What Documents You’ll Need Before Starting a Divorce in Arizona
Getting ready for a divorce is an often stressful and confusing process. What documents do you need to get started? What should you do to prepare. With the help of a legal paraprofessional, you don’t have to go through this process alone. Arizona law permits you to hire legal paraprofessional to help you get started on your divorce and avoid the high costs of an attorney.
At JNH Legal Services, PLLC, our legal paraprofessional is here to help you put together the documents you need for an Arizona divorce. Let him get started for you.
Personal and Marriage-Related Documents
To help prepare your divorce documents, your paraprofessional and the court will need documents such as:
- Your marriage certificate
- Proof that you lived in Arizona for the appropriate amount of time to establish residency
- Information that shows when you and your spouse separated
- Any prenuptial or postnuptial agreements, if applicable
Income and Employment Records
Financial disclosure is mandatory in every Arizona divorce. The court uses this information to calculate child support, determine spousal maintenance, and divide property.
- Recent pay stubs for the last three months
- W-2s and 1099s related to your employment
- Tax returns for the last two to three years
- Employment contracts or offer letters
- Business financials if either of you own a business
Bank, Investment, and Retirement Account Statements
Comprehensive financial documents help divide what you each own. Arizona is a community property state, so most assets owned during the marriage are split equally. Your legal paraprofessional will need information about:
- Checking accounts
- Savings accounts
- Investments and brokerage accounts
- Retirement account statements
- Life insurance policies
- Online accounts
- Cryptocurrency assets
Real Estate and Property Records
Dividing up property, especially real estate, is a big part of your case. You will need to provide information such as:
- Mortgage statements
- Property tax statements
- Home appraisals
- Market analyses
- Vehicle titles
- Vehicle loan documents
- Inventory of your personal property
With any of your property, you should also note if you owned any of it prior to your marriage, or if you inherited it. This could mean that it is still your separate property, and not subject to division in the divorce.
Debt and Liability Information
Debt is divided up just like property is. Generally, you’ll each be responsible for your fair allocation of the debt. The general assumption is that you both owe the debt equally, but the right documentation might show why that shouldn’t be the case.
You should provide debt-related information such as:
- Credit card statements
- Mortgage information
- Student loan documents
- Documentation of personal loans
- Lines of credit
- Collection notices, if any
- Medical bill invoices or other information
Documents Related to Children
If you have children together, it is crucial to provide the right documentation to establish parenting time and legal rights. This documentation can also help support a child support request. Documents to include are:
- Birth certificates
- School records, like report cards
- Childcare records, like daycare costs
- Health insurance information
- Parenting schedules or agreements you’ve reached, or would like to recommend
- Records of any special needs
- Child health information or known medical conditions
Additional Helpful Documents
While not always required, these records can strengthen your case and support financial or parenting claims.
- Communication Logs: Emails, texts, or messages relevant to parenting or financial issues.
- Police Reports or Protective Orders: Important in cases involving domestic violence.
- Estate Planning Documents: Wills, trusts, and powers of attorney that may need revision after divorce.
When to Consult an Arizona Legal Paraprofessional
A legal paraprofessional (LP) can help you analyze your case and determine the best path forward. Jason Halper, the founder of JNH Legal Services, PLLC, is a dedicated LP with years of experience helping clients find cost-effective and efficient solutions. He is an accomplished paraprofessional and author, writing “Licensed to Lead: A Comprehensive Guide to Emerging as a Legal Paraprofessional.”
A legal paraprofessional helps you prepare the appropriate documents and get ready to begin the divorce process in Arizona.
Work With an Arizona Legal Paraprofessional to Begin the Divorce Process
A legal paraprofessional can help you gather and prepare the necessary documentation needed to start your Arizona divorce.
Consult an experienced legal paraprofessional at JNH Legal Services, PLLC to learn more about how we can help. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
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