Filing for divorce can feel overwhelming, but having the right paperwork in order will make the process much smoother.
From financial documents to property records, getting everything in place beforehand helps avoid delays and ensures the process goes as smoothly as possible.
Here’s your checklist of essential documents to gather before filing for divorce.
1. Marriage Certificate
First things first, you’ll need your marriage certificate. Without this, you won’t be able to start the divorce process. The original certificate, or a certified copy, is required when you file. If you’ve misplaced it, don’t panic.
You can request a copy from the General Register Office (GRO) or local register office. It’s a straightforward process but can take a bit of time, so it’s wise to get this sorted early on.
“Without your marriage certificate, you can’t start the process, so this should be top of your checklist.”
2. Proof of Income and Employment Details
When it comes to divorce, finances are front and centre, and a clear picture of each spouse’s income is essential. You’ll need to gather documents that show proof of income, such as pay slips, P60 forms, and tax returns.
This applies to both partners and should include any self-employment income, bonuses, or additional earnings.
These documents are crucial for determining spousal maintenance or child support, so it’s important to have up-to-date information on hand.
If you’re unsure where to start, begin by collecting your most recent pay slips, as well as employment contracts or letters outlining your salary.
“Knowing each other’s income is vital for working out a fair financial settlement, so make sure you have up-to-date information.”
3. Bank Statements and Financial Accounts
Another essential item on your checklist is bank statements. You’ll need recent statements from both joint and individual accounts.
This includes current accounts, savings accounts, and any loans or overdrafts. It’s important to gather these statements going back at least 12 months to show a clear picture of your financial situation.
Make sure to check for any joint accounts you may have forgotten about, as these will need to be included in the financial disclosure.
Knowing exactly what’s in the accounts—and what’s owed—will help ensure that assets are divided fairly and transparently.
“Your bank statements are a snapshot of your financial situation—make sure you have access to both personal and joint accounts.”
4. Property and Mortgage Documents
If you own property—whether it’s the family home, a second property, or an investment—it’s important to have all the relevant paperwork in order.
This includes title deeds, mortgage statements, and any documents relating to ownership. If there are joint ownership agreements, make sure you have clear records of these.
Property ownership and the value of any homes will be a key part of your financial settlement.
Even if one person is planning to stay in the family home, having the right paperwork ready will help to streamline discussions on how property assets are divided.
Whether you own the property jointly or individually, it’s wise to have everything documented early on.
“Whether it’s the family home or an investment property, having the paperwork in hand will help avoid any surprises during the asset division.”
5. Pensions and Retirement Accounts
Pensions are often one of the most valuable assets in a divorce, yet they can be overlooked. Under UK law, pensions are considered part of the marital assets and can be subject to division during the divorce settlement.
It’s important to gather pension statements from both workplace and private pension providers.
You’ll need to provide a valuation of the pension, which may involve requesting a cash equivalent transfer value (CETV) from your pension provider.
This will help ensure that pensions are factored into the financial settlement, ensuring a fair division of retirement savings for both parties.
“Pensions are often overlooked, but they’re one of the most valuable assets in a divorce—don’t forget to include them in your paperwork.”
6. Legal Advice: When to Speak to Divorce Solicitors
Gathering all these documents might feel like a lot, but this is where divorce solicitors can offer invaluable guidance. A solicitor can help ensure you’ve gathered all the necessary paperwork and that nothing is missing.
They’ll also explain what to expect in terms of the financial settlement and assist in negotiations around asset division, spousal maintenance, or child arrangements.
“Local divorce solicitors can help ensure you’ve gathered all the necessary documents and that nothing important is overlooked. They’ll also explain what to expect during the financial settlement process.”
7. Debts and Liabilities
Divorce isn’t just about dividing assets—it’s also about fairly sharing any debts or liabilities. This includes credit card debts, loans, car finance, and any other outstanding debts.
Make sure you have up-to-date statements showing how much is owed and who is responsible for each debt. Both individual and joint debts need to be included in the financial disclosure process to avoid any misunderstandings later on.
“It’s not just about assets—debts are part of the picture too. Make sure you have all the necessary information.”
Getting Your Paperwork in Order for a Smoother Divorce
Divorce can be a complicated process, but getting your paperwork organised from the start will make things easier.
From your marriage certificate to bank statements, pensions, and debts, having everything in hand will help ensure that the process moves forward smoothly and fairly.
With the right documents in place, you’ll be better prepared to work through the legal and financial aspects of divorce—and ready for the next chapter.
“Having the right documents in hand before filing for divorce makes the process less stressful and helps ensure a fair outcome for everyone involved.”