Preparation is key during divorce. Before ever filing a single paper in the local courthouse, you should begin gathering various documents. It’s best to do this when you still have access to the records and before your spouse suspects your intentions.
Obtaining the information you need now can help your attorney prepare your divorce case and help avoid the expense of trying to obtain it during the discovery process.
Here are the types of documents you should gather when requesting a divorce:
Financial Documents
Divorce has enormous implications for your finances. You and your spouse may have spent many years together, and your finances might be commingled. Each divorce case is different, but you may have the following types of financial documents that can help sort out this critical part of your divorce:
Asset Documents
You should document all of your marital assets, which are the assets you accumulated during your marriage that were not gifts, inheritances, or obtained through the terms of a marital agreement. This can include real property, personal property, financial accounts, intellectual property, and digital assets.
Some documents to help prove the existence, date of acquisition, and value of these assets might include:
- Deeds and titles
- Checking and saving account statements
- Investment and retirement account statements
- Insurance policies
- Tax returns
- Appraisals for valuable assets, such as jewelry, art, or collectibles
- Property tax assessments
- Prenuptial agreements
- Life insurance policies
- List of contents in safe deposit boxes
Debt Documents
You will also need to document the debts you have. These debts can affect property division and other aspects of your divorce. Documentation to evidence debt and other liabilities includes the following:
- Credit card statements
- Student loan statements
- Mortgage and loan documentation
- Rental agreement, if you don’t own a home
- Auto loan statements
- Utility bills
- Cell phone bills
- Medical bills
- Insurance bills
- Other bills
Income Documents
You also need to gather documents that show your income and how it is used. Examples of these documents might include:
- Pay stubs
- Tax returns
- Government benefit receipt statements
- Monthly budget
Business Documents
If you or your spouse owns a business, gather the following documents:
- Business tax returns
- Financial statements
- Employment contracts
- Information pertaining to bonus structures, retirement benefits, and stock options
Legal Documents
If you have any of the following, gather them:
- Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements
- Wills or trusts
- Power of attorney documents
- Any other legal agreement that could influence your divorce settlement or decree
Additionally, gather your marriage certificate, birth certificate, and Social Security card.
Documents Related to Your Children
You may also have various documents that pertain to your children that you may need for your divorce, such as:
- Documentation regarding child-related expenses, daycare, lessons, insurance, or medications
- Birth certificates
- Medical records
- School records, including report cards and disciplinary reports
This information might help make decisions regarding child custody, visitation, and child support.
Call Our Colorado Divorce Lawyers Today
Every person’s divorce is unique. You may have other documents that would be helpful to have. Learn more about what to bring with you to your confidential consultation with an experienced family law attorney at Stahly Miner LLC by calling (303) 797-2900.