DIY Divorce

DIY Divorce Exhibit Guide

Essential documents for uncontested divorce filings. Organize your financial records, agreements, and supporting documents for a smoother process.

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Important: This guide is an informational resource prepared to the best of our knowledge and does not constitute legal advice for your specific situation. You remain responsible for all due diligence and ensuring that your filings conform to applicable court rules. For legal advice about your specific case, consult with a licensed attorney or your local court's self-help center.

An uncontested divorce where both parties agree can often be completed without attorneys, but proper documentation is essential. Courts require specific financial disclosures and supporting documents. This guide helps you gather everything needed to complete your divorce filing efficiently and avoid delays.

Document Checklist

Financial Disclosure Documents

Recent pay stubs (last 3 months)
For both parties if both are employed
Tax returns (last 2-3 years)
Complete returns with all schedules and W-2s
Bank statements (last 3-6 months)
All checking, savings, and investment accounts
Retirement account statements
401(k), IRA, pension statements showing current values

Property Documentation

Real estate deeds
Deeds showing ownership of homes or land
Mortgage statements
Current statements showing loan balance and payment
Vehicle titles and loan documents
For all cars, boats, or other vehicles
Property appraisals
Recent valuations of real estate if dividing property

Marital Agreements

Prenuptial or postnuptial agreement
If one exists, the original signed copy
Separation agreement
Written agreement on property division, support, custody
Parenting plan (if children)
Agreed schedule for custody and visitation

Identity & Marriage Documents

Marriage certificate
Certified copy from the county where you married
Photo IDs for both parties
Driver's licenses or state IDs
Children's birth certificates
If there are children of the marriage

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don't make these errors

1Hiding assets or income, which can result in the agreement being voided
2Forgetting to disclose retirement accounts or pension benefits
3Not getting agreements in writing before filing
4Missing deadlines for required financial disclosures
5Failing to account for tax implications of property division

Organization Tips

Pro tips for success

Create separate folders for each category of documents
Make a spreadsheet listing all assets and debts with current values
Keep originals in a safe place and bring copies to court
Date-stamp all documents to show when they were gathered
Organize bank statements in chronological order by account

Courtroom Preparation

Be prepared for your hearing

Review your settlement agreement thoroughly before your court date
Be prepared to answer questions about your finances under oath
Bring photo ID and arrive at least 30 minutes early
Dress conservatively and professionally
If you have a final hearing, both parties typically need to appear
Be patient - family court dockets are often crowded

Frequently Asked Questions

What financial documents do I need for an uncontested divorce?

You typically need pay stubs, tax returns, bank statements, retirement account statements, mortgage documents, and vehicle titles. Most courts require full financial disclosure even in uncontested divorces.

Can I file for divorce without an attorney?

Yes, many people successfully complete uncontested divorces without attorneys. However, you must follow all court rules and deadlines. Consider consulting with an attorney for complex property division or custody matters.

How long does a DIY divorce take?

Timeline varies by state and court. Uncontested divorces typically take 2-6 months. Having all documents organized and properly labeled can help avoid delays from rejected filings.

Do I need to label my divorce documents as exhibits?

Many family courts require or prefer labeled exhibits, especially for contested matters. Even in uncontested cases, organized, labeled documents make the process smoother and demonstrate you have taken the filing seriously.

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