The High Court has ordered additional financial disclosure in proceedings where one party is seeking relief following a foreign divorce.
The ruling concerns case management rather than the substantive financial claim. Both parties had already sworn Affidavits of Means, the documents used in family law cases to set out income, assets, liabilities and financial resources, but questions remained over whether the supporting records were complete.
Ms Justice Nuala Jackson said the ordinary vouching period is three years before proceedings begin, although more extensive disclosure can be ordered where it is relevant and necessary.
The respondent said he was satisfied with the applicant’s disclosure and no longer sought further records from her. The applicant, however, identified a number of alleged gaps in the respondent’s documentation.
The judge directed the respondent to swear an Affidavit of Disclosure listing documents already provided and any additional records. He must supply statements for all relevant bank and financial accounts covering the three years before the proceedings up to 1 May 2026.
Where Ulster Bank records cannot be obtained following the bank’s withdrawal from the Irish market, the court said a letter confirming closure and the date of closure should be provided instead.
The court declined to order separate PayPal disclosure where the underlying bank account funding those transactions has been disclosed. It also found existing documentation sufficient for Irish Life pensions and an Aviva life assurance policy, leaving any remaining disputes on those matters for cross-examination at the full hearing.
Mortgage statements for one property must also be provided for the relevant three-year period up to its sale in 2025.
Ms Justice Jackson emphasised that financial disclosure should be current, complete and proportionate. Costs arising from the case-management dispute were reserved and the matter was listed again for 6 July 2026.