Info and Documents You Need for Financial Disclosures in California

• Document list for CA financial disclosures
• Other information
• Watch video about financial disclosures

Most of our clients are surprised to hear that even when they've reached a full agreement on all divorce-related issues, financial disclosures are still required for the petitioner (and in some counties, the respondent, too).

Below is a list of the documents needed to complete your mandatory financial disclosures (Step 2). As a Hello Divorce client, our software will simplify and organize these documents for you.

Summary of documents you'll need to file financial disclosures

• Last two years of filed tax returns
• Last two months of employment pay stubs
• Business owner? Profit and loss report for the previous two years and year-to-date
• Most recent checking and credit union account(s) statement(s)
• Most recent savings account(s) statement(s)
• Most recent brokerage account(s) statements(s)
• Most recent mortgage statement(s)
• Most recent car loan(s) statement(s)
• Most recent retirement statement(s) (e.g., 401k or IRA, Pension)
• Most recent statement(s) restricted stock units, stocks, and/or any deferred employee compensation
• Most recent profit-sharing or annuity statement(s)
• Most recent bonds or mutual funds statement(s)
• Most recent credit card account(s) statement(s)
• Declaration page for life insurance
• Most recent financial statement for any other debt/asset

Watch: Do You Really Have to Share Financial Disclosures With Your Ex in California Divorce?

Other information

• Health Insurance premium
• Property taxes and homeowners insurance (cost per month)
• Estimated expenses
• Fair market value (approximate) of property
• Childcare cost

If you don't have all this information when you complete your forms, don't worry. You can easily edit them later and send them to your Forms Specialist to be included later. We know this is a lot, but it's the hardest part of the financial disclosures process. Once this is behind you, you'll be that much closer to completing the process.

Need more help? Schedule an hour with a certified divorce financial analyst.

FAQs

What are financial disclosures in a California divorce?
They are the documents and statements each spouse must share about income, expenses, assets, and debts so outcomes are based on accurate information.

What documents are typically included?
Recent tax returns, pay stubs, bank and credit card statements, retirement and investment statements, mortgage and loan statements, insurance details, and a monthly expense summary.

Do we have to exchange disclosures if we agree on everything?
Yes. California requires both spouses to exchange core financial information so any agreement is informed and fair.

When are disclosures due in California?
They are exchanged early in the case under timelines set by the rules and any court orders. Follow your court’s directions.

What if a spouse hides assets or refuses to disclose?
Courts can penalize nondisclosure, award fees, or adjust property division. Concealing assets can seriously harm your case.

Can disclosures be updated if something changes?
Yes. Provide updated information and statements whenever income, expenses, balances, or ownership changes.

Step-by-Step: Preparing California Divorce Financial Disclosures

Gather financial records
Collect tax returns, pay stubs, bank and credit card statements, retirement and loan statements, and insurance information.

Document all income
List wages, bonuses, self-employment, rental income, investment income, and benefits with matching statements.

Outline monthly expenses
Estimate housing, utilities, transportation, healthcare, childcare, groceries, insurance, and debt payments.

Inventory assets
List cash, accounts, vehicles, real estate, retirement, investments, business interests, and valuable personal property.

List debts and obligations
Include mortgages, HELOCs, auto loans, student loans, credit cards, personal loans, and tax debts with current balances.

Complete and review disclosure forms
Enter numbers carefully, attach statements, and make sure totals reconcile to your records.

Serve, file if required, and update
Exchange disclosures per the rules, file any required forms, keep proof of service, and update promptly if numbers change.

Watch: Everything You Need to Know About Divorce Financial Disclosures