Divorce Financial Checklist: Before Consulting a Lawyer

Organize your financial picture before your first attorney meeting. This checklist helps you prepare the documents and numbers your lawyer needs.

22 items across 5 categories

Income Documentation

  • Last 3 years of tax returns (joint and individual)
  • Recent pay stubs (last 3 months)
  • Spouse's income documents if available
  • Self-employment income records, P&L statements
  • Investment and rental income statements

Asset Inventory

  • Real estate - address, estimated value, mortgage balance
  • Bank and brokerage account statements (last 6 months)
  • Retirement accounts - 401(k), IRA, pension statements
  • Vehicles - make, model, year, current value, loan balance
  • Business interests - ownership percentage, estimated value

Debt Records

  • Mortgage statement with payoff amount
  • Car loan statements
  • Credit card balances for all accounts (joint and individual)
  • Student loan balances
  • Any other personal loans or lines of credit

Insurance

  • Life insurance policies - face value, cash value
  • Health insurance coverage details
  • Disability insurance

Legal Documents

  • Marriage certificate
  • Prenuptial or postnuptial agreement (if applicable)
  • Any existing court orders (child support, custody)
  • Wills and trusts

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SettleLens provides financial scenario modeling for informational purposes only. Not legal advice. Always consult a qualified family law attorney before making settlement decisions.