15 May Financial Checklist: What to Gather Before Filing for Divorce
Filing for divorce can feel emotional, stressful, and overwhelming. One way to make things easier is to get organized before the legal process begins. Having your financial documents ready helps your attorney understand your situation and makes it easier to move forward.
Here’s a simple checklist of what to gather before filing for divorce:
1. Income Information
Start with documents that show how much you and your spouse earn, such as:
- Recent pay stubs
- W-2 forms
- Tax returns (from the past 2–3 years)
- 1099 forms (if self-employed or working on a contract)
- Social Security or disability income statements
- Any other proof of income
This information helps determine things like child support or spousal support.
2. Bank Account Statements
Gather statements for all checking and savings accounts, whether they are joint or individual. These documents give your attorney a clear view of your finances.
Include:
- Account numbers
- Bank names
- Monthly statements (from the past 6–12 months)
3. Investment and Retirement Accounts
Dividing retirement and investment accounts can be complicated. Bring:
- 401(k), IRA, and pension statements
- Stock or brokerage account records
- Annuities or other retirement accounts
Knowing the value of these accounts helps ensure a fair outcome.
4. Property and Assets
List what you and your spouse own, including:
- Real estate (homes, land, rental property)
- Vehicles (cars, boats, RVs—include titles and loans)
- Jewelry, collectibles, or other valuable items
If you’re unsure about the value of something, your attorney can help.
5. Debts and Liabilities
Dividing debt is just as important as dividing property. Gather:
- Mortgage statements
- Credit card bills
- Auto loans or personal loans
- Student loan records
- Any other debts
Include account numbers and recent statements for each.
6. Monthly Expenses
Write down your monthly expenses, such as:
- Rent or mortgage
- Utilities
- Groceries
- Childcare
- Insurance
- Transportation
- Subscriptions or entertainment
This helps with budgeting and temporary support planning.
7. Legal Documents
Also, gather any important legal paperwork:
- Marriage certificate
- A prenuptial or postnuptial agreement
- Wills or trusts
- Past court orders related to your marriage or children
The more organized you are, the smoother your divorce process can be. Bringing these documents to your attorney gives them a full picture of your financial situation.
If you’re also wondering how to manage divorce expenses, check out our blog on Options to Consider for Managing Divorce Expenses.
At Navarrette Family Law, we’re here to help you feel informed, prepared, and confident. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.