Divorce - Gathering Information

The first step towards settlement is for both husband and wife to give their solicitors full details of their financial circumstances. This process is referred to as "disclosure". Neither the court, the solicitors, nor even the husband or the wife themselves, can know whether a settlement is fair and reasonable unless they have all the relevant information.

All assets, liabilities, income and likely changes of circumstances must be disclosed to both solicitors. If either spouse intends to remarry or live with a new partner, that too must be disclosed.

Disclosure is often voluntary, but if either husband or wife refuses to provide the information or answer reasonable questions, an application can be made to the court to compel them to do so.