Filing for divorce can make an already difficult situation feel overwhelming, especially when you are unsure what information you will need. Gathering important records early can help you understand your financial and family circumstances before the legal process begins.
Here are the records worth gathering before you file.
Financial account records
These can show what money you and your spouse hold individually or together. Gather recent statements for:
- Checking and savings accounts
- Investment and brokerage accounts
- 401(k)s, IRAs and other retirement accounts
- Records of significant transfers or withdrawals
Look for statements that cover the most recent months so you have current information available. If you notice an account you did not know about or a large transaction you cannot explain, keep the related records rather than trying to resolve the issue yourself.
Income and employment records
Income records help show what you and your spouse earn and can provide information needed for financial issues in the divorce. Gather recent:
- Pay stubs
- W-2s and 1099s
- Federal and state tax returns
- Records of bonuses, commissions or other compensation
If you own a business or earn money through self-employment, include business income records and other records that show how much you earn. These records can help account for income that may not appear on a traditional pay stub.
Property and debt records
These help document what you own and what you owe when you begin dividing your finances. Look for:
- Deeds, mortgage statements and property tax records
- Vehicle titles and loan statements
- Credit card and loan statements
- Records for valuable personal property
- Documents showing ownership interests in a business
Georgia courts require financial affidavits in cases involving matters such as alimony or equitable division of property before certain hearings. Keeping these records organized can make it easier to provide the financial information your case requires.
Insurance and benefit records
These can show what coverage and employment benefits you and your family currently have. Gather:
- Health, life, homeowners and auto insurance policies
- Pension and employer benefit statements
- Records showing beneficiaries and coverage amounts
Keep the most recent versions of these records so you can account for current coverage. This information can also help identify benefits or policies that you may need to address during the divorce.
Existing legal and family documents
Existing agreements and court documents can contain terms that affect your divorce or other family matters. Set aside:
- Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements
- Existing court orders involving your family
- Prior legal agreements related to your marriage
An older agreement or court order can still matter even if you have not looked at it recently. Keep these records available so an attorney can review their terms and determine whether they affect your situation.
Get organized before you file
Gathering your account, income, property, insurance and legal records can give you useful information to discuss with an attorney. Keep copies in a secure location and avoid discarding or altering records that could become relevant. Reviewing what you have with an attorney can also help you identify missing information and determine which records deserve closer attention in your particular divorce.
