The following information is all relevant in creating a clear picture of how to separate your assets and create a realistic plan for your future after divorce or separation.

You may not be able to get all of these documents all at once but you should start creating a file with copies of these documents or summaries of the information requested. Be prepared to share information with your spouse or partner, even in a litigation case you will be required to turn over financial information. If you provide false or incomplete information to your spouse, the court can punish you and your MSA (marital settlement agreement) may be wholly or partially invalidated.

• Titles/Deeds - houses, cars, boats, planes, other real estate
• Debts - amounts owed, date debt was incurred, who the debt is to. The easiest way is to get a recent statement for each debt.
• Balance of bank accounts, CD's, investment accounts - recent statement for each account.
• Balance or contribution history of IRA's/Pensions/Anuuitites - recent statement for each.
• Last two years worth of federal taxes or equivalent documents showing income over the past two years.
• If you are an employee (even of your own business) - recent paystubs or a record of recent payments to you.
• If you own a business or are a contractor:
  • a recent profit and loss statement
  • schedule C from your personal federal taxes
  • for partnerships - schedule K1 from business taxes, partnership agreements
  • records of cash received and cash paid (if not included above)
• Information about the income of your spouse or partner.
• Pre-marital (pre-nuptial) agreements.
• Post-marital (post-nuptial) agreements or other contracts (verbal or written) between you and your spouse or partner
• Previous written or verbal separation agreements between your spouse or partner.
• Medical bills if you, your spouse or partner, or children have ongoing medical issues or uninsured medical costs.
• Bills for childcare, private school tuition.
• Calendars or logs of time you have spent with your children since the separation.
• Records showing the date you or your spouse or partner moved out or otherwise took steps to end the relationship.
• Phone records or personal logs of unwanted or scary communications by your spouse or partner.