Listen to This Episode If You…
📂 Just received your ex’s disclosure and don’t know where to start 🧐 Want to know how to spot missing documents or sneaky omissions 💻 Are overwhelmed by pages of financial statements and legal jargon 🔎 Need practical tips for reviewing their disclosure without burning out ⚖️ Want to understand what “full and frank disclosure” actually means 💔 Are worried your ex might be hiding assets or draining accounts
Are you staring at a pile of disclosure documents from your ex and wondering “What am I even supposed to do with this?”
In this episode, I sit down with family lawyer Lynette Galvin (aka my mum!) to break down exactly what you need to know about reviewing your ex’s disclosure after separation. From tax returns and bank statements to spotting red flags and requesting missing information, we’ll guide you step-by-step so you can feel confident, not overwhelmed.
Whether you’re doing it yourself or working with a lawyer, this episode will help you avoid costly mistakes, stay focused on what really matters, and protect your financial future.
⚠️ Trigger Warning: We discuss divorce, separation, and high-conflict situations in this episode. 📌 Legal Disclaimer: This episode is general information only and not legal advice. Always seek independent legal guidance for your situation.
DOWNLOAD THE CHECKLIST HERE ---> https://www.thedivorcecourse.com.au/disclosurechecklist
Timeline
00:00 – Introduction to Disclosure in Divorce What financial disclosure means in separation and why it’s a critical step in any property settlement or divorce process.
00:37 – Meet the Hosts A quick hello from Laura and Lynne and why their legal and lived experience can help you through this tricky stage.
00:58 – Why Disclosure Matters So Much We explain how disclosure protects your rights, ensures fairness, and why failing to understand it could cost you big time.
01:34 – What Does “Full and Frank Disclosure” Actually Mean? Breaking down the legal definition in family law and what your ex (and you) are legally required to provide.
02:51 – How to Analyze the Disclosure You’ve Been Given Step-by-step advice on what to do when that pile of documents lands in your inbox – and how to avoid feeling overwhelmed.
04:54 – DIY Disclosure and Your Own Research Why you shouldn’t rely solely on what your ex provides and ways you can independently verify information.
06:52 – Red Flags in Financial Disclosure Common warning signs that something might not add up: missing documents, unusual spending patterns, or assets in other people’s names.
19:20 – How to Handle Hidden Accounts and Unusual Transactions What to do if you suspect your ex is hiding money or diverting assets to avoid sharing them.
20:29 – The Purpose of Disclosure in Family Law Cases We talk about how courts use disclosure to assess property settlements and why honesty is non-negotiable.
21:05 – Post-Separation Contributions and Why They Matter What happens if one person has been paying the mortgage, school fees, or other major expenses since the split.
21:21 – Undisclosed Bank Accounts and Offshore Assets What to do if you find out your ex hasn’t disclosed all their financial interests.
21:49 – Free Resources to Help You Prepare for Divorce Tools and services that can help you better understand and manage disclosure.
22:32 – How to Request Additional Disclosure When you’re entitled to ask for more documents and how to word your request.
24:13 – When to Get Lawyers Involved in Disclosure Signs it’s time to stop DIYing and bring in legal support to avoid being taken advantage of.
25:27 – Forensic Accountants and Valuing Businesses or Complex Assets How professionals can uncover hidden money and accurately assess complicated financial situations.
29:19 – Risks of Avoiding or Ignoring Disclosure Why skipping this step or rushing the process can lead to unfair settlements or future legal problems.
31:32 – Dealing with High-Conflict and Manipulative Exes During Disclosure Practical strategies to manage stress and protect yourself emotionally while navigating the process.
33:04 – Managing Overwhelm With Big Disclosure Files What to do if you’re drowning in hundreds of pages of bank statements and financial records.
41:00 – Final Thoughts and Next Steps How to approach disclosure with clarity and confidence and where to get help if you’re stuck.
Resources
Episodes Mentioned in this Podcast Episode
Overcoming Disclosure Dilemmas
https://open.spotify.com/episode/0uOO8dKYV4NWlCfyu8FZEh?si=0Kzow_IlQrCa3rZR4NsD2Q
Disclosure: What, Where, Why & How
https://open.spotify.com/episode/07olqt4NN0MQQ0Y5KiHkP2?si=uiY_bycbSM-AYQtgEVC1HQ
Is your ex hiding assets: how to uncover the truth
https://open.spotify.com/episode/4KbgLRFXB9r2rCz3vycZ98?si=be63VrPJSxmJlWhocW9q6w
DIY Disclosure & Discovery
https://youtu.be/u0XLjFhiK1o?si=40AGeygbn9gE1a3p
When divorce isn’t the end dealing with Legal and Post Separation Abuse
https://open.spotify.com/episode/1V23F0O5yhQt9NFLPOu6uJ?si=JRFokBRaT1ivH2FW2Z3mMQ
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