One way to bring a small measure of order to the often chaotic process of divorce is to properly prepare yourself for the financial transition. A divorce attorney and Certified Divorce Financial Analysts can help guide you through this confusing time, but you will do yourself a big favor by gathering the necessary information and staying organized. Keeping a folder of the vital information listed below—whether electronically or in paper form—should make navigating all the required paperwork and decision-making less stressful. Follow our divorce document checklist.
Keep copies of these documents:
- Tax returns from the past five years
- List of items in safe deposit boxes or storage
- Proof of both spouses’ income, such as W-2 or 1099 forms
- Statements from checking and savings account
- Statements from investment accounts
- Real estate and mortgage records
- Home equity loan statements
- Most recent property tax bill
- Promissory notes
- All insurance policies
- Complete records for any businesses owned
- Titles to any vehicles
- Three most recent credit card statements
- Statements for retirement accounts
- Health insurance policies
- List of personal property owned
- Most recent property tax bill
- A current household spending plan
- Account statements for student loans
- Account statements for personal loans
- Most recent pay stubs for both spouses
- Medical savings account information
- Statement on the mileage and condition for all vehicles
Send name/address changes to:
- Financial institution(s)
- Lenders
- Home, life, health, legal, auto insurance provider(s)
- Accountant/Tax professional
- Credit card companies
- Investment account provider
- DMV
- IRS
- Unemployment office
- State tax board
- Social Security Administration
- Pension/retirement plans
- Student loan providers
- Mortgage company
- Online business accounts
- Credit bureaus
- Titles or deeds that will be in your name
- Veterans affairs
Other tips:
- Change passwords for any accounts you will be taking over.
- Reexamine your needs for all insurance policies.
- Change beneficiaries for retirement, investment, and insurance accounts
- Update your Will with a Texas Legal Attorney
Help From Texas Legal
Finding an attorney to help you with these issues is easier than ever with our new Attorney Finder. Search by area of law and legal issue to find someone near you that can help you navigate filing for divorce in Texas. If you have questions about our memberships, feel free to call us at (512) 327-1372 or email us at members@texaslegal.org.
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