1. Petition for Dissolution of Marriage:
This document is a legal form that must be filled out by the petitioners in order to initiate the divorce process. It includes information about both parties, such as their names, addresses, and date of marriage. It also contains a description of the grounds for divorce, which can vary from irreconcilable differences to adultery.
2. Income and Expense Statement:
This document contains information about the income and expenses of both parties during their marriage, including wages, rental properties, investments, and tax deductions. This form must be filled out honestly in order to provide an accurate assessment of each party’s financial situation.
3. Financial Disclosure Statements:
These statements provide a detailed account of all assets and debts held by each party throughout the marriage. These documents are essential for determining marital property division as part of the divorce settlement agreement.
4. Appraisal or Valuation Reports (if any):
If either party is seeking a portion of the other's real estate or business interests as part of the divorce settlement, it may be necessary to obtain an appraisal or valuation report. This document provides an estimate of the current market value for these types of assets.
5. Property Settlement Agreement between the parties (if any):
If both parties are able to come to an agreement on how their marital property will be divided, they can create a legal document known as a Property Settlement Agreement that outlines these arrangements and is signed by both parties. This document should detail who will receive what portion of marital property (such as real estate, bank accounts, investments) and should also include provisions regarding child support and/or spousal maintenance payments if applicable.
6. Child Custody and Visitation Order (if applicable):
If the couple has minor children, a child custody and visitation order will be required. This document outlines how parenting time and responsibilities will be divided between both parents as well as any other important details related to their children’s welfare.
7. Child Support Worksheet and Order (if applicable):
In some cases, one party may be obligated to pay the other party an amount of money each month for the support of their children. A Child Support Worksheet must be completed in order to determine the amount of this payment, which is then included in a court-ordered document known as a Child Support Order.
8. Spousal Maintenance Orders/Decree (if applicable):
Similar to child support, spousal maintenance is an amount of money that one party may be obligated to pay the other in order to help cover their living expenses. A court-ordered document known as a Spousal Maintenance Order or Decree will outline the specifics of this payment.
9. Health Insurance Coverage Orders/Decree (if applicable):
In some instances, one party may be required to provide health insurance coverage for either themselves or their children through their employer. If so, a Health Insurance Coverage Order or Decree must be created and included in the divorce documents.
10. Tax Returns, W-2 Forms, 1099 Forms, Pay Stub Records of both Parties during the marriage:
It is important to provide the court with copies of any tax returns, W-2 forms, 1099 forms, and pay stub records that pertain to both parties during the marriage. This information will be vital in determining division of assets and debts as part of the divorce settlement agreement.
11. Retirement Account Information such as 401Ks, IRA Accounts, Pension Plans, etc.:
Any retirement accounts held by either party must be included in the divorce documents. This includes 401Ks, IRA accounts, pension plans, and other types of retirement savings vehicles. This information is essential for ensuring that these assets are properly divided as part of the divorce settlement agreement.
12. Bank Statements, Mortgage and Loan Documents:
In order to ensure that all assets and debts are accounted for, copies of any bank statements, mortgage documents, loan documents and other relevant financial records must be provided. This information is necessary in order to accurately assess the value of marital property as part of the divorce agreement.
13. Mortgage Documents (if applicable):
If either party owns a home, then copies of all mortgage documents must be provided to the court. This includes information regarding payments, interest rates, loan terms, and other relevant details.
14. Automobile Loan Documents (if applicable):
If either party owns an automobile, then copies of any loan documents must be included in the divorce documents. This includes information regarding payments, interest rates, loan terms, and other relevant details.