Michael E. Byczek, Attorney at Law

		Checklist of Information for a Dissolution of Marriage Not all of the following information is required on the first day. Some details, such as race, is for the initial filing with the Court for Cook County statistical purposes. All of the information will need to be at least discussed prior to settlement negotiations to present a preliminary offer and for both sides to fully understand marital property, child custody, and support provisions regarding divorce. It does seem like a long list of details. However, divorce has been compared to a funeral. During the marriage, the husband and wife were a single legal unit with regard to finances, property, and children. When that marriage ceases to exist, the single unit must be split into two separate and distinct families. This checklist gives you an idea of how an attorney will safeguard your financial future. A formal checklist will be provided to you prior to the first face-to-face meeting to save time and give you an opportunity to gather the essential details to start the divorce case. Wife and Husband - Full name - Age / Date of Birth - State of Birth - Social Security Number - Address - Employment / Income - How long lived in the County and State - Date of marriage - Location of marriage - Race (i.e. whether of and nature of Hispanic origin) - Number of times married - If not the first marriage, reason why previous marriage ended and when - Education (highest grade completed) - Whether in military service If fault-based divorce, facts to be used as evidence (i.e. physical violence or adultery) Date began living separate and apart Whether any other Petitions for Dissolution pending anywhere else Whether there are any children, adoptions, or if the wife is pregnant Marital property Non-marital property Real Estate (and mortgage information) Marital and personal debts (i.e. credit cards, personal loans, and student loans) Automobiles, boats, and RVs (and loan information) Whether desire the other side to reimburse for attorney fees Whether desire maintenance (alimony) Maiden or former name Retirement/Pension Accounts Bank Accounts (i.e. checking or savings) Stocks, bonds, or other investment securities Any lawsuits pending or may be filed against the husband and wife jointly Health care and life insurance policies Auto insurance policies Medical expenses Whether the husband or wife own a business Whether any property should be sold instead of distributed Whether filed joint or individual federal and state tax returns Whether any orders of protection have been issued Pets Fertility Assistance (i.e. unused/frozen embryos) Military, social security, or other benefits Frequent flyer miles Rent or lease agreements Utilities (i.e. electric, water, and gas) Services (i.e. telephone, cellphones, Internet, and cable/satellite television) Wills, trusts, or other estate plans Any other financial account, property or other issues that need to be finalized If you have children, additional information will be necessary throughout the process Children names, dates of birth, and social security numbers How long children lived in Illinois Whether seeking sole or joint custody Where the children will live after the divorce Visitation rights and schedules Holiday and school vacation schedules Cost of activities the children are currently or soon will be engaged in (i.e. music, athletics, etc) Babysitting or other child care arrangements Other relatives with whom to arrange visitation (i.e. grandparents) Full contact information for both parents, including e-mail addresses Schools the children are currently attending Whether children would benefit from additional tutoring Particular religious training How to handle new relationships (i.e. introducing a dating partner to the children) Whether parents are currently using mediators for parenting issues Whether seeking child support, or joint expenses Parent’s driver license numbers (for child support) Mother and Father’s income If children are over 18 years of age and still in high school Whether children under 18 years of age are married or self-supporting Whether children under 18 years of age are currently pursuing college education Colleges that the children are currently considering for enrollment Education savings account or other means the parents might have started saving for college Which parent (or both) has major medical coverage either through employment or otherwise Health care insurance policies that cover the children Life insurance policies (and amount) with the children named beneficiaries Medical conditions, medications, etc that the children currently experience Copyright © 2008-2009. Michael E. Byczek. All Rights Reserved.