If you’re involved in a family law case in Arizona, one of the very first requirements you’ll encounter is something called Rule 49 Disclosure. For many clients, this step raises a lot of questions, especially around what documents are required and why they matter.
Rule 49 is an Arizona court rule that requires both parties to exchange financial and factual information early in the case. Its purpose is transparency. By sharing key information upfront, the court can move cases forward more efficiently and with a clearer understanding of the facts.
Here’s what Rule 49 means for you and how to prepare.
What Is Rule 49 Disclosure?
Rule 49 requires each party to provide a set of documents and information related to income, expenses, assets, and debts. This exchange happens before your first court date and applies to most family law cases, including divorce, child support, and spousal maintenance matters.
The goal is to ensure that decisions are based on accurate, verified information rather than assumptions or incomplete details.
What Documents Are Typically Required
Every case is different, and not every document applies to every situation. You’ll receive an email from our office outlining exactly what is required in your case. In general, however, most Rule 49 disclosures include:
- The last two to three years of tax returns
- Recent pay stubs
- Bank statements
Retirement and investment account statements - Documentation for debts and liabilities, such as credit cards, student loans, medical bills, and mortgages
If you own real estate, you may also be asked to provide mortgage statements or property related documents. If you are self employed, additional business records may be required to fully understand your income and expenses.
How This Information Is Used
Once all required documents are gathered, our team organizes the information into a comprehensive financial spreadsheet. This gives us a clear picture of your income, expenses, assets, and overall financial position, as well as how it compares to the other party’s disclosures.
From there, we meet with you to review the information together and begin drafting a settlement offer based on real, verified data. This approach allows us to advocate effectively and helps avoid surprises later in the process.
Why Rule 49 Matters
Rule 49 is not just a procedural requirement. It’s a critical step in protecting your interests.
Accurate disclosures help ensure that decisions related to child support, spousal maintenance, property division, and attorney fees are fair and grounded in reality. The more complete and organized the information, the stronger your position moving forward.
The Takeaway
Rule 49 disclosure is not paperwork for paperwork’s sake. It is the foundation of your case. The sooner documents are gathered and shared, the sooner meaningful progress can be made.
If you have questions about what’s required or need help gathering your documents, reach out to our office. Our team is here to guide and support you every step of the way.
For more family law insights and free resources, visit bryanshawlaw.com.
