One of the most useful things you can do at the start of a divorce is gather your paperwork. It saves time with every professional you hire, which saves money. It also replaces a vague sense of dread with a list you can work through.
You don't need everything before your first meeting. Start with what's easy to find, and keep going. Here are 15 items to collect, grouped by category.
Income
1. Tax returns. Your recent federal and state returns, with all schedules, W-2s and 1099s.
2. Pay stubs. Your most recent pay stubs, and your spouse's if you can access them.
3. Bonus and stock documents. Offer letters, bonus plans, stock option or RSU grants and vesting schedules.
Accounts
4. Bank statements. Checking and savings accounts, joint and individual.
5. Retirement statements. 401(k), 403(b), IRA, Roth and pension statements, including accounts from old jobs.
6. Investment statements. Brokerage accounts, app-based investing accounts and any cryptocurrency.
7. Other benefit accounts. Health savings accounts, flexible spending accounts and employee stock purchase plans.
Property
8. Home records. Deed, mortgage statements, home equity line statements and your most recent property tax bill.
9. Vehicles and other titled property. Car titles and loans, plus records for boats, RVs or other valuable property.
Debts
10. Debt statements. Credit cards, student loans, personal loans and money owed to family members.
11. Your credit report. A free copy shows accounts in your name you might not know about.
Family and legal
12. Prenuptial or postnuptial agreement. If you have one, it may shape everything else.
13. Existing legal documents. Any prior court orders, protection orders, or agreements you've already signed with your spouse.
14. Children's schedule and expenses. Your current parenting routine, plus childcare, school, medical and activity costs.
15. A monthly budget. What your household spends each month. Use bank and card statements so the numbers reflect reality, not memory.
Checklist
- Tax returns
- Pay stubs
- Bonus and stock documents
- Bank statements
- Retirement statements
- Investment statements
- Other benefit accounts
- Home records
- Vehicles and other titled property
- Debt statements
- Credit report
- Prenuptial or postnuptial agreement
- Existing legal documents
- Children's schedule and expenses
- Monthly budget
Keep it secure
Store copies somewhere private that your spouse can't access, and don't email sensitive documents if you can avoid it. With VennBoard, clients upload documents once to a secure workspace and decide which professionals can see them.
Divorce coaches: give every client a clear checklist and one place to upload. See VennBoard for coaches
This article is general information, not legal advice. Your attorney may ask for additional documents based on your state and situation.