Sets of Documents You Need For Your Divorce

Sets of Documents You Need For Your Divorce

        When going through a divorce, it's crucial to gather and organize various documents to support your case and protect your interests. 

Here are seven sets of documents that you should consider collecting for your divorce:

Financial Documents:

• Income records: Pay stubs, employment contracts, and tax returns for both you and your spouse.
• Bank statements: Copies of bank statements for all joint and individual accounts.
• Investment and retirement account statements: Statements for any joint or individual investment and retirement accounts, including 401(k)s, IRAs, pensions, stocks, and bonds.
• Property records: Deeds and mortgage documents for any real estate owned by you or your spouse, including marital homes and investment properties.
• Debt records: Statements and records for all outstanding debts, such as credit card statements, loan agreements, and mortgages.

Asset Documentation:

• Inventory of assets: Create a comprehensive list of all assets owned by you and your spouse, including vehicles, real estate, valuable possessions, and business interests.
• Appraisals and valuations: Obtain appraisals or valuations for high-value assets, such as real estate, businesses, artwork, jewelry, or antiques.

Expense Records:

• Household expenses: Track your monthly expenses, including rent or mortgage payments, utilities, groceries, transportation costs, insurance premiums, and childcare expenses.
• Child-related expenses: Document any expenses related to your children, such as education, healthcare, extracurricular activities, and daycare costs.

Insurance Policies:

• Health insurance: Copies of health insurance policies for you, your spouse, and your children.
• Life insurance: Documentation of any life insurance policies, including beneficiaries and policy values.
• Property and vehicle insurance: Policies for homes, vehicles, or other valuable assets.

Legal and Personal Documents:

• Marriage certificate: A copy of your marriage certificate to establish the legal basis of your marriage.
• Birth certificates: Copies of birth certificates for your children.
• Social security cards: Social security cards for you and your children.
• Prenuptial or postnuptial agreement: If you have a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement, include a copy.

Communication Records:

• Emails and text messages: Preserve any relevant emails, text messages, or other digital communication related to your divorce, including conversations about child custody, property division, or financial matters.
• Voicemail recordings: Save important voicemail messages that could be relevant to your case.

Legal and Court Documents:

• Court orders: Copies of any existing court orders, such as temporary custody orders or restraining orders.
• Divorce papers: Keep a copy of the initial divorce petition or complaint filed, as well as any subsequent legal documents related to the divorce proceedings.

        Remember, it's essential to consult with an attorney who specializes in family law to ensure you gather all the necessary documents specific to your case. They can guide you on which documents are most relevant and assist you in presenting your case effectively during the divorce process.