Before You File: The 7 Documents Future-You Will Thank You For Gathering

Most people don’t prepare for divorce - they react to it. And a common reaction is a sudden, panicked urge to "get organized". Printing everything, downloading years of statements, staying up all night organizing folders that no one has actually asked for yet.

Let's slow that down. It's important to get organized for a divorce, but you need to know what to look for, rather than scrambling for every last receipt and record.

The 7 Documents to Gather (and why they matter)

1. The Last 3 Years of Tax Returns

This is the backbone of everything. Tax returns give a full-picture view of:

• Income

• Deductions

• Business interests

Tax returns often resolve disputes faster than piecemeal statements. If you can only get one thing, get this.

2. Recent Pay Stubs (Both of You, If Available)

Pay stubs show what’s actually happening now, not just what’s reported annually.

They matter for:

• Child support calculations

• Spousal support discussions

• Understanding cash flow

You don’t need years of these. A few recent ones are enough.

3. Bank Account Statements (Last 6–12 Months)

This is where patterns live.

Not to “catch” anyone, but to understand:

• Household spending

• Transfers between accounts

• What it actually costs to run your life

This is especially important if you’ve never managed the day-to-day finances yourself.

4. Credit Card Statements

Credit cards often tell a more honest story than budgets.

They show:

• Ongoing obligations

• Hidden subscriptions

• Debt that doesn’t feel real yet

Knowing what exists prevents nasty surprises later, especially when accounts are frozen or divided.

5. Mortgage Statements or Property Documents

If you own property together, you’ll want:

• The most recent mortgage statement

• Property tax info

• Any appraisal you already have

This helps future-you understand whether keeping the house is realistic or not.

6. Investment & Retirement Account Statements

RRSPs, pensions, TFSAs, RESPs — these are often overlooked early and become stressful later.

You’re not valuing or dividing anything yet.
You’re simply identifying what exists.

Future-you will be grateful for clarity instead of scrambling.

7. Insurance Policies (Life, Health, Disability)

Insurance is boring — until it’s not.

Policies matter for:

• Beneficiary designations

• Coverage during separation

• Long-term security

You don’t need to make changes now. You just need to know what’s in place.

What You Don’t Need to Do Yet

Let’s be clear about what is not required at this stage:

• You do not need to analyze everything or make any decisions

• You do not need to send this to a lawyer today

• You do not need to confront your spouse

Gathering information is not the same as taking action.

A Final Word (Read This Twice)

Getting organized out of panic often leads to expensive legal decisions made too early.

Getting organized with intention leads to:

• Better questions

• Shorter legal meetings

• Fewer “emergency” emails

• Lower overall costs

Future-you doesn’t need you to rush. She needs you to be steady.

If you want support deciding what matters now vs. what can wait, that’s where having financial guidance before and alongside legal advice can make all the difference.