Financial Records Checklist
A detailed list of financial documents and records needed to ensure full disclosure and accurate calculations for property division, child support, and spousal support.
Checklist
Gather statements for every checking, savings, money market, and certificate of deposit account held by either spouse, whether individual or joint. Look for unusual withdrawals, transfers, or deposits that may indicate hidden assets or dissipation of marital funds.
Collect recent pay stubs for both spouses. For self-employed individuals, gather profit and loss statements, 1099 forms, and business bank statements. Income documentation is the foundation of child support and spousal support calculations.
Obtain the most recent statements for all retirement accounts including 401(k), 403(b), IRA, Roth IRA, pension plans, and deferred compensation. Note the account balance as of the date of marriage (if available) and the current balance, as only the marital portion is subject to division.
Gather statements for all taxable investment accounts, brokerage accounts, stock option records, restricted stock unit agreements, and cryptocurrency holdings. Include the cost basis of investments, as this affects the after-tax value of the assets.
Collect statements for all credit cards held by either spouse. Review for spending patterns, large purchases, cash advances, and any accounts you may not have known about. Credit card debt incurred during the marriage is generally considered marital debt.
Gather the most recent mortgage statement showing the principal balance, interest rate, and monthly payment. If there is a home equity line of credit (HELOC), include those statements as well. These are needed to calculate the equity in the marital home.
Collect documentation for all outstanding loans including auto loans, student loans, personal loans, and lines of credit. Note the original amount, current balance, monthly payment, and whose name is on each loan. Student loans may be treated differently depending on your state.
Whole life, universal life, and variable life insurance policies accumulate cash value that is considered a marital asset. Contact the insurance company to obtain a current statement showing the cash surrender value. Term life policies do not have cash value but may be relevant to support obligations.
Access your Social Security statements at ssa.gov to review your earnings history and estimated benefits. A spouse married for 10 years or more may be eligible for Social Security benefits based on the other spouse's earnings record, which can affect long-term financial planning.
If either spouse owns a business, gather business tax returns, profit and loss statements, balance sheets, and accounts receivable reports for the past 3 to 5 years. These are essential for business valuation and for verifying the business owner's true income.
Tips
- 💡Download digital copies of all statements from online banking and investment portals before your spouse potentially changes passwords or locks you out of shared accounts.
- 💡Create a simple spreadsheet listing all financial accounts with the institution name, account type, account number, and current balance to give your attorney a clear overview.
- 💡Do not hide assets or move money to avoid division — courts can and do impose penalties for financial dishonesty, including awarding a larger share to the other spouse.
- 💡If you suspect your spouse is hiding assets, inform your attorney immediately so they can use discovery tools and potentially hire a forensic accountant.
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Common questions about this checklist
Yes. Both spouses have a legal obligation to provide full and honest financial disclosure during divorce. Failing to disclose accounts, even small ones, can result in penalties, sanctions, or reopening of the settlement if discovered later. Full disclosure protects you legally and builds credibility with the court.
Start with what you know and use your tax returns as a guide — look for interest income, dividend income, and capital gains that indicate accounts you may not be aware of. Your attorney can use formal discovery to require your spouse to disclose all accounts. A forensic accountant can also trace assets and identify undisclosed accounts.