Divorce is complicated - legally, financially, and emotionally. Dividing up property a couple has acquired throughout their marriage (also known as marital property) can be one of the most contentious aspects of divorce. Luckily, divorce attorneys can help alleviate some of your legal and financial stresses by advocating for a division of property that works in your favor.
If you've decided to retain legal counsel, you can help save your divorce attorney time (and save yourself some money) by gathering important legal and financial documents together before the initial consultation. Doing this ahead of time gives your attorney an immediate and useful overview of the property and assets likely to be at issue in your case. Most importantly, it allows the two of you to work together to secure your short and long-term interests.
The following is a list of documents to show your divorce attorney, however keep in mind that everyone's case is unique and may require additional documentation.
Documents to Show Your Divorce Attorney: A Checklist
____ Individual income tax returns for past three to five years (federal, state, and local) ____ Business income tax returns for past three to five years (federal, state, and local) ____ Proof of your current income ____ Proof of spouse's current income ____ Prenuptial agreement ____ Separation agreement ____ Bank statements ____ Certificates of deposit ____ Pension statements ____ Retirement account statements ____ Trusts ____ Stock portfolios ____ Stock options ____ Mortgages ____ Property tax statements ____ Credit card statements ____ Loan documents ____ Utility bills ____ Other bills (e.g., school tuition, unreimbursed medical bills, music lessons for children, etc.) ____ Monthly budget worksheet ____ Completed financial statements ____ Employment contracts ____ Benefits statements ____ Life insurance policies ____ Health insurance policies ____ Homeowner's insurance policies ____ Automobile insurance policies ____ Personal property appraisals ____ Real property appraisals ____ List of personal property, including home furnishings, jewelry, artwork, computers, home office equipment, clothing and furs, etc. ____ List of property owned by each spouse prior to marriage ____ List of property acquired by each spouse individually by gift or inheritance during the marriage ____ List of contents of safety deposit boxes ____ Wills ____ Living Wills ____ Powers of Attorney ____ Durable Powers of Attorney ____ Advance Health Care DirectivesAs you can see, the above list extensive -- yet, it is not exhaustive. Every divorce is different since every couple enters and leaves a marriage under different circumstances and with different assets. Therefore, to ensure no property is overlooked, it is always a good idea to have an open and frank conversation with your attorney regarding all of the property and assets relevant to your case.
Starting the Divorce Process: Related Resources
If you're just starting the divorce process or planning to do so, you may feel overwhelmed by all of the steps required. If you also have children, the process can be much more emotionally draining. The following resources will help you make sense of your state's divorce laws and the divorce process in general.
If You're Getting Divorced, Don't Go it Alone: An Attorney Can Help
After determining which documents to show your divorce attorney at that first consultation, you'll want to find the right attorney. But just because a lawyer has a lot of experience and great credentials doesn't mean they're necessarily the right fit, since style and personalities vary widely. If you need legal counsel, find an experienced divorce attorney near you today.
