Getting organized before filing for divorce saves time, reduces stress, and helps ensure nothing gets overlooked. Here’s your complete checklist of the 10 categories of documents you’ll need.
1. Marriage Certificate
You’ll need a copy of your marriage certificate (or marriage license). If you can’t find yours, order a certified copy from the county where you were married or from the California Department of Public Health.
Why it’s needed: Proves the marriage exists and confirms the date and location of marriage.
2. Personal Identification
- Valid government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport)
- Social Security numbers for both spouses
- Social Security numbers for all minor children
- Birth certificates for minor children
Why it’s needed: Required for court forms, child support calculations, and UCCJEA declarations.
3. Income Documentation
For the past 2 years: – W-2 forms – Federal and state tax returns (all schedules) – Pay stubs (most recent 2 months) – Self-employment records and profit/loss statements – 1099 forms – K-1 forms (if applicable) – Social Security benefit statements – Disability or workers’ comp benefit statements – Pension or retirement income statements – Investment income records
Why it’s needed: The Income and Expense Declaration (FL-150) requires detailed income information. Child support and spousal support calculations are based on actual income.
4. Bank and Financial Account Statements
For all accounts (joint and individual) — past 12 months: – Checking account statements – Savings account statements – Money market accounts – Certificates of deposit – Investment/brokerage account statements – Cryptocurrency records (if applicable)
Why it’s needed: The Schedule of Assets and Debts (FL-142) requires current balances and account details for every financial account.
5. Real Property Documents
- Mortgage statements
- Property tax statements
- Deeds and titles
- Homeowner’s insurance policies
- Appraisals or estimated values
- Home equity loan statements
- Rental property leases and income records
Why it’s needed: Real property is typically the largest community asset and must be properly valued and divided.
6. Debt Records
- Credit card statements (all cards, joint and individual)
- Personal loan statements
- Student loan statements
- Medical bills
- Auto loan statements
- Any other outstanding debts
- Credit report — Pull a current credit report to identify all debts
Why it’s needed: Debts acquired during the marriage are community obligations split 50/50 in California, just like assets.
7. Retirement and Pension Records
- 401(k) statements
- IRA statements
- Pension plan statements and benefit estimates
- Deferred compensation plan documents
- Military retirement records
Why it’s needed: Retirement accounts earned during the marriage are community property. Dividing them may require a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO).
8. Insurance Policies
- Health insurance cards and policy details
- Life insurance policies (term and whole life)
- Auto insurance policies
- Homeowner’s/renter’s insurance
- Disability insurance
- Long-term care insurance
Why it’s needed: Health insurance for children must be addressed in the divorce. Life insurance policies with cash value are community assets.
9. Vehicle and Personal Property Records
- Vehicle titles and registration
- Vehicle loan statements
- Kelley Blue Book values for all vehicles
- Inventory of valuable personal property (jewelry, art, collections, electronics)
- Storage unit records
Why it’s needed: All vehicles and significant personal property must be listed on the Schedule of Assets and Debts.
10. Business Records (If Applicable)
- Business tax returns (2 years)
- Profit and loss statements
- Business bank account statements
- Partnership or operating agreements
- Business valuation (if available)
- Articles of incorporation/organization
Why it’s needed: Businesses started during the marriage — or business growth during the marriage — may be community property.
The Printable Checklist
- ☐ Marriage certificate
- ☐ Personal IDs and Social Security numbers
- ☐ Birth certificates for children
- ☐ 2 years of tax returns
- ☐ Recent pay stubs
- ☐ 12 months of bank statements (all accounts)
- ☐ Mortgage/property documents
- ☐ All debt records and credit report
- ☐ Retirement account statements
- ☐ Insurance policies
- ☐ Vehicle titles and values
- ☐ Business records (if applicable)
Don’t Have Everything? That’s OK.
If you can’t access some of these documents (especially if your spouse controls the finances), you can still file for divorce. During the financial disclosure process, your spouse is legally required to provide their financial information. If they refuse, the court can compel production.
How Superior Court Docs Can Help
Once you’ve gathered your documents, Superior Court Docs transforms them into a complete, court-ready divorce package — every form, every disclosure, every attachment. Starting at $599.
📞 Call (213) 973-7248 or get started today.
Related: The Complete Guide to Divorce in California | California Divorce Forms Explained | 7 Mistakes That Delay Your Divorce
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