FORM GUIDE
Financial Statement (Form 13)
The most important document in property settlement. Full financial disclosure is mandatory in Australian family law. Here's how to complete it correctly.
Mandatory Disclosure
All Assets & Debts
Current Values Required
Why Financial Disclosure Matters
Under Australian family law, both parties must provide "full and frank disclosure" of their financial circumstances. This isn't optional - it's a legal duty. The court cannot make fair property orders without knowing the complete financial picture.
- Property orders can be set aside (even years later)
- Adverse inferences drawn against you
- Cost orders requiring you to pay the other party's legal fees
- Contempt of court proceedings in serious cases
What You Must Disclose
Income
- Salary/wages
- Business income
- Investment income
- Government payments
- Child support received
- Other income sources
Property & Assets
- Real estate (homes, land)
- Motor vehicles
- Bank accounts
- Superannuation
- Shares & investments
- Business interests
- Personal property
- Cryptocurrency
Liabilities
- Mortgages
- Personal loans
- Credit card debts
- Car loans
- HECS/HELP debt
- Tax debts
- Business debts
Expenses
- Housing costs
- Utilities
- Food & groceries
- Transport
- Insurance
- Medical
- Children's expenses
- Recreation
How to Value Your Assets
| Asset Type | How to Value |
|---|---|
| Real Estate | Recent market appraisal (within 3 months) |
| Vehicles | RedBook or dealer valuation |
| Superannuation | Latest statement from your fund |
| Shares | Current market value on statement date |
| Business | Professional valuation may be required |
| Household Items | Second-hand resale value, not replacement cost |
All values should be as at the date you sign your Financial Statement. Use recent bank statements, super fund statements, and property valuations.
Supporting Documents You'll Need
Income Documents
- Last 3 years tax returns
- Recent pay slips (last 3 months)
- Business financial statements
- Centrelink income statements
Asset Documents
- Property valuations
- Superannuation statements
- Bank/investment statements
- Vehicle registration papers