Miles Mason, a Memphis divorce attorney, has a great article on his blog called Grab the Documents: What Spouses Need to Copy for Divorce Lawyers. Divorcing spouses always wonder what documents they need to take, and the list provided by Miles is a great roadmap. Read the article for details and descriptions on each item, but below is the basic list.
Documents are going to include both paper and digital records. If you have access to any bank, credit card, or investment accounts online, it’s advisable to go into the accounts and download all available statements and supporting documentation. Do it right away in case you lose access to that account later.
- Financial statements
- Income tax returns
- Pay statements
- Bank account information
- Brokerage account statements
- Loan applications.
- Business ownership records
- Resumes
- Internet history, e-mails, and instant messaging records
- Stock options
- Pension plans, profit-sharing plans, deferred compensation agreements, and retirement plans
- Credit card statements
- Other debts
- Insurance
- Real estate
- Personal property
- Employment records, contracts, and explanations of benefits
- Wills, living wills, powers of attorney, and trust agreements
- Membership agreements or contracts
- Lawsuits and judgments
- Gifts and charitable contributions
- Medical records
- Cellular phone, home telephone, and long-distance charges
- Inventory of safe deposit boxes or in-home safes
- Tapes, letters, e-mails, and photos
- Notes or agreements
- Calendars
- Intellectual property
- Fault
