As published in The Florida Villager.
Be Smart When Starting Your Divorce
It is inevitable that emotions will run fast and furious when divorce is brought up, so before you go screaming to your spouse that you want a divorce, take a deep breath and gather up these documents. I have seen time and again some of these important pieces of information go missing once the cat is out of the bag and you are going to need them for your financial affidavit.
This pre-divorce check list is certainly not all inclusive and there might be things on here that don’t apply to your situation. Tailor make it to fit your needs but use this as a template. Some clients have felt like they were being devious by collecting all this info before they tell their spouse. I explain to them that divorce can potentially bring out an ugly side of a person and that they are not being devious, they are being smart. They are not taking things and hiding them. They are not switching passwords or canceling cards. They are simply gathering the family information that is available to them. Some words of wisdom, if the marriage is going to end, end it with integrity. I don’t care if your soon to be ex absconds with the silver, don’t you sneak the painting out in the middle of the night.
Personal:
- social security cards – you, spouse, children
- life insurance policies
- marriage license
- birth certificates
- setup a divorce folder and find a safe place to keep it
- hire a private investigator
- be mindful of what you post on social media
- setup a divorce folder on your desktop
- computer and account passwords
Household:
- mortgage statement
- home equity loan statement
- homeowner’s/renter’s insurance bill
- lease (rental)
- car insurance bill
- utility bills
- cable/internet bills
- phone bills
- outstanding bills
- do a home inventory with pictures and video
Financial:
- bank account statements
- total of cash stored
- investment statements
- annuities
- college saving plan statements
- trust paperwork
- tax returns (last 3 years)
- financial statements completed
- pull your credit report and credit rating
- start saving money
- open your own credit card and/or bank account
- list and take pictures of anything in the safety deposit box
Health:
- insurance cards (health, dental, vision)
- unpaid bills
- pay stubs showing amount paid for insurance
- take care of any pressing medical and/or dental needs
Debt:
- all credit card statements
- personal/other loan statements
- evidence of family loans
Employment:
- pay stubs (yours and spouse’s) for last month
- commission/bonus stubs (for last year)
- reimbursed business expenses
- other benefits
Businesses:
- accounts payable
- accounts receivable
- balance sheets
- bank statements
- tax returns
- contracts
- purchase offers
- profit & loss statements
Deeds & Titles:
- car titles
- other titles (boat, motorcycle, RV)
- deed to home and other real estate
- tax bill (real estate)
Other Assets:
- gym/club memberships
- savings account
- stock options
- time shares
- frequent-flier miles
- season tickets
- other
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