What Documents Do I Need for Arbitration?
Preparing properly for family arbitration starts with understanding what information the arbitrator will need to make sound, enforceable decisions. The specific documents depend on the issues being arbitrated, but there are some consistent categories that apply in most cases.
For financial matters — including property division, child support, and spousal support — full financial disclosure is essential. This typically means recent tax returns (usually two to three years), notices of assessment, pay stubs or proof of self-employment income, bank statements, mortgage statements, and documentation of any investments, pensions, or retirement accounts. If there is a family business, additional documentation about its value and structure may be required.
For property division, you will generally need records related to the value of assets and debts at two key dates: the date the relationship began and the date of separation. This might include property appraisals, vehicle valuations, credit card statements, and RRSP or pension statements. Depending on the province, the rules around what gets divided and how it is calculated differ — your lawyer can help you identify exactly what applies to your situation.
For parenting matters, the relevant documents are different. Parenting plans, school records, medical information, and any prior court orders or agreements are often relevant. If there are concerns about a child's wellbeing, reports from professionals such as teachers, counselors, or pediatricians may be introduced.
Before the hearing, parties typically exchange documents according to a schedule agreed upon in advance. This exchange process — sometimes called discovery or disclosure — is fundamental to arbitration. An arbitrator cannot make fair decisions without complete information from both sides.
Working with a lawyer to prepare your disclosure package is one of the best investments you can make. Disorganized or incomplete disclosure slows the process, increases costs, and can affect the outcome. Coming prepared is not just good practice — it is a professional and strategic advantage.
