The divorce checklist for fathers can help with your divorce proceedings. Our Charlotte family and divorce attorney at Remington & Dixon created this checklist to help men like you prepare for divorce.
Finances
Financial Records
Much of any divorce proceeding centers on finances. You will need to inventory what your assets are and what they are worth. Gather records of your assets and debts, including:
- Marital home and other real property ownership documents
- Mortgage statements
- Bank accounts, checking and savings
- Investment accounts, stock, cryptocurrency
- Vehicle titles and car loans
- Credit card statements
- Personal loans
- Tax records
Pay special attention to any records that may be harder to get once you are separated from your spouse.
Secure key personal items and documents, inventory
Secure important personal items and documents, including your passport and personal identification.
Make a list of personal property with a significant value.
Retirement accounts
- Pension
- 401K
- IRA, ROTH IRA
Income records
- Pay stubs
- Seasonal, self-employed, variable income, bonuses, unreported income, payments in kind
- Pay information for your spouse that may be harder to get later
Open your savings and checking accounts
You’ll need your savings and checking accounts that your spouse does not have access to.
Get your credit report
Looking at your credit report can help you identify any accounts you are not aware of.
Prenuptial, postnuptial agreements
If there was a prenuptial or postnuptial agreement, find a copy.
Gifts, inheritance
If you have received a substantial gift or an inheritance, identify it. Gather information relating to when it was given to you, its value and the fact that it was given as a gift or inheritance.
Change beneficiaries of life insurance, 401k and bank accounts
As soon as your divorce is finalized, change the beneficiaries of your financial accounts. If you can close an account, like a bank account, and open a new one, that’s the best thing to do. Unless you are court-ordered to name your spouse as your life insurance beneficiary, you can change that beneficiary, too. It’s also time to reassess how much life insurance you need.
Minor Children
Spend time with your children
If you have children, your time with your children is likely your top concern as you prepare for divorce.
The best thing that you can do now is continue to stay present in your children’s lives. If you think that your spouse may say that you are an uninvolved parent, try to document or diary your participation in your children’s lives.
Minor children information
For your minor children, gather their:
- Full names
- Dates of birth
- Social Security numbers
Child providers and activities
Your children’s:
- School
- Teacher’s name
- Daycare provider and cost
- Counselors
- List of extracurriculars
- Doctor
Witnesses relating to the children
Your relationship with the children may be important to deciding custody. Gather the names of people who may be able to speak to your relationship with your child and the child’s interests.
Special needs of the child
If your child has special needs, gather what records you have relating to their special needs, treatment and care.
Conduct and Miscellaneous Information
Housing plan
Divorce involves one of the parties leaving the marital home. Think through what you expect to happen in terms of your living situation. Involve a lawyer in the process as soon as possible so that they can help protect your custody interests.
Spousal history
Gather any records relating to your spouse’s:
- Criminal history
- Abuse or neglect, delinquency court
- Substance abuse
- Infidelity
If you have a criminal or substance abuse history, gather records relating to:
- Participation in treatment, counseling or parenting classes
You’re probably going to be blocked from your spouse’s social media soon if you aren’t already. If you can, look through their postings and see if there is anything relevant to the issues in divorce.
Any prior divorce filings
If you have previously started divorce or other court proceedings, you will need the case number and court name.
Change and secure passwords, fully shut down your computer and phone
Don’t leave your accounts where your spouse can access them.
Notes of possible issues in divorce
The more that you can anticipate the issues in your divorce, the better you can prepare. Do you believe that hidden marital assets may be an issue, for example? Are you concerned about child custody and your spouse’s willingness to co-parent? Think of things that concern you or that may be of particular importance. Share these things with your attorney.
The things on this list are things you may need for your case. At your consultation, you can get personalized advice.
Get Help with Your Divorce Checklist
Our family law firm in Charlotte has years of experience representing fathers like you. Whether you are preparing for divorce or you have started the process, we can give you specific advice and help you with your divorce checklist. Contact us today online or by phone to schedule a consultation to talk about your case.
