What Documents are required to File Divorce?

Whether getting a divorce was your decision or you were served by your spouse, you need to start preparing for the proceedings. The person who is more organized and equipped is the one with luck on their side. You should start with legal advice from an expert like Divorce Attorney in Waterbury, CT, who will guide you through the process seamlessly. Divorce is much more than ending a relationship because marriage comes with several obligations. Asset division and distribution is the primary aspect of every divorce, and it is the cause of most disputes.

Your attorney will ask you to provide a list of financial documents, as they are the key to determining your fair share in the marital property. Documented finances are valuable to your case because anything that is in writing is much more credible than verbal claims. When filing for divorce, it is necessary that both partners reveal all their financial details, which includes information of separate and joint assets, and debt.

Marital property refers to all income generated and assets acquired during the tenure of the marriage. Separate property refers to all assets obtained by either spouse before the marriage and after separation, as well as individual gifts and inheritance received while the marriage lasted.

Individuals who have joint accounts, loans, credit, leases, and mortgages with their spouse need to exercise caution. You don’t want to be deceived by your soon-to-be-ex or be held liable to pay off their debts. Division of assets is a lot simpler for couples who possess a prenuptial agreement. This agreement is aimed at settling financial matters beforehand, thus neither spouse can claim a share in the other’s estate at the time of divorce.

Income Documents

If you and your spouse are employed, you shall gather paycheck stubs for the last twelve months. Paychecks stubs will determine your monthly earnings and deductions. This information is useful when settling matters relating to child support and alimony. If any of you was self-employed, you shall provide related income or business tax return papers. If you and your spouse were receiving interests from any business or investment, you shall produce revenue data of the last three years.

In case either of you runs a business, you shall provide proof of expenses in the form of payment receipts, bank statements, profit/loss data, check registers, etc. If either of you operates on cash, you will need copies of check ledgers. You must include all documentation pertaining to your net worth and supplementary sources of income.

Real Estate Documents

Any real estate in your name and that shared with your spouse has to be disclosed. You can obtain legal descriptions of your real estate through your bank or mortgage company. You shall provide paperwork that proves initial purchase of a property, payment of taxes, terms of refinancing if applicable, and current statements of all your mortgaged property.

Individual and Joint Account Documents

You are required to show certificates, passbooks, and bank statements for all financial accounts that are accessible by you and/or your spouse. These include savings and investment accounts in your name alone, and those co-owned with the spouse.

Other Documents

• Life insurance policies for you, the spouse, and children
• Itemized list of outstanding unsecured debts (credit card, medical, utility bills, personal loans, etc.)
• Documents related to pension funds, retirement funds, as well as 401(k) plans or IRAs
• Automobile titles or registration

· Invoice for secured debts

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