If your divorce is a litigated divorce, then you and your attorney will go through the process of discovery.  Discovery is not used in all cases, it is up to the attorney’s and clients if this process is necessary.  Discovery can be very time consuming and expensive, especially for the party who has little information about the finances of the parties.  Discovery is the process of gathering all information, generally financial information.  Discovery can be informal or formal.  Informal discovery is the process of attorney’s and the parties agreeing to share the information.  Formal discovery involves subpoenas and depositions.

Items that may be relevant to your divorce, either through formal or informal discovery:

1. Bank statements
2. Cancelled checks
3. Credit card statements
4. Retirement/financial account statements
5. Account statements on any major asset
6. Joint tax returns
7. Pay stubs
8. Mortgage information
9. Car loan information
10. Any other promissory notes, etc.