Your first divorce consultation can feel less stressful when you know what to bring. A Florida divorce lawyer can use your records to understand your finances and identify concerns. You don’t need a perfect file before asking for help.
Many records will also be needed for Florida’s mandatory disclosure process. Gathering them early can make the next steps easier, even if you’re still deciding whether to file.
What does mandatory disclosure mean?
Florida Family Law Rule 12.285 generally requires spouses to exchange certain financial records during divorce proceedings. This gives both sides information needed to address support and property division.
The usual deadline is 45 days after the initial petition is served on the respondent. Temporary financial hearings can require earlier disclosure. Your consultation doesn’t start that deadline, and your lawyer can explain any exceptions or extensions.
Which income records should I bring?
Gather complete personal income tax returns for the past three years, including schedules and attachments. Include any gift tax or foreign tax returns filed during those years. Bring your W-2s and 1099s too. Include any K-1s that apply, particularly if a return hasn’t been prepared.
Collect six months of pay stubs or other proof of earnings. Prepare a summary showing the amounts and sources of income that aren’t reflected on those stubs, such as rental income or benefit payments.
If you own an interest in a corporation or partnership, gather its tax returns for the past three years. Trust tax returns may also be needed if you have an interest in a trust.
Which account statements should I collect?
Start with twelve months of statements for checking and savings accounts. Include joint accounts and accounts that closed during that period. Gather canceled checks and check registers for accounts with check-writing privileges.
Bring twelve months of brokerage and retirement account statements, including the latest statements. Include retirement plan summaries where applicable. If you hold cryptocurrency, gather twelve months of transaction records and a list of current holdings.
These records help show what you own and how money has moved. Tell your lawyer about accounts held for your benefit under someone else’s name.
What should I bring for property and debts?
Bring deeds showing property interests held during the past three years and relevant leases. Gather documents showing money owed to you during the past twenty-four months.
Collect credit card statements and other debt records covering the past twenty-four months. Include loan agreements even if a loan has since been paid off.
Also gather loan applications and financial statements prepared or used during that period. Credit reports and financial aid forms may fall within these disclosure requirements too.
Which other records could be useful?
Bring any prenup or other written marital agreement. Include existing orders requiring either spouse to pay or receive child support or spousal support.
Gather life insurance declarations pages and policy certificates. Include the latest statement and statements for the past twelve months. Bring current health and dental insurance cards covering either spouse or dependent children.
If you believe property belongs to you separately, bring records supporting that claim. Documents showing an inheritance or ownership before marriage can help your lawyer evaluate it.
Do I need a financial affidavit?
A financial affidavit is a sworn statement describing your finances. It includes income and expenses, along with assets and debts.
The short form generally applies when your individual gross annual income is below $50,000. The long form applies at $50,000 or more. Your Florida divorce lawyer can explain which form you need and help you prepare it accurately.
You don’t have to finish it before your first meeting. Bring records of regular household expenses so your lawyer can help identify missing information.
What if I don’t have everything yet?
Bring what you have and explain what’s missing. If you’ve already received divorce papers, bring them too and note when they were served.
Organize copies by document type and date so they’re easier to review. Your lawyer can provide the full checklist for your case and explain how to obtain missing records.
To prepare for your next steps, speak with a Florida divorce lawyer at Ranson & Ranson. Call on (954) 915-1445 or reach out online to discuss your situation and what to bring to your consultation.
