Preparation - Gathering Your Documents

GATHERING YOUR DOCUMENTS

Much of your divorce will involve gathering, reviewing and organizing documents. This article will outline the major categories of documents that are helpful and sometimes essential, in most divorce cases.

1. Income and Tax Records.
   - State and Federal Tax Returns, including all schedules and attachments;
   - Pay stubs, including a year end pay stub from the prior year;
   - If self-employed, a profit/loss statement;
   - Social Security Administration report of earnings and estimated benefits.
   
   
2. Real Estate Records.
   - Mortgage application and note.
   - Purchase records, including Deed, HUD-1 closing sheet, and contract
   - Sale records, including Deed, HUD-1, closing sheet, and contract
   - Appraisals of property
   - Real estate tax and assessment information
   - Any documents regarding home improvements and the cost involved
   - Rental records, including lease, itemization of how rents utilized
   
   
3. Retirement Records.
   - Statements for 401(k), 403(b), 414(h), Thrift Savings Plan, or other retirement accounts with contributions.
   - IRA statements
   - Pension Plan statements with accrued years of service and estimated monthly benefits.
   - Employee handbook regarding retirement benefits
   - Union handbook regarding retirement benefits
   
   
4. Bank and investment account records.
   - If you are the type to keep account information, all statements
   - Checkbook registers, cancelled checks
   - Deposit slips
   - Investment account statements, including details of trades, etc.
   
   
5. Other financial documents.
   - Car title, registration and insurance information
   - Credit card statements
   - Vehicle financing information
   - Other loan information, including statements, and original loan documents
   - Life insurance policies, with beneficiary designation
   - All business records
   - Documents reflecting monthly expenses (bills and/or receipts)
   
   
6. Medical Information.
   - Health insurance plan booklet
   - Medical records, if it relates to an issue in the case (i.e. ability to work, history of mental health issues, impact upon custody issues)
   - Documents regarding outstanding medical bills or pending insurance claims
   
   
7. Children’s information.
   - Bank accounts or savings bonds
   - Education records
   - Medical records
   - Information as to involvement in and costs of activities, hobbies
   
   
8. Other important documents.
   - Will or trust document
   - Prenuptial or Marital Agreement

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