If you are considering a divorce, the first thing you need to do is gather important documentation. This will make the job of your Ft Lauderdale divorce attorney easier, and you can also preempt any attempts by your spouse to remove important papers. The documents you will need will pertain to your personal details as well as your financial records:
Personal details: Gather the birth certificates of your children, your spouse, and yourself. You will also need a copy of your marriage certificate as well as any prenuptial or postnuptial agreements, and social security cards for you, your spouse and children. If you or your spouse have been divorced or widowed in the past, then you will need copies of divorce decrees and associated death certificates.
Assets: You will need copies of all documents showing assets you and your spouse own jointly or separately. This will include property titles, vehicle titles, and appraisals of jewelry, or art. It is important to include solely held titles even if you have no joint ownership. Your lawyer will want to know the extent of individual wealth.
Financial documents: This includes employment contracts, tax returns, bank statements, pay stubs, insurance policies, loans, and leases. Try and assemble any bills and receipts documenting your monthly spending to determine your family budget. It is important to include both earnings and debts for you and your spouse. Again, try to get as much information as you can.
Documents to show fault: Although Florida is a ‘no-fault’ state, there can be cases where one party has engaged in criminal conduct. Under these circumstances gather evidence like photographs, videos or correspondence.
Business details: If you or your spouse own a business, collect all documents regarding the business ownership, including tax returns, debts, assets, accounts receivable, accounts payable, profits and insurance.
These documents will help your Ft Lauderdale divorce attorney determine parental support responsibility or alimony. It is critical in defending or strengthening your position.