Information is power

When you have comprehensive, accurate information, your attorney can represent you more effectively, and you will be able to shape your own financial life more quickly. Try to assemble this information as early in the process as possible:

• Bank accounts (name of banking institution, type of account, and account numbers)

• Financial statements

• Tax returns for at least the prior three years

• Investment / brokerage accounts and mutual funds

• Retirement (IRA, 401(k), etc.) and pension plans (both yours and your former spouse’s)

• Social Security benefits statements

• Employee (or self-employment) benefits coverage (health, dental, short-term disability and long-term disability for you and your former spouse)

• Military benefits

• Credit card statements

• Mortgage statements (including first and second mortgages and home equity credit)

• Car, boat and other loans

• Loans you or your spouse may have guaranteed

• Pending loan applications

• Lease agreements

• Purchase and sale agreements

• Employment agreements

• Partnership agreements

• Estate planning documents [Will, Living will, Powers of attorney, Trust documents (for

• trusts established by you or your spouse, and for trusts of which you are a beneficiary), Durable medical powers of attorney]

• Insurance coverage [Life insurance, Homeowner’s insurance, Umbrella liability, Car insurance, Long-term care insurance]