Form 13.1: The Most Important Document in Your Case.
One error on this 10-page document can cost you thousands in Equalization or destroy your credibility. A line-by-line guide to getting it right.
One error on this 10-page document can cost you thousands in Equalization or destroy your credibility. A line-by-line guide to getting it right.
Legal Review: This disclosure guide was reviewed by Deepa Tailor, Senior Family Lawyer, to ensure compliance with Rule 13 of the Family Law Rules (2026).
Form 13.1 is a sworn affidavit detailing your Income, Expenses, Assets, and Debts.
It is "Sworn Evidence." Lying or guessing on this form is Perjury.
You must calculate asset values on three specific dates: Date of Marriage, Date of Separation (Valuation Date), and Today.
Understanding which form you need
For Property division, you cannot just list what the house is worth now. You need three snapshots:
What did you bring into the marriage? (The Deduction). A high value here saves you money.
The exact day you separated. This is the most critical number. If the house value went up *after* this date, you generally don't share the increase (subject to exceptions).
Current value. Used to show the Judge your current liquidity and ability to pay support.
Omitting assets looks like hiding assets. Don't forget these:
Air Miles, PC Optimum, and Credit Card points have cash value.
If the CRA owes you money, that is an asset (Account Receivable).
Bitcoin wallets must be disclosed with transaction logs.
Money your company owes you (or you owe the company).
Whole Life Insurance policies often have a cash value component.
You must attach your last 3 Notices of Assessment (NOA) and recent pay stubs. If self-employed, you need Financial Statements of your business. Do not guess. Use the exact numbers from Line 15000.
This is your 'Proposed Budget.' It shows the Judge your 'Need.' Warning: If your Expenses are $10,000/month but your Income is $3,000/month, the Judge will assume you have undeclared cash income.
Myth: "I think the house was worth $800k back then. I'll just write that down."
Reality: You need proof. Retrospective Appraisals for real estate, Blackline Valuations for businesses, and official pension statements. If you guess, the other lawyer will destroy your credibility in cross-examination.
Continue learning about financial disclosure
One missed asset or incorrect valuation can cost you tens of thousands in Equalization. Let us review your Form 13.1 before you swear it.
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Senior Family Lawyer
Deepa Tailor is the founder of Tailor Law. She has successfully litigated complex retroactive support claims involving millions in undisclosed income.
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