Are You Preparing for Divorce in Florida? Get Your Financial Documents Together

Divorce is a complex and emotionally fraught process. To ensure that your legal rights and financial interests are fully protected during your divorce, it is imperative that you get yourself organized as soon as possible. Among other things, you will need to get all of your financial documents and records in order. Under the Florida Family Law Rules of Procedure (Rule 12.285), all parties to a divorce are required make certain financial disclosures.

In addition to the legal requirements, you need to get your paperwork organized so that you can work towards a divorce settlement that actually protects your financial interests. The sooner you gather your financial records, the better off you will be. In this post, our experienced Orlando divorce lawyer offers an overview of the financial documents that could be important in your case.

Florida Divorce: Important Financial Records and Documents

When it comes to divorce, there is no such thing as being too prepared. The best thing that you can do to protect yourself is to carefully get all of your financial records in order immediately. In some cases, you may already have these documents in a folder. In other cases, you may need to do some research to get your hands on the paperwork. Notable examples of important financial documents and records include:

• Current Account Statements: Bank statements, investment account statements, 401(k)s, Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), etc.
• Income Records and Tax Returns: At least six months worth of pay stubs, individual tax returns for at least three years, business tax returns of at least three years, etc.
• Recurring Bills and Debts: Student loans, mortgage loans, car loans, credit card statements, utility bills, a monthly basic budget, etc.
• Property Information: Primary real estate records, secondary real estate records, basic accounting of your valuables, documents related to trusts, etc.
• Insurance Policy Records: Cash value of life insurance policies, Social Security statements, etc.

Of course, the information listed above is just a basic selection of documents and records that could be relevant in a Florida divorce case. In your specific circumstance, there may be many other types of documentation that will be material to the case. Ultimately, you should provide your lawyer will any financial documents or records that you believe may offer additional insight into your situation. With full information in hand, your lawyer will be able to begin building a strong legal case to help you get a fair share of the marital assets. 

Contact Our Central Florida Divorce Lawyer Today

At the Law Offices of Steve W. Marsee, P.A., our experienced Orlando divorce lawyer has deep experience handling complex marital separation cases. If you are getting divorced in Florida, we are here to help you.

For immediate family law guidance, please call us today at 407-521-7171 to schedule a fully private legal consultation. With an office in Orlando, our law firm represents clients throughout Orange County, including in Belle Island, Windermere, Maitland, and Winter Garden.

Resource:

phonl.com/fl_law/rules/famlawrules/famrul12285.htm