When it comes to divorce, there is usually one partner that is responsible for the ‘paper trail’ of life by handling such things as paying the bills, knowing what credit cards are near the limit, and making out the tax returns.
If you happen to be the partner that does not handle the ‘paper trail’ it is very important to get copies of all relevant paperwork prior to the divorce. Once community property is distributed and you are living in separate residences, it is hard to then get access to statements and copies of back taxes.
Our advice to anyone considering divorce is to begin at the very beginning with making copies, keeping records and getting some idea of what the future financial ramifications of a divorce might be.