Divorce is more than just an emotional process; it is also one that involves a lot of paperwork. Before you get started, you should gather certain documents to ensure a smoother and speedier process. Collecting these pertinent documents is one of the most important steps you can take as you prepare for your divorce and it can help you understand your financial situation better, helping you set more realistic expectations for the road ahead.
The Divorce Checklist
If you are unsure which documents you need to gather for your divorce, our legal team compiled a helpful checklist to get you started. Since no two divorces are identical, you may need additional documents or you may not need some of the documents listed. Your attorney will let you know if any additional documents are necessary.
Here are some of the documents you may need to collect:
- Income tax returns
- Will and trust agreements
- Paycheck stubs for both you and your spouse
- Retirement savings accounts and pension plan information
- Financial records, including loan information and bank statements
- A list of all unsecured debts, such as medical bills and credit card debts
- Social Security statements
- Monthly budget worksheet
- Health insurance policies
- Powers of Attorney
- Vehicle information
- Mortgage statements
- Personal property, such as artwork, antiques, and jewelry
- Statements regarding life insurance policies
If you have more complex assets, such as a business or partnership, your list will include additional documents. Even if you cannot collect all the documents you need before consulting with your attorney, obtaining as much of this information as you will still help move your case along. If anything is missing, your attorney can instruct you on which additional documents you need to move forward with the divorce process.
Schedule an Initial Consultation with a Skilled Member of Our Family Law Team Today!
If you are filing for a divorce, the skilled legal team at Garza Law Firm, LLLP will advise you on the documents you need for this process to move along smoothly and more efficiently. Our family law attorneys have the knowledge and experience necessary to guide you through this complex legal process and will provide the strong support you need to make informed choices, so you can achieve the best possible results for your case.
Get started on your divorce case today and reach out to our law office today at (214) 225-4344 for a free one-hour consultation. You should not go through this experience on your own.