Generally speaking, a California divorce attorney will have an easier time representing your interests when you provide the information he or she asks for. In most cases, your legal representative will need any information that can help to verify your household income and whether certain assets are separate or joint property. Take a look at the specific documents that legal counsel may use to help obtain a favorable divorce settlement.
Gather bank statements and other financial records
At a minimum, you should be able to provide bank statements from the past two years for any accounts in your name or in your spouse’s name. It is also a good idea to obtain current and previous brokerage and retirement account statements whether the accounts were jointly controlled or overseen by a single person. If you own a home or car with your spouse, include a copy of the title or other documents that may help to establish its value or who actually owns the asset.
Provide information about your net worth
A legal representative will likely want to review your pay stubs and your spouse’s pay stubs to determine how much wage income your household generates. If you are self-employed, you should provide a profit and loss statement or other financial information related to your business. If you or your spouse compiled a statement of net worth, you should submit a copy of that statement to your divorce attorney.
Don’t forget about your debts
In a divorce, debts may be divided in much the same way that assets are. Therefore, it is in your best interest to submit an inventory of outstanding credit card, mortgage or other debts that you or your spouse currently have.
By providing thorough financial and other records to your divorce attorney, it may be easier to prove that you are entitled to alimony or child support payments. It may also be easier to prove that you need a greater share of joint assets to help maintain a comfortable lifestyle as a single person.
