The decision to proceed with a divorce obviously is not one to be taken lightly.
With respect to your family’s finances, there are certain records you should attempt to gather if you believe a divorce may be on your horizon. While you should certainly avoid alarming your spouse by unexplainably scouring your files, to the extent you have access to certain critical records, you should attempt to obtain copies of them.
As to the division of property, it is very important that you become aware of the nature and extent of your assets and debts. Accordingly, you should attempt to obtain copies of any and all of your most recent bank account and financial account statements, as well as copies of any recent credit card statements or other documentation that will assist us in valuing any asset or debt.
If there is a business run by either you or your spouse, it would be very beneficial to have a list of the assets and debts of the business in the form of a balance sheet or otherwise. If you can also obtain Profit & Loss statements of the business for the last couple of years, that would also be beneficial to assist your attorney in determining the income generated by that business.
Finally, you should try and obtain copies of your personal tax returns and any business tax returns for the last three years.
Even if you choose to ultimately not go forward with a divorce, the act of gathering these documents will assist you in managing your personal finances. If a divorce ultimately occurs, you will be better prepared to proceed and to optimize any positions concerning child support, spousal support and the division of property.
For more help with your California divorce , connect with the team here at Dinnebier & Demmerle for a methodical, strategic consultation.