Financial Disclosure Checklist
Financial disclosure is about providing a full and clear picture of your finances so that discussions about property, income, pensions and other money matters can be productive and fair.
This checklist helps you think about what information people often gather before or during mediation, or before making formal arrangements. You can view and use this online, then print or save a copy for your own reference.
What is financial disclosure?
Financial disclosure means sharing information about your finances with your partner (and sometimes the court) so that everyone understands what assets, income, debts and liabilities exist. It is a foundation for fair financial discussions after separation or during mediation.
Financial disclosure in mediation helps everyone see the full picture and supports informed conversation rather than negotiation based on guesswork.
Why it matters
Whether you are preparing for mediation or considering financial arrangements with your former partner, knowing the full financial picture reduces uncertainty and helps both of you explore options constructively. It also aligns with what courts expect if you decide later to formalise agreements.
Disclosure checklist
Below is a structured checklist of the types of information and documents people often gather when preparing financial disclosure.
Personal and Household Details
- Your full name, date of birth and contact details
- Details of family home and other properties
- Household composition
Income
- Payslips (recent 3–6 months)
- P60 or annual income summary
- Self-employment accounts or business income records
- Benefits or pension income evidence
Bank Accounts and Savings
- Bank statements for the last 12 months for all accounts
- Building society or savings account statements
- ISA or investment account records
Property and Assets
- Property deeds and valuations (family home, rental or other property)
- Mortgage statements and redemption figures
- Copies of lease agreements if applicable
Pensions
- Pension statements showing current values
- Transfer values or cash equivalent figures
Debts and Liabilities
- Loan statements (personal, car, student loans)
- Credit card statements
- Details of any overdrafts
Investments and Other Interests
- Shares, unit trusts, bonds or similar investments
- Business interests and recent financial accounts
- Trusts, offshore assets or specialised investments
Household and Future Expenditure Estimates
- Regular monthly bills (rent, utilities, council tax)
- Childcare or school costs
- Transport, insurance and food budgets
Supporting Documents
- Evidence to back up each item above (bank statements, valuations, payslips, pension reports)
- Any correspondence relevant to financial claims
How to save or use this checklist
- Print this page and save it as a PDF using your browser
- Copy the sections into a document of your choice
- Use it to organise your financial information ahead of mediation or financial discussions
Form E and detailed financial statements
In formal court proceedings about finances, the standard financial statement used in England & Wales is called Form E. It asks for full, frank and clear disclosure of income, assets, pensions and liabilities, and is often supported by the same types of evidence listed above.
In mediation, you do not always have to complete Form E, but mediators often ask for similar information to ensure everyone understands the financial picture before exploring proposals.
A plain-English guide to Form E and financial disclosure.
Opens in a new tab. This is the official form used in court proceedings.
Preparing for financial discussions
Being organised helps reduce stress and supports clearer conversations. Many people find it helpful to:
- Gather documents early rather than all at once
- Make copies and keep originals safe
- Think about what questions you may have before your mediation session
Preparation can make discussions feel more manageable.
Common questions
What is financial disclosure?
Financial disclosure is the process of sharing full details of your finances — including income, savings, property, pensions, and debts — so that fair financial arrangements can be discussed.
Is financial disclosure compulsory?
If you are using mediation or the court to resolve financial matters, full financial disclosure is expected. Without it, reaching a fair and legally sound agreement is difficult.
What happens if someone hides assets?
Failing to disclose assets can have serious legal consequences. If hidden assets are discovered later, a court may set aside any agreement and revisit the financial settlement.
When you're ready
If you would like structured support in discussing financial matters, a MIAM can help you understand whether mediation may be suitable.
Learn about MIAMsYou are under no obligation to proceed.
Financial disclosure can feel overwhelming, but gathering information early can help you approach discussions with greater clarity and confidence.