Gathering And Discussing Details For Divorce - Part II

Here's a quick list of some additional information you may need, but your situation may require more detail:

• Current occupation of each spouse, including names and addresses of employers
• Prior years' income tax returns; depending on state this could be one year or several years
• Income of each spouse; may require a copy of current paycheck stub
• Expenses of each spouse; may require copies of bills for a month or more

Now comes the property. This can become very tedious. Start with the largest items, then the smaller items. 

Here's a short checklist to get you started:

• Jointly and separately held large assets; have deeds, mortgage papers, stock certificates, etc. ready
• Jointly and separately held vehicles, boats, etc.; have titles and any liens ready
• Jointly and separately held bank accounts; have several months statements copied and ready
• Household belongings; have a detailed list of items with value estimated tentatively divided in half
• If there is a liability attached to any asset, have papers available to support claims

Other assets might not come immediately to mind like physical property does. Here is a list to help you start thinking of some of the less tangible items that may play a part in the divorce settlement:

• Employee benefits each spouse is entitled to including retirement
• Life, health, and disability insurance policies owned by each spouse
• Annuities
• Property settlements
• Judgments in your favor
• Trusts
• Gifts 

Decisions regarding property, large and small, will be made using the information you provide.