Information and Documents your Attorney will need to help you

Below is a list of documents to help you prepare the papers necessary to start the divorce process. If you gather these documents at the beginning of your case your attorney will be able to help begin your case faster and save you money. Some documents may not be available to you due to your situation. If these documents are unavailable you should let your attorney know right away. These documents should be provided as copies and keep the originals for your own records.

The listed documents may not all apply to you. Only provide the documents that apply to you. Through the divorce process the Court wants to dispose of all of the community property and determine each parties rights. This will avoid future problems for both parties. Never try to hide assets in a divorce, it will only hurt you in the long run. All of the documents will be necessary to dispose of the community property and support issues involved in your case.

1. Federal Tax Return for the last 2 years.

2. Pay stubs for the last 3 months.

3. Bank Statements for the last 3 months.

4. Any Brokerage account information for the last 3 months.

5. Retirement Account or Pension Plan statements for the last 3 months.

6. Union statements for the last 3 months.

7. Copies of any Life Insurance Policy that has a cash value.

8. Copy of the Deed of Trust to all properties owned.

9. Copies of the Pink Slip to all owned vehicles or a copy of the registration if the car is being financed.

10. Documentation of any other assets, debts, or income not already mentioned.

11. A list of all your monthly expenses.

12. A list of all debts owed including loans, credit cards, etc.

13. If children are involved, their names, ages and date of birth, and every address they have lived for the last 5 years.