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"I have to produce what?" - Documents needed in your domestic case

By: Tamara D. Blankenship

In the course of your domestic case, you will be asked to furnish your attorney with information that benefits your representation. These documents are vital to your domestic case. Listed below are some of the documents you will need readily available as you start your separation and divorce process:

1. Tax Returns: Your attorney will need a minimum of your last three yearstax returns, both federal and state.
2. Bank Account Statements: It is important that you gather your bank statements for at least one year prior to your date of separation. Please include all bank accounts in your name, your spouse's name and joint names. These accounts include but are not limited to checking, savings, money market, etc. If such information is not in your possession, please contact your local financial institution. You are entitled to any information on all accounts with your name on them.
3. Paycheck stubs: Your attorney will need to see the current income information for both you and your spouse, especially if there is or will be a claim for alimony or child support. At least the last three months of paycheck stubs will be necessary.
4. Real Estate: If you or your spouse own any interest in any real estate, please provide your attorney with the deeds associated with the properties. If you are not in possession of the deed or deeds, please provide the physical address of each piece of property. If there are recent appraisals of the real estate owned by you and your spouse, this will be helpful to your attorney when determining a value. Please provide copies of all appraisals with the copies of deeds.
5. Retirement Plans: If you participate or are currently the beneficiary of any profit sharing, pension, Keogh, IRA or other retirement plan, you will need to provide your attorney with a copy of the plan summary and the most current monetary value.
6. Securities: If you or your spouse own any stocks or bonds, please provide the date of purchase, purchase price and current value to your attorney. This information can be obtained through the person who handles the purchase and maintenance of your securities.
7. Business Interests: Please make your attorney aware of any interest in any business that either you or your spouse own. Please provide copies of corporate tax returns as well as any profit and loss statements for the last three years. If these documents are unavailable to you, please provide your attorney with any and all information in your possession regarding that business entity.
8. Insurance: Please furnish the company name, address, policy or group number for all insurance policies including but not limited to medical insurance, life insurance, home owner’s policies, automobile and personal property insurance.
9. Credit Card Statements: Please provide information on any credit cards in either your name, your spouse’s name or joint names. This would need to include copies of the itemized statements for a minimum of three months. If the statements are not readily available to your and the credit cards are in your name or you are an authorized user on the account, please request this information from the company with whom the credit card is held.
10. Outstanding Loan Balances : Provide all date of separation statements for any outstanding loans in either your or your spouse’s name. This may include but is not limited to any car loans, mortgages, home equity loans, personal loan, etc.

The production of these documents to your attorney will provide him/her with the jump start to protect you and your rights. Additional documents may be needed as your domestic case moves along, so be prepared for additional production. Should you have any questions regarding the information requested or the reasons regarding the document production, always feel free to ask either your attorney or paralegal. If the paralegal cannot answer your questions, she will be able to relay any inquires to the attorney handling your case and get an answer for you.

The firm of Knox Brotherton Knox & Godfrey is committed to making sure you, as our client, are protected. All legal issues, regardless of kind, are emotionally exhausting. We are there for you to see you through.

Tamara D. Blankenship is a Certified Legal Assistant through the National Association of Legal Assistants and a North Carolina State Bar Certified Paralegal. She has been employed with Knox Brotherton Knox & Godfrey for 8 years. You can reach Knox, Brotherton Knox & Godfrey at 704-372-1360 (Charlotte) or 704-827-6667 in our Denver office.