What Documents Does a Divorce Attorney Need?

Divorce involves a staggering amount of paperwork. You may wonder, “What documents does a divorce attorney need?” While not every piece of paper will be necessary to bring to a first consultation, consider gathering as much documentation as possible ahead of time in order to streamline and expedite the process.

Information About Marital Real Estate

Real estate is the residential property owned by you and your spouse. However, marital property does not have to be in both of your names to be a dividable asset. Some documents to bring to your attorney relating to real estate include:

  • Deeds for each property
  • Escrow documents for each property
  • Mortgage and bank statements related to the property, including sources of funds used to acquire those properties
  • Reports showing principal, interest, and payments made to the lender

Information About Vehicles

Vehicles are one of the easier items to split in a divorce because often each party agrees to keep the vehicle they customarily drive. However, you must still show your divorce attorney information about your vehicle, when and where you bought it, the price financed and the amount owed, and if your spouse claims an interest in that car.

Financial Documents Needed for a Divorce

Financial records are some of the most important documents to your divorce. These materials include, but are not limited to:

  • All joint checking and savings accounts
  • All individual savings and checking account statements
  • Investment account information and statements

Retirement Account Documentation for a Divorce

Sometimes, retirement accounts divide in a divorce. Other times, the court treats them as separate assets. Regardless, you must bring information to your attorney about all retirement accounts in your name and your spouse’s name. This includes 401(k) accounts, pensions, IRAs, and Roth IRAs.

Life Insurance Documentation

If you or your spouse has life insurance, the proceeds and the current value of those policies are considered in the divorce process. Therefore, you must bring the insurance declarations page, which tells your attorney the coverage and terms of the policy.

Documents about Private Businesses

If you or your spouse owns a business, all documentation regarding that business must be taken to your attorney. Depending on the circumstances,  you might be required to split the business as a marital asset.

Documents to bring regarding your business include:

  • Articles of Incorporation
  • Partnership Agreements
  • General ledgers and bank statements
  • Tax returns for up to five years
  • Profit and loss statements for up to five years

To inquire about what documents you need to gather for your divorce consultation, speak with a representative from Udall Shumway, PLC.

This blog should be used for informational purposes only. It does not create an attorney-client relationship with any reader and should not be construed as legal advice. If you need legal advice regarding What Documents Does a Divorce Attorney Need, or other family law issues, please feel free to contact Lindsay A.M. Olivarez at 480.461.5300, log on to udallshumway.com, or contact an attorney in your area. Udall Shumway PLC is located in Mesa, Arizona and is a full service law firm. We assist Individuals, families, businesses, schools and municipalities in Mesa and the Phoenix/East Valley.