Because dry ink tells no lies, attorneys need documents. You need to provide all documents that can tell the story of your marriage, both financially and in other aspects.
Your attorney will need information regarding your marriage and any documentation that may be attached before the divorce proceedings can begin. These documents will include income tax returns, proof of income, marital assets and property valuations.
Although your spouse may claim to be a mediator or a judge in divorce proceedings, documents can show that they are truthful. You must provide all documents that can tell the story of your marriage, both financially and in other ways.
Your attorney will appreciate a well-organized file that contains all necessary documents. This will make it easier to negotiate the divorce. Divorce can be one of the most difficult and stressful events in your life. The process can be overwhelming, so it is important to make sure you are organized with your paperwork, financial matters, legal documentation, and other details. This will allow you to move along more easily.
You will feel more in control, and it could save you money on your legal fees. You will also have more evidence if you appear in court. The more organized and complete you are with your documents, the better your case will be.
An overview of marketing for divorce lawyers websites shows that divorce is expensive if you good representation. An hourly rate for a divorce lawyer is $250, and the average amount will cost you around $15,000 in total. You will spend anywhere from $100 to $650 an hour when you hire a divorce lawyer.
Make the most of your attorney’s time by providing good records to ensure that he has the information he needs to win the case. You can either provide digital or paper copies of your documents to your attorney when you are preparing them.
Arrange your documents in seven categories. Keep copies of your documents for future reference since there are complex legal issues involved in a divorce.
Documents Related to Income
These documents are crucial to the process as the court must understand your financial situation and employment status in order to determine child support, alimony and property division. These documents usually include income tax returns and pay stubs. These documents will also be required if you have a side business that generates additional income, even through tips or commissions.
- All your paycheck stubs for the past year from all sources. Self-employed: Provide income tax returns, tax forms, and business forms regarding self-reported income. Documentation from any business that you or your spouse owned over the last three years should be included.
- The spouse’s pay stubs from the same time period will also be available. These stubs often include year-to-date earnings and deductions.
- Documentation of business expenses if either spouse or you are self-employed. These documents could include bank statements, check registers, canceled checks and payment receipts. They also may support financial statements and profit-and-loss statements.
- You should have copies of all your individual or joint tax returns (federal and state) for the last three to five years.
- You or your spouse may need to have copies of the check ledgers in order to show expenses that were paid during the marriage.
- You or your spouse must provide a copy of any financial statements or statements of net worth that you have prepared to apply for bank loans or any other purpose.
- Statements of net worth
Documents Related to Real Estate
Real estate is a major asset and should be considered. Any marital property acquired during the marriage will be divided in divorce proceedings.
If marital funds were used for mortgage payments or to repair or maintain the property, real estate that was purchased separately could be considered. The community property law states that each spouse will receive half of the marital property, while equitable distribution states that property will be divided in a fair but not necessarily equal manner.
- Documents that show the legal description of real estate owned separately or together. These documents can be obtained through your bank or mortgage company.
- The current mortgage statements for any mortgages that you have on real property.
- All documents related to the original purchase of real estate.
- All documents related to the refinance of real estate must be filed if the property has been refinanced.
- Statement (s) of tax assessors pertaining to all real estate.
Documents Related to Automobiles Owned
Vehicles can also be marital assets and subject to court-appraised division. The court will decide who owns the vehicle.
- You or your spouse can title or register all vehicles you own, individually or jointly. This includes automobiles, boats and ATVs, snowmobiles and farm equipment.
- Documents proving the vehicle’s current secured debt, such as payment coupons, amortization plans, or monthly invoices.
You should also document collectibles, jewelry, intellectual property, co-ownership, business assets, children’s assets (such a bank account and educational savings accounts), household furniture, digital assets, loyalty points/frequent flyer mile, memberships, and household furnishings