Going through a divorce can be emotionally and logistically challenging. One of the key steps to ensure a smoother transition is to prepare and organize the necessary documentation before filing to facilitate a more efficient legal process and help you better understand your financial and personal situation. Here are three essential documents you should have before you start your search for divorce lawyers near me:
Your Marriage Certificate
The marriage certificate legally confirms your marriage. This certificate is required to prove you are married and eligible for divorce. It typically includes details such as your officiant’s information, the names of the spouses, and the date and place of the marriage. If you cannot locate your marriage certificate, you can obtain a copy from the vital records office in the state or county where you were married.
Financial Statements
Presenting accurate financial information to your divorce lawyer in Miami, FL, is vital in divorce proceedings to ensure you get a fair division of assets and liabilities. Here is a list of the financial documents you need before filing for a divorce:
- Bank statements for all your accounts
- Tax returns over the past few years.
- You and your spouse’s recent pay stubs
- Retirement accounts (401(k), IRA)
- Debt statements (mortgages, credit card balances, personal loans)
Property and Asset Records
Before going online to search for “divorce lawyers near me,” collect the following property and assets records:
- Real estate documents: (property tax records, deeds, mortgage statements)
- Vehicle titles
- Investment statements (stocks, bonds, mutual funds)
- Business records, including financial statements, tax returns, and ownership documents.
