The Top 10 Things Every Long Islander Should Have Prior to Filing For Divorce

Clients often ask what they can do to protect themselves prior to filing for divorce. It is important that important documents are safeguarded prior to commencing a divorce action.

Too often, clients learn after serving his/her spouse that important documents have been taken, hidden or even destroyed. Many documents require time and money to collect once they are taken. Social security cards and passports can require an entire day’s investment of time, birth certificates can take weeks to receive.

The following documents should always be with you and in a safe place, but especially when you are thinking about divorce:

1. Passport;

2. Birth Certificate;

3. Social Security card;

4. Deeds to property;

5. Closing statements for owned property;

6. Titles to vehicles;

7. Statements showing the transfer of inheritance;

8. Copies of promissory notes;

9. Life insurance policy statements; and

10. Credit report.

(IMPORTANT: Where an original document is available, always take the original and leave a copy. Original documents are always preferred and even sometimes required by the evidence rules which dictate what your lawyer can and cannot show the judge.)

Not all of the above will apply to your situation. Further, you should not wait to have every single document before you see an attorney. Protecting yourself is the first step toward making the transition away from marriage as smooth as possible.

Katherine Ryan, Esq.

The Law Office of Katherine Ryan, P.C.

66 Split Rock Road

Syosset, New York 11791

(516) 444-3440

THIS ARTICLE IS AN OPINION ONLY AND IS NOT INTENDED TO SERVE AS LEGAL ADVICE OF ANY KIND.
READING OR RESPONDING TO THIS ARTICLE DOES NOT CREATE AN ATTORNEY CLIENT PRIVILEGE OR RELATIONSHIP WITH THE AUTHOR.  EVERY SITUATION IS DIFFERENT.  SPEAK TO AN ATTORNEY BEFORE MAKING IMPORTANT DIVORCE CHOICES.