Why Must I Disclose My Financial Information in A Divorce?

In divorce proceedings, Utah law requires the spouses to disclose certain information about their assets and debts. This requirement can be very frustrating to people going through a divorce. It may seem pointless to disclose information that your spouse already has access to. Moreover, it may seem like an invasion of privacy to be required to turn over documents and other sensitive information to your soon-to-be ex.

So, why must you disclose this information? There are important reasons for the disclosure rules. When certain issues, such as maintenance, child support, and property division, are contested in a divorce, each party has a right to know the other party’s claims and defenses. This allows both of you to adequately prepare for mediation or court hearings. Further, your financial information is crucial when courts have to resolve disputes.

Under Utah law, some information must be disclosed, even if the other party does not ask for it. This is known as mandatory disclosures. Other information must be provided only if the other party asks. This is known as discoverable information.

For example, Utah Rule of Civil Procedure 26.1 requires each party to disclose certain documents and information at the beginning of the case. Such information includes pay stubs, bank statements, documents that state the value of real estate, and loan applications. Essentially, you must disclose documents that contain details regarding your assets and debts.

As your case progresses, you may be required or asked to provide additional information to the other party. If your case goes to trial, you will be required to disclose any experts you want to testify, as well as any reports the experts produce. You will also be required to conduct pretrial disclosures, which means that you must notify the other party of your positions on any contested issues, any witnesses you intend to call at trial, and any exhibits you plan to use.

Because of all these rules and requirements, going through a contested divorce can be intimidating. An experienced family law attorney can help you understand what information you must disclose, what steps you need to take, and what options you have throughout the process.

Source: Utcourts.gov, “Disclosure and Discovery,” Accessed July 7, 2015

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Linzi Garner

Dani is great to work with! She responds quickly and is reliable. She knows her stuff!

Response from the owner: Linzi, thank you for your kind words about Dani. Glad she was able to help you with your case.

John Holland

They are very efficient and Ray was exceptionally efficient, helpful and caring. I definitely recommend them.

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McCray Jensen

Sophie was an amazing person to work with. She helped walk me through many of my concerns I had in a clear and concise manner. She regularly followed and reached out with me, making me feel like not just another number.

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Michael Eschrich

Ray did an outstanding job. Would highly recommend.

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Ariel Bezoski

Had an hour consultation. Answered all the questions I had, explained everything in an understandable way and followed up.

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Bill C

Carren and Jason were very helpful and quick to respond to my questions and concerns as we worked through my divorce, I would recommend them to anyone.

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James Herrera

I cannot say enough good things about Brown Family Law. Amy was my attorney and she was great! She always listened and responded quickly. Thanks to her, my case was resolved quickly. Thank you, Amy.

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Jace Morris

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Shaun Jorgensen

Best attorney ever. They were so helpful and responsive

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Christie Berube

When I started my case with Brown Family Law, they had 650 positive reviews. Now, about a year later, they have 820. Not sure how much else you need to convince you, but do yourself a favor and stop looking. You're in the right place.We worked with Nathaniel for nearly a year on our case, and trusting someone with something so vulnerable and close to you as a custody case is difficult, but he made it easy. His knowledge of law and experience with the court system allowed us to make educated decisions quicker. He helped me feel confident in very unfamiliar territory, and having someone like Nate on my team allowed me to make the best decisions possible for our family. He thought of many things I didn't, and gave us the roadmap to success for navigating a complicated and stressful situation. I found myself constantly bragging about our lawyer to family and expressing how impressed I was in his skill and his fearless nature of getting sh** done. Nate got that dawg in him, yanno what I mean?I like the way Brown Family Law works with their clients; it's different than other law firms, and I can see the benefits of those differences. It's always easy to contact someone at the office, and I get a response very quickly. They are extremely communicative, fast, and thorough. They run a tight ship, and it's obvious the quality differences from other law firms.This is a big and heavy decision, but Brown Family Law will take a lot of that weight off your shoulders. Ask for Nate--you won't be led astray.

Response from the owner: Christie, thank you. So glad Nathaniel was able to help you and that we were able to communicate with you so quickly.

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Why Must I Disclose My Financial Information in A Divorce?

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