When it comes to divorce, preparation is key, and one crucial step is to gather all the necessary documents to present to your attorney. Divorce may be an emotional and personal decision, but it is also a legal and financial process that requires a significant amount of factual information. Whether you are in an initial consultation or planning for litigation, there are some essential documents that you should have on hand.
While each divorce case is unique, there are some basic documents that are almost always required. These include financial documents such as income tax returns, W-2 or 1099 forms, bank statements, and pay stubs. These documents can establish both parties’ baseline and expected income during and after the divorce.
If you or your spouse has investment portfolios and extensive savings, it is also essential to prepare relevant documents, including bank statements, investments and dividend statements, and retirement account statements, such as 401(k) or plans through work.
Another major asset in most divorce cases is the marital home, and it is crucial to gather documents such as deeds to all real estate, including the marital home, vacation properties, and investment real estate. Additionally, loans for cars, boats, motorcycles, and RVs, appraisals for valuable personal property, and insurance policies can also be necessary to have.
Establishing your assets is only part of developing a complete financial picture. Other relevant documents include credit card statements, online accounts, student loan statements, major bills, medical bills, and/or children’s activities.
Lastly, expenses specifically related to children can also be crucial, particularly when it applies for child support. These can include childcare tuition, reoccurring medical expenses, extra-curricular activities, and health insurance.
In conclusion, being well-prepared for divorce proceedings is essential. Gathering all the necessary documents and presenting them to your attorney can help establish a solid legal and financial foundation, allowing for a smoother process overall.