Three ways to overcome non-disclosure ===================================== [Stephen Bence](https://vardags.com/solicitors/stephen-bence) | Chief Executive Officer | 2nd September 2014 ![Three ways to overcome non-disclosure](https://vardags.com/images/pictures/_360/e7cf5fcee46a858bc89f00a538229251.jpeg)I have lost count of the number of times that a client has said to me "my spouse is very clever, he/she will not give proper financial disclosure and I won't get my fair share upon divorce". It's a fair concern: cases of non-disclosure are widely reported in the press and there are, unfortunately, a lot of cheats out there. The reality, however, is that at Vardags we generally *do* get to the bottom of spouses' finances, using three main methods. The first is using the process outlined by the court. In brief, this involves each party filling out a lengthy form called the **Form E**. The form requires full details of their finances including assets, liabilities, income and expenditure. Importantly they are required to provide documentary evidence such as [bank account statements](https://vardags.com/family-law/reviewing-bank-account-statements-during-divorce) and company accounts. Then you have the opportunity to pose a detailed questionnaire, requesting further information wherever you can see gaps or inconsistencies. Failure to comply with these disclosure requirements can be taken into account in the ultimate financial award, and can be punished, ultimately, with a prison sentence. The second is using the wealth of information that is available in the **public domain**. This can include details of addresses, property ownership, shareholdings, company Directorships, company websites and social media. The third is **using your own recollection**: credit cards you have seen used but which don't appear on your spouse's Form E, the names of business associates who might be holding assets on behalf of your spouse, and details of foreign travel that give clues to foreign business interest. All of these methods can provide valuable insights into your spouse's finances, but they are particularly powerful in combination: it is genuinely difficult to hide assets from a concerted and professional interrogation. To read more about non-disclosure, click [here](https://vardags.com/family-law/four-ways-non-disclosers-hide-their-assets) "Ayesha Vardag - Britain's top divorce lawyer." ![The Huffington Post](https://vardags.com/images/logo/huffpost.png) "Ayesha Vardag - Woman of the Year"![GG2](https://vardags.com/images/logo/gg2-3.png) "Leading, Magic Circle law firm."Mr Justice Coleridge "A handful of firms dominate the so-called 'glamour' end of the market ... Vardags"The Times "One of the best divorce lawyers in the country"Marie Claire "Ayesha Vardag - 'diva of divorce' for the world's super rich" ![BBC](https://vardags.com/images/logo/bbc.png) "Dr Stephen Bence is a financial genius."Lewis Marks KC "Ayesha Vardag - the Queen of divorce"Daily Mail "Vardags brilliantly argued my case to a resounding victory"Pauline Chai (client) "Britain's top divorce lawyer" ![The Telegraph](https://vardags.com/images/logo/telegraph.png) More Divorce news ----------------- [What is the problem with criminalising controlling behaviour?](https://vardags.com/family-law/what-is-the-problem-with-criminalising-controlling-behaviour "What is the problem with criminalising controlling behaviour?") [American billionaire Ken Griffin accused of undue pressure over prenup](https://vardags.com/family-law/billionaire-accused-undue-pressure-prenup "American billionaire Ken Griffin accused of undue pressure over prenup") [Three ways to overcome non-disclosure](https://vardags.com/family-law/three-ways-to-overcome-non-disclosure "Three ways to overcome non-disclosure") [Peak divorce time? After many a summer…](https://vardags.com/family-law/peak-divorce-time-after-many-a-summer "Peak divorce time? After many a summer") [The Divorce (Financial Provision) Bill](https://vardags.com/family-law/divorce-financial-provision-bill "The Divorce (Financial Provision) Bill") Articles by Stephen Bence ------------------------- [Reviewing bank account statements during divorce](https://vardags.com/family-law/reviewing-bank-account-statements-during-divorce "Reviewing bank account statements during divorce") [Finding hidden assets: the changing field of divorce finance](https://vardags.com/family-law/finding-hidden-assets-the-changing-field-of-divorce-finance "Finding hidden assets: the changing field of divorce finance") [Three ways to overcome non-disclosure](https://vardags.com/family-law/three-ways-to-overcome-non-disclosure "Three ways to overcome non-disclosure") [Four ways non-disclosers hide their assets](https://vardags.com/family-law/four-ways-non-disclosers-hide-their-assets "Four ways non-disclosers hide their assets") [Director Stephen Bence featured in the Global Banking and Finance Review](https://vardags.com/posts/stephen-bence-global-banking-finance-review "Director Stephen Bence featured in the Global Banking and Finance Review")