What is a financial statement and what must I disclose in BC family court?
This answer covers the law of British Columbia.
In a British Columbia Supreme Court family case, your financial statement is Form F8; in the Provincial Court it is Form 4. Which parts and documents you need depend on what is being claimed.
For child support, you need Form F8 Part 1 plus income documents, including personal tax returns and notices of assessment for the 3 most recent years, and employment, business, partnership, corporate, trust or property documents as applicable. When spousal support is sought, changed or ended, Parts 1, 2 and 3 plus income documents are required. Part 3 is required for each party in a property division claim, and Part 4 for special or extraordinary expenses. Parties who agree on the payor's annual income can sign a Form F9 agreement.
Documents must be filed and served within 30 days after service of the claim, or 60 days if you live outside Canada and the U.S.. If your F8 was served more than 91 days before trial or hearing, serve an updated one at least 28 and not more than 63 days before. Gather pay stubs, bank statements and tax records early. The consequences of hiding something depend on the facts, so get legal advice.
Key takeaways
- The Supreme Court financial statement is Form F8, and the Provincial Court one is Form 4.
- Child support generally needs Form F8 Part 1 plus income documents such as tax returns and notices of assessment for the 3 most recent years.
- Spousal support requires Parts 1, 2 and 3, and each party in a property division claim must complete Part 3.
- Disclosure must be filed and served within 30 days after service of the claim, and an updated F8 may be needed before trial.