Divorce Financial Checklist
A comprehensive list of the financial information and documents to gather before divorce mediation or negotiation. The more complete your financial picture, the more productive — and less expensive — your sessions will be.
Note: This checklist is for organizational guidance only. It is not legal advice. Laws governing what constitutes marital property vary by state. Consult a qualified attorney or financial professional for advice specific to your situation.
Why Financial Preparation Matters
Financial disclosure is a core part of every divorce — both parties are typically required to provide a complete picture of their financial situation. Starting that process early, on your own terms, gives you control and reduces the time and cost spent gathering information during mediation or legal proceedings. It also reduces conflict caused by incomplete or disputed financial data.
Income and Employment
A clear picture of both parties' income is essential for calculating support obligations and understanding each person's financial capacity.
- Recent pay stubs (last 2–3 months) for each party
- Federal and state tax returns (last 3 years)
Include all schedules, especially if self-employed
- W-2 forms (last 3 years)
- 1099 forms for freelance, contract, or investment income
- Self-employment income documentation (P&L statements, business tax returns)
For business owners
- Proof of any rental income
- Documentation of any other regular income sources
Bank Accounts and Savings
List every account held individually or jointly, with recent statements showing current balances.
- Checking account statements (last 3–6 months) for all accounts
- Savings account statements for all accounts
- Money market account statements
- Certificates of deposit (CDs)
- Any other cash or liquid savings
Investments and Brokerage Accounts
Investment accounts are marital assets if contributions were made during the marriage, regardless of whose name is on the account.
- Recent statements for all brokerage or investment accounts
- Stock or bond holdings
- Mutual fund accounts
- Cryptocurrency holdings
Retirement Accounts
Retirement accounts accumulated during the marriage are typically marital property and may need to be divided. This can require a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO) — consult your attorney.
- 401(k) or 403(b) statements for each party
- IRA statements (Traditional, Roth, SEP-IRA) for each party
- Pension plan information — estimated monthly benefit, vesting status
- Any deferred compensation or stock option plans
- Social Security benefit estimates for each party
Real Estate and Property
Accurate valuations and clear ownership records are essential for dividing real property fairly.
- Primary residence address and estimated current market value
- Mortgage statement showing current balance and monthly payment
- Any recent appraisals or property tax assessments
- Property title or deed
- Vacation homes, rental properties, or other real estate (same information for each)
Vehicles
Document each vehicle owned, its approximate value, and any loans against it.
- Year, make, and model of each vehicle
- Estimated current value (check Kelley Blue Book or a dealer quote)
- Auto loan statements showing balance owed (if any)
- Vehicle titles
Debts and Liabilities
Joint debts are typically shared responsibility. Knowing the full picture of liabilities is as important as knowing the assets.
- Credit card statements for all joint and individual cards
- Personal loan balances and statements
- Student loan statements for each party
- Medical debts
- Business debts (if applicable)
- Any other outstanding liabilities
Insurance
Insurance policies may have cash value or represent ongoing obligations.
- Life insurance policies — type (term/whole), face value, cash value if any
- Health insurance — current coverage, premium amounts
Track It All in Divorce Navigator
Instead of managing this checklist across spreadsheets, emails, and folders, use Divorce Navigator to record your assets, debts, income, and expenses in one structured workspace. Both parties can access the same information, and your mediator can review it before sessions.