PREPARE WITH LESS STRESS
Financial documents for an alimony consultation
A short, organized financial picture helps you use a legal consultation well. You do not need every record in hand before asking for help; start with what you can safely access.
Protect sensitive information. Ask the lawyer how to share records securely. Avoid sending account numbers, tax documents, or private financial records through an unverified link or ordinary email before you know the firm's process.
Income and employment
- Recent pay statements and year-to-date earnings
- Recent federal and state tax returns, including schedules if available
- W-2, 1099, or other income statements
- Information about bonuses, commissions, overtime, stock awards, or self-employment income
- Employment benefits such as health coverage, retirement contributions, and paid leave
- Recent job changes, time away from work, or education and training plans that may affect earning capacity
Monthly expenses and financial resources
- A realistic monthly budget for housing, utilities, food, transportation, insurance, health care, childcare, and debt payments
- Recent bank and investment account statements, where relevant
- Mortgage, rent, loan, and credit-card statements
- Retirement account and pension summaries
- Health insurance costs and recurring medical expenses
- Information about significant assets, debts, or changes in financial circumstances
Marriage, caregiving, and prior orders
- Marriage date and any separation date you are comfortable sharing
- A brief work and caregiving timeline for each spouse
- Information about education, training, health, or caregiving responsibilities that affected work or income
- Any prenuptial or postnuptial agreement you have
- Existing temporary or final court orders about support, custody, or expenses
- Upcoming filing deadlines, court dates, or major changes in circumstances
Build a one-page snapshot
For each item, note the amount, how often it is paid, and whether you know the source. Mark estimates clearly. Keep facts separate from questions—for example, “rent is $2,100 per month” is a fact, while “will the court count this expense?” is a question for counsel.
You can print the Alimony Path preparation checklist and add your notes. Bring only what is relevant, and follow your lawyer’s instructions about document sharing.
Questions to bring with the documents
- Which records are most important under the law in my state?
- Should I prepare a formal financial disclosure or court worksheet?
- What income or expenses should be documented in more detail?
- How should I handle incomplete records or information I cannot safely access?
- What deadlines apply to financial disclosures in my case?
Scope: This is a practical organization checklist, not a required court filing list. Requirements differ by state and court. For state law background, see the ABA’s 2026 family-law charts and verify local forms and instructions with the relevant court or an attorney.
Content checked October 13, 2026.