Documents You Need For Collaborative Divorce

When couples decide on a collaborative divorce, one of the first steps is gathering the right documents. Collaborative divorce works best when both sides are transparent and willing to share the information needed to make fair decisions. Armed with decades of legal experience, we have guided many families through this process, and preparation is always key to keeping the discussions productive. Contact us today to see how our Alameda County, CA collaborative divorce lawyer can help!

Financial Records

The foundation of any collaborative divorce is a clear picture of the couple’s finances. We ask clients to bring recent pay stubs, tax returns, bank account statements, and records of any other income sources. This information helps both spouses and their attorneys understand how money flows in the household and what resources are available. Without accurate financial records, discussions about support or property division can stall.

Property And Assets

It is also important to provide documentation for any assets owned jointly or separately. This may include deeds for real estate, car titles, retirement account statements, and investment account records. Even smaller assets, like valuable collections or personal property of significant worth, should be noted. Collaborative divorce relies on openness, and having these documents ready avoids disputes later about what exists or how much it is worth.

Debts And Liabilities

Couples often forget that divorce is not just about dividing assets but also about addressing debts. Mortgage statements, credit card balances, personal loans, and other liabilities need to be documented. When everyone has a clear view of outstanding debts, it becomes easier to agree on a fair way to allocate responsibility. This step prevents surprises down the road and creates a more balanced agreement.

Children’s Needs

If children are involved, documents related to their care are important as well. This may include school records, schedules, and information about health care costs. While these papers may not be as formal as bank statements or deeds, they help frame discussions about custody arrangements, visitation, and support. Having these records ready allows the collaborative team to consider the children’s needs in a practical way. Many couples desire to put their differences aside for a collaborative divorce when children are involved.

Legal Agreements

Some couples already have prenuptial or postnuptial agreements in place. These should always be shared during a collaborative divorce process. They can affect how property is divided or how certain financial matters are handled. Even if the couple agrees to adjust terms, having the original agreements available gives everyone a baseline to work from. Our attorney has experience working with all aspects of family law, including prenuptial agreements, and he can help you understand if any extra steps are needed if there are additional legal agreements in place.

Take The Next Step

If you are considering collaborative divorce, gathering the right documents early can make all the difference. We work with clients to identify what is needed and help them stay organized throughout the process. When you contact our Attorney Bernie today, he’ll be more than happy to answer any other collaborative divorce questions you have!