Before entering into a prenuptial or premarital agreement, each prospective spouse must make a complete and honest financial disclosure to the other. This should include all income, assets and debts and it may prove to be a very helpful tool in preparing a prenuptial agreement and, even beyond that, in preparing for marriage. Accurate financial statements help couples to identify their property and their respective rights to that property, and also to engage in proper financial planning at the outset of their marriage. With the clear understanding of property ownership during marriage that can result from accurate financial statements, couples may be able to avoid many of the financial frustrations that can unfortunately tear down an otherwise healthy relationship.
You may be asking how to get started with this process. It's always helpful to have a guide as you go through your financial statements and bill histories. The following form can be useful in putting together your financial statement and in verifying that the information you receive from your spouse is complete. However, this is only a starting point. This form should be used in conjunction with the advice and counsel of a family law attorney familiar with the marital property laws in your state. After all, your state may have unique laws related to marital property and prenuptial agreements that an attorney can help to explain to you before signing the dotted line.
Financial Statement
A. Gross Monthly Income
Source/Amount ________________/$________
Source/Amount ________________/$________
Source/Amount ________________/$________
TOTAL: $________________
B. Deductions from Gross Income
State Income Tax $____________________ Federal Income Tax $____________________ Social Security $____________________ Self-employment Tax $____________________ Health Insurance $____________________ Union Dues $____________________ Pension/Retirement $____________________ Support Orders $____________________ Other $____________________TOTAL : $_______________
C. NET MONTHLY INCOME: (gross income minus total deductions)
$_______________
D. Assets & Liabilities
 Value Owe Primary Home $_______________ $_______________  Vacation Home $_______________ $_______________  Other Home/Property $_______________ $_______________  Vehicle(s) $_______________ $_______________  Recreational Vehicle $_______________ $_______________  Boat(s) $_______________ $_______________  Furniture $_______________ $_______________  Home Furnishings $_______________ $_______________  Appliances $_______________ $_______________  Artwork $_______________ $_______________  Jewelry $_______________ $_______________  Computer(s) $_______________ $_______________  Personal Property $_______________ $_______________  Cash $_______________ $_______________  Stocks/Bonds/Funds $_______________ $_______________  Stock Options $_______________ $_______________  Checking Account(s) $_______________ $_______________  Savings Account(s) $_______________ $_______________  Retirement/Pensions $_______________ $_______________  Profit Sharing $_______________ $_______________  IRA(s) $_______________ $_______________  Business(es) $_______________ $_______________  Professional Practice $_______________ $_______________  Life Insurance $_______________ $_______________  Other Assets Description Value ÂTOTAL ASSETS: $_______________
TOTAL LIABILITIES: $_______________
E. NET WORTH: (assets minus liabilities) $___________________________
F. Educational Degrees
Related Resources
Get a Handle on Your Finances Before You Get Married: Talk to an Attorney
When it comes to prenuptial agreements, obtaining an accurate understanding of assets and debts is critical to avoid major headaches down the road. This starts with accurate and complete financial disclosures by both sides. If you have questions about financial statements or you want to make sure that a prenuptial agreement will adequately protect your property, you should contact an experienced family law attorney near you.Â
