Essential Documents Checklist
Here is a complete breakdown of every document category you should gather before starting your divorce filing:
Identity & Marriage Documents
- Marriage certificate (original or certified copy)
- Government-issued photo IDs for both spouses
- Social Security numbers for both spouses
- Prenuptial or postnuptial agreement (if applicable)
Income & Employment Documents
- Pay stubs (last 3-6 months)
- Federal and state tax returns (last 2-3 years)
- W-2s and/or 1099s
- Self-employment income records (if applicable)
- Other income documentation (rental income, investments, alimony from prior marriage)
Financial Account Statements
- Bank account statements (checking, savings — all accounts)
- Retirement account statements (401k, IRA, pension)
- Investment/brokerage account statements
- Credit card statements (all cards)
- Personal and auto loan statements
- Student loan balances
These are essential for your financial disclosure form, which most states require. Use our settlement calculator to estimate how assets and debts will be divided.
Property & Asset Documents
- Property deeds and mortgage statements
- Home appraisal (recent, or request one)
- Vehicle titles and registration
- Business ownership documents (if applicable)
- Valuable personal property (jewelry, art, collectibles)
If one spouse plans to buy out the other's share of the home, use our buyout calculator to estimate the cost.
Ready to Start Your Forms?
Once you've gathered your documents, complete your state-specific divorce forms online.
Insurance Documents
- Health insurance policies
- Life insurance policies
- Homeowner's/renter's insurance
- Auto insurance
Documents for Divorces with Children
- Children's birth certificates
- School enrollment records
- Medical records and insurance cards
- Childcare/daycare cost records
- Extracurricular activity costs
These documents help you complete your child custody forms and calculate child support accurately.
Why Gathering Documents First Matters
Collecting these documents before starting your divorce forms saves significant time and stress. Most divorce forms require specific financial data — having everything organized means you can complete the forms accurately the first time, avoiding costly errors or delays at the courthouse.
Use our divorce checklist tool to get a personalized list of what you need based on your specific situation.
Documents Ready? Start Your Forms
With your documents gathered, you're ready to complete your state-specific divorce forms. Our recommended service guides you through every field.
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