Despite your best efforts, the relationship between you and your former spouse just wasn’t meant to be. Divorce was your only feasible option, and the proceedings are about to commence. Is there anything that you can do to prepare?
During proceedings, you and your former spouse will need to settle a host of financial matters. Having documentation at the ready can help to back up your financial claims. What sort of documentation should you look out for?
Pay stubs
The family court in Tennessee applies the principle of equitable distribution. This means that they will attempt to reach settlements that are fair to all parties. They need an accurate picture of both you and your former spouse’s income to do this. The best way to show this is through pay stubs. Make sure you don’t throw them away. If you can’t locate them, check with your boss to see if other copies can be sent to you.
Joint accounts and debts
Debt obligations are also part of the equitable distribution process. Make sure you provide a record of all joint financial commitments and bank accounts. This way, you can walk away from proceedings, only having to pay an amount that is fair under the circumstances.
Property rights
If you own property, be sure to look out your title deeds. If there is a mortgage on your real estate, it will benefit you to offer the court copies of your mortgage statements. This way, they can see exactly when the real estate was purchased and who has been making financial contributions.
Divorce can be challenging, but with the right paperwork at hand, you can make the process run much more smoothly. If you have concerns about your legal rights, it may serve you to approach a knowledgeable party that can guide you through the procedure.