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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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.

Response from the owner: Thank you, Bill.

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.

Response from the owner: Glad Amy communicated so well with you, James.

Jace Morris

Fast and kept me involved. Very professional team.

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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.

Fer Esquivel Guillén

This firm is awesome but special shoutout to Dani, she is an outstanding paralegal. She is very knowledgeable

Response from the owner: Thank you very much for your kind words about Dani.

Karl Bench

I can't say enough about Russell Yauney at Brown Family Law! He has helped me on multiple cases over the years and has always exceeded my expectations. Russell is one of the good guys who isn't afraid to tell you how it is and isn't afraid to stand up and fight for what is right. I'm glad that I have Russell and his team in my corner!

Response from the owner: Karl, glad Russell served you well.

Ryan Farrell

very helpful to fathers who have been broke by the system and targeted for vaporization(1984). Thank you brown family law.

Response from the owner: You're welcome, Ryan. And thank you for the kind words.

Samantha Lachowsky

Nathaniel was my attorney and I couldn't ask for someone more attentive and level-headed than he is. They made my divorce process so much easier and were very patient with me as I navigated the entire process. Thank you Brown Family Law for all of your help!

Response from the owner: Samantha, thank you and so glad Nathaniel did such a good job for you.

Danny Fenstermaker

Used Nathaniel Garrabrandt for a child custody case. He is very good, very professional and available. Having been through this a few times that communication is very important. The only warning, and this isnt just Nate per se, but very very costly.

Response from the owner: Danny, thank you for recommendation. Glad Nathaniel has been able to help you.

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Why Must I Disclose My Financial Information in A Divorce?

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