Before meeting with your lawyer to prepare your marriage agreement, use this checklist to gather your financial documents. Having these materials ready can help streamline the process and ensure both parties are making informed decisions.
☐ Personal income tax returns for the three most recent taxation years.
☐ Notices of Assessment or Reassessment from the Canada Revenue Agency for the three most recent taxation years.
☐ Your most recent pay statement showing year-to-date earnings and overtime, or a letter from your employer confirming your salary and year-to-date income.
☐ If applicable, your three most recent Employment Insurance benefit statements.
☐ If applicable, your three most recent Workers' Compensation benefit statements.
☐ If applicable, documentation confirming any income assistance you currently receive.
☐ If you are self-employed, financial statements for your business or professional practice for the three most recent taxation years.
☐ If you are self-employed, a breakdown of salaries, wages, management fees, or other payments made to individuals or corporations with whom you do not deal at arm's length.
☐ If you are a partner in a partnership, confirmation of your income, partnership draws, and capital account for the three most recent taxation years.
☐ If you control a corporation, corporate documents, bank statements, credit card statements, financial statements for the corporation and any subsidiaries for the three most recent taxation years.
☐ If you control a corporation, a breakdown of salaries, wages, management fees, or other payments made to non-arm's length individuals or corporations.
☐ If you are a beneficiary of a trust, a copy of the trust settlement agreement and the trust's financial statements for the three most recent years.
☐ The most recent BC Assessment notice (or equivalent assessment authority notice) for every property you own or have an interest in.
☐ The purchase and sale agreements for every property you own or have an interest in.
☐ Mortgage statements for any real estate you own.
☐ Recent bank account statements.
☐ Investment account statements, including RRSPs, TFSAs, RESPs, and non-registered investment accounts.
☐ Pension statements or pension valuations, if applicable.
☐ Documentation relating to stock options, restricted share units (RSUs), or other employment benefits, if applicable.
☐ Statements or records relating to cryptocurrency holdings, if applicable.
☐ Documentation for significant debts, including lines of credit, personal loans, student loans, and credit cards.
☐ A list of any valuable personal property, such as vehicles, boats, collectibles, or jewellery, particularly if these assets may be addressed in the agreement.
☐ Copies of any existing cohabitation agreements, marriage agreements, shareholder agreements, trust documents, or other legal agreements that may affect your property or financial rights.
Tip: Every relationship and financial situation is different. Your lawyer may request additional documents depending on the complexity of your assets, income sources, or business interests. Providing complete and accurate financial disclosure from the outset helps create a stronger, more enforceable marriage agreement and can reduce delays in the drafting process.
If you would like to discuss a marriage agreement with our team of Vancouver Family Lawyers - Contact Us.
