Guide to Form 13.1: Financial Statement for Property and Support

What is Form 13.1?

Form 13.1 is a crucial document used in family law proceedings in Ontario. Officially known as the “Financial Statement for Property and Support Claims,” it is designed to capture a detailed financial snapshot of individuals involved in property division and support claims during family law disputes, and requires notarization. This form plays a pivotal role in legal proceedings, providing the court with essential financial information required to make fair decisions regarding property division, child support, and spousal support.

Purpose and Importance in Family Law Proceedings

The primary purpose of Form 13.1 is to ensure transparency and fairness in family law cases. By documenting your financial situation, the form helps the court assess your claims for property division and support. Accurate and complete information is crucial, as it directly influences the court’s decisions on how assets are divided and how much support is awarded. For this reason, Part 9 of Form 13.1 needs to be notarized, and supporting documents are often notarized to provide an additional layer of verification. This serves as a foundational document that supports your case and is instrumental in achieving a just resolution.

Overview of Sections in Form 13.1

Form 13.1 is structured into several distinct sections, each designed to capture specific aspects of your financial situation. These sections include personal information, a financial summary, detailed income and expense reports, and declarations regarding the need for support. Understanding each section’s purpose is vital for accurate completion. Some sections, especially those involving significant assets or liabilities, may need to be notarized.

 Detailed Breakdown of Form 13.1 Sections 

• Personal Details and Contact Information

In this section, you will provide your full name, address, and contact details. This information establishes your identity in the legal proceedings and ensures that all communications and documentation are directed to the correct individual.

• Summary of Assets and Liabilities

Here, you will list your assets and liabilities. Assets include properties, savings, and investments, while liabilities encompass debts such as mortgages and loans. A clear and accurate summary of these elements is essential for the court to understand your financial standing.  

• Income Details

This section requires you to detail all sources of income, including salary, self-employment earnings, rental income, and any other financial sources. It is crucial to provide comprehensive and accurate details to reflect your true financial situation.

• How to Report Earnings Accurately

Report your income with precision, including documentation such as pay stubs, tax returns, or bank statements. This transparency helps the court make informed decisions and supports your claims for support.

• Expenses and Financial Needs

List all monthly expenses, such as housing costs, utilities, and groceries. Be thorough in documenting these expenses, as they form the basis for assessing your financial needs and support requirements. 

• Documenting Support Claims and Financial Needs

Clearly outline any claims for support, including child support or spousal support. Provide detailed explanations and supporting documents to substantiate your financial needs and justify your claims. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Common errors include omitting details, underestimating expenses, or misreporting income. To avoid these mistakes, review each section carefully, cross-check with your financial documents, and ensure all information is complete and accurate. Notarization can also help to minimize mistakes and avoid disputes over the authenticity of your information.

Tips for Ensuring Accuracy and Completeness

To ensure accuracy:

• Double-check figures by verifying all numbers and calculations.
• Use up-to-date documents to ensure financial documents are current.
• Seek professional advice by consulting with a family law professional if needed.
• Notarize your supporting documents to provide an extra layer of assurance.

Submission Process for Form 13.1 (How to File the Form with the Court)

Submit Form 13.1 to the court that is part of your family law case, or whichever court you were directed to submit for filing. Ensure that you follow the court’s specific filing procedures, which may include submitting physical copies or electronic filings.

Include supporting documents such as tax returns, bank statements, and pay stubs. These documents verify the information provided in Form 13.1 and support your financial claims. Additionally, having these documents notarized can expedite the court’s acceptance process.

Be aware of deadlines for submitting Form 13.1 and any associated filing fees. Timely submission and payment are crucial for keeping your case on track and avoiding delays.

How Form 13.1 Affects Property and Support Claims
Form 13.1 plays a significant role in determining property division and support arrangements. The information provided helps the court make equitable decisions based on your financial situation.

Potential Legal Consequences of Inaccuracies
Inaccurate or incomplete information on Form 13.1 can lead to legal consequences, including delays in your case or unfavourable outcomes. Ensuring accuracy, by doing things such as seeking help from a licensed legal professional or obtaining notarized copies of documents, is vital for protecting your interests.

At Notable Notary, we offer expert notarization and document authentication services for Form 13.1, ensuring your Financial Statement for Property and Support Claims is thorough and accurate. Reach out to us at (289) 312-6678 or visit notablenotary.ca/book-now for professional and efficient online or mobile notarization services.