What it means
The duty of disclosure requires each party in a financial family law matter to provide full and frank disclosure of their financial circumstances, including income, assets, liabilities, superannuation, trusts and financial resources. It is an ongoing duty that continues until the case ends. Under the Family Law Act 1975 (Cth) and court rules, failing to disclose can lead to serious consequences, including cost orders, agreements being set aside, or a case being decided against the non-disclosing party. Honest, complete disclosure is essential to reaching a fair property settlement or spousal maintenance outcome.
How it's used
His failure to meet his duty of disclosure by hiding a bank account led the court to reopen the property settlement.