Document EVERYTHING . . . Carefully.

When a divorce may be looming in your future, the most important thing you can do is document everything. Here are a few tips to help you get . . . and keep . . . what could be important if the bottom falls out of your marriage:

(1) At a minimum, collect copies of the following papers.

Documents connected with the sale, refinance or lease of your home.
Bills . . . utility bills, phone bills, credit card bills, mortgage statements and anything else you pay regularly.
Retirement account statements (your and your spouse’s).
Bank account statements (yours and your spouse’s).
Purchase documents for anything you, your spouse or both of you purchased.
Insurance policy documents (health, auto, homeowner’s, rental, and especially, life).
Copies of correspondence (including text messages, emails, and other lawfully obtained documents) that has anything to do with your marital problems.

(2) Collect carefully. Whatever you do, don’t keep original documents or move them for long. Put things back where you find them, as soon as possible.

(3) Don’t steal and don’t invade your spouse’s privacy. This includes picking locks, breaking into secure areas, or cracking passwords.

(4) Once you’ve made your copies, keep them far away from your home or any other place to which your spouse may have access. If you are employed, it’s probably better not to keep things at work. Use caution when entrusting your documents to friends or family. the best solution is a safety deposit box or a secure storage area.

Many divorce cases are won or lost because of documentary evidence. Be sure you collect relevant information about what you may need and keep it safe from the coming storm. If you need more information about what you may need to collect, contact us today.