How To Fill Out a Form 13.1 – Financial Statement (Property and Support Claims) and WHY It’s Important

Filling out Form 13.1 can feel a bit like filing your taxes, but imagine the CRA wants even more information this time. It’s not the hardest legal form, but it can be tedious and frustrating. In short, this blog will show you How To Fill Out a Form 13.1 financial statement (property and support claims) and WHY it's important to do so.

How to Fill Out Form 13.1 and Why

As stated in the Ontario Family Court Guide:

“If your case involves claims regarding property or debts (whether or not your case also involves support issues)” 

Form 13.1 is your financial disclosure to the court. It lets the judge see everything: income, debts, property, even if you're making a claim for exclusive possession of the matrimonial home. Bottom line—if money matters are in dispute, you need this form.

Breaking Down the Form

1. Gathering Financial Documents

Form 13.1 spans 10 pages, but filling it out isn’t the hardest part; gathering the necessary information is. You’ll need:

• Employment details (e.g., current job, last employed date if applicable)

• Pay stubs or income/expense statements (especially if self‑employed)

• A record of expenses—which online banking makes easier since card transactions are logged

It’s a great time to appreciate—or regret—your organizational system!

2. Listing Assets

Report everything you own whether in or out of Ontario:

• Real estate, vehicles, hobbies/collections (e.g., silver coin set)

• Bank accounts, savings, investments

• Insurance policies (life & disability)

• Household items (yes, even that $500 ergonomic chair)

Don’t leave anything out; small items matter too.

3. Debts & Liabilities

List all liabilities using the separation date as your valuation date; the day you separated from your spouse.

4. Property & Debts at Date of Marriage

These are typically easier; reflecting financial snapshots from your wedding day.

Understanding Special Categories

Excluded Property

If you receive a gift meant only for you, like a $500 Walmart gift card, and don’t share the proceeds, it remains yours. But if you use it to buy a sofa you share with your spouse, that item becomes joint property.

Disposed‑Of Property

Report any property you sold or gave away in the two years prior to statements or during your marriage, whichever is shorter.

Net Family Property

The form guides you through this calculation. You’ll see how assets, debts, and excluded property contribute to your net position.

Schedules A & B

• Schedule A: Additional income sources

• Schedule B: Special or extraordinary expenses for your children

  
  

After completing everything, your form must be affirmed (notarized) by a commissioner for taking affidavits.

Honesty Matters – More Than a Suggestion

Fill out the form thoroughly and accurately. While minor errors likely won’t land you in jail, they can lead to financial penalties, adding cost to an already expensive process. That’s why it’s wise to have someone to verify your numbers before filing.

Related Reading

You might also find these helpful:

• How to Gather Financial Documents for Family Court

• Managing Stress During Divorce: A Practical Guide

External Reference

For more on the court process for family law documents, check the Ontario Family Court guide here: Government of Ontario Family Court Guide.

Next Steps

• Download and complete Form 13.1 well ahead of any deadlines

• Review with a trusted advisor or legal professional

• Book a free consultation with Alliston Resolutions if you need help

• Subscribe to the blog for more family law tips and guides

30 Tag Words

Form 13.1, family court Ontario, financial statement, property claims, support claims, divorce paperwork, asset disclosure, net family property, excluded property, separation assets, child expenses, legal documents, matrimonial home, exclusive possession, financial disclosure, Ontario divorce, legal form guide, separation liabilities, legal form 13.1, family law Ontario, legal checklist, divorce support, property division, Ontario guide, court filing tips, Form 13.1 instructions, self‑employed income, scheduling expenses, legal accuracy, family law help

Promotional Snippet

Wondering how to fill out Form 13.1 without the stress? This step‑by‑step guide helps you gather the right documents, avoid penalties, and file correctly—so you can move forward with confidence.

Suggested Featured Image

Caption: A couple calmly reviewing financial documents at home. Alt text: Two people at a table reviewing financial papers for Form 13.1 financial disclosure.

Let this guide be your go‑to resource—so you can complete Form 13.1 thoroughly, honestly, and confidently.