OBTAIN PO. BOX TO RECEIVE ANY PERSONAL MAIL LEGAL DOCUMENTS
Obtain a copy of your marriage certificate
Make a copy of any prenuptial or post-nuptial agreements
Make a copy of licenses
Make copy of trust documents
Make copies of any will executed during marriage
Make copies of any other documents that you feel could be important to the process
Update your will.
DURING THE SEPARATION
BANKS AND CREDIT CARDS
Make a list of all bank accounts
Make a list of all credit cards
Confirm current balance
Obtain copies of statements for the past year
Confirm login information for joint accounts
Open a new checking and savings account in your name
Put money in your new account to pay living expenses and any emergencies for a few months
Apply for a credit card in your own name if you do not already have one BILLS AND FINANCES
Make a list of all monthly bills that are paid by you and your spouse
Obtain statements for the past year
Confirm the current balance
Confirm account numbers
Confirm access information MARITAL HOME
Make copies of mortgage statements for the past 6 months
Confirm account number
Obtain bank loan and mortgage information
Take pictures of each room and its contents in the home
Make copies of payment statements
Make a list of the assets
Obtain a copy of your homeowner’s or Renter’s insurance policy
Make a copy of leasing agreements
Make a copy of real estate tax bill
Make a list of monthly expenses MOVING
Research apartments or homes for rent. If you have children keep in mind school districts
Property
Obtain copies of deeds
Confirm bank loan information
Take pictures of the property
Obtain a current market value appraisal for all real estate owned VEHICLES
Confirm loan information
Confirm account numbers
Obtain copy of titles
Obtain an estimate of the value of your vehicle
Obtain a copy of the declaration sheet for all auto insurance policies CHILDREN
Obtain school Information
Update school if address changes
Make a copy of your child’s class schedule
Make a list of after school activities
Contact the school if there are any changes to address, or transportation
Request copies of child care expenses DEBTS
Make a list of any debts you or your spouse have
Confirm amount owed
Confirm account numbers
Call any “joint” creditors and ask what actions you should take to protect your interests during divorce and to prevent any adverse consequences to your credit report
TAX RETURNS
Gather tax return information for the past 3 years
INCOME INFORMATION
Obtain a copy of your W-2s or 1099s for the past 3 years
Obtain a copy of your spouse’s W-2s or 1099s for the past 3 years, if you have access
Obtain copies of your paystubs for the previous 6 months EMPLOYER BENEFITS
Make a list of employer-provided benefits
Obtain copy of disability insurance policy
Obtain a copy of life insurance CREDIT REPORT
Request a copy of your credit report. This will show all debts and accounts RETIREMENT ACCOUNTS
Obtain current balance for any 401k accounts or retirement accounts INVESTMENT ACCOUNTS
Obtain current balance statements for all stock, bond, and investment accounts PASSWORDS
Change your passwords to all of your social media, e-mail, and online accounts OBTAIN NEW E-MAIL ACCOUNT HEALTH INSURANCE
Obtain copy of health insurance policy
INVESTMENT ACCOUNTS
Obtain current balance statements for all stock, bond, and investment accounts PASSWORDS
Change your passwords to all of your social media, e-mail, and online accounts OBTAIN NEW E-MAIL ACCOUNT HEALTH INSURANCE
Obtain copy of health insurance policy
Obtain copy of health savings account
Make a copy of health insurance documents PERSONAL PROPERTY
Make a list of all assets such as furniture, art, and jewelry
Calculate the approximate value of each item
Make a list of items that are important to you and would like to keep POWER OF ATTORNEY
Determine whether you need to revoke any power of attorney documents that name your spouse as your agent
