Financial Document Checklist for Divorce
Gather the right documents before your first consultation. This checklist covers everything your attorney will need — income records, asset statements, tax returns, and more — so you arrive prepared and make the most of your time.
Everything you need to understand the New York divorce process — from grounds for divorce and equitable distribution to spousal maintenance, child custody, and how long it all takes.
- Grounds for divorce in New York
- Contested vs. uncontested divorce explained
- Equitable distribution of marital property
- How spousal maintenance is calculated
- Child custody and the "best interests" standard
- New York Child Support guidelines (CSSA)
- Step-by-step divorce process timeline
- How to choose the right divorce attorney
A practical step-by-step checklist that walks you through everything you should do before filing for divorce — from securing your finances to protecting your children's stability.
- Immediate safety and privacy steps
- Financial documents to gather now
- How to protect your credit and accounts
- What not to do before you file
- Children and custody preparation tips
- Questions to ask your attorney
- Urgent action items clearly flagged
- Printable format — check off as you go
Why Download These Guides?
New York–Specific
Written specifically for New York law — not generic national content. Covers NY's equitable distribution rules, CSSA child support formula, and maintenance guidelines.
Cuts Through the Confusion
Divorce law is complex. These guides translate legal jargon into plain English so you can have an informed conversation with your attorney from day one.
Save Money on Legal Fees
The more prepared you are, the less time your attorney needs to spend bringing you up to speed — which directly lowers your legal costs.
Protect Your Interests
Many people make costly mistakes in the early stages of divorce simply because they didn't know what not to do. These guides help you avoid the most common pitfalls.
About the Authors
26+ Combined Years of Family Law Experience
These guides were prepared by the attorneys at Weinrieb Law — a family law firm based in Williamsville, NY that has exclusively handled divorce, custody, and family law matters for 16+ years.
Attorney Pieter Weinrieb is a certified mediator and one of the most experienced divorce attorneys in Erie County. The firm's dual-attorney model gives clients access to senior oversight on every case.
Firm Credentials
- ✓Certified Mediator — Pieter G. Weinrieb, Esq.
- ✓26+ combined years in family law
- ✓Dual-Attorney Team for Full Case Coverage
- ✓Avvo Client's Choice Award
- ✓5.0 Google Rating
- ✓Serving All of Erie & Niagara Counties
Ready to Talk to an Attorney?
Our free guides are a great starting point — but every case is different. Contact Weinrieb Law for a confidential consultation.