The Complete Divorce Paperwork Checklist
April 9, 2026
Divorce involves more paperwork than most people expect. It is not just the petition itself — it is bank statements, insurance policies, tax returns, account passwords, property records, and a dozen other categories of documents that attorneys, mediators, and courts will eventually ask for.
The hardest part is not finding any single document. It is figuring out what you need in the first place. This checklist breaks it down by category so you can work through it one section at a time — without trying to hold the entire list in your head.
Financial documents
These are typically requested first, whether you are working with an attorney or mediating.
Tax returns from the last three to five years. W-2s and 1099s for the same period. Pay stubs from the last three months. Bank statements — checking, savings, money market — for all accounts, joint and individual, going back at least 12 months. Credit card statements for all cards in your name or held jointly. Loan documents for any outstanding debts — auto loans, personal loans, student loans, lines of credit. A current credit report for yourself.
Property and assets
Mortgage statements or rental agreements. Property deeds or titles. Vehicle titles and registration. Recent appraisals for real estate, jewelry, or other high-value items. Investment account statements — brokerage accounts, stock certificates, bonds. Retirement account statements — 401(k), IRA, pension, annuity. Life insurance policies with current cash values. Business ownership documents, partnership agreements, or operating agreements if either spouse owns a business.
Insurance policies
Health insurance policy details and card. Auto insurance declarations page. Homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy. Life insurance policies — both term and whole life. Disability insurance policies. Any umbrella or supplemental policies.
Children and custody
If you have children, you will also need: birth certificates for each child, school enrollment records, childcare or after-school program agreements, medical records and immunization histories, any existing custody or support orders from a prior relationship, and a record of each child’s regular schedule — school, extracurriculars, medical appointments.
Legal and identity documents
Your marriage certificate. Prenuptial or postnuptial agreements. Any existing court orders — protective orders, temporary custody orders, separation agreements. Both spouses’ Social Security numbers. Driver’s licenses or state IDs. Passports for all family members.
Household and ongoing expenses
A list of monthly household expenses — mortgage or rent, utilities, groceries, subscriptions, childcare, medical costs, and insurance premiums. This does not need to be perfect on day one, but having a working budget helps you and your attorney understand what post-divorce finances will look like.
How to work through this
Do not try to gather everything in one sitting. Pick one category per day. Start with whatever feels most manageable. Make copies of everything — digital copies stored somewhere your spouse does not have access to. If you cannot find a document, write down what is missing and move on. Your attorney can help you request what you need through formal discovery if necessary.
The goal is not perfection. The goal is having enough organized information that you — and whoever is helping you — can make informed decisions about your future.
Lumeway’s Asset & Property Inventory Worksheet gives you a structured place to document everything you own and owe — organized by category, with space for account numbers, balances, and notes. The Divorce Attorney Preparation Checklist helps you walk into your first meeting with the right documents in hand. Both are available in the Divorce & Separation bundle.
One category at a time. You will get through this.
This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or medical advice. Document requirements vary by state and jurisdiction. Consult a licensed attorney for guidance specific to your situation.