Family law attorneys in Pennsylvania will need plenty of information from clients before moving forward with divorce proceedings. Some of this information may include marital assets, joint debt owed by the couple, property valuations and more. The documents that reveal this information will often fall into one of several categories.
The first category of documents of interest to divorce attorneys is related to income. These documents may include the previous year’s paycheck stubs for both spouses, any information regarding business expenses and tax information.
A divorce attorney will also need documentation for any real estate owned by the couple. This documentation includes mortgage information and anything tied to the initial purchase of a property. Any statements from a tax assessor or information regarding a refinance of the property may also be useful.
Bank statements and investment account information will help an attorney develop a good understanding of the finances involved with a divorce. Divorcees should also provide their attorney with any information regarding life insurance policies for either spouse or children produced through the marriage. This information is equally important whether the insurance policy exists through a private insurance carrier or part of an employer-based plan.
The efforts of a divorce attorney also receive a boost from the knowledge of shared debt that is part of a marriage. An itemized list provided to the attorney should include money owed for credit cards, medical bills and other unsecured debt.
Title and registration information for any cars owned by the couple are also relevant. This information is necessary for any vehicles, farm equipment, boats, snowmobiles, ATVs or other vehicles owned by one or both of the spouses.
Finally, the attorney should receive any information available regarding pension and retirement funds. These funds can include 401(k) plans, IRAs and mutual funds.
Dividing the assets of a marriage can become a complicated process in some cases. This process is complicated further by the emotional attachment that spouses may develop to some of these possessions. Individuals involved with the divorce process may enjoy a better chance for a favorable outcome by speaking with an experienced divorce attorney.