If you think it is time to divorce your spouse, then you need to start gathering and organizing the important documents that you will need during the divorce proceedings. By quickly collecting the things that we describe below, you will be able to get the upper hand on your spouse with regard to your settlement negotiations.
Documents are important in divorces because they can objectively demonstrate how the couple made decisions throughout their marriage. When collecting the documents we discuss in this blog, it is crucial that you keep them organized. Your divorce will require you to prove specific dates, times, and locations. Having this information easily accessible will only benefit you.
Documents that Establish Your Credibility
During the course of your divorce proceedings, you might encounter a situation that requires you to recall specific memories that can substantially affect your credibility. How your credibility is perceived when you testify is important and when you are doubted after being questioned, it can negatively impact your settlement agreement. To make sure you are able to credibly present your version of events, gather documents that you can use to support the claims made in any testimony you provide.
Case Breaking Documents
If you have documents that can alter the trajectory of your divorce, you need to immediately show them to your lawyer. Documents that can increase things like alimony or child support can be strategically used by an experienced legal professional to secure a better settlement. The same goes for your spouse, so don’t try hide documents that reveal something negative about you. Instead, discuss the contents of the document with your lawyer to determine how it should be used in your case.
Financial Statements
Statements from banks and other lenders can be used to demonstrate if a spouse has the means to pay for debts. Financial debts can also be used to prove the net worth of each spouse.
Collect the following types of tax returns:
- Personal tax returns
- Joint tax returns
- Corporate tax returns
- Income tax returns
- 1099s
- K-1 forms
- W-2’s
- Other types of supporting tax documents
Pay statements are also valuable for your divorce, so collect the following:
- Overtime statements
- Commission statements
- Bonus statements
- Retirement benefit statements
- Proof of 401 (k) contributions
You will also need bank account statements, such as:
- Check stubs
- Deposit slips
- Canceled checks
- Credit union statements
- Savings and loans statements
Statements and documents should also be gathered for the following things:
- Mutual funds
- Stocks
- CDs
- Bonds
- Car loans
- Credit cards
- Home mortgages
- Second mortgages
- Home equity lines of credit
Business Records
If you or your spouse owns a business, you will need to find any records that can prove ownership interests, this includes:
- Operating agreements
- Stock certificates
- Articles of incorporation
- Charters
- Corporate minutes
Look for documents containing the words “agreement,” “trust,” or “joint venture agreement.”
Talk to a Divorce Lawyer Today
The documents we have discussed above are just a few of the things that you need to gather for your divorce case. To learn more about the types of documents you will need, consult with our family law attorney in Annapolis. We can review your situation and help guide you through the legal process.
Call (410) 593-0040 to request your free consultation with our friendly legal professionals.