This is NOT legal advice. It is meant for informational purposes only!
GETTING STARTED
- Write everything down
- Make copies
- Take pictures
If you are thinking of divorce, there are certain things that you should do before you
discuss it with anyone. Many couples want to make it as painless as possible, but that
isn't always what happens. Once people start talking to friends and hearing stories,
they become suspicious of their spouses intentions. Things don't always go as
smoothly as you hoped so it's best to be prepared!
YES, YOU'RE STRESSED! YES, YOU'RE OVERWHELMED! It's hard to think when you're overwhelmed, so I've created a list of things you need to do that may help.
LISTS OF THINGS TO DO:
Get started now! You will need to make copies, make lists and possibly take pictures!
Make copies of:
* Insurance policies (home, life and medical)
* Pay stubs of one or both parties
* Wills
* Bank statements
* Income tax returns (for the past five years)
* Bills and statements showing debt
* Any assets you own (i.e. property, etc.)
* Mortgage papers/house title/liens
* Previous or current bankruptcy
* Social Security cards(yours your spouse's and your children's)
* Birth certificate
* Passports
* Retirement accounts and pensions
* Stocks, bonds and mutual funds
* If either spouse is self-employed you will need everything you can find to prove
income. You will want to document and establish on paper what your current lifestyle
is. It is not unusual after a divorce for a self-employed spouse to claim poverty!
* Email and text conversations that could be pertinent
* Get copies of both yours and your spouse’s credit reports
* Driver’s license copy or write down license number
* Restraining orders
Make lists of:
* Credit cards (account number, balance and company phone number)
* Age and mileage on all vehicles
* Spouse's and children's social security numbers (if you don't have cards to copy)
* Your work history. Are you employed? A stay at home mom?
Take pictures of:
* Jewelry
* Antiques or collectibles
* Weapons (write down the registration number if available)
* Prescription bottles
* Drugs (In certain situations, a spouse can be using illegal drugs. If you are aware of this and need proof that could substantiate your case regarding custody, take a picture!)
discuss it with anyone. Many couples want to make it as painless as possible, but that
isn't always what happens. Once people start talking to friends and hearing stories,
they become suspicious of their spouses intentions. Things don't always go as
smoothly as you hoped so it's best to be prepared!
YES, YOU'RE STRESSED! YES, YOU'RE OVERWHELMED! It's hard to think when you're overwhelmed, so I've created a list of things you need to do that may help.
LISTS OF THINGS TO DO:
Get started now! You will need to make copies, make lists and possibly take pictures!
Make copies of:
* Insurance policies (home, life and medical)
* Pay stubs of one or both parties
* Wills
* Bank statements
* Income tax returns (for the past five years)
* Bills and statements showing debt
* Any assets you own (i.e. property, etc.)
* Mortgage papers/house title/liens
* Previous or current bankruptcy
* Social Security cards(yours your spouse's and your children's)
* Birth certificate
* Passports
* Retirement accounts and pensions
* Stocks, bonds and mutual funds
* If either spouse is self-employed you will need everything you can find to prove
income. You will want to document and establish on paper what your current lifestyle
is. It is not unusual after a divorce for a self-employed spouse to claim poverty!
* Email and text conversations that could be pertinent
* Get copies of both yours and your spouse’s credit reports
* Driver’s license copy or write down license number
* Restraining orders
Make lists of:
* Credit cards (account number, balance and company phone number)
* Age and mileage on all vehicles
* Spouse's and children's social security numbers (if you don't have cards to copy)
* Your work history. Are you employed? A stay at home mom?
Take pictures of:
* Jewelry
* Antiques or collectibles
* Weapons (write down the registration number if available)
* Prescription bottles
* Drugs (In certain situations, a spouse can be using illegal drugs. If you are aware of this and need proof that could substantiate your case regarding custody, take a picture!)
