Written by Leah Gleason
A few months ago, I wrote a blog on what you would need to gather once you have started the divorce process. I wanted to update that and add some new things that might be helpful if you go through the formal discovery process.
The formal discovery process requires the parties exchange information that would be helpful in the division of property or child custody. This will include a lot of things already asked for by your attorney, but some things may not have come up yet. Below is a list of things to start keeping track of from the minute you and your spouse separate.
- Bank Accounts – keep track of how many bank accounts you have and what bills come from which account. Start getting paper bills and marking what each bill is for.
- Text Messages/Emails – make sure to communicate with your spouse regarding things that may come up in the divorce via email or text message. This may be regarding bills or property. Screen shot the text messages and save them so you don’t have to go scrolling later.
- Debts – start making a list of debts you and your spouse owe. These might be on a car, mortgage, or credit card debt. Find out how much is left on each debt at the date of separation.
- Credit Cards – start keeping paper bills of each statement for each card. If you continue to use a credit card for expenses after separation, those expenses might not be included in the final settlement. This includes Menards, Capitol One, Discover, Maurice’s, and many more.
- Witnesses – Start thinking of who you might want to write affidavits or have testify on your behalf. Some attorneys might want these for the Temporary Hearing, but you will definitely need them in discovery and for the final hearing. This might be a friend, a parent, or professional.
- Retirement/IRA Accounts – keep track of your retirement or other accounts that might need to be split or included in the martial property.
While every attorney might vary from this list, this is a good start. If you start getting these ready at the beginning, it will make it much easier when discovery is required or when you get to a final hearing.