Important Financial Documents You May Need in a Divorce Case

 Posted on January 20, 2023 in Divorce

As is true with most contested divorces, proceedings will likely involve a great deal of evidence. If you and your spouse decide to pursue divorce litigation, it likely means that you and your spouse cannot reach an agreement and, thus, may disagree on basic facts. As a result, evidence will become invaluable in order for you to back up various legal assertions your lawyer may make throughout the course of litigation. For example, in many divorces, spouses may disagree on who is responsible for certain debts or who should keep what.

There may also be disputes regarding what property is marital and what property is separate. Regardless of the disputes, it is wise for anyone preparing for divorce litigation to collect all financial documents, such as bank records, as strong evidence may be a critical factor in fairly allocating marital property amongst divorcing spouses. Consider contacting an experienced divorce attorney before you begin litigation. An attorney can advise you on what evidence may be most important in your case.

Examples of Evidence That May Be Used in Divorce Proceedings

While it is true that evidence gathering can be a tedious process, it is so crucial in contested divorces. You may need evidence of financial events that occurred many years ago. Common types of evidence you may need in your divorce include the following:

• Real estate documents – If you or your spouse own real estate, you will likely need your deed and other agreements you signed during closing. Furthermore, you may need tax documents detailing property taxes.
• Bank accounts – You will likely need bank records that go back many years, usually back to the date you were married. Furthermore, documents pertaining to joint and separate accounts may also be needed.
• Debt records – For any debt you, your spouse, or both of you have, you will likely need documents detailing how the debt was created and whose name the debt is in. Some debt may be considered marital debt, whereas others may be the spouse's responsibility.
• Income documentation – Any income received by either spouse during the course of the marriage may require documentation detailing, among other things, where the income was deposited.

Contact an Illinois Divorce Lawyer

While it is true that gathering evidence may take some time, having the right lawyer by your side can make a huge difference in ensuring you have all the proper evidence you may need during divorce proceedings. Contact the highly experienced Arlington Heights divorce attorneys at Law Offices of Donald J. Cosley. Our firm will work relentlessly to seek the best possible outcome in your case. Call 847-253-3100 for a free consultation.

Source:

https://www.brides.com/documents-your-divorce-attorney-will-need-and-how-to-organize-them-1103258