You can save yourself money, help an attorney learn about your unique case, and make the process go faster and smoother by gathering some basic documents before you have an initial consultation with a divorce attorney.
In addition, these items have a unique way of “disappearing” at the time they are needed, so it is best to gather them up and make a copy in advance. The most commonly needed documents are as follows:
- 3 years of tax returns.
- 6 pay stubs for both parties.
- Most recent bank statement.
- Most recent credit card statement.
- All debts, such as medical bills and student loans.
- Most recent mortgage statement.
- Most recent retirement account statement.
- Any appraisal on marital residence
- Payment booklet on autos
- List of monthly expenses/budget
Ultimately, the more information your attorney has about your situation, the more likely it is that no important issues are missed in consideration. Help your family law attorney help you by providing him or her with a copy of the above to the best of your ability.