Before your first meeting, a little preparation can make the process feel less overwhelming. Having the right documents and information on hand helps your attorney understand your situation quickly and guide you more effectively from day one. Here's what to bring with you.

Income & Tax Documents

• Last two years' tax returns, including Schedules.
• Proof of your current income and your spouse's income (last two months of pay stubs).

Bank & Credit Accounts

• Bank account statements as of the date of separation and current, individual or joint.
• Credit card statements as of the date of separation and current, individual or joint.

Retirement & Investments

• 401(k)s, pensions, IRAs, deferred compensation, annuities, and investment account statements as of the date of separation and current.
• Stock portfolios, options, and RSUs.
• Statements of employer benefits.

Property

• Real property documents, including Deed and current mortgage statement for each property (residential or commercial). Provide an appraisal and/or market comps if available.
• Vehicle registrations, Kelley Blue Book "private party" value reports, and current loan statements, if any.

Personal Property & Valuables

• A list of personal property or household items you believe will need to be valued in the division of property. These are valued at resale value, not purchase or replacement value. Items can be grouped by category rather than itemized individually.
• A list of art, collectibles, or jewelry of value, with appraisals or other proof of value.

Insurance & Estate Documents

• Life Insurance Declarations.
• Wills and other estate planning documents.

Debts

• Statements for any other debts, such as student loans, personal loans, or taxes owed.

Business Documents (if applicable)

• A year-to-date Profit & Loss Statement and the last two years' tax returns for your business.

Separate Property
Separate Property refers to assets or debts acquired before marriage, after the date of separation, or received as a gift or inheritance. If any of the above assets or debts fall into this category, please identify them.

Family Code & 2640 Reimbursement Claims
If you used Separate Property funds to purchase or improve Community Property, provide documentation tracing those funds back to their Separate Property source, along with proof of the funds paid.