What Records Will I Need for My Divorce in Pennsylvania?

Getting ready for a divorce in Pennsylvania involves gathering several forms of documentation. Since collecting all the necessary records can take time, we recommend starting the process sooner rather than later.

That said, the specific records you need will depend on your circumstances. So, while the list below should serve as a starting point, you should rely on something other than this list. When you sit down with a divorce lawyer one-on-one, your lawyer will be able to walk you through the additional records that you need to gather for your divorce.

10 Important Records You Will Need for Your Divorce in Pennsylvania

What records will you need for your divorce in Pennsylvania? Here is a list of 10 essential records you will need to start the process and make informed decisions along the way:

1. Marriage License or Certificate

As discussed in a previous post, the date of your marriage is vital in determining which assets are subject to equitable distribution during the divorce process. While there are exceptions, the general rule is that anything you own before marriage is yours to keep after marriage ends. With this in mind, even if you know your anniversary, you will need documentation of your marriage date for your divorce.

2. Property Records (Deed and Mortgage)

You will need copies of your property-related records as well. If you own your home, this will include copies of your deed and mortgage papers. If you own a vacation home or any investment properties, you will also need the deeds and loan documents for these properties.

3. Vehicle Records (Lease Agreement or Title and Auto Loan)

Likewise, you should track down the paperwork related to any vehicles you and/or your spouse lease or own. For most couples, real estate and cars are among the most substantial assets they must address during divorce. Regardless of how you and your spouse ultimately decide to address these assets—or what the court orders if you and your spouse aren’t able to come to terms—you will need to have these documents available.

4. Bank Account Statements

You also want to ensure you have copies of your most recent bank account statements. These will be important for a few reasons. First, the money in your accounts qualifies as property that is (most likely) subject to equitable distribution. Second, your account statements will indicate the monthly income you and your spouse deposit, which will be necessary for alimony. Third, your account statements will also document your monthly expenses—which can come into play in various ways.

5. Retirement and Investment Account Statements

Along with your bank account statements, you should also collect copies of your most recent retirement account statements and the statements for any other accounts you and/or your spouse own. These are also assets that are (most likely) subject to division—or at least partially subject to division if you and/or your spouse contributed to accounts that one of you opened before the date of your marriage.

6. Credit Card Statements and Documentation of Other Debts

If you and/or your spouse have credit card debt, student loans, personal loans, or other debts that are currently outstanding, you should also collect documentation of these debts. Just like assets, debts are subject to equitable division during the divorce process in Pennsylvania.

7. W-2s or 1099s and Income Tax Returns

You will need proof of your and your spouse’s income for your divorce. Both spouses must make financial disclosures at the outset of the divorce process, and you will need your income records to ensure that you disclose your income appropriately. Collecting copies of your spouse’s income records will also help you (or your divorce lawyer) confirm that your spouse is disclosing everything he or she is supposed to.

8. Inventory of Personal Property

Along with gathering pre-existing records, it will be helpful for you to create a few documents as you prepare for the divorce process. For example, one document you will want to create is an inventory of your personal property. An excellent way to start is by walking around your home with a pad and pencil and writing down everything you see—from furniture and appliances to clothing and wall hangings. Consider your intangible property, including digital photo libraries, music libraries, and other similar property types.

9. Receipts or Other Proof of Purchase/Receipt

For any items you believe are your “separate” property (and therefore not subject to equitable distribution), you should also try to track down your receipts, online order confirmations, or other proof of purchase. Likewise, if you have received any gifts or inheritance items that you believe should be yours to keep, you should also try to track down any relevant documentation. These records will help you avoid any questions regarding whether or not these items should be on the table in your divorce.

10. Accounting of Monthly Expenses

Creating an account of your monthly expenses would also be helpful. When it comes to alimony and child support, clearly understanding what you spend each month will help you make informed decisions based on your (or your child’s) future needs.

Again, these are just examples. Depending on your personal circumstances, you may need various other forms of documentation to navigate the divorce process successfully. Schedule a free consultation today to learn more about the records you will need for your divorce.

Request a Free Consultation with Stroudsburg Divorce Lawyer Gary J. Saylor, II

If you would like to schedule a free consultation about filing for divorce in Pennsylvania, we invite you to contact us. To request an appointment with Stroudsburg divorce lawyer Gary J. Saylor, II, please call 570-620-5478 or tell us how we can reach you online today.