Divorce Document Checklist

February 25, 2021
Erinakes Law, PLLC

Getting a divorce? You might want to collect some key documents to help your case. 

1. General Documents

You should first gather identification documents. These might include your driver’s license, passports, certificates of naturalization, or visas. You should also gather any wills or estate planning documents. In addition, you are going to need a copy of your health insurance cards, policy, statements, and summary descriptions of benefits. 

2. Financial Documents

There are many financial documents you should gather when preparing for your divorce. In order to determine child support, you should gather your individual income taxes, Schedule K-1s, 1099s, and W-2s from the last two years. You will also want the last three months of payroll stubs. Make sure to have copies of your most recent bank statements for accounts at any financial institution. These might include checking accounts, savings accounts, credit unions, and brokerage firms. Gather any documents that may reveal financial assets, debts, or other liabilities. For instance, you should collect credit card statements from the last year or two. Retirement Account Statements are also important. These statements might be for 401ks, IRAs, thrift plans, savings plans, and pensions. Have a life insurance policy? Investment Account? Get those statements too. You may also want to run a credit report for good measure. 

3. Property Documents

You will need certificates of title to any motor vehicle (automobiles, boats), as well as information on any loan or auto insurance for those vehicles. Do you own a house? Make sure you find a mortgage payment slip and the deed to the house. In fact, for any real property you or your spouse own, you should produce any deeds, deeds of trust, and closing statements. You should also provide a market analysis or appraisal for property taxes. If you or your spouse own a business, provide any certificates of formation, financial statements, and company tax returns. As a general rule, you should provide your attorney with any documentation that supports a claim of separate property, reveals any assets, or reveals any liabilities. 

4. Case Documents

You should provide your attorney with any documents you have filed or been served with. Any prior court orders or prior court documents are also critical. If you have received any documents from the Office of the Attorney General or related to child support, please be sure to provide those documents. You should also produce any documents from the Department of Family and Protective Services or related to any CPS investigations. If you think you have any other documents related to your suit, bring them to your attorney’s attention. 

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Erinakes Law, PLLC

Erinakes Law is a dependable Texas family law firm dedicated to helping you resolve your legal matter. I will work closely with you to hone in on your goals and come up with a strategy to find the best outcome for you, your finances, and your children. I have experience in negotiation, mediation, and litigation to resolve your case and protect your rights at every step along the way. These skills will be important to get the result you want, especially when dealing with challenging co-parenting scenarios.

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