Aug 9, 2017

Documents You Need to Prepare When Divorcing

Posted By Swanson Law Center

Divorce is not only an emotional process, but a complex legal one that involves a lot of documents that need to be properly filed and signed. If you are about to begin the process of divorce, or considering it, you need to know what to prepare to ensure this goes as smoothly as possible. Locating these documents in advance will allow you to have them ready for your attorney later, so you can speed things along.

Here is what you will need:

Marital or separation agreements: You need to collect any prenuptial, postnuptial, or separation agreements that you might have executed with your spouse. If a marital agreement was executed in another state with your spouse, you will need a copy of that as well.
Proof of monthly expenses: This includes a wide range of documents, including proof of mortgage payments, rent, car payments, utility bills, loan payments, insurance payments, and even the minimum monthly payments you might make on credit card accounts.
Tax returns: You are going to need your income tax returns from the past two years. If you and your spouse filed jointly, this will cover both of you, but if you filed separately, you will need a copy of your spouse’s tax returns as well.
Pay stubs: Collect the last two months of pay stubs for both you and your spouse, including any proof of bonuses either one of you might have received.
Records of any other income: If you or your spouse earned income from other sources, such as rental property, you will need to include this as well.
Evidence of all debts: If you took out any loans, whether jointly or individually, have any joint or individual debt liabilities, or other types of debt, provide evidence of it.
Records of savings accounts: This includes accounts at banks, credit unions, or other savings associations.
Securities: Provide copies of stocks, bonds, and certificates of deposits.
Real estate documents: If you own a home or any other real estate, you will need a copy of the title, mortgage documents, lease agreements, promissory notes, and other real estate related financial statements. Additionally, you must show the record of the sale of any property you might have previously sold.
List all property you own: This includes jewelry, furniture, artwork, clothing, dishes, books, rugs, and other high-priced home furnishings. You should break this list down into a few different categories, such as property you brought into the marriage, property acquired as a couple, and property that was acquired as a gift or inheritance.
List any items you have already removed from the home: If you already moved out of the home you shared with your spouse, you will also need to prepare a list of any items you took with you since, even if they are in your possession, they still belong to both you and your spouse.
Retirement documents: Statements relating to your 401(k), ESOP, pension plans, or any profit sharing benefits will need to be collected. Include both current and past employers for both you and your spouse.

Of course, there are more documents will need to acquire, in addition to these, so be sure to consult with a skilled and experienced divorce attorney. He or she will also be able to help you obtain any documents you are having difficulties in securing yourself.

Gainesville Divorce Attorney

At the Swanson Law Center, we understand that the divorce process can seem quite intimidating and overwhelming. To help you through this time of uncertainty, you will need legal support you can trust. Our Gainesville legal team is committed to pursuing a collaborative or uncontested divorce outside of court to ensure you maintain control over the outcome of your divorce as you negotiate the final terms of your settlement.