INFORMATION GATHERING
Knowledge is power. A contested divorce can be a long and complex matter. It is helpful to have an understanding of your current financial situation and potential custody issues. The charts below outline a preliminary list of information and documents to gather as soon as possible during the divorce process. Being properly prepared can place you in an advantageous situation when divorce is imminent. In addition, it will assist a qualified divorce attorney in evaluating your case. If the divorce is uncontested, these documents are also necessary to make certain the division of assets and liabilities is accurately addressed.
I. Financial Information and Records
- ITEM: Past three (3) years of tax returns
- ITEM: Most recent paystub for self and spouse
- ITEM: Most recent statement(s) of all checking accounts – both jointly and individually held
- ITEM: Most recent statement(s) for all investment accounts – including but not limited to IRA, 401K, Pension
- ITEM: Most recent credit card statement for all accounts – both jointly and individually held
- ITEM: Most recent mortgage statements
- ITEM: All documents evidencing ownership of real property either – both jointly and individually held
- ITEM: List and photograph the contents of any safe deposit box
- ITEM: A complete listing of all assets held jointly or separately and notations as to whether any accounts, etc. were acquired prior to the marriage
- ITEM: A complete listing of all debts and liabilities held jointly or separately and notations as to which parties are obligated and the primary party currently making payments
II. Personal Identification Information
- ITEM: Passport, for yourself and your children
- ITEM: Social Security Card, for yourself and your children
- ITEM: Driver’s License
- ITEM: Any other identification cards such as military identification cards and healthcare identification cards
III. Information Regarding Your Children
- ITEM: A compilation of school records including but not limited to academic reports and disciplinary records
- ITEM: Records of monthly child care expenses
- ITEM: Any journals evidencing potential custody issues; i.e. travel calendar, non-exercised visitation if you have already separated, involvement/non-involvement in extracurricular activities.
- ITEM: Any and all health and medical records for your children
IV. Insurance Policies
- ITEM: Current life insurance policy
- ITEM: Current homeowner’s insurance policy
- ITEM: Current automobile insurance policy
- ITEM: Current health insurance policy
V. Misc. Documents
- ITEM: Latest copy of your Will and/or Trust documents
- ITEM: Any criminal records or current suits pending
- ITEM: Any reports of domestic abuse or family violence
- ITEM: Evidentiary documents related to adultery, abuse or custody issues
- ITEM: List of all email and social networking accounts owned by yourself and your spouse
