Regardless of the type of the process chosen to terminate a marriage, the income, assets, and debts of the couple must be evaluated. Depending upon the circumstances of the marriage, the evaluation process may be lengthy and complex. It is a good idea to start gathering the important documents such as:
Income tax returns;
- Documents related to your and/or your spouse’s ownership interests in real estate, including mortgages, purchase agreements, closing statements, and deeds;
- Titles and/or registrations to motor vehicles, water craft, aircraft or other vehicles owned or used by you and/or your spouse;
- Employment agreements or other writings showing the terms and benefits of your and/or your spouse’s employment;
- Documents related to savings accounts, credit union accounts and money market accounts held in your and/or your spouse’s name;
- Documents related to checking accounts held in your and/or your spouse’s name or for which you and/or spouse have signing authority;
- Documents related to any investments including stocks, bonds, brokerage accounts held in your and/or your spouse’s name;
- Documents related to all retirement plans, pension plans, and profit sharing plans in which you and/or your spouse participate or have an interest;
- Documents related to any interest you and/or your spouse may have in any business venture including corporations, limited liability companies, partnerships and/or joint ventures;
- Documents related to any stock options received by you and/or your spouse;
- Wills and trust agreements;
- Life insurance policies and annuities;
- Credit card statements;
- Documents related to any loans applied for by you and/or your spouse or any loans made by you and/or your spouse; and
- Documents related to any clubs, memberships, or organizations in which you and/or your spouse participate or have an interest.