Many underestimate how important preparation and organization are when going through a divorce. Understanding what documents are necessary for this process is critical to helping this process go smoothly and mitigate delays. If you’re unsure what documents you need to file for divorce and what information you should provide your Somerset County divorce attorney, the following blog can help. Read on to learn more about the formal divorce papers you must file and what paperwork you should begin gathering to help you stay organized during this process.
What Documents Do I Need for My Divorce?
Generally, to file for divorce, you’ll find that there is a specific set of forms you must file. These are filed with the court to initiate the divorce process, and copies of these documents are then served to your spouse if you’re the one who filed.
These documents include your complaint for divorce, which states the counts on which you are filing and what the filer has asked for from the court regarding child custody, alimony, and property division. Also included in these documents is the summons, which is the formal notice to the respondent that they have been served and contains instructions on filing a response.
New Jersey also requires other documents that you must file with the courts when submitting your divorce petition. This includes a Certification of Insurance Coverage, which lists all active insurance policies at the time of your divorce, a Family Part Case Information Statement which covers financial information, and the Confidential Litigant Information Sheet which includes personal information about you and your spouse. The Confidential Litigant Information Sheet will not be sent to your spouse but instead kept on file by the court.
Should I Gather Other Paperwork?
In addition to filing the necessary documents with the courts as a means of initiating your divorce, there is additional paperwork you can gather to help keep your divorce organized. During the divorce process, you’ll need to provide your attorney with a considerable amount of information, and organizing it towards the beginning of this process is critical to preventing unnecessary delays.
As such, you’ll want to gather the following documents:
- Tax returns
- Pay stubs
- Banking statements
- Credit card information
- Mortgages, titles, and deeds to property
- Information from lenders about loans and debts
Additionally, if you have businesses or rental properties, you’ll need to gather documentation about these assets. In addition to gathering these documents, you should also begin calculating your shared living expenses, as this can help determine alimony and child support amounts. Your attorney can examine your financial information to help you calculate your living expenses.
Going through a divorce is not only an emotional process but a document-heavy one as well. As such, it’s in your best interest to connect with an experienced attorney if you are considering filing for divorce or your spouse has served you. At the Siragusa Law Firm, we understand how difficult these matters can be, which is why we can help you navigate the legal complexities of these matters. Our firm will do everything possible to make this process as smooth as possible so you can begin the next chapter of your life on the right foot. Contact us today to learn more.
