If you’re thinking a divorce might be in your future, or if you’ve been served with papers from your soon-to-be ex-spouse, you’ll want to gather important documents that you will need as your case moves forward.
Keep these together in a safe deposit box or another place that is secure and safe, such as your lawyer’s office or the safety deposit box at your bank. If that is not possible, make copies of the most important documents you will need when you file for divorce and store them in a safe place.
If you are experiencing problems in a marriage that have led you to fear you will be a victim of domestic violence, and if your spouse does not have any knowledge regarding your decision to leave the marriage, it is critical that you preserve any and all documents that you may use to file for a divorce in a very safe place or with a relative or close friend.
In cases of a history of domestic abuse in the relationship, one of the most dangerous times for a spouse is when they are leaving the relationship, so if you are getting ready to file, you must make a priority of your safety and protection.
When you are ready to file for divorce, you should first ensure that you have identification issued by the state, birth certificate, and Social Security card, or certified copies of these IDs for any minor children born under the marriage.
This information is required to file a complaint for divorce or dissolution of marriage in Missouri and if you will be requesting or paying child support, you will need your minor children s identifying information.
Income, Assets, and Debts
Once you have petitioned for divorce, you will have to collect documentation to document your income if your case involves alimony, also called spousal support, or child support.
However, should your divorce go to trial, your lawyer will need to be armed with all the financials necessary to get a fair and equitable division of the marital assets and debt.
Income Tax returns and paystubs are the usual means of proving income.” If you are self-employed, or otherwise not working for an employer, bank records make a good starting point as proof of income.
Assets: You will want to list all of your assets, you should try to compile any documents regarding those assets, including car titles, deeds, mortgage documentation and your retirement account details. Even if an asset is in your name or your spouse’s name alone on the title, if it was obtained during the parties marriage, it is considered marital property.
Debt – You will also be required to collect data on marital debt. A sizable portion of Americans actually have no idea how much they owe. A good first step in the process of getting ready to file for divorce is to get a copy of your credit report, and as many recent credit card statements as possible.
It’s pretty typical for one spouse to handle the bills as a married couple so you may have no idea how you get your money and where it goes and that can make it especially challenging to gather all the marital assets and debts when you are filing for divorce.
You don’t even need all the specific documents relating to your financials if you don’t have them, because your attorney can request the documents after the filing of the complaint for divorce. Your lawyer can tell you what other information and documents you will have to give to the court while the case is moving forward.
Set Up an Appointment with The Law Office of Anthony Griego LLC
New Mexico Family law attorney Anthony Griego handles all areas of family law, including contested divorce litigation in New Mexico. Reach The Law Office of Anthony Griego online here, or call (505) 508-3110 to schedule a consultation.
