucially, disclosure is backed up by documentary evidence of that party’s financial circumstances (including, but not limited to, bank statements, payslips, business accounts, mortgage statements, pension valuations) without