Oct 10, 2014

You need to prepare a meeting with your divorce attorney by bringing the proper documents. They can’t help you without all of the paperwork ready to go. Bring these eight documents to your divorce attorney in order to work towards the process of divorce.

What Documents Should I Have With Me?

Let’s start with some basic documents you may not think of bringing. Your divorce attorney is going to require documents regarding your automobiles, debt, pension’s funds, and life insurance.

• Bring the title or registrations to any automobiles you own
• Bring these items for any boats, snowmobiles, farm equipment, ATV’s, or any other vehicles one or both spouse’s own
• Bring documents showing secured debts are current on any vehicles
• For any debts you have, you’ll want to bring an itemized list for those in your name and your spouse’s name
• Bring a list of all unsecured outstanding debts like medical bills and credit cards
• Your divorce attorney will need a copy of statements for retirement funds, 401K plans, mutual fund or IRA’s, and pension funds
• Current life insurance policies on your spouse’s life, your life, and your kid’s life will be needed. Bring documents showing a cash balance or loan against it.

These documents may not be your first thought on what a divorce attorney might need. These are the documents most overlooked. Once you’ve gathered these, you’ll want to look at income, bank accounts, and real estate.

Income & Real Estate

Your divorce attorney is going to need to know the type of real estate you and your spouse own. Bring documents showing the legal description of real estate owned separately and together. Call your bank or mortgage company if you need help obtaining this.

Also be sure to gather:

• Current mortgage statements
• You and spouse’s paycheck stubs from all employment the past year
• Joint or individual tax returns for three years
• Financial statements, saving passbooks, and all bank statements from the last two years

Once you’ve gathered all of these documents, you’ll be in great shape to work with a divorce attorney on handling the divorce process.